Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Note- Boer War service records record him as John William Brown while WW1 service records and beyond record him as William John Brown. His birth and death registrations with Qld Births, Deaths and Marriages and his grave memorial record him as William John Brown.

He served in both the South African (Boer) War on two occasions, and WW1. First service was as a Private S.N. 44, 1st Queensland Mounted Infantry, Boer War. Second service was as a Sergeant S.N. 940, 1st Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, Boer War, Third service was as a Lieutenant rising to Major, 2nd Light Horse Regiment AIF, WW1.

When he first enlisted as John William Brown in 1899 in the 1st QMI and his details were published with the rank and file in The Brisbane Courier, 18 Nov 1899, he was recorded as Private J. W. Brown, single, Well Camp, Warwick Line. In the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 1st QMI, Bk 1 p. 18, it is noted he directed part of his pay to Mrs. A. Brown, Wellcamp, Warwick Line. He served the full tour of the 1st QMI returning to Brisbane where he was discharged on 23 Jan 1901.

He enlisted again as John William Brown in 1902 in the 1st BACH. On his Attestation paper, dated 10 Jan 1902, it is noted that; he was born at Drayton, Qld, and was 29 years 1 month of age; he was single and a labourer; his N.O.K. was his father John Brown, Wellcamp; and he had previously served with the 1st QMI. He returned to Brisbane where he was discharged 19 Aug 1902.

He enlisted again in 1914 for WW1 under the name William John Brown. On his Attestation paper, dated 22 Aug 1914, it was noted; he was born at Drayton, Qld, and was 37 years 6 months of age; he was single and a farmer; his N.O.K. was his father John Brown, Wellcamp; and he had previously served with the 1st QMI and 1st BACH in South Africa. He applied for a commission which was originally approved at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

He served with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli from 12 May 1915 where he was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and then Major, before taking ill in Jun 1917 admitted to hospital with debility. He was invalided from service and returned to Australia on 23 Aug 1917. After recuperating he returned to Egypt on 10 Dec 1917 rejoining his regiment. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) on 22 Aug 1918 for actions he was involved in on 14 Jul 1918. The citation for his award in the London Gazette, 1 Feb 1919, p. 1614, read:

Major William John Brown, 2nd Aust. L.H.R. (Egypt)

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 14th July, 1918, in command of a post near Mussulabeh, which was heavily shelled. The enemy attacked it in strength, but were repulsed. Major Brown, leaving sufficient of his garrison to protect his front, directed the bulk of his machine gun and rifle fire on to an enemy concentration in Wahi Dhib, and also took their parties attacking Abu Talbut right in reverse, inflicting heavy casualties and demoralising the enemy. Thereby he materially assisted the counter-attack by another cavalry regiment later in the morning. Throughout the operations he handled his command with great coolness and judgement.

He was returned to Australia where his appointment was terminated, and he was discharged on 4 Sep 1919. He returned to the Toowoomba/Wellcamp district where he pursued dairying and farming activities. He also maintained a continued involvement with the local militia serving as a Lt-Colonel and Colonel with the Light Horse. He had retired to Redcliffe a few years before he passed.

William John Brown was born on 17 Nov 1872 at Drayton, Qld, a son to John Brown and Alice Brown (nee Geddes). He married Edith Florence White on 15 Sep 1921 in Queensland.

(source- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray, p. 451 and 523; National Archives Australia- Boer War Dossiers 1st and 2nd service; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 1st QMI, Bk 1 p. 18; National Archives Australia- WW1 Service Record).