Roy Townley Brown MC

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Military Cross

Commemorated at:

Zion Presbyterian Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Perth

Birth city:

Mitchell, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

109 Charlotte Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

109 Charlotte Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Merchant

Religious denominations:

Presbyterian

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

BX August 30, 1918

A message came to the city today stating that Lieutenant Roy Brown was suffering from slight trench fever and was in the Royal Free Hospital, Gray’s Inn Road. Mrs. Brown is in Winnipeg, and the cable will be sent on to her there. He went over with the 125th Battalion.

London Gazette: 31119
Date: January 11, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Authority: 3rd D.O. 3569, October 7, 1918
Name: Roy Townley Brown (Lieutenant)
Unit: 116th Battalion

Details: During an attack on a wood, though all the other officers had become casualties, this officer continued to push on with the remaining men, gaining the second objective with a mere handful. The success of his company was entirely due to his determination and personality. On one occasion he tackled an enemy machine gun single-handed, killing the officer and taking prisoner the remainder of the crew before his men were able to arrive. Throughout the operations his courage and judgment were remarkable.

BX October 15, 1918

Lieutenant Roy Townley Brown Is Recommended For Military Cross

In letters received from overseas yesterday friends announced definitely that Lieut. Roy Brown had been recommended for the Military Cross.

BX November 18, 1918

Lieutenant Roy Townley Brown Gets Military Cross

Friends of Lieut. Roy Townley Brown during the last few days have received the intimation that he has been decorated with the Military Cross. In fact, Lieut. Brown, according to friends writing home, has been wearing the decoration for some weeks, but with his usual modesty he has not disclosed the fact, except to his most intimate associates in this city. The news was confirmed this morning. It was the company, led by Lieut. Brown, which captured a Hun paymaster in the August fighting, and from early word received it was generally believed that the former Brantford ball club treasurer was in for some kind of recognition, as a result of his gallant work. Writing to one local friend, Lieut. Brown stated that Military Crosses are part of the landscape over here,” and was therefore prompted to withhold the news from publication. He is the fifth officer of the 125th Battalion to receive the coveted decoration.

BX September 7, 1950

Roy T. Brown Dies Suddenly in Motor Car

Roy T. Brown, 109 Charlotte Street, well known and highly respected citizen and distinguished soldier of the First World War, died suddenly in his car near Tillsonburg on Sunday night. He was 68 years old. In his youth he was an outstanding hockey and lacrosse player and a great supporter of all branches of sport for many years.

Mr. Brown who had been in indifferent health for some time, had gone to Tillsonburg for the day. He was on his way home when he suffered a heart seizure. He managed to turn his car to the side of the road and stop it before he died. He was alone at the time.

Born in Mitchell, Mr. Brown early gave evidence of ability of sport. His hockey career started in Stratford. After turning professional he played with Sault St. Marie, Paris and Stratford. He was also a star at lacrosse and played with Pairs and Brantford. He was a member of the championship Brantford team early in this century. After his retirement from active participation in sport, he became a great booster for baseball and was a member of the executive of the local association that backed Brantford professional ball clubs here some years ago.

Few men were better known or more respected in military circles than Roy Brown. In the First World War he enlisted in the 125th Battalion and rose to the rank of captain on the field, winning the Military Cross.

At the time of his death he was honorary president of the 125th Battalion Association, a member of the Telephone City Branch of the Canadian Legion, a member of Doric Lodge, A.F. and A.M., and a charter member of the Moose Lodge here.

Mr. Brown was for many years, manager of the Liquor Control Board Store, and later of the Browers Warehouse. He retired from business a few years ago.

Surviving are two sons, Donald and Douglas; two daughters, Mrs. James Read (Barbara), St. Catharines, and Miss Nora Brown at home; three sisters, Mrs. W.A. Hutton, Tilbury; Mrs. William Stevenson, California, and Mrs. T.L. Sinclair, Toronto.

Mr. Brown is resting at his home where the funeral service will be held Wednesday afternoon. Interment will be in the Paris Cemetery.

BX September 7, 1950

Roy T. Brown

The funeral service for Roy Townley Brown was conducted Wednesday afternoon at the residence, 109 Charlotte Street. Rev. G. Deane Johnston, Central Presbyterian Church, officiated. Delegations from many business, sporting, and military groups were present at the service, and the profusion of floral tributes evinced the esteem in which Mr. Brown was held. The pallbearers were J. Sinclair, Paris P.E. James, C.C. Slemin, J.H. Johnson, James Douglas and D.L. (Duff) Adams. The flower-bearers, all members of the 125th Battalion Association, were F. McDougal, C. Webber, E. Flath, R. Plant, W. Brown, J. Armstrong and T. Edwards. Interment was in the family plot, Paris Cemetery.