Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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9237   Private George Brown M.M.
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 21/05/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died: 21/11/1916 (Died of Wounds)
Age:
Summary      
George was born in the parish of Derryloran, Cookstown. He was the only son of James and Jane Brown of Crossnarea, Moneymore. George was awarded the Military Medal. As there is no citation for a military medal we may assume it was for gallantry. He is recorded as having died of wounds on 21st November 1916 and has no known grave.
Further Information
George Brown was born in the parish of Derryloran, Cookstown. He was the only son of James and Jane Brown.
George Brown enlisted in Cookstown. His time of service expired some months after the outbreak of war, but he rejoined for a further period.
Medal card
George was awarded the Military Medal. As there is no citation for a military medal we may assume it was for gallantry. He is recorded as having died of wounds on 21st November 1916 and has no known grave.
Military Medal card
Private George Brown was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of wounds on 21st November 1916.
After he died his mother and sister inserted the following verse in the local Mid Ulster Mail newspaper.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 16 December 1916:
BROWN – Killed in action on 21st November 1916. Private George Brown, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, only son of the late James Brown, Crossnarea, Moneymore
'He sleeps far away in a foreign land,
In a hallowed grave unknown;
But his name is written in letters of gold,
On the hearts he left at home
It is hard to part with those we love
Though parting days will come
Yet let us hope we meet above
For this is not our home"
Deeply regretted by his loving mother and sisters, also by his brother-in-law, who is on active service.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 18th December 1916:
Private George Brown, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Crossnarea, Moneymore, killed in action. The deceased’s time of service had expired some months after the outbreak of the war, but he rejoined for a further period.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 23rd December 1916:
Much regret is felt at the death in action of Private George Brown, Crossnarea. His time of service expired some months after the outbreak of war, but he rejoined for a further period.
Last Will and Testament of Private George Brown dated 17th February 1915:
George Brown : Form filled Will
George Brown : Will Information
WILL : I leave all my money and property to my mother Mrs Jane Brown, Crossenrea, Moneymore, Co Derry, Ireland. G Brown Private. 17/2/1915.
Private George Brown has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.
Private George Brown M.M. is commemorated on Moneymore War Memorial.
The CWGC record Private Brown as the son of James and Jane Brown, of Moneymore, Co. Derry
Read more
Relevant Cookstown Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Crossenrea, Moneymore Moneymore Will lists mother in Crossenrea 54.684747 -6.673746
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of George Brown
2 National Archives UK Medal card can be purchased here
3 National Archives UK Military Medal card can be purchased here
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023