William Brown, Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers

The 2nd Siege Company was composed mostly of men from Holyhead, the majority of these being craftsmen and workers, such as fitters, boilermakers, carpenters and other skilled trades. Many of the men were previously employed at the workshops of the Locomotive and Marine Departments of the London & North Western Railway Company, Ltd.

Born at Holyhead, the son of John Brown and Grace Brown. Resided at Ucheldre Avenue, Holyhead. Family also lived at Lower Cybi Street and North West Street, Holyhead. In 1901 the family lived at 4 Stanley Row. William was then employed as a Cycle Engineer. In 1911 he lived at 6 Stanley Row with his father and employed as a Boatman. He is known to have have played football for the Holyhead Swifts Football Club and to be a keen athlete. He was unmarried.

He enlisted at Beaumaris, Anglesey and embodied in August 1914. He arrived in France on 14 December 1914. His sister, Margaret Anne Brown, was the wife of Evan Davies, who had previously served on HMS Tara and who died at Holyhead in January 1916.

On 22 April the Germans launched the Second Battle of Ypres. During the period 24 April to 5 May the Battle of St. Julien was fought when chlorine gas was used in great quantities and with destructive effect. The losses were so great that a new British defensive line had to be established at the Frezenberg Line/Ridge, where a further battle was fought between 8 to 13 May. Severe artillery bombardment resulted in significant British losses.2nd Siege Company Royal Anglesey RE War Diary records ....

"5th May. Ypres. - Started to make dugout in new position, position reported to CRE 25th Division. Three officers and 80 men proceeded at 8.30 to Menin Gate (Ypres) to dig Fire Trench under CRE's orders. Dark night 6 men wounded one died of wounds by shellfire. Ground very hard".

Awarded the 1914-1915 Star, Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Buried in the Divisional Cemetery, Belgium. Location B.6. Also commemorated on a memorial plaque at Armenia Chapel (now demolished). He is also remembered on a family grave at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery.

Grave photograph from British War Graves http://www.britishwargraves.co.uk/