William Brown was the only son of William Brown. William was born in Portglenone, County Antrim. William emigrated to America about 1911, but returned at Christmas 1914. William Brown enlisted in Ballymena, County Antrim, joining the army in the early spring of 1915. He was residing in Culnafay, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim at the time. Rifleman William Brown was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916. At the time of his death his parents were living in Newferry, Toome. His wife and young daughter lived at Culnafay, Portglenone.
Further Information
William Brown was the only son of William Brown.
William was born in Portglenone, County Antrim
William emigrated to America about 1911, but returned at Christmas 1914.
William Brown enlisted in Ballymena, County Antrim joining the army in the early spring of 1915. He was residing in Culnafay, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim at the time.
Rifleman William Brown was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
At the time of his death his parents were living in Newferry, Toome. His wife and young daughter lived at Culnafay, Portglenone.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 5th August 1916: Toome
Private W Brown, Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division), killed, belonged to Culnafey, New Ferry. The deceased lost his life in rescuing a wounded man. Hearing a cry, he climbed onto the parapet and gallantly went out. He succeeded in carrying his wounded comrade to the trench, and was just getting in himself when he fell victim to a German sniper. Death was instantaneous.
Rifleman William Brown is buried in Hamel Military Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel.
