We will remember them

WWI medals were earned by Pte. Robert Brown for his service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (“CEF”), specifically the Royal Highlanders of Canada - 42nd Battalion (“RHOC”).

He died in France on April 26, 1917, two weeks after being severely wounded.

He was buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

Robert was born on July 20, 1881 in Wishaw and was the son of James and Margaret Brown (Hall) and the brother to three sisters (Margaret, Christina, Janet). Robert emigrated to Canada in 1910 and lived with his married sister Margaret (Angus). Shortly after, he relocated for work in Montreal where he later joined the “CEF” on March 22, 1915.

While in Montreal, Robert married Helen Girvan Wyllie Brown (Howie), also a Scottish immigrant, born in Maybole, Scotland April 25, 1891. Helen immigrated to Canada in 1912. She and Robert were married between 1912-1915 and she continued to live in Montreal until her death on May 10, 1951. There is no record of any children of the marriage when he signed up for his war service.

Helen had seven siblings and her youngest brother Robert immigrated to Canada to live in Montreal as well. We believe he joined his sister shortly after she was widowed following her husband’s death in 1917.

Brother Robert was married to Eva and they had four children. Robert passed away in 1958 and Eva died (Montreal) in 1993.

Husband Robert’s medals were kept by Helen until she gave them, along with some other paper artefacts, to her close friend before she passed in 1951.

These heirlooms remained with this neighbouring family since that time. Gerry Trudell is the son of Helen’s friend and has had these items in his care for many years after members of his family passed on.

Gerry, a long-term member of the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada is trying to get these artefacts to the family of Robert or Helen Brown (Howie).

The Burl-Oak Naval Veterans are engaged in preserving the Royal Canadian Naval traditions and also involved in active remembrance of Veterans.

As the Vie Chairman of our association, I have completed an unfruitful search for descendants of Robert and Helen within Canada.

This is an appeal to their home town and country so that we can hopefully locate living relatives and return these artefacts to their rightful place.

Robert gave his life for our countries, so we are committed to completing this search and honouring his memory.

Robert volunteered to join this group of Scottish expats “RHOC”, left his new wife Helen and returned to the other side of the ocean to commit his life to the war effort. His courage is highlighted in a book titled: “The 42nd Battalion - The Royal Highlanders of Canada”.

The Capture of Vimy Ridge (April 11, 1917): “The 42nd Battalion sniping section did invaluable work.

“Sniper Robert Brown crawled out of the trench to an exposed position on the left flank. He shot several of the enemy and materially helped to keep down the opposing fire during consolidation work. He remained in his position until he was himself severely wounded”.

Robert died of his wounds in the Boulogne Army Hospital on April 26, 1917. Please help us to locate next of kin of either Robert Brown or Helen Girvan Wylie Brown (Howie). These few artefacts and military medals need to be with family.For any additional information or inquiries, please contact me via the email below.

Doug Dicker, Vice Chairman Burl-Oak Naval Veterans Burlington, Ontario, Canada dickerd@live.ca