Hunt for hero links
Helen Girvan Brown (Howie).
There is no record of the couple having any children when he signed up to the war service. Robert’s war medals were kept by Helen until her passing in 1951, where she had given them to a close neighbour along with some other artefacts. These remained with the 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 has been a long-time member of the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans and has asked for assistance in trying to finally get these artefacts to the family of Robert Brown. The Burl-Oak Naval Veterans aim to preserve the Royal Canadian Navy traditions and are also involved in active remembrance for veterans and those who currently serve.
Robert volunteered to join the Royal Highlanders of Canada, which was a group of Scottish expats, and returned to the other side of the ocean to commit his life to the war effort.
His courage is highlighted in a book title “The 42nd Battalion – The Royal Highlanders of Canada”. An excerpt from the book reads: “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 a gun shot wound to his chest while under care in the Boulogne Army Hospital on April 26, 1917.
Doug Dicker said: “As the vice chairman of our association, I have completed a search for descendants of Robert and Helen within Canada, without success. This is an appeal to his home town so that we can hopefully locate living relatives and return these artefacts to their rightful place.”
If you are able to help at all with the rehoming of the medals, email news@ wishawpress.co.uk.