Cyril Brown

Story:
Cyril Brown was born on 14th May 1894 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, the son of Samuel Brown and Clara Brown (née Moore). The family lived at Higher Blandford Road, Cann, Shaftesbury. Cyril enlisted in the Royal Navy on 23rd February 1911 (Service No. K10445). He achieved the rank of Stoker Petty Officer by the end of his service. He served on various ships and bases throughout his time ending up on HMS Minotaur. During his period of service he married Frances Ada Bird at St. Peters Church, Ash, Surrey, on 19th November 1918. They went on to have three children. He was discharged at the end of his enlistment on 8th November 1928 having been awarded the Victory and British War medals, the 1914/15 Star and, on 15th August 1926, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His last known address was 103 Hillson Drive, Fareham, Hampshire. He died on 13th April 1984 in Fareham.

Two of Cyril's brothers died during the war: Bertram George (b.1895) died on 4th April 1915 while a prisoner of war in Germany; Obery Archibald (b.1891) was killed on 19th March 1917 while serving with the East Kent Regiment in France. Two more brothers served in the war: Harry (b.1885) and William Thomas (b.1888).