Andrew William Alston Brown M.M.

Killed in Action on the 24/05/1916 by a shell from a Trench Mortar at Hohenzollern Section near Loos

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 08/07/1915 and were part of the 44th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. Andrew arrived on the 14/07/1915. In spring 1916, the Division was involved in German gas attacks near Hulluch (27th - 29th April 1916) and in the defence of the Kink position (11th May 1916). These are among the engagements officially known as the Actions of Spring 1916. Andrew received the Military Medal for : "Gallantry in organising a party and digging out men who had been buried by an enemy shell on the 27/04/1916. He carried out this work under heavy shell fire and trench mortar fire and was successful in saving the lives of at least 2 of the men". See Newspaper clippings for more information on this brave man. He was Killed in Action less than a month later. SEE PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY 25th APRIL - MAY 1916. Andrew was a member of the Old Monkland St. James' Masonic Lodge 177. He is also remembered on the Coatbridge Technical College, Dunbeth Parish Church, Old Monkland Cemetery Family Plot and 1st Boys Brigades Rolls of Honour (see photos). See photos for Andrew's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Pension Records x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Cap Badge, Vermelles British Cemetery and Andrew's name in the Scotland National Probate Index. Andrew's grave inscription reads "ONE OF THE BEST". Finally, see photos x 9 for Newspaper clippings (Coatbridge Express x 3, Coatbridge Leader x 3 and the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 3), Vermelles British Cemetery taken by myself in July 2023, Poppy Crosses x 9 placed by myself in Vermelles British Cemetery in July 2023 (Andrew's bottom left), PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE 15th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK 24th APRIL - MAY 1916 and the 15th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division he was with when he died) and 2 more photos of Andrew's grave (2nd one donated by Thierry Dericbourg).