Personal info

  • Name: Richard Leslie BROWN
  • D.O.B: 28th May, 1898
  • D.O.A: 27th Mar, 1917
  • D.O.D: 25th Sep, 1979
  • Award: Albert Medal translated to George Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
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Sources & Acknowledgements

Marquay, France 27 March 1917

27 March 1917

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The First World War 

On 27 March 1917 Second Lieutenant R L Brown was instructing troops at Marquay in the Pas de Calais, west of Arras. He was severely injured while trying to protect his men when a rifle grenade malfunctioned.

Citation

 The KING has been graciously pleased to award the Decoration of the Albert Medal to the undermentioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of His Majesty’s Forces serving in France or elsewhere in recognition of their gallantry in saving life:– Second Lieutenant Richard Leslie Brown, Royal Lancaster Regiment. In France, on 27th March, 1917, Lieutenant Brown was instructing a class in firing rifle grenades. Owing to a defective cartridge one of the grenades was lifted only about two inches, and then fell back into the cup. The safety catch had been released and the grenade was fusing. Lieutenant Brown at once ordered the men to clear and, running forward, picked up the rifle, seized it between his legs, grasped the grenade in his hands, and endeavoured to throw it away. While he was doing so it exploded, blowing off his right hand and inflicting other wounds. Had not Lieutenant Brown seized the grenade in his hand, thus sheltering the men, there can be little doubt that several of them would have been killed or severely injured. 

The London Gazette of 4 January 1918, Numb. 30457, p. 274

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