Thomas John Brown

A Corporal with 2nd Bn., Thomas died on 9th of May 1915 at the age of 27. 

Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1888, a son of Thomas William and Harriet Eliza Brown. By 1891 Thomas' father had died and Thomas, and his two brothers, were resident at Oulton Workhouse. Thomas' mother married Henry Sarll in 1894 and the family then lived at 1 Maltster's Score. In 1901 Thomas worked as a baker's lad. By 1911 his family were living at 31 Princes Road, Lowestoft, and later Thomas' mother lived at 15 Water Lane, Lowestoft.

Thomas enlisted in Norfolk Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia) on 5 February 1906. At the time he was working as a chemist's errand boy for Mr. R. Bush of Regent's Road, Lowestoft. 

Thomas was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the regular army, joining the Northamptonshire Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, on 30 April 1906. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 10 August 1906. Thomas joined the 1st Battalion on 2 December 1908 and served in India until 7 March 1911 when he joined the 2nd Battalion in Malta. On 3 February 1913 Thomas was appointed paid Lance Corporal. From 18 January 1914 he served with the 2nd Battalion in Egypt. His Battalion returned to England in October 1914 and landed at Le Havre on 5 November 1914. 

Thomas was promoted to Corporal on 17 October 1914 and Acting Sergeant on 17 March 1915, reverting to Corporal on 17 April 1915. 

Thomas suffered from frost bite and was admitted to 4 Stationary Hospital on 29 December 1914. He was discharged to duty on 2 January 1915. 

On 9 May 1915 the 2nd Battalion were involved in the attack at Aubers Ridge. The Battalion lost 67 officers and men killed, 159 wounded, and 200 missing. Thomas was amongst those killed in the battle.