A Great War ‘German South West Africa’ D.C.M. group of six awarded...

A Great War ‘German South West Africa’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant E. J. Brown, South African Mounted Rifles, later Captain, South African Field Artillery, late Royal Horse Artillery, who was twice wounded during the Boer War, and later commanded the 5th ‘Howitzer’ Battery, S.A.F.A. in German East Africa

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (R.Q.M. Sjt: E. Brown. 4/Regt: S.A.M.R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, all except the CC clasp contemporary tailor’s copies (17134 Bombr. E. J. Brown, A.B. R.H.A.) renamed; 1914-15 Star (Lt. E. J. Brown. 4th. S.A.M.R.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Capt. E. J. Brown.); Permanent Forces of the Empire L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (No. 2355 Rgt. Qtrmr. Sgt. E. J. Brown. 4th. S.A.M.R.) minor edge bruising, very fine and better (6) £1,600-£2,000

Footnote
D.C.M. London Gazette 22 August 1918:
‘For distinguished service in the Field, in connection with the campaign in German South West Africa 1914-15.’

Edward Joseph Brown was born on 11 February 1876 and attested for the Royal Horse Artillery on 13 November 1896. Promoted Bombardier on 22 April 1899, he served with ‘A’ (Chestnut) Battery in South Africa during the Boer War, and took part in the operations in Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State, and the Cape Colony, including the action at Tugela Heights and Belfast. He was twice wounded, firstly at Platkop on 13 July 1900, and secondly - slightly - at Lydenburg on 10 September 1900.

Transferring to the Army Reserve on 1 April 1901, Brown joined the South African Constabulary following the cessation of hostilities, ands served in Ermelo, Transvaal, until 1906, before joining the Permanent Staff of the Transvaal Volunteers as Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant on 1 April 1906. He transferred as Battery Quartermaster Sergeant, 4th Regiment, South African Mounted Rifles on 1 July 1913, and served with them during the Great War in German South West Africa from 28 August 1914 to 9 July 1915, being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Meal. Promoted Lieutenant on 11 July 1915, he was seconded to the South African Field Artillery for duty and commanded the 5th Howitzer Battery, East African Force, as Captain on 5 September 1917, serving with them in German East Africa from 28 September to 20 December 1917. He latterly took command of the 6th Howitzer Battery (although his new unit, decimated by fever and dysentery, never actually fired a shot in anger).

Post-War, Brown was posted to the Permanent Garrison Artillery, and was appointed Armament Accountant and Quartermaster on 1 February 1922. He was promoted Captain on 1 November 1925, and retired on 11 February 1931. An active polo player, he attended several South African Constabulary reunions in London over the years, including the Jubilee Reunion in 1950.

Sold with copied research including various extracts from Nongqai magazine, in which the recipient is mentioned in several articles.