Military Cross GVIR reverse dated 1945, engraved to the reverse CAPT. A.E.S.G. BROWN. R.T.R. GAZALA LINE. N. AFRICA; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France & Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 with M.I.D. Oakleaf; Coronation Medal 1953 - the campaign stars and medals all impressed to CAPT. A.E.S.G. BROWN. M.C. R.T.R. - the Coro Medal impressed to COL. A.E.S.G. BROWN. M.C. R.A.O.C.
M.I.D. for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East during the period November 1941 until April 1942.
Allan Edgar Stanley Gilmour Brown was born in Eastbourne, Sussex on 23 October 1913. He enlisted with the Royal Armoured Corps on 30 May 1934 at the age of 21 and was commissioned into the 4th Hussars from 102 OCTU on 7 December 1940 (LG 6.1.1941), seeing service with the 1st Army Tank Brigade in North Africa and the Middle East. He was awarded the Military Cross, the recommendation for his award, "to officers of the 44th Royal Tank Regiment during operations in LIBYA from May 27th to June 1st 1942," read thus:
"After his squadron commander had been seriously wounded near KNIGHTSBRIDGE on May 20th 1942, Captain Brown took over command of his squadron and proved himself a very capable commander. On May 29th he took out his squadron from 150 Brigade box with two three ton lorries to an ammunition and oil dump some miles away and although almost continuously under enemy shell fire, he succeeded in loading both lorries with much needed diesel and ammunition and bringing them safely back to the box. On May 30th after the enemy had captured Pt. 174 Captain Brown operated his squadron from hull-down positions throughout a long day and by his skilful manouevering , succeeded in holding the enemy in check, thereby preventing any further penetration."
Shortly afterwards, on 1 June 1942, he was captured in the Gazala Line and a POW, was taken to first Italy and then Germany where he was incarcerated at OFLAG V A from October 1943 until March 1944. According to his returned POW questionnaire he tried to escape whilst being held in Italy,
"Five officers and myself hid in Padula Monastery when the camp was to be moved north by train. We were undetected by the Italians but the train was delayed for 14 days. Brigadier Mountain arranged with the Italians that we should be allowed to return unharmed - when we had run out of water."
According to the 1939 Register Brown was a Dispensing Chemist living at "Sandcroft", Rosemary Gardens, Broadstairs, Kent.
He died in Hitchin, Hertfordshire in 1972
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with some research.
