William was born in Mallorytown, just east of Gananoque, Canada on the 16th October 1893.
He graduated from Queen’s medical school in early 1916 and worked at a clinic at Seeley’s Bay before enlisting as a Captain in the Canadian Army in September 1917.
On arrival in England, Doctor Brown transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps which had a severe shortage of doctors.
He agreed to revert in rank from Captain to Lieutenant.
He served at the front with the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. While on duty as Medical Officer of the 2nd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment at the advanced Regimental Aid Post, an enemy gas shell burst in the door of the Post.
Although gassed badly and in no fit condition for duty, he carried on alone.
Finally he was taken to the Casualty Clearing Station and after a severe illness of eight days he died on 18th May 1918, aged 24.
William is buried in Pernes British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Son of William Alfred Brown and Anna, his wife, of Leeds, Gananoque, Ontario.
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