The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Soldier's pay book, serial number 29169, with darl brown glazed linen cover. Additional number 79817 written in blue on first page. Period covers 23 October 1915 - 6 November 1918. Owner's pay details printed on front cover: 'Pay-Book No. 85022; Surname, Brown; Christian Names, Walter Ernest; Regimental No. 1689; Unit, 20 Battalion'. Last page notes Calais leave in lieu of English leave. Comment relates to Brown's actions in ordering a cross to mark the name of a friend killed near Passchendaele in October 1917.
This pay book was the property of 1689 Sergeant Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown while serving with 20 Battalion in France during the First World War.
Brown was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during fighting near Passchendaele, Belgium between 5-10 October 1917.
The following year he was awarded the Victoria Cross for capturing 13 German troops, including an officer, single handedly, near Vaire Wood following the Battle of Hamel. He returned to Australia in December 1919 and was discharged on 15 February 1920.
On 21 June 1940 he re-enlisted (NX35492) in the Second AIF. With 2/15 Field Regiment he moved to Malaya in August 1941 and was in Singapore when it fell to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Brown was last seen in the hours prior to the Allied capitulation disappearing toward the enemy lines saying 'No surrender for me.' His body was never recovered.
His name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, 22 kilometres north of the city of Singapore.
1914-15 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July 1895. Prior to t
1939-45 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July 1895. Prior to t
Australia Service Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July 1
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Distinguished Service Medal (DCM) was awarded to Private Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown. Brown was born to Sidn
George VI Coronation Medal. Unnamed as issed. This George VI Coronation Medal was awarded to Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown VC DCM. Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in
Pacific Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July 1895. Prior to t
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action. This Victoria Cross was awarded to Corporal Walter Ernest ‘Wally’ Brown who was born to Sidney
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown was born to Sidney Francis and Agnes Mary (nee Carney) Brown in New Norfolk, Tasmania on 3 July 1895. Prior
Soldier's pay book, serial number 29169, with light brown glazed linen cover. Additional number 79817 stamped on first page. Period covers 23 October 1915 - 1 November 1919. Owner's pay details printe
Brown leather rectangular voided entrenching tool (spade) carrier. Impressed on rear lower 'LIEBHART & THEIMER MUNCHEN'. Impressed on front upper '11' and 'TDI'. This German entrenching tool carrier
Small pair folding scissors. Pressed handles are hinged at base of blades, which are serrated on the cutting edges. Impressed on upper blade above grub screw hinge with 'FRANCE' and star flash motif.
German water bottle made from pressed steel with the halves soldered together. Water bottle has hot-dipped tin outer which is painted grey-green. Cork stopper connected to neck of bottle by twine. Mak
One litre capacity French model 1877 water bottle. Pressed steel, halves soldered together. Water bottle has hot-dipped tin outer showing signs of rubbing wear. Large neck has cork stopper; smaller ne
French model ARS (Appareil Respiratoire Special) gas mask. Stencilled in green on brown rubberised fabric face piece is '[partially obscured] 136' and 'PT'. Stencilled in black on mustard brown filter
