Born at Boompa in 1899, to Mr R. and Mrs Ettie Mataquil, William Bert Brown was just 18 years old when he enlisted in Maryborough. One year prior to this, the Chief Protector of Aborigines granted him ‘Exemption’. Having previously worked as a stockman, Pte William Bert Brown then underwent training at Enoggera Rifle Range Camp, prior to his embarkation on the ship A38 HMAT Ulysses on the 19th December 1917, bound for the Middle East.
Pte Brown’s skills as a stockman prior to joining the AIF stood him in good stead for this future service with the Australian Imperial Force.
Trooper Brown was taken on strength and attached to a number of different units during his time in the Middle East. Around the end of July in 1918, Tpr Brown became sick and was admitted to hospital on the 22nd July 1918. He was discharged months later on the 9th of September 1918. He was marched out to the 11th Light Horse Regiment in early October, but by the end of the month was ill once again.
Tpr Brown returned to Australia onboard the ship Morvada arriving on the 28th August 1919. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal at the completion of his service. In 1922, William Bert Brown married Daisy Malone in a ceremony at Barambah. Evidence within the Auditor General’s Report confirms that he was still on Barambah Mission from 1922 until 1931.
Archive Items For This Person
B103 Form belonging to William B. Brown
