THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BROWN Charles Henry Jeffries

15/14, Major, temp Lieutenant Colonel, Canterbury Battalion, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 8 November 1915, p11027

Gallipoli 25 April 1915 to 7 June 1915.  This officer did invaluable work as Provost Marshall of this Division, from the landing up to 5th May, when he was appointed to command the Canterbury Battalion.  In the latter capacity he proved an especially capable and excellent leader and commander and I look upon him as a most valuable officer.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 5 November 1915, p11003

Mentioned in General I. Hamilton’s despatch of the 26th August 1915 (Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean Expeditionary Force).

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p390

Operations Switch Trench, south east of High Wood 15th September: Flers Trench and Flers Support Trench, 19th, 20th and 21st September; Grid Trench 1st October 1916.  Lieutenant Colonel CHJ BROWN is a born leader of men and possessed of magnificent courage and determination.  The manner in which he organised the three attacks in which his battalion took part during the above operations, and the example that he has set of courage and devotion to duty has been an inspiration.  Since taking over command of this battalion in June 1916, his work has been beyond praise.  I cannot speak too highly of his soldierly qualities and consider him worthy of special distinction.  He is a commanding officer quite out of the ordinary.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575

For his exceptionally good work prior to and during the Messines operations, as Commander of the 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade.  By his great devotion to duty, and personal disregard of danger, he was an inspiration and set a fine example to all those under his command.  His death was a severe loss to the Division and to the Service.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (3)

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES

Born 8 May 1872, Christchurch, New Zealand

Killed in Action 8 June 1917, Messines

Buried grave 265, Plot III, Row C, Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension