Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30130, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30130/supplements/5866. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 8/3504 Serjeant Donal Forrester Brown, late Infantry Battalion, New Zealand Forces. For most conspicuous bravery and determination in attack, when, on 15th September 1916 south-east of High Wood, France, the company to which he belonged suffered very heavy casualties in officers and men from machine-gun fire. At great personal risk this non-commissioned officer advanced with a comrade and succeeded in reaching a point within thirty yards of the enemy guns. Four of the gun crew were killed and the gun captured. The advance of the company was continued till it was again held up by machine-gun fire. Again Serjeant Brown and his comrade with great gallantry rushed the gun and killed the crew. After this second position had been won, the company came under very heavy shell fire, and the utter contempt for danger and coolness under fire of this non-commissioned officer did much to keep up the spirit of his men. On a subsequent occasion in attack, Serjeant Brown showed most conspicuous gallantry. He attacked single-handed a machine-gun which was holding up the attack, killed the gun crew and captured the gun. Later, whilst sniping the retreating enemy, this very gallant soldier was killed.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30130, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30130/supplements/5866. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 8/3504 Serjeant Donal Forrester Brown, late Infantry Battalion, New Zealand Forces. For most conspicuous bravery and determination in attack, when, on 15th September 1916 south-east of High Wood, France, the company to which he belonged suffered very heavy casualties in officers and men from machine-gun fire. At great personal risk this non-commissioned officer advanced with a comrade and succeeded in reaching a point within thirty yards of the enemy guns. Four of the gun crew were killed and the gun captured. The advance of the company was continued till it was again held up by machine-gun fire. Again Serjeant Brown and his comrade with great gallantry rushed the gun and killed the crew. After this second position had been won, the company came under very heavy shell fire, and the utter contempt for danger and coolness under fire of this non-commissioned officer did much to keep up the spirit of his men. On a subsequent occasion in attack, Serjeant Brown showed most conspicuous gallantry. He attacked single-handed a machine-gun which was holding up the attack, killed the gun crew and captured the gun. Later, whilst sniping the retreating enemy, this very gallant soldier was killed.