ARTHUR BROWN
8th Belfast HAA Regt R.A.

Grandson Gary writes:

Hello, I am looking for information on my Grandfather Arthur Brown. He was born on 30/12/05. He served in the above regiment in the Far East. He worked in the spray shop of the Raleigh Cycle factory in Radford Nottingham.

As far as I am aware, he didn't have to go but he went to serve. My mother was born in 1937, she had no recollection of a father until she returned home from school in 45/6 to find a soldier sitting in her house. I believe he went in 39 and didn't come back until it was all done.

As a young boy I would question Grandad about his war but there wasn't much he could tell a small boy. As a 46 yr old man I can now appreciate the distant stare that would come over his face when he talked. "Chittagong", "Imphal" and "Collaba Causeway" were names I remember.

After his death in 1982 at the age of 76, I learned that my Grandmother had received 2 separate telegrams listing him as missing. Would like to know about the engagements that brought those about. Does anyone remember him? Can someone point me to a book about his war? his regiment? Am writing off for his records and hope to claim his medals which he never got. My Mother told me he cam home via the Himalayas for recovery from illness. Miss you Grandad.

Hello Again, Forgot to say also that as far as I am aware, they didn't get any home leave - my Grandad went for the duration. Gary on gary@swinn9.wanadoo.co.uk