Corporal Brown was the son of James Boyer Brown (1849-1932) and Katie Jane Rust (1856-1932).
Brown lost two toes during a night battle involving 18 pounders, naval artillery and poison gas. While climbing out of a trench after having received this wound, he was almost killed when a shell landed in the trench close to him, leaving him dazed and with ears ringing for several minutes. After leaving hospital at Walton-on-Thames, he was transferred to Sling camp and Etaples to retrain. He returned to the front line about October, 1917, after two weeks' leave.
From August, 1918, Brown worked in an office in France, from 9:00 am to midnight, until the end of the war.
After the war, Brown returned to Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand. He married Charlotte Mabel Dobson (1895-1963) in 1922. By that year he was living at Colombo Road, Waiuku. In about 1930 he moved to Selwyn Road, Kohimarama. By 1951 he was living at 11 Halsey Road, Manurewa, Auckland, where he remained until his death in 1966, aged 80 years.
Death Notice: BROWN, Martin George (Regtl No 26786, 17th Reinforcements, First World War) On September 4, 1966 (Suddenly), at his residence, 11 Halsey Rd, Manurewa, beloved husband of the late Mabel, and brother of Nellie (Mrs H Driver, Kaeo), Annie (Mrs J.T Young, Ellersie), Jennie (Mrs G Lyons, Mangatawhiri), Nora (Manurewa) and the late Maggie and Jim; in his 81st year. A service will be held at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Weymouth Rd, Manurewa, today. (Monday) at 2:15pm, funeral then leaving for the Purewa Crematorium. Cut flowers only please.
The Auckland Museum Library's manuscripts collection holds diaries and letters relating to Brown's war service. [Ref. MS 1176]
The Auckland Museum Library's pictorial collection holds seven albums of postcards collected by Brown whilst on active service. [Ref. Brown Albums: Albums 176-182]
Attended Auckland University College (now the University of Auckland). AWMM