Saturday, March 13, 1915
In Trenches, Rue Petillon
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Relieved at night by 15th Battn. Relief more quickly done this tour.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “One of Montreal’s most stalwart volunteers, Corporal Albert Brown, 6 feet 4 inches in height, has been wounded in the fighting in France and is now at No. 2 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne. Brown was shot in the arm while serving with his comrades of the First Royal Montreal Regiment, 14th Battalion.
Though only 20 years of age, Corporal Brown is a veritable giant, and besides his unusual height, * is of good physique. He was born at Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, in 1895, the son of Mr. J. Brown who came to Montreal a few years ago, and who is now janitor in the Shirley Apartments, Western Avenue, Westmount.
Corporal Brown is not the only stalwart son in the family. His brother, John James Brown, is of equal stature, and is also fighting for his country. A regular in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and having seen service before, he is now at the front with the 6th Brigade Canadian Artillery. Mr. J. Brown received a telegram from Ottawa last night informing him that his son had been wounded in action.” [2]
* Note: No 25925 Pte. Albert Brown’s enlistment papers give his height as 5 ft 11 ½ inches, which by present day standards is not unusually tall, however, in the early 1900s this would have been considered quite tall.
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, March 13, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089701.jpg
[2] “Corporal Albert Brown Of The 14th Battalion Is Wounded At Boulogne,” The Montreal Daily Mail, Montreal, Quebec, Wednesday, March 11, 1915, pg. 12, col. 2.