Francis David Millet Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis David Millet Brown
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| Born | 7 August 1837 Bhagalpur, British India |
| Died | 21 November 1895 (aged 58) Sandown, Isle of Wight |
| Buried |
West Hill Cemetery, Winchester
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army British ArmyBritish Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1894 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-colonel (Official) Colonel (Field Promotion) |
| Unit | 1st European Bengal Fusiliers 101st Regiment of Foot Indian Staff Corps |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny Umbeyla Campaign |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Francis David Millet Brown was a brave British soldier. He was born on August 7, 1837, and passed away on November 21, 1895. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest and most respected award for bravery given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It is given for showing great courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Francis David Millet Brown was born in Bhagalpur, India. His father, George Francis Brown, worked for the Bengal Civil Service. Francis went to school at Grosvenor College in Bath. He also had a private teacher for a few years.
In 1855, Francis joined the army. He became a lieutenant in the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers. This unit later became known as The Royal Munster Fusiliers.
The Indian Mutiny and the Victoria Cross
When he was 20 years old, Lieutenant Brown showed incredible bravery during the Indian Mutiny. On November 16, 1857, in a place called Narnoul, India, he performed an act of heroism.
He saw a wounded soldier from his unit, the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers. Even though there was heavy enemy gunfire, and enemy cavalry (soldiers on horseback) were very close, he rushed to help. He risked his own life to carry the injured soldier to safety. For this amazing act of courage, Francis David Millet Brown was awarded the Victoria Cross.
After this, he continued his military career. He was promoted to captain in 1864 and later to major in 1875. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1881. Eventually, he reached the rank of colonel. In 1860, he was even presented to Queen Victoria at a special event.
Family Life
Between 1868 and 1873, Brown worked as an assistant principal at Thomason Civil Engineering College in Roorkee. He married Jessie Rhind Russell. They had two sons:
- Frank Russell Brown (born 1872, died 1900). Frank also became a soldier in the Royal Munster Fusiliers.
- Claude Russell-Brown (born 1873, died 1939). Claude joined the Royal Engineers. He later moved to Canada and became a well-known amateur tennis player. He even played at Wimbledon in 1904 and reached the quarterfinals at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
After his first wife passed away, Francis Brown married Jessie Doris Childs.
Later Life and Passing
Francis David Millet Brown passed away on November 21, 1895, when he was 58 years old. He died in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight. After a service at Winchester Cathedral, he was buried in Winchester Cemetery.
See also
- List of Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross recipients
