Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Ephraim Brown a quarry trade worker, born 1853 in Littlethorpe, Leicestershire and his wife Rachel Brown (nee Rowley, married in the April quarter of 1873 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district), born 1853 in Barwell, Leicestershire. Arthur was born in the April2nd quarter of 1887 in Littlethorpe, his siblings were Walter, an elastic trade weaver, born 22nd April 1877, Emma, a schoolgirl, born 13th June 1880, William, a schoolboy, born, 31st October 1882 and John Henry, a schoolboy, born 1885, all his siblings were born in Cosby, Leicestershire, in April 1891 the family home was at Wide Lane, Littlethorpe. In March 1901 Arthur was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home in Littlethorpe, together with his father, a stone quarry worker, his mother and siblings, Emma and William, a stone slab maker. In April 1911 Arthur was serving with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as a Private and was residing in the family home in Littlethorpe, together with his father, a farm labourer, his mother and siblings, John and Sarah, born 1911 in Littlethorpe. Arthur also had two older siblings, George, born 1873 in Barwell and Joseph, born 2nd August 1874 in Littlethorpe.
Arthur attested into the Militia to serve an engagement of 6 years on the 21st December 1903 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Littlethorpe, Leicester, his age as 17 years and 8 months, his trade or calling as labourer and confirmed that he was presently residing in Littlethorpe, Leicestershire. His present employer was given as Mr. Cooper of Littlethorpe Lodge, Leicestershire. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father Ephraim Brown of Littlethorpe, Leicester, his mother Rachael Brown of Littlethorpe, Leicester, his older brothers George of Charles Street, Leicester, Joseph of Wheat Street, Leicester, Walter of Littlethorpe, Leicester, William of Littlethorpe, Leicester and his older sister Emma of Littlethorpe, Leicester as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5-foot 5½ inches in height, weighed 124 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 32½ and 35 inches. His complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and dark brown hair. It was noted that he had a mole on the back of his right elbow. He gave his religion as Wesleyan. He was pronounced fit for the Militia on the 21st December 1903 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 5743 on the 21/12/03. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment (Militia) on the 21/12/03. Commenced drill training on the 21/12/03. Completed 49 days drill training on the 6/2/04. Joined the Regular Army and posted to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the 17/2/04.
Arthur first entered the theatre of war in France on the 13th September 1914, he was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 13 Oct-14 – 2.00am. Arrived at CASTRE and went into billets.
9.20am. Orders to move to METEREN.
9.38am. “A” and “C” Companies formed advance guard under Major POOLE with Divisional Cyclist Company and Cavalry in front.
10.00am. On reaching FLETRE enemy were reported to be holding high ground along ridge in front of METEREN. “A” and “B” Companies were deployed, “A” on left South, “B” on right North of road, to advance and if possible to cross roads. “D” Company under Major CHRISTIE was sent up behind “C” Company in support – Enemy retired onto and just outside METEREN occupying trenches and houses.
11.00am. Regiment ordered to push on and endeavoured to drive them out.
1.00pm. Gained outskirts of village but were held up and great need of supports. “C” and “D” Companies again advanced and took several trenches but suffered heavily.
1.30pm. General Officer Commanding ordered Regiment to halt and he would attack with Xth Brigade to North of village and 12th Brigade was to attack on South of road.
2.00pm. 12th Brigade commenced their attack.
3.00pm. SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS attack on our left and through “A” Company which withdrew at dusk to PLANEBOON – “C” and “D” Companies under Captain FREEMAN and Major CHRISTIE were unable to withdraw till much later owing to heavy fire but about 8.00pm the KING’S OWN came up and passed through them.
10.00pm. “C” and “D” Companies join Battalion at PLANEBOON, the Regiment becoming RESERVE to Brigade. METEREN was taken during the night. Our casualties 42 killed, 85 wounded. Major CHRISTIE killed, Lieutenant GILLIAT (died of wounds 14/10/14) Lieutenant MONTGOMERY (badly wounded). Lieutenant’s BRINDLEY, YOUNG, THORNHILL (slightly). Very wet all day. A perfect advance by Companies concerned. Dash and spirit shown by all concerned.
On Saturday November 7th. The Leicester Evening Mail published the following article under the heading. LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR. – LITTLETHORPE SOLDIER KILLED. – The photograph we reproduce is of Private A. Brown, who served the colours with the Royal Warwickshire Regt., but who unfortunately was killed at the front whilst in action on October 13th last. He was only 27 years of age, and was the youngest son of Mr. E. Brown, of Littlethorpe. Two of his brothers fought through the South African War and returned sound and well.