Walter Brown 1910-1944 age 34

From the Barnsley Chronicle 11 November 1944
with thanks to Barnsley Archives 

Born: 1910 in Darfield, Barnsley Q2 

Son of: Thomas Brown born in Normanton about 1880 and Lilly Brown born in Burnley in Lancashire about 1888. In 1911 at the age of 11 months, Walter lived with his parents at 19 Coronation Street, Darfield when his father was a coal miner. Walter's parents were later to become well-known bakers in Market Street, Barnsley. 

Husband of: Eleanor Brown nee Rooke. The couple had two daughters, Mavis born in 1932 and Jean born in 1933.

Military Service: Walter was a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment, service number 4545062. He enlisted in July 1940 and served two years in the Falkland Isles with the West Yorkshire Regiment, returning to England in March 1944. He was drafted to France shortly after D-Day and then transferred to the Suffolk Regiment.    

Death: Killed in action on 16th October 1944 in North West Europe.
Buried: Walter was originally buried elsewhere but on 27th November 1945 his body was exhumed and reburied at Venray British Cemetery, Holland in grave ref. II.A.6.

His gravestone bears the following inscription

"He gave his life

As do gallant men who fall

And we thank God

For memories."

Remembered: St Edward's Church, Barnsley WW2 memorial plaque.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here 

From the Barnsley Chronicle 11th November 1944

Killed in North West Europe

Former Barnsley Ambulance Corporal

Official notice has been received that Sgt Walter Brown, well known in Barnsley, has been killed in action in North West Europe. Formerly of Spring Street, Barnsley, Sgt. Brown with his wife and two daughters have since the war been living with his parents at Hornby Road, Blackpool. He is the eldest son of Mr & Mrs T Brown who prior to removing to Blackpool were well-known bakers in Market Street. Sergeant Brown joined the Forces in July 1940 and served two years in the Falkland Isles with the West Yorks Regt returning to this country in March this year. He was drafted to France shortly after D-Day and was then transferred to another regiment. 
An old Ellis scholar he was well esteemed in the town, being employed by the Maypole Dairy co., for many years. Later he was on the staff of the Provident Co., and when war was declared he was called to take charge of the Wilthorpe First Aid post. As a boy he attended Pitt Street Wesleyan Church, and for almost 20 years was closely connected with the St John Ambulance movement, attaining the rank of corporal. 
Much sympathy will be felt for his wife (formerly Miss Eleanor Rooke, daughter of Mr and Mrs E. Rooke of Day street Barnsley) and for his family. His brother Arthur is also serving in North West Europe. 

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church