Gordon Oliver Brown

Gordon was born in Norval on September 8, 1888 to James Brown and Mary May. He was the eldest of three boys (George and Norman) and a sister (Gertrude). He was a farmer, as was his father. When Gordon enlisted at Valcartier on September 23, 1914 he had already spent 6 years in the Militia serving with the 20th Regiment, attaining the rank of Captain. He was 26 years old and he reported that he was single.

Gordon had served 9 ½ months with the 4th Battalion in France when he was seriously wounded at Ypres on April 23, 1915. He was shipped to England and then back to Canada, Struck off Strength as medically unfit. The proceedings from the 1916 Medical Board at Exhibition Camp, Toronto found that he was convalescing from the effects of gassing and eleven shrapnel and machine gun wounds. One shot had fractured his skull, one shot penetrated just above his left knee, a piece of shell struck above the elbow on his right arm and several fingers were fractured and missing sections. It was determined that his injuries would cause a permanent disability and would impact his ability to earn a living as a farmer by 75%. It was recommended that his leave be extended to six months at the end of which time he would be fit for light duty.

When Gordon married Mary Aileen Barber (daughter of John R. Barber of Georgetown) in October of 1916, he listed his occupation as “ Soldier CEF” and he had attained the rank of Major. The couple had atleast one child, a son Gordon Harcourt Brown born prematurely, March 24, 1919 and buried in the Brown family plot at Hillcrest Cemetery, Norval. The 1921 Canadian Census reports that Gordon had returned to farming and the 1931 Census places him living with Mary at 4 Stewarttown Road, Stewarttown.

The Town of Halton Hills Designation Report for the property at 4 Stewarttown Rd. states that Gordon was actively involved in the local community including a position as manager of the Georgetown Baseball Team in the Halton-Peel League in 1920, he was a member of the Halton County Council and at various times served as the Deputy Reeve of Esquesing and Sherriff for Halton. The report also indicates that he was on active duty during Second World War, identified as Major G.O. Brown with the Veteran Guards of Canada.

At this time it is not known when Gordon died or where he is buried. Truly a Canadian Hero