| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Jonathan was born in Molescroft the 23 Aug 1883, the son of David Brown, originally of Wetwang, and Mary Lizzie (nee Danby). David was a draper and tailor, and the family lived in various villages to the north of Beverley before settling in the town in the 1890s, living on Bogle Lane and then at 17 Trinity Lane. Jonathan became a tanner's labourer but between 1902 and 1905 he served in the regular Army as a Private in the 2nd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment. Considered by his officers as being of "very good military character" he then spent nine years in the Reserve before being recalled to service on 5 Aug 1914. In the meanwhile Jonathan worked in a local hotel as an ostler.
Jonathan rejoined the 2nd Battalion and arrived in Zeebrugge, Belgium, on 6 Oct 1914; they were immediately sent into battle at Ypres. He was employed as a messenger (runner) and was wounded. On 1 Apr 1915 notice was given in the London Gazette that he had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "for gallant conduct on many occasions in conveying messages whilst exposed to heavy fire". On an unknown date he was invalided home "with shattered nerves" and spent time in hospital. On 23 Nov 1915 he was discharged from the Army unfit for further service. He returned to Beverley and on 27 Nov 1915, at Beverley Minster, he was presented with his DCM by Colonel Conran, commanding 17th Regimental District. It was watched by a large crowd, a contingent of Yorkshire Hussars and many local wounded men. Jonathan, afterwards, allowed the crowd to inspect his medal and pass it around amongst themselves. He was described in the local paper as "born and bred in this neighbourhood and is an esteemable (sic) citizen of the town." He was also awarded the 1914 Star and the War and Victory Medals.
In 1939 he was a "club steward" and living at 17 Trinity Lane, Beverley along with his sister, Emma. At the age of 83 Jonathan died on 26 Mar 1966 in Hull
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |