Joe Brown

7th.9th Royal Scots. 18 Platoon Ammunition G1098.

As a young officer on taking command of an infantry platoon as well as getting to know and work closely with his Platoon Sergeant and NCOS there is the administration task involved when responsible for a platoon of 35 men. I compiled a notebook [which I still have!], not just with a nominal roll of the men but brief notes about their previous experience in soldiering.  For instance, one of the older men had been with the BEF: I took an early opportunity to make him a Lance-Corporal explaining why he should accept that promotion and almost over-night he showed he was indeed a natural leader respected by the others for having the experiencing of having faced the enemy.   He made a good leader; ultimately when he was promoted to corporal in another Platoon, and during action when his officer and the other NCOs were wounded he rallied the Platoon on to their objective, losing his life as he did so!  I mourn his loss and always will: I shall never forget him.   My notebook shows that I compiled a list of everyone's next of kin and got to know a little about their families, particularly to learn if they were married and had little ones.   I didn't ask which football team they supported, but that became clear as time went on.  However, only over time do you really come to know the men as individuals, each with their own personalities.  When I was told I was to command 18 Platoon, I was surprised how detailed and informed was my Company Commander about each individual in my Platoon. As well as getting know your men you had to know what ammunition and stores you had and how they were being stored and looked after, and saw they were replace when  expended during training and regularly checked by you.  They were the killing and defensive firepower of the platoon. This list is among my War-time memorabilia: a stark reminder of your responsibility in 1943, when you were preparing to lead men in the forefront of battle. Joe Brown.

7th.9th Royal Scots.  18 Platoon Ammunition G1098.
Joe Brown, Jun 3, 2013