Some exceptionally sad news I'm afraid. Major Joe Brown, Royal Scot & much-respected, entertaining & informative chap about this site died this weekend. We had word of illness very recently, and I never met the man in person, but the news still falls like a hammer blow. So I'll keep my comments brief and say that I, and presumably the entire forum, offers deepest condolences to his family & friends. His website: Second World War Memoirs of JOE BROWN Second World War Memoirs of JOE BROWN Telegraph Announcement. Topics. Posts. Gallery. And D, being better at such things than I, points me towards this from Joe himself, on his 94th birthday:
Well said, Adam. I'm so sorry to hear of this. Joe's posts were always interesting. He will be missed here.
This news saddens me. Joe was one of our very best--intelligent, sensitive, well-spoken, always a gentleman. I have known a few veterans, but none who thought and felt as deeply about the meaning of their experiences as Joe did and who expressed that meaning in such eloquent words. I feel as if the whole site should go into mourning and wear a poppy in his honor. Rest in well-earned peace, Major Brown.
Sad news indeed. My condolences to his family. I always looked forward to Joe's posts. Very enlightening and articulate from a man of 94. His description of life as a young lieutenant, commanding a rifle platoon, was gripping and that "I was there" element is irreplaceable. RIP Joe
Greatest sympathies to his Family and loved ones. A gracious and engaging man. RIP. Joe, your presence here is irreplaceable.
Although I had no connection with him, I very much enjoyed reading his posts and feel taken aback that he's gone so suddenly. Condolences to his family and farewell to a gentleman. I trust that he's now in a better place.
It would appear that my posting has gone missing - so to repeat - It was the middle of last week that I learned that Joe was dying - and I still can't find the words to express my sorrow that we have lost such a good man - as we must indue time but not in many years have we had a man with such a fantastic effect on most of our members from his very first posting - and every other posting he made and to say that we shall miss him doesn't compare to his loss on his family to which I send my most humble condolences - and owing to my Faith - I shall have a MASS said for the repose of his soul... Tom Canning
That is very sad. May he rest in peace. His posts were exceptionally lucid for a man his age. All the best Andreas
This is very sad news. Like all our veterans on the forum, Joe brought an interesting, unique and invaluable dimension to what we are trying to achieve.
Well said TTH. As a former newspaper man, he could express things as no one else on the forum. A good man.
Very sad news indeed, Joe's posts about little incidents and memories were always thought provoking and informative and his willingness to answer questions (both on and off the forum) were much appreciated. His passion for passing on his knowledge and reminding people of the sacrifice and suffering of his comrades were always apparent, they and you will not be forgotten. If its the way of things, hopefully your back with your old friends, John Lowrie, Jim Swan and many others. Thanks for your service to your country. Alistair
RIP Joe Brown an officer and a gentleman It is one of life's last "indisputables" that we live our lives on this earth and then move on. If we are both capable and lucky we are able to make our mark and earn the plaudits offered by our peers and into this category Joe Brown surely fitted We, Joe's admirers, offer our most sincere condolences to those he leaves behind with the assurance that what he had to say about ww2 will long live in our memories and hopefully on the pages of this forum. If it is at all possible then I would urge those in charge of this forum to contact Joe's family to make them aware of the high esteem in which he was held. Well done Joe ! Ron
My condolences to his family, sad news indeed. I to enjoyed his stories he will be sadly missed by me and many on the forum. Rest in peace Joe David
Such sad news. It was a privilege and humbling to know Joe through this virtual world at least. Rest in peace Sir. Lee
Such sad news that a treasured member of the forum has been called home. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time RIP Joe
Already have Ron. I noticed Joe hadn't been on the forum for awhile so emailed him the other week, His son, Pearson, replied to me about how poorly Joe was. I let him know how highly regarded Joe was by us all & Pearson told me Joe loved the forum & thought he was posting too much. The forum helped keep Joe's mind active & he enjoyed the interaction with us . I shall miss him a great deal. Rest In Peace Joe.