Guy Bryan-Brown was born in England, studied at Cambridge University and was a keen sportsman, enjoying cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1903 and later became chaplain at Christ’s College, Christchurch where he was very popular with staff and students. He even played representative cricket for Canterbury.

When the call was put out to support the First World War effort, he quickly enlisted. After he arrived in France in May 1917, officers and medical staff alike were quick to appreciative his abilities in bringing the injured in from the battlefield and dressing their wounds. Also, working as a Chaplain, Bryan-Brown was known to push himself to do whatever was needed, without thought for his own safety. This included sharing scriptures from the bible and prayer with troops – which brought care and comfort too.

On October 4th 1917, at the Third Battle of Ypres, Bryan-Brown’s troops inched forward under heavy fire. In his usual way, he helped the wounded despite the danger… but while helping in the Advanced Dressing Station, it was hit by three shells. Guy Bryan-Brown was killed instantly, aged just 32.

In remembrance, one officer commented, “If ever a man gave his life away for others, that man was Guy Bryan-Brown.”

Story and photo supplied with thanks to Regimental Historian Angus Kirk, 16 Field Regt RNZA QAMR RNZAC. Original image source – Newspaper Cutting from family Scrap book originally belonging to Dorothy and Frances Broad.