C2 Casualties, 9/14 London Regt/157
8 February 1917
Madam
With reference to a letter dated 22nd December from Mr Benson P Wall concerning Second Lieutenant J C Brown Constable, 14th Battalion, The London Regiment, I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that a statement, of which a copy is herewith, has been taken from 6546 Private G Robertson by his Commanding Officer.
This statement has been referred to the Base, and a reply has been received that the Officer Commanding the Unit reports: “I consider that the death of this officer can now be taken as certain. I consider that the evidence is reliable.”
In view of this report, the Council are regretfully constrained to conclude that Second Lieutenant J C Brown Constable was killed in action on 1st July 1916, and I am to express their sympathy with you in your bereavement.
I am to add that publication will be made in an early casualty list.
I am, Madam,
Your obedient Servant
B B Cubitt
ENCLOSED SHEET
Extract from No X.39792
2nd Lieutenant J C Brown Constable, 14th Battalion, London Regiment
This officer was reported “Wounded and missing 1st July 1916” on GHQ List No 671 and on List No C890.
No 6546 Pte G Robertson 14th Battalion London Regiment states:
“I hereby certify that I saw 2/Lt J C Brown Constable struck by a piece of shrapnel on the right side of the forehead and I placed him in a shell hole where he died. The aforementioned took place at Gommecourt Wood on the 1st July 1916.”
In view of this evidence, the death of the above named officer has now been accepted for official purposes as having occurred “in action on the 1st July 1916”.
