French ARS gas mask carrier : Sergeant W E Brown, 20 Battalion AIF

Pressed metal carrier for storing French model ARS (Appareil Respiratoire Special) gas mask. Painted khaki with remnants of cloth carrying-sling present. Instructions in French on the use of the gas mask are glued to inside of carrier lid. Two cardboard storage plates are present inside canister. Indistinct markings, presumably of previous owner, scratched into lid surface. 'EW' pressed into carrier base.

This French gas mask carrier was collected between 8 August and 11 November 1918 by 1689 Sergeant Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown while serving with 20 Battalion in France during the First World War.

Brown was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during fighting near Passchendaele, Belgium between 5-10 October 1917.

The following year he was awarded the Victoria Cross for capturing 13 German troops, including an officer, single handedly, near Vaire Wood following the Battle of Hamel. He returned to Australia in December 1919 and was discharged on 15 February 1920.

On 21 June 1940 he re-enlisted (NX35492) in the Second AIF. With 2/15 Field Regiment he moved to Malaya in August 1941 and was in Singapore when it fell to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Brown was last seen in the hours prior to the Allied capitulation disappearing toward the enemy lines saying 'No surrender for me.' His body was never recovered.

His name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, 22 kilometres north of the city of Singapore.