3858124 Private Thomas Watson Brown was born on 2^nd February 1919, son of Andrew Brown and Ann Dagleish Brown (née Watson).

In 1921 the family was living at 26 Metcalfe Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle, Cumbria, with Thomas listed as the youngest of 4 siblings.

Prior to enlisting on 16^th October 1939 he worked as a textile twister and lived at 40 Metcalfe Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle, Cumbria. We don't know which regiment he originally joined but Thomas served with the 11^th Parachute Battalion and fought at the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944.

On 26^th September 1944 he was captured and taken prisoner of war. He was initially held at Stalag XIIA Limburg and given POW number 91582. During part of October and November 1944 he was held at Stalag IVB Muhlburg. During the remainder of November he19 was held in Stalag IVC Sudatenland where he was required to work, firstly as a coal miner and later as a labourer until his release in May 1945.

In 1956 Thomas was still living at 40 Metcalfe Street and working as a textile twister when he was arrested for an alleged drinking and driving offence. However, whilst he admitted having drunk some beer, denied being drunk. Carlisle Magistrates Court subsequently agreed with Thomas's assessment of his condition and the case was dismissed.

Thomas died in the winter of 1988 in Carlisle.

We are still researching the life of Private Brown. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.