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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 640

(x) The 'posthumous escapers M.I.D.' group of Second World War medals awarded to Private E. H. A. Browne, New Zealand Army Service Corps, 4th Reserve Mechanical Transport Company; captured and made a prisoner of war following the fall of Crete in 1941, he was shot dead by German guards while attempting to escape from Stalag 344 in 1944

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45 with M.I.D. oak leaves; New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-45, all unnamed as issued, very fine (4)

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1946 (posthumous)

Ernest Hugh Arthur Browne was born at Wellington, New Zealand on 4 January 1921 and was a bacon curer when he enlisted on 30 September 1939. He stated on enlistment that he was born on 4 January 1918, three years earlier than his actual date of birth and also changed his surname from Brown to Browne. He embarked for overseas military service on 5 January 1940 arriving in Egypt the following month, serving in Greece and Crete.

Following the fall of Crete Browne became a prisoner of war of the Germans on 16 June 1941 and was held at Stalag VIIIB later renamed Stalag 344.Whilst out on a working party on 30 May 1944 Browne seized the opportunity to escape, however he was unsuccessful and was shot dead by the German guards. He was buried with full military honours and is now interred at the Prague War Cemetery, grave IV.C.9; sold together with some copied research and a quantity of original documents including:

i)
Original framed Condolence scroll.

ii)
Two photograph albums, one containing photos of his funeral with pall bearers.

iii)
Original letter regarding his enlistment and certificate of death

iv)
Condolence letter from Buckingham Palace.

v)
Telegram to Browne's next of kin informing them of his death.

vi)
Letter from NZMF base records giving the distressing news of his death.

vii)
Copy letter from the Padre who conducted his funeral.

viii)
Photograph of his grave.

ix)
Large photograph of Browne.

For the medals of his brother see lot: 666

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£700

Starting price
£210