Laurence Joseph Browne

"Gunner" Laurence Joseph Browne or alternatively "Lawrence Joseph Brown" (3 October 1896 - 31 May 1916) was an Irish gunner for the British Navy between 1914 and 1916. Born in Malahide, Dublin, Browne joined the navy in 1914 and fought in the Battle of Jutland, where he died aged only 19.
Personal Life and Early Life
Brown was born on the 3rd of October 1896 in Malahide, co. Dublin, Ireland. He was the only son of Robert and Ellen Brown, both of whom lived in the gate lodge of the Vice Regal Lodge (now Áras an Uachtaráin) in Dublin’s Phoenix park. Laurence had two sisters back in Dublin, Mary and Nellie, to whom he wrote a Christmas card to in December while he was on duty.
The card was naval issue, with the printed message “Fondest memories ever cling / Through all the changes / time may bring”. Inside, he wrote: “To his dear little sisters Mary and Nellie with love. Will write later on as we are on our way to malta or the dardnells”.
Career
Gunner Laurence Joseph Browne began his military career on the 18th of August 1914. He was aged only 18 years old at this time. He was part of the British Navy and joined in their Belfast offices. He was a gunner on the HMS Defence at Portsmouth. His artillery number was 14178 in the royal marines. It is believed he may have seen action at Gallipoli. He was involved in the battle of Jutland in 1916. (It was one of the most anticipated naval battles in history. On May 31, 1916 the British Grand Fleet collided with the German High Seas Fleet off the coast of Denmark in an encounter that became known as the Battle of Jutland.) His military vessel had 903 occupants on it. Gunner Browne’s military career and life came to an end on the 31st of May 1916.
Death
Laurence Joseph Browne was killed in action in the Battle of Jutland, on the 31st of May 1916, aged 19. His vessel was one of the first casualties of the battle. 903 sailors perished on the HMS Defence and there were no survivors. He is remembered with honor at Portsmouth naval memorial, Hampshire, United Kingdom.

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