We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Donald Brown on 9th January.
Previously a headmaster, Don was a keen WW2 researcher who helped with the Defence of Britain Project (1995 – 2001) and who made the most of his Somerset contacts through his time with the Mendip Ranger Service. He tracked down and interviewed surviving Auxiliers and visited their Operational Bases. He collected copies of surviving papers and photographs, and together these were the source for his 1999 book; Somerset Versus Hitler.
He also assisted Tim Wray with his research for his book on Somerset Auxiliary Units, as well as John Warwicker for With Britain in Mortal Danger.
Don was instrumental in supporting CART in its early days by generously providing access to his collection of material about Auxiliary Units. He supplied us with the first national Auxiliary Units spreadsheet he and Tim had been working on. It was a game changer for us as it had so many names on it, all ordered, and saved many years of work for us, for which we are hugely grateful.
Due to the Covid pandemic the family are having a small family funeral and intend to follow this with a memorial service when it is appropriate and safe to do so.
He will be sorely missed and we send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.