Aircraft wing fragments : Sergeant W E Brown, 20 Battalion AIF

Wing fragments said to have been souvenired from the Fokker Dr.1 Triplane aircraft in which Baron Manfred Von Richthofen was shot down on 21 April 1918. The fragments are made from 2mm timber plank sandwiched between .5 mm veneer strips. There is evidence of glue from a subspar on the rib fragment. The piece is believed to be from the trailing edge of one of the three mainplanes. The remains of non-pigmented varnish is also present. The material and the construction method of the fragment is similar to those on parts of the German Albatros held by the War Memorial, confirming that it originates from a German aircraft.

These wing fragments, reported to be from the Fokker DR1 triplane of Baron Manfred Von Richthofen, were collected 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.