French 1915 pattern 'Adrian' steel helmet : Sergeant W E Brown, 20 Battalion AIF

French Army 1915 Pattern 'Adrian' steel helmet bearing the the flaming grenade 'RF' (Republic Francaise) and crossed cannon badge worn by artillery units. The helmet has an overall 'horizon blue' finish, which is largely obscured by a layer of dirt and corrosion. There are two rust marks on the front crown, and the attached badge also has several areas of rust. The helmet is complete with black leather liner and brown leather chinstrap. Spacer strips of corrugated aluminium are fitted between the liner and the shell at front and rear. Similar strips are missing from the sides.

This helmet was collected at Bapaume by 1689 Sergeant Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown, VC 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.