Notice board : Ypres - Hooge

Wooden notice board constructed from two planks that are secured together at each end of the back by two wooden battens nailed into place. The upper plank is marked in black paint with a left facing arrow and 'YPRES'; the lower plank with 'HOOGE' and a right facing arrow. Secured across both planks with four brass nails, is a brass plate measuring 125 wide by 45 mm high, impressed 'NOTICE BOARD COLLECTED/ FROM YPRES BATTLEFIELD/ BY SGT W BROWN VC DCM/ PTE W WISE AND PTE D KENT/ FOR 20TH BATTALION WAR MUSEUM'.

This notice board was collected by 1689 Sergeant Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown and his friends while serving with 20 Battalion in Belgium during the First World War, intended to be displayed in Australia in a future 20th Battalion Museum.

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.