Newspaper Report. 'Kirkcaldy Officer Killed In Action'

Mrs Catherine Brown, 125 Links St, Kirkcaldy, has received word that he husband, Lieut. James Kidd Brown, Royal Engineers, was killed in action in the Middle East.

Lieut. Brown, who was 31 years of age, was the third son of Mr James Brown, builder, Viewforth Terrace, Kirkcaldy, and prior to the outbreak of war was engaged in his father’s business. He was an early volunteer for Civil Defence work, joining the ranks of the Rescue Service in March 1938. At the outbreak of war he willingly gave up his civil employment to undertake full-time service as Senior Rescue Party Leader, and in these difficult days did much to make efficient what was then a new service. Intent in taking a more active part in the service of his country Lieut. Brown volunteered for active service in June 1940. Joining a Royal Engineer constructive company he obtained rapid promotion, and as a Sergeant did fine work in a Bomb Disposal Unit in the London area during the height of a severe air attack. It is of interest to note that during the Kirkcaldy War Weapons Week in 1941 the exhibition at Kirkcaldy Art Gallery included a number of articles which Lieut. Brown salvaged during his bomb disposal work in London.

His ability as a soldier was recognised by the military authorities and he was chosen for an officers training course which he completed with distinction. As a Lt he passed to a special course, and left this country for the Middle East towards the end of last year. All who knew Lieut. Brown held him in the highest esteem and deeply regret that a career that promised so well has been cut short. The sincere sympathy of his many friends goes out to Mrs. Brown and her 11-year old son, and to his father and mother who have suffered a double bereavement in the short space of three months, his brother, Gunner Charles F Brown, RA having died in hospital in December of last year. Another three brothers and a sister are in the Services.