Edward’s birth to Robert and Jane Brown was registered at Inverell in 1889. His family lived at Nullamanna near Inverell where his father had a farm. Edward had been a member of the Dinton Vale Rifle Club for five years before he enlisted at Inverell in October 1915. As one of the men of the 4th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement, he sailed from Australia on HMAT A15 Star of England in March 1916. After arriving in Egypt he was transferred to the 56th Battalion and sent to France in May.
Two months later he was wounded and sent to England where he was admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. By the end of the year he had rejoined his unit in France and was appointed Lance Corporal.
In April 1917 Edward was severely wounded in the leg, head and back and died of these wounds two days later. He was buried at Dernacourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His personal effects, which included a disc, photos, silver chain and metal watch and case, were returned to his Father.
At Inverell Edward’s name is inscribed on the town’s Honor Roll and Cenotaph. In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade. His name is also recorded on the Nullamanna Honor Roll.