William Brown was the only son of William Brown. William was born in Portglenone, County Antrim. William emigrated to America about 1911, but returned at Christmas 1914. William Brown enlisted in Ballymena, County Antrim, joining the army in the early spring of 1915. He was residing in Culnafay, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim at the time. Rifleman William Brown was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916. At the time of his death his parents were living in Newferry, Toome. His wife and young daughter lived at Culnafay, Portglenone.
Hamel is a small village about 6.5 kilometres north of Albert. Using the D929 from Bapaume to Albert, continue until you come to La Boisselle, where there is a right turn signposted to Aveluy on the D20. Upon entering Aveluy, continue straight until you reach the crossroads where you should turn right to Beaumont-Hamel. Continue for 5 kilometres until you reach Hamel village where the military cemetery is on your immediate left.
