RSM Edward Brown was the most senior warrant officer of the Hampshire Yeomanry. He was an expert gardener and devoted his life both to horticulture and to the Hampshire Carabiniers. He remained at the depot in Southampton, carrying out important administrative work when most of the yeomen accompanied the Imperial Yeomanry to South Africa. He was born around 1855, the son of Edward Brown JP, a butcher of Southampton. His flair for gardening brought him prizes for his chrysanthemums, and the position of vice-chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society of Southampton.
The illustrated photo mount, designed and drawn by fellow yeoman, Sergeant F B Burcher is inscribed: ‘In Memory of Regt Sergt Maj E Brown. Died Nov 27th 1902 & was laid to Rest by his Comrades H C I Y Dec 1st 1902.’ At the base of the card is an extract from the eulogy made by Major J E B Seely: ‘We have met today to pay the last mark of respect to our departed comrade, a man who served his God, who served his King & who served his Country, no man could do more.’
The photo shows him wearing a silver laced forage cap, undress blue frock with silver shoulder cords, and white leather pouch-belt. The photo was taken several years earlier before badges were worn on the collar, and before chain-mail shoulder straps were adopted by all ranks. The photo was borrowed from Soldiers of the Queen website.
