An exceptionally rare and poignant GSM awarded to Trp Brown SAS / killed by a sniper in Aden

General Service 1962, two clasps, Borneo and South Arabia. Correctly impressed - 23742439 Tpr. A. G. E. G. Brown. SAS

 

Condition - GVF

 

An opportunity to own a very rare medal. Medals to the SAS are not common on the market, and casualty medals are seldom seen. 

 

Provenance -  An Important Collection of Awards to the SAS and Special Forces, DNW 25th March 1997, lot 588. 

 

Anthony George Edgar Graham ‘Tony’ Brown was born in Wales in 1942. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1959, aged 17. In 1964 Brown passed selection and joined 'D' Squadron, Special Air Service. 

 

A highly intelligent man, a newspaper article noted he spoke seven languages fluently and that he was one of only three men in the British Army to be presented with the Silver Wings of the German Special Airborne Division

 

 

Brown was tragically killed in action on his third tour in Aden, shot by a sniper while in a forward operating position. He had brought up some new troops and was pointing out the ground to a member of his squadron when he was hit. 

 

Anthony was buried in Silent Valley Cemetery.

 

Part of his obituary published in Mars & Minerva stated: ‘Lance Corporal Tony Brown joined the Royal Artillery in November 1959 at the age of 17, and came to the SAS in 1964. His determination to succeed at everything he did soon achieved results and accelerated his promotion. A fine natural athlete, Tony will be well remembered for his ability on the football and rugby pitches. A strong swimmer and canoeist, he was a great asset to the Boat Troop where he served. His death, both tragic and untimely, came as a direct result of enemy action.’