20/07/2021
A Local Hero!
Did you know know a North Shields boy sailor helped the boffins at Bletchley Park decipher the EnIgma Code.
Thomas Brown may not have the recognition of Alan Turing or his colleagues. However Brown was one of three heroes who played their part in Hitler's downfall.
Brown was a NAAFI assistant on HMS Petard.Aged15/16 Brown was one of boarding party sent to U-559 off Port Said. Along with Lt Fasson and Able Seaman Grazier they descended into the U-Boat and rifled the boat for documents etc. They found two code books which Brown brought back to the surface via the conning tower of the sinking U-Boat. After three trips bringing up logs and code books Brown shouted to his comrades to abandon ship. Sadly Fasson and Grazier went down with the U Boat. Brown was dragged down but managed to resurface and was picked up by the waiting launch. Fasson and Grazier were awarded the George Cross while Brown received the George Medal. Along with the Polish capture of one of the Enigma machines the actions of Brown and his crew mates helped shorten the war.
Sadly Brown was killed in another heroic action in 1945 when he attempted to save his younger sister from a house fire. He was buried in Tynemouth cemetery with full military honours.
Join us on a tour of North Shields, 1 1/2 hours of history, mystery and comedy links. From £15pp contact us on FB for details.