Statue to honour VC war hero

Otago Daily Times

30-05-2025

More than a century after his death at the Battle of the Somme, Oamaru war hero Sergeant Donald Forrester Brown VC is set to be honoured in his hometown with a life-size bronze statue.
The New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA), led by local advocate Barry Gamble, has announced plans to commemorate Sgt Brown — the first New Zealander awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for bravery on the Western Front and the only VC recipient from North Otago.
The Victoria Cross is the highest award in the British honours system, awarded for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy".
"It's all about recognition — honouring this man who is a true blue Kiwi farmer, who spent most of his short life working the land and then bravely fought for his country," Mr Gamble said.
Born in Dunedin in 1890 and raised in Oamaru, Mr Brown gave up his farm on Waiareka Rd, along with his horse and dog, to enlist in the First World War.
A former student of Waitaki Boys' High School, he was serving with the 10th (North Otago) Company of the Otago Infantry Regiment when he was killed in action at the age of 26.
On September 15, 1916 — the opening day of New Zealand's Somme campaign — Brown distinguished himself by capturing key enemy machine-gun positions, helping New Zealand troops break through German lines.
Two weeks later, during another assault, he ordered his men to take cover while he single-handedly attacked two enemy trenches chasing the enemy down before he was fatally struck by machine-gun fire.
In 1917, his Victoria Cross was presented posthumously to his father, Robert Brown, by Governor-General Lord Liverpool in Oamaru.
Mr Gamble believed the statue would serve as a lasting educational and cultural tribute, preserving Mr Brown's legacy for future generations.
"Other towns have honoured their Victoria Cross winners with statues and paintings — why not Oamaru? This is something we can be really proud of."
Despite his name appearing on the honours board at Waitaki Boys' and a portrait in the Waitaki District Council chambers, Mr Gamble said Sgt Brown had largely faded from the town's collective memory.
"It's quite sad. We've got a proud heritage of buildings and some of the best memorial statues in the country.
"Yet his story is not well known."
The estimated cost of the statue is $160,000.
Rakaia man Bob Brown, great-nephew of Sgt Brown, has donated $10,000 towards the project.
"They were really stoked that someone was wanting to do this, and they're right behind me."
Mr Gamble said he will also be seeking donations from the public and organisations.
Renowned New Zealand Army artist Matt Gauldie has been commissioned to create the statue.
Mr Gauldie had already produced a detailed miniature maquette for $2000 to aid fundraising efforts.
The NZRA contributed $1500 toward the initial concept plan, and the Waitaki District Council has expressed support.
Mr Gamble, who has previously led efforts to restore the graves of former soldiers in the Waitaki district, expects the statue to take around 18 months to complete.
A final location for the monument has yet to be determined.
A book of letters Sgt Brown wrote to his father during the war was published in 1998 entitled Your Loving Son, Don , edited by his neice, Eunice P. Brown.
In a letter from Egypt in 1916, he wrote of the camaraderie among Oamaru soldiers: "it's just great the number of Oamaru boys one finds here, and one and all are certain, old Oamaru is quite good enough for us in future".