A DECADE after the release of blockbuster film Saving Private Ryan, Swindon will remember the real Private Ryans of Highworth – the Brown brothers.

Eric, Douglas, Kenneth and Gerald of Eastrop Grange, lost their lives on the bloody battlefields of the First World War all within a year of each other. Kenneth and Gerald were both posthumously awarded the Military Cross. Their devastated parents, Squire James Wylde Brown and wife Primrose, died of broken hearts shortly after the war ended in 1918 and their sister – whose name is unknown – moved away.

Now, as we commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, medal collector Phil Comley has revealed the plaque presented to Squire and Mrs Brown on the death of their son Eric – the first of their boys to perish. The brass plaque named ‘the death penny’ because of the circumstances in which a family received it, was bought by Mr Comley last year.

The private collector, who lives in Aldbourne, has since researched the Browns’ story with help from Martin Kender, of the Highworth-based Western Front Association.

“It’s a very tragic tale,” he said. “To have all four brothers killed in such a way is very sad.”

Mr Comley mainly collects medals of servicemen from Aldbourne and is looking to publish a book on the history of those from the parish who served in the Great War.

“I found out about the Browns when I was looking for medals from Aldbourne soldiers but their story was a fascinating one,” said the 37-year-old. “I am a private collector and would never sell the medals as they hold a huge significance for people in the area.”

The tale of a family torn apart by war shows extraordinary parallels to the 1998 Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan but, unlike the film, lacks the Hollywood ending.

In the film three brothers are killed in action during the Second World War. But one brother is still alive and fighting. A call goes out to bring him back to his mother.

But while Private Ryan survived, the Brown family was not so fortunate.

l Do you know where the Brown brothers’ medals are? Call the newsroom on 01793 501809. Phil Comley is also interested in any Swindon soldiers with a connection to the Aldbourne area. You can call him on 01672 541165.