“The funeral of Mr. Emil Brand, chief petty officer in one of the vessels of the American squadron in the harbour, took place on Tuesday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Happy Valley. Deceased was a Mason, taking his R.A. degree a short time ago in St. Andrew’s Chapter, and a large number of local Masons, including several in the British naval and military services, attended the obsequies. The body was conveyed from the Praya in a hearse, which was preceded by the band of the Olympia, and the American flag. The fleet Chaplain conducted the first part of the service, the Masonic portion being taken by Right Worshipful Brother W. Farmer. A firing party of Marines discharged farewell volleys. Deceased was between 35 and 40 years of age.”
Sex
Male
Status
Deceased
Comments
Buried: Section 5, Hong Kong
Buried: Section 5, Hong Kong Cemetery, Happy Valley, Hong Kong 19th April 1898
Grave
“THE funeral of the late
“THE funeral of the late first class gunner’s mate Emil Brandt of the U.S.S. Boston took place yesterday afternoons. There was a large attendance of members of the sister services from the British ships and regiments, and the coffin, covered with the United States Jack was landed at the Ordnance wharf and placed in a hearse. The battalion flag draped with crape had a place in the cortege and the band of the Olympia led the way, playing Beethoven’s “Funeral March” and other mournful music. The deceased has only lately been elected to Royal Arch Degree in St. Andrew’s Chapter and many of the local Masons attended the funeral. The Fleet Chaplain (Rev. Mr. Fraser) conducted the first part of the ceremony at the grave side and afterwards R.W. Bro. W. Farmer conducted the Masonic burial service, with all the impressive rites of the ritual of the craft. Brandt was a very popular officer aboard his ship amongst all ranks. He was only 29 years of age and his death is attributed to an attack of typhoid fever.”
Source: The Hong Kong Telegraph, page 2, 20th April 1898