Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Mrs. Lydia Mary BROWNE, of Roberts Avenue, Horsham, Vic.

Prior to enlistment he was teaching at the Horsham High School.

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of two Stokes mortar teams. Although his guns were several times blown out of position he succeeded in replacing them and keeping them in action, setting a splendid example of untiring energy and presence of mind.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Professor of Education at the Melbourne University, and Principal of the Teachers' Training College, though only 47 years of age, he is one of Australia's leading educationists. A native of Melbourne, he was educated at the High School, the University of  Melbourne and at Balliol College, Oxford. From 1920 to 1922 he was Vice-principal of the Teachers' College, Lancaster (Eng.), and in 1922 won a travelling scholarship for education in Germany and America. He was appointed Vice-principal of the Teachers' Training College, Melbourne, in 1925, and became Principal in 1933. In 1931 he spent six months in America as visiting Professor of Education at the University of California, and lectured twice daily to the summer school there. High praise was extended to  him on that occasion by leading educationists of California.
Professor Browne saw service In France with the A.I.F., holding commissioned rank with the 10th Australian Light Trench Mortar  Battery. He was severely wounded in 1917, and in the same year was awarded the Military Cross.
He was chosen to act as official commentator to describe the dedication of the Shrine of Remembrance by the Duke of  Gloucester on November 11, 1934, his commentary being carried to all parts of the Shrine area by amplifiers, and also being  broadcast from the various wireless stations. Professor Browne always declares that the outstanding memory of war days was a  sort of humorous fatalism, which veiled a stern resolve to see if through to the end.