The AIF Project

John Cullen BROWNE

Regimental number1934
Place of birthTamworth New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressWest Tamworth PO, West Tamworth, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinMother, Mrs J C Browne, West Tamworth PO, West Tamworth, New South Wales
Enlistment date6 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name1st Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/6/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 20 December 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll10th Field Artillery Brigade
Other details from Roll of Honour CircularAwarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
FateReturned to Australia 20 January 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in searching a burning ammunition dump, which was under heavy shell fire and exploding in every direction, for wounded comrades, one of whom he eventually found with 5 yards of the dump and carried him to a place of safety. It seemed impossible for any one to approach the dump and live, so continuous and violent were the explosions. Sixteen of his party were killed and nine wounded by the first explosion, and he set a splendid example of devotion and courage.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Family/military connectionsBrothers: 1508 Corporal Hedley Alexander BROWNE, 19th Bn, killed in action, Pozi?res, France, 27 July 1916; 1949 Driver Joseph Cupples BROWNE, 5th Division Artillery Column, returned to Australia, 22 May 1919.
Date of death3 December 1966
Age at death79
Place of burialTamworth Cemetery, New South Wales

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