Browne, Murdoch Campbell

Poppy on a wooden cross

Age: 28
Date of birth: May 1888

Parents: Dr Samuel Browne and Ada Eliza Browne
Wife:
Address: The Mill House, 4 Mill Street

Occupation:

Warwick Advertiser - Death Notice
Warwick Advertiser – 25th November 1916

The 1901 and previous census records show that Murdoch’s father was a surgeon in the Royal Navy.

He was baptised on 22nd May 1888 at St Nicholas Church.

Murdoch had four sisters, Adrienne, Charlott, Sybil and Sheila Clyde Campbell Browne. He also had a brother, George Frederick, who was 4 years his senior. The family lived at 16 Emscote Road, before moving to Mill Street.

The 1911 census shows Murdoch and his brother as visitors to a household in Ormskirk where both are listed as actors

Warwick Advertiser – 25th November 1916

Military Service

Rank & Number: Captain, not given
Regiment/Service: 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry
Brigade/Division: 188th Brigade, 63rd Division
Date of death: Monday, November 13, 1916
Cause of death/Battle: Killed in Action - Battle of the Ancre
Commemorated/Buried: Thiepval Memorial, Somme
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Commemorated locally at: St Nicholas Church

Murdoch Browne was promoted to Captain after actions of gallantry in Gallipoli. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – and received his award at Buckingham Palace in June 1916

Details of Murdoch’s Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) can also be found in the London Gazette 8th Nov 1915:

‘For special gallantry on the 12th & 13th of July 1915, during operations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He was sent out at night on the 12th across the Achi Baba Nullah, & found himself cut off. He took an advanced trench, held it throughout the following day without food or water, & by his personal courage & example maintained the morale & courage of his men.’

Contributors

  • Unlocking Warwick Research Group
  • Warwick Advertiser excerpts courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office

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