LRDG Browne, Laurence Hamilton (Tony)

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Browne
  • FORENAME
Laurence Hamilton (Tony)
  • UNIT
LRDG S,R2,R1 Patrols
  • RANK
Corporal + Captain
  • NUMBER
4444
  • AWARD
Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal
  • PLACE
North Africa 1941-42
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit New Zealand Army Service Corps,2 N.Z.E.F.
born 8.7.1908 England
resided London
accountant in civilian life
joined LRDG 1941 (patrol CO until 1942 -commissioned Oct.1942)
GSO III(Ops) GHQ Middle East Forces 1942
LRDG Intelligence Officer 1943
wounded 31.1.1941, 18.11.1942, 22.12.1942
stlll with LRDG when disbanded August 1945
OBE
died 09.1970 due cancer
 

CITATION:

Military Cross : For most distinguished services during the operation that resulted in the turning of the Agheila position. Captain Browne carried out the initial reconnaissance of country several hundred miles behind the enemy lines, the information he obtained being invaluable in making plans for the approach marches. During the operation he personally navigated and led the New Zealand Division column from Haseiat to Merduma and then on to Nofila. While carrying out a further reconnaissance before the next advance he was wounded when blown up on an unmarked minefield near Wadi Tamet. Captain Browne displayed excellent judgment and the greatest enterprise at all times.

Distinguished Service Medal : This N.C.O. displayed exceptional gallantry and resource during the raid on MURZUK on Jan. 11th, 1941. He commanded his vehicle most efficiently and maintained his Lewis gun in action with coolness and telling effect on the enemy. His example did much to keep the patrol steady at a critical time when enemy fire was causing casualties. Although wounded in the foot he remained at his post.

In the action at GEBEL SHERIF, South-West of KUFRA on Jan. 31st his coolness was instrumental in saving his vehicle and crew when subjected to a determined low-flying bombing and M.G. attach by an enemy aircraft.

Throughout all the L.R.D.G. operations in Libya this N.C.O. has held the responsible post of patrol navigator, and has shown the utmost devotion to duty.

WEB LINKS:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7361000 (MC)
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7357877 (DCM)
http://www.lrdg.org/trooper-biographies.html#tony-browne
https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/88214

NATIONAL ARCHIVES:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7361000 (MC)
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7357877 (DCM)
Last edited by a moderator:
Top