BROWN, Duncan Napier

Duncan was one of Inverell's well known Rugby Union players, a keen boxer and gymnast. The Tamworth Daily Observer newspaper, 18 June 1915, noted that he

... stood over six feet high. He was erect, well proportioned and sinewy ... As an athlete his name is known beyond local circles ... his skill as a footballer won recognition for him as one of the best Rugby players the north-west has seen for years ... in camp he won army amateur heavyweight boxing tournaments, while he also headed the battalion in rifle shooting ...

He was born and educated at Inverell where he was a member of the school cadets for three years. He enlisted on 26 August 1914, becoming a member of the 1st Battalion, E Company which departed Australia on the transport ship A19 Afric in October that year.

At the age of twenty two, Private Duncan Brown was killed in action on 25 April 1915 at Gallipoli. His memorial is at Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Gallipoli. His brother, Private Hugh Hotatio Brown, enlisted two days before Duncan, and served as a Gunner with the Field Artillery 1 Brigade Ammunition Column.

The Inverell Honor Roll and Cenotaph both record the name of Private Duncan Brown.

Photo: Referee, Wednesday 23 June 1915, page 8