BROWN, Clifford Le Brun

Clifford was born at Paterson NSW to William and Eleanor Brown. He was educated at Barker College, Sydney before coming to work in the Inverell district where his father was the Police Magistrate. Before the war Clifford had served with the Australian Light Horse unit at Inverell.

At the age of twenty five he enlisted in Brisbane in June 1915. Whilst home on final leave he was given a farewell at the Council Chambers and presented with the Inverell Medal. Clifford left Australia for Egypt with the 11th Light Horse Regiment, 4th Reinforcement in September 1915. He was wounded in December and treated for a gunshot wound to his foot.

During 1917 he was attached to the 68th Australian Squadron Royal Flying Corps and attended a school of Infantry Instruction followed by a school of Aerial Gunnery before being transferred to the 23rd Res. Squadron. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and by June had become a Flying Officer with a posting to 5th Wing 67th Squadron AFC. Clifford survived three plane crashes due to engine problems, the last during an attack at Jerusalem for which he was awarded the Military Cross.

Following his return home Clifford worked as an engineer in New Caledonia, then with the gold mines In New Guinea. During WWII he served with the RAAF working with diesel electric units for radar before returning to New Guinea. He eventually returned to Australia where he was employed as Superintendant at the Broken Hill power station.

Clifford died in Sydney in 1972. His name is recorded on the Inverell Honor Roll.

Image: Courtesy AWM # POO910.001