Lot 2176

Description

Group of Eight: 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, - clasp - North Africa 1942-43; Pacific Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45 with MID; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. D.J.Browne. R.A.N.V.R. All medals engraved. Swing mounted and displayed on a cardboard sheet with miniatures and buttons, extremely fine.

Together with matching set of swing mounted miniature medals with rosette on Africa Star and MID emblem on War Medal; Australia navy buttons (2 large in gilt, 1 small in bronze)

MID: LG 21/12/1943, p5542; CAG 30/12/1943, p2837, to Lieutenant Douglas John Browne, RAN, HM ML1128.

Citation: Gallant service leading to capture of Sicily.

Recommendation: For gallantry and distinguished service and untiring devotion to duty in command of HM ML1128 during operations which led to the capture of Sicily by Allied Forces. He is deserving of the highest praise for his outstanding skill and devotion to duty. He seemed to need no rest and always responded to any demand made on him with a cheerfulness and ability which was most heartening. His ship is always efficient and, in spite of the difficult weather conditions during the three days on passage, he overcame all difficulties and arrived to time and led his landing craft to their correct beaches.

MID (2nd Occasion): LG 25/1/1944, p209; CAG 3/2/1944, p209, to Lieutenant Douglas John Browne, RAN, HM ML1128.

Citation: Gallant leadership under heavy & continual fire.

Recommendation: For gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty under heavy and continued fire from the enemy during landings on the Italian mainland whilst commanding HM ML1128.

Note: HM ML1128 is His Majesty's Motor Launch 1128.

Douglas John Browne, born 29Apr1916 at Watford, England; Enl.14Sep1940 in RANVR, Home Port Sydney as Ordinary Seaman; promoted to Sub-Lieut 28Aug1941; to St Christopher for M.B. Course 03Sep1941; to Sea Robin in command 13Oct1941; to ML1164 in command 02Jun1942; to ML1128 in command 18Jun1942; to Lieut (Provl) 21Jan1943; service included various postings on Rushcutter, Collingwood, Argus, King Alfred, St Christopher, Minos, Cormorant, Hannibal, Penguin and later with Allied Intelligence Bureau in Madang, New Guinea; Appt terminated 26Nov1945.

With copy of Service File and other research.