History

THE INSPIRATIONS
BEHIND SMBIS

Col William Maurice Brown
1910 – 1975

William Maurice Brown, Lt. Colonel, Squadron Leader, recipient of Britain’s. Order of the British Empire, Observer (Extraordinary) of the United Nations, New Zealand government minister, mountain climber, shooter, boxer, rugby player, cricketer, teacher, administrator, builder, humanist, and internationalist, was the chief architect of cadet colleges in the country. The long-time principal of Faujdarhat Cadet College had left his disciples for eternal peace but his legend will continue to live.

Principal Brown was born in 1910. In 1930 after achieving a teaching diploma from Auckland Teacher Training College and a degree in history from Auckland University College, he served in various schools and colleges there.

He was commissioned in the First Auckland Regiment in 1931. During the war he joined the Royal Air Force and served in India, Malaya, New Zealand, the UK. After the war, he joined the Royal Air Force as a Squadron Leader and later the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Then he earned an honours degree in geography from Kings College, Cambridge University. He also spent some time with Scott Polar Research, studying one of his favourite interests – mountains, snow and ice.

He joined the Cadet College in August, 1958 with his able leadership for the first seven years he brought to the college a wide and varied experience. Through his tireless energy he guided the college surely, firmly and steadily to its success.

Colonel Brown gave his all to the development of the college and to the welfare of its ‘Boys.’ In this great effort he was ably helped by his wife , whose interest was beyond the normal duties of a principal’s wife. Mrs. Brown for years cheerfully worked a full-time voluntary job in the college administration office.

We remember Colonel and Mrs. Brown with respect and affection.

Extract from the torch, Vol. 1 Dec. 1965, by Dr. J.K. P. Watson