William Ruddle Browne
Captain William Ruddle Browne (1876-1928)
1922 Capt., M.I.Mech.E.; b. 1876; s. of W. E. N. Brown, Barrister. Ed. France and Switzerland. Pupil Loco. Shops, M. and S.W. Jn. Rly., and L.B. and S.C. Rly. Training: University Coll., London. Asst. Eng. L. and J. Docks; Engr. to Fownes Forge Eng. Co.; Charge of Diamond Drilling Co., Johannesburg, for Ed. Charter and Co.; Manager Brit. Am. Machinery Co., for the British Am. Tobacco Co.; also re-organized their factory staffs, machinery, etc., in China; Partner with Mr. Hopper and Geo. Attwood as Con. Engrs; Cons. Motor Engr., 1914-19. Club: The Wellington. Address: Chiseldon House, Swindon, Wilts.
1928 Obituary [1]
Captain WILLIAM RUDDLE BROWNE was born in November 1876 and educated at Blundell's and abroad.
He served an apprenticeship with the Midland and South Western Junction Railway, and afterwards joined the staff of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.
In 1896 he went to University College for a two years' course of training, following which he was appointed an assistant engineer to the London and India Dock Company, under Mr. (afterwards Sir Frederick) Donaldson.
In 1900 he became resident engineer on the enlargement of the South West India Dock Entrance, Blackwall, but relinquished this appointment in order to go to Morocco on a survey under General Sir Harry Machan.
Upon his return to England he secured an appointment with the Fownes Forge and Engineering Company.
In 1903 Mr. Browne went to Johannesburg as representative of Messrs. E. S. W. Chester and Company, manufacturers of mining machinery.
Two years later he returned to England and joined the British American Tobacco Company as manager of the British American Machinery Company, manufacturing cigarette machines.
In 1908, following a visit to China on behalf of the former company, he commenced business on his own account as a practising civil and mechanical engineer at Queen Victoria Street, London.
In 1914 Mr. Browne was mobilized in the Wiltshire Regiment, T.A., and served throughout the war, attaining the rank of Captain, and in 1922 he was placed in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers, Royal Engineers.
Captain Browne's death occurred suddenly on the 17th March 1928 whilst on a journey to California.
He became an Associate Member of the Institution in 1902 and a Member in 1908.