David Brown (1904-1993)

Sir David Brown (1904-1993) M.I.Mech.E., A.F.R.Ae.S. of David Brown and Sons and chairman of Vosper Thornycroft

1904 May 10th. Born in Huddersfield, the son of Francis Edwin Brown and his wife Caroline Brook

Attended King James's Grammar School, Almondbury and Rossall School

1921 Commenced work as an apprentice in the family business - David Brown and Sons (Huddersfield), Ltd.

1926 Married(1) to Daisie Muriel Firth and had a son David and a daughter Angela

1928 Visited U.S.A., South Africa and Europe to study factory methods and conditions

1929 Became a director of David Brown and Sons

1931 Death of his uncle Percy Brown, managing director of the family company

1932 Became joint Managing Director

1933 Appointed as sole Managing Director

1934 He moved the company into the production of tractors

1939 Established David Brown Tractors Ltd.

1944 The Group acquired the companies which became known as David Brown Machine Tools Ltd., The Coventry Gear Co, and David Brown Gears (London), Ltd.

1945 Established the David Brown Tool Co

1947 His company bought Aston Martin and then Lagonda

Became Chairman and Managing Director of the David Brown Corporation, Ltd.

1955 Married(2) to Marjorie Deans following divorce from Daisie

1968 He was knighted

1971 David Brown was removed from executive control of the company

1978 After Vosper Thornycroft was nationalized, Sir David Brown resigned from the chairmanship.

1980 Married (3) Paula Benton Stone following divorce from Marjorie

He was a natural adventurer who owned race horses, played polo at Ham Polo Club, raced cars and motorcycles, and was a qualified pilot.

1993 September 3rd. Died in Monte Carlo

1993 Obituary.^[1]

His daughter Angela married George Abecassis

Sources of Information