Son of Charles Frederick and Annie Maria Brown; husband of Lilian May Brown, of Higher Tranmere, Birkenhead. Born Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on 3 August 1910; Educated at Krugersdorp Town School. General Botha Cadet Draft 1925-27. After leaving General Botha, became an apprentice with Andrew Weir & Co, obtaining his First Mate's certificate in 1929.