Passenger Casualty - Thomas Richard Beale-Brown M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.

Born in the West Indies in 1878, he was the oldest son of Colonel G.E. and Mrs Beale-Browne, Doodeswell House, Gloucestershire.

After leaving Dean Close School, Cheltenham, Thomas Richard Beale-Brown entered Guy's Hospital in 1895 and qualified in 1901. He was always keen on sports of all kinds, and while at Guy's took several prizes. He afterwards distinguished himself in rifle-shooting both at home and in Nigeria. After a few years spent on lunacy work at Taunton and the County Asylum of Northampton, he entered the Nigeria Medical Service, and on his first tour, 1907/8, accompanied the Anglo-German Boundary Commission and afterwards did good work as Medical Officer in various districts of West Africa. He was always greatly interested in microscopical work, and while stationed at Yaba. Near Lagos, made some interesting investigations with his friend Dr.Counal, Director of the Research Institute. His chief work there, however, was in connection with leprosy, when after several months of special treatment, he had the satisfaction of noting improvements in several cases, and in one case an apparent cure which at least lasted for two years, but unfortunately he lost sight of that patient after that time.

20th April 1910 married Helen Heron Hay daughter of the late Donald MacDonald, Edinburgh. They were married in Paddington, London.

Since January, 1917, he was stationed at Victoria in the Cameroon's, and after a prolonged and strenuous tour was on his way home for leave, but within a few hours of landing his boat, the S.S. "Burutu" owing to storm and the war condition of no lights under which they were sailing, came a collision with the S.S. "City of Calcutta" and he with many other passengers was drowned in 1918.

One of his colleagues writes: “Dr. Beale-Brown was so genuine and straightforward he at once commanded respect from all who came into contact with him.” He also had in a marked degree the confidence of the native population and at the same time was popular with all Europeans who knew him

1910 married Helen Heron Hay daughter of the late Donald MacDonald, Edinburgh, and is survived by her. His untimely death entails a very great loss to the W.A.M.S. and to his relatives and many friends. 

Guy's Hospital Gazette 14 December 1918

Cheltenham Chronicle 19th October 1918

The remains of the late Mr T.R. Beale-Browne, MRCS, LRCP, West African Medical Service, were laid to rest in Dowdeswell Churchyard on Saturday afternoon last. Mr Beale-Browne was drowned as the result of a collision at sea off Fishguard whilst returning from the Cameroons in the Burutu, in which 160 of his fellow passengers were also victims. His bod was recovered in Cardigan Bay.

Cheltenham Chronicle 19th October 1918