William Denis Browne

William Charles Denis Browne (3 November 1888 – 4 June 1915), primarily known as Billy to family and as Denis to his friends, was a British composer, pianist, organist and music critic of the early 20th century. He and his close friend, poet Rupert Brooke, were commissioned into the Royal Naval Division together shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Denis Browne was killed in action during the Gallipoli Campaign. Early life Denis Browne was born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, on 3 November 1888; his parents were of Anglo-Irish descent. His father, William Denis Browne (1836–1916), had been a land agent and had served as a juror in the Phoenix Park Murders trial. His paternal grandfather, Denis Browne, had been Dean of Emly Cathedral (the cathedral was demolished in 1877), and a great-grandfather, Denis Browne (1763–1828), was Member of Parliament for Mayo and younger brother of the 1st Marquess of Sligo. University In 1907 Denis Browne proceeded to Clare College, Cambridge, having again obtained a scholarship, and following Brooke who had gone up to King’s the previous year. Denis Browne had stayed in touch with Brooke, and through him met Edward Marsh. Deni