William Maurice Brown
William Maurice Brown[1] (1910–1975) was the first principal of Faujdarhat Cadet College, one of the 12 Cadet Colleges of Bangladesh. He was then a retired Lieutenant Colonel of New Zealand Army. William Maurice Brown, Lt. Colonel, Squadron Leader, recipient of Britain's Order of British Empire, observer (Extra Ordinary) of the United Nations, New Zealand government minister, mountain climber, shooter, boxer, teacher, administrator, the founder of Faujdarhat Cadet College had left his disciples for eternal peace but his legend will continue to live.
Early life
Principal Brown was born in 1910; he spent his school days in Waikato province. In 1930, after achieving teaching diploma from Auckland Teachers Training College and degree in history from Auckland University College, he served in various schools and colleges there. He was commissioned in First Auckland Regiment in 1931. During the war he joined the Royal Air Force as Squadron Leader and later in Royal New Zealand Air force. Then he earned honors degree in Geography specializing in Geomorphology from King's College, Cambridge with government scholarship. He also spent some time in Scott Polar Research Institute, studying one of his favorite interests - mountains, snow & ice. Back in his country in early 50's, he joined University before returning to army again.
Lt Col Maurice Brown was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He quoted once that he became a fellow for his expedition to climb Mount Everest. Principal Brown took a keen interest in geography that was taught as an optional subject at the Intermediate Science course of his college. He sometimes lectured us, specially on Physical Geography, which was part of the curriculum. He also lectured on projections, as part of cartography, the science of accurately depicting round earth (reduced earth, globe) on plain sheet of paper. ( Mahfoozur Rahman, alumni FCC, I passed my Intermediate Science in 1962 and was a student of the 3rd batch to pass out of the College.)
Career positions
He served the UN as New Zealand Representative and military observer in UNIMOGIP in Kashmir. Then in the Middle East, he was successively the Chairman of Egypt/Israel Mixed Armistice Commissions, for the UN troops Supervisory Organization in the Gaza Strip and later in 1958 as Chief Military Observer of the UN in Lebanon. From there he joined Faujdarhat Cadet College in August 1958.
In cadet college
Col. Brown acted as the principal of Faujdarhat Cadet College for as many as seven years. During this period the college advanced much and reputation of cadet college system was spread throughout Bangladesh. Col. Brown's motto was "Love your country, tell the truth and don't dawdle". His wife Mrs. Brown also helped him running the governing body of the college.