B. Bromilow-Downing

Biography

During his student years in the late 1920’sand early 1930’s, he exhibited clear leadership qualities, inter alia serving as a member of the Men's Residence House Committee, convener of the Hospital Rag and cheerleader at intervarsity.

During World War II he was second in command of the 17th Field Ambulance in the Western Desert, until taken a prisoner of war at Tobruk in 1942. In the prisoner of war camp in Germany, he played a large role in efforts to keep the morale of the troops up.

From 1958 to 1977 he was the Dean of the Medical Faculty and Professor of Medical Education at the University of Cape Town.

He passedf away in

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

While a student he was an active member of the dramatic society, and after the war, while he was superintendent of the Frere Hospital in East London, he was the moving force responsible for establishing the East London Guild Theatre, which he produced the pantomimes, writing the librettoes in conjunction with his friend, the Arthur Marks, who provided the music.