As communities across the New England prepare to mark ANZAC Day this Saturday, the story of a little-known Armidale-born war hero is finally being brought back into the spotlight. Squadron Leader Adam Howie “Curly” Brydon DFC and Bar, born in Armidale in 1921, led an extraordinary life of service, adventure and achievement, yet remains largely unknown in his hometown.
Now, thanks to a newly released biography by author and publisher Richard Townley, that is beginning to change.
“He was born in Armidale, but nobody knows much about him,” Mr Townley said.
Brydon’s wartime record alone is remarkable. Enlisting in the RAAF at just 18, he went on to become Australia’s youngest wartime Squadron Leader at 22. Even earlier, at just 19, he was involved in what is believed to be the first Allied aerial attack against Japanese forces in the Pacific, an operation that took place before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“That was the first action in World War II against the Japanese, which in fact occurred before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which is something that most people don’t know about either,” Mr Townley said.
For Townley, the timing of the book’s release ahead of ANZAC Day adds an extra layer of significance, particularly for regional readers.
“With ANZAC Day coming up, it gives a bit of local interest,” he said. “I think people will be quite surprised at what they read and what they find.”
Brydon was born at “Loloma” on Barney Street and educated locally, attending The Armidale School as well as The Hilton School (now PLC Armidale). His father was a doctor in the town, and his early years were firmly rooted in the New England region.
Despite these strong local ties, Townley said Brydon’s name is largely absent from conversations about notable figures from Armidale.
“It’s quite amazing that even if you look up famous people from Armidale, he’s not even mentioned,” he said.
Townley’s connection to Brydon’s story began unexpectedly more than two decades ago.
“Back in 2000, I bought an MG race car, and its second owner was Curly Brydon,” he said. “So ever since that time, I’ve put together what I could about Curly Brydon – and that’s almost been a full-time job for the last three years.”
That “labour of love” has now culminated in his first book, Curly Brydon, released just last month.
“It’s been a very pleasurable research project,” Townley said. “The biggest joy… is getting the remarks from his family because they now have information that they didn’t even know about.”
While Brydon’s military service is extraordinary, his life after the war was equally remarkable, spanning motorsport, sailing and a successful international business career. But it was his wartime reputation that stood out most during the research process.
“I think probably how he was revered from his wartime service… that has been really quite remarkable,” Townley said.
As Australians pause to reflect this ANZAC Day, Townley believes stories like Brydon’s offer an important reminder of a different generation.
“Well, just how people got up and did things,” he said. “It certainly was a different time.”
With copies of the book already making their way to local connections, Townley hopes the biography will spark renewed recognition for one of the region’s own.
“I think people will be quite surprised at what they read,” he said.
As ANZAC Day approaches, Brydon’s story stands as a timely reminder that even in well-known communities, there are still remarkable histories waiting to be rediscovered, and that sometimes, the most extraordinary lives begin in places just like Armidale.
To purchase a copy of Curly Brydon, visit the Curly Brydon Biography website.
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