Bill Brann—'Architect of the Observing System'

In 1940 Bill, then a science teacher, joined the Bureau as a trainee meteorologist. He served as a civilian forecaster and was commissioned into the RAAF Meteorological Service on its formation in 1941. After further duty at RAAF forecasting offices, Bill joined the Instruments Section which had expanded to meet the increasing needs for meteorological instruments and for the repair and calibration of instruments for the RAAF.

After discharge from the RAAF in 1946 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, Bill stayed on with the Instruments Section and took over as its Officer in Charge, after the departure of the war-time leader and his deputy. The position, equivalent to the present Assistant Director Observations and Engineering presented a considerable challenge.

Radar wind finding had been employed during the war and radar weather watching had been attempted; both relied on military equipment not available to the civilian Bureau. Bill inherited a network which, apart from the radiosonde, was devoid of complex instrumentation. He did not even have control of observing practices, which was then divided among other sections.

By the time he retired in 1975 as Superintending Meteorologist, Observations and Traffic Section, the Bureau had, due to his efforts, a high quality observing system including the latest radars and automatic weather stations. Also, there was in place an organisation of meteorologists, engineers, technicians and observations specialists fully capable of dealing with the challenges which lay ahead, such as diminishing resources and the need to introduce new technology as it became available.

Bill accomplished his task with the highest level of professionalism and engendered the same qualities in his staff. He was held in the highest esteem by his staff and was known as 'the legendary Bill Brann'. Bill is survived by Effie, his wife of 54 years, four children and four grandchildren. To them, Frosterley and the Bureau extend deepest sympathy.

- Don Handcock

Bureau of Meteorology