Robert Brownlee was born in Glasgow in 1886. He was an apprentice at Harvey Engineering in Glasgow for five years, listed as an Engineer. He left the UK on SS Dorset from Liverpool on 3 August 1912 and arrived in Melbourne on the 21 September 1912, where he is listed as living at 90 Powlett Street East Melbourne

On 20 February, 1915, he enlisted at Melbourne as a private and was sent to Broadmeadows Camp for training on 29 March 1915. With the rest of the 23rd battalion, he embarked on the HMAT Euripedes A14 on 8 May 1915, bound for Egypt. After further training, they were transferred to Anzac Cove. Robert Brownlee must have done well in Batte and was promoted to Lance Corporal 22 October 1915.

Robert Brownlee was admitted to 15th General Hospital with Appendicitis on 9 Januayr, 1916, and after his release, embarked from Mudros for England on the 17 January 1916, arrivin at G  Depot at Abby Wood 27 March 1916. He left Weymouth to rejoin unit at Etaples on 7 August 1916

Transferred to 6th Field Corp Engineers 12 August and promoted to Company Sergeant Major on the 13 Aug 1916. It was for his service in France and Flanders that earned him the Meritorious Service Medal which he was awarded in 1916.

The citation read, in part: 'For continuous good service throughout over three years of war in EGYPT, GALLIPOLI, FRANCE and BELGIUM and especially during operations on the SOMME between March and September 1918.'

It further stated that Robert Brownlee was ' a gallant and thoroughly reliable soldier under all conditions. His duties have brought him under shell fire and tasks allotted to him have invariably been carried out efficiently and expeditiously.'

It was not just the Australian authorities who recognised his valour and outstanding service. Roumania also awarded him a gold medal, the Medaille Barbatie si Credinta 1st Class. 

Robert Brownlee was granted leave in England 10 Feb to 10 May 1919, where he was employed in civilian work at Springfield Steel Castings in Glasgow during this leave with full pay and subs. Following this, he embarked ex England on SS Miltiedes  for Australia on 5 August 1919. He was discharged from the AIF on 5 October 1919.

On electoral roll in 1919, he was still living at 90 Powlett street East Melbourne, but there are no other records after this date. However, a Robert Brownlee aged 56, listed as shift manager, was killed in a mine collapse at the Westport Coal mine at Millerton in New Zealand in November 1939. It is possible that this is same person.