Hugh Brodie was educated at Melbourne High School, and then the University of Melbourne, where he gained a B.A. (Hons). Prior to World War II he taught at Sale High School and then Melbourne High School. He joined the R.A.A.F. in September 1940, and was sent to Britain, where he trained as a navigator. He was posted to 460 Squadron R.A.A.F. in February 1942 but was subsequently killed whilst on operations near Dusseldorf on 3 June, 1942. His poem 'An Airman's Prayer' was found among his personal effects after his death.
