Overview
Laurence Philip "Laurie" Brokenshire CBE (20 October 1952 – 4 August 2017) was a British Royal Navy officer and an accomplished magician. He built a long naval career as a submariner and rose to senior ranks before retiring in 2003. After or alongside his naval service he pursued magic more publicly, earning membership of the Inner Magic Circle and performing at events as a semi‑professional.
Early life and education
Brokenshire was born in Plymouth and grew up in the county of Devon. He studied at the University of Exeter before beginning his naval career. His southwestern English origins remained a noted part of his personal story, and he maintained connections with local communities throughout his life, including his birthplace of Plymouth.
Naval career
Brokenshire served in the Royal Navy as a submariner, progressing through seagoing and staff appointments to become a senior officer. He held command and specialist roles typical of long-serving officers in the submarine service, and he was recognised with the award of the CBE. His service is frequently mentioned in accounts of late 20th‑century Royal Navy submarine operations and leadership. For official records and summaries of his naval honours see links associated with the honours list and the wider Royal Navy.
Magic, public life and later years
Alongside his naval work and after retirement he became active as a magician. He was accepted into the Inner Magic Circle, an indication of professional recognition within the magic community. He performed at private and public events as an occasional professional or semi‑professional entertainer, combining close‑up magic, sleight‑of‑hand and stage pieces with a communicator’s discipline likely honed during his naval career.
Death and legacy
Brokenshire died of brain cancer on 4 August 2017 in Stubbington, Hampshire, at the age of 64. His passing was noted by both naval and magic circles, reflecting an unusual dual career. He is remembered for his service to the Royal Navy, his charitable and public appearances, and for bringing professional standards of discipline and presentation to his magic performances.
Notable facts and distinctions
- Rank and honours: Brokenshire retired with the rank of Commodore and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- Submarine service: best known for a long career in the submarine branch of the Royal Navy, a specialised and highly technical field.
- Magic community: accepted into the Inner Magic Circle, indicating high regard among magicians.
- Public profile: combined military service with public performance, an uncommon professional combination that drew attention from both communities.
For further reading or official notices, see the referenced links and institutional pages connected to his naval honours and community acknowledgements.