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1102, Sergeant John BREESE — 11th Hussars
Also recorded as "Breeze".
Birth & early life
Born, according to his documents, in the parish of St. Sidwell, Exeter c.1820.
[PB: The 1861 Census says St Sidwell, Exeter, and the 1851 and 1871 Censuses say simply Exeter. However, the 1881 Census states Stepney, London.]
Was John Breeze/Breese rescued from drowning and adopted? Was this the origin of his name?
And if so, where?
From the Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore and Legend published in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, December 1889 (p.592):
"Sergeant-Major Breeze, of H.M.'s Body-Guard, who when quite an infant was picked up at the mouth of the Tyne in the year 1819 lashed to a spar and who took part in the famous charge at Balaclava, died on the 11th of October 1889.
His rescuer was the captain of a coaster, named Dixon. This man adopted him and gave him the name he had. After the death of his benefactor he came to London, where, after serving in various civilian capacities, he enlisted in 1841."
However, a search of the local histories and records shows no reference to a child being picked up off Tynemouth. However, it has been suggested that a reporting mistake was made and this should have been Teignmouth, which is not far from Exeter, where, according to his military records and documents, he was born.
No local newspapers can yet be found which circulated in this area either during the period in question, and might have carried such a report, and a study of the baptismal records for St. Sidwell's Church for the years 1819/21 show no entry for him.
There are some eight or nine people with the surname of Breeze, according to the telephone directory, living in the Exeter area at the present time [1980].)
This is quite possibly yet another instance of pure Victorian romanticism, but nevertheless, of interest.
[PB: Laurence Crider (In Search..., 3rd edition, p. 229), citing Ken Horton, states: "[T]hey named him John after the skipper and "/allmen/allmenB/allmenB_11H/breeze_j_1102_11H/breeze" because he had come in with the breeze. How the baby had ever got there remained a mystery."]
Enlistment
Enlisted into the 14th Light Dragoons at Queen's Square, London, on the 30th of March 1841, for "unlimited service". Regimental No. 802.
Age: 21.
Height: 5' 8".
Trade: Bootlast-maker.
Appearance: Fresh complexion. Blue eyes. Brown hair.
Service
Transferred, "at his own request", to the 11th Hussars on the 1st of May 1841.
1851 Census
Pockthorpe Barracks, Norwich.
John Breese, 30, Unmarried, Private, born Exeter, Devon.
[PB]
From Private to Corporal: 10th of February 1853.
Corporal to Sergeant: 10th of May 1854.
[He was named as a survivor of the Charge in the 1877 list of members of the Balaclava Commemoration Society, but not in the 1879 revised list.]
[PB, June 2014: Lost his arm at Inkerman, 5th November 1854.]
How John Breese lost his arm, and how his life was saved by cheese
Extract from the memoirs of R.S.M. George Loy Smith, published in 1987 under the title of A Victorian R.S.M.. The Light Brigade were sheltered behind a hill at Inkerman:
"We were halted about 200 yards from the top. The enemy must have known we were there, for they dropped their cannon-balls just over the brow of the hill so that they passed through us about breast-high. One struck a horse's head, knocking it to pieces, then took Sergeant Breeze's arm off, taking the three bars and leaving the crown."
Later, when on a visit to Scutari Hospital in November 1854:
1479 Thomas Williams, 11th Hussars also describes the event in a letter home (dated 6th January 1855), which was subsequently published in at least one local newspaper, and in the Patriotic Fund Journal."On asking the sergeant whose arm had been shot off at Inkerman how he was, he said that his arm had been amputated a second time, and that he suffered greatly and feared he should not live, he had such a dreadful diarrhoea.
Having heard that Dutch cheese was an excellent thing for diarrhoea, I went to the bazaar and bought one. He cut a large piece at once, eat it, and the next day he was much better. After that he improved daily, and was quite well as far as his health was concerned.
Before I left Scutari he often thanked me, saying the cheese had saved his life."
Sent to Scutari on the 9th of November 1854.
Invalided from Scutari to England aboard the "Neptune" on the 1st of March, 1855.
"Queen Victoria's First Visit to her Wounded Soldiers", by Jerry Barrett. Painted 1856. National Portrait Gallery, London.
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John Breeze was among the wounded soldiers seen by Queen Victoria on her visit to Brompton Barracks, Chatham, on the 3rd of March 1855. His is the figure on the extreme right. Notice there is none of the swagger of the famous Royal Collection photograph.
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From "The Queen and the Veterans" [PB: unknown source, but probably the United Services Gazette]:
"On her Majesty and Prince Albert, some time back, visiting Chatham, for the purpose of inspecting the wounded and [examining the] invalided soldiers returned from the Crimea, among the wounded she noticed one, of whom, from his soldier-like bearing [appearance], as well as seeing that his arm was off at the socket, her Majesty was induced to ask several questions.
"What is [What's] your name?"
"/allmen/allmenB/allmenB_11H/breeze_j_1102_11H/breeze, your Majesty."
"Where did you lose your arm?"
"At the battle of Balaklava."
"Poor fellow! I hope they'll behave well to you. What regiment do you belong to?"
"Prince Albert's 11th Hussars, where I have served as sergeant for the last twelve years," was the soldier's reply.
[PB: This was not correct — see his promotion dates. Neither did he lose his arm at Balaclava — it was at Inkerman, as confirmed by the medical report at the time of his discharge.]
Her Majesty instantly turned round to the Prince, saying, "My dear, We [you] must do something for him," and nodding to Sergeant Breeze in a most friendly [gentle] fashion said, "You shall not be forgotten."
Shortly afterwards following the return of her Majesty to Windsor, she appointed him a Yeoman of the Guard and gave orders that he should receive five shillings a week from her private purse, in addition to the two shillings a day he received for his Army service.
[Shortly after return to Windsor, she gave orders that Sergeant Breeze should receive 5s a week out of her private purse, had also appointed one of the Yeoman of the Guard, and a pension of 2s per day for life.]
[PB, note: The Colonial Times (Hobart, Tasmania), 14th of February 1856, reported the story almost verbatim (variations are noted in square brackets above), under the headline "Morceaux", introduced by the line, "The United Service Gazette tells the following anecdote of Royal benevolence:"). Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8784820#pstart678318 (accessed 18.5.14).]
Discharge & pension
Discharged from Newbridge, Ireland, on the 30th of April 1855.
Medical report on discharge:
"I certify that Sergeant John Breeze is suffering from the loss of his right arm from amputation caused by a wound from a 13lb shot at the battle of Inkerman. Has also scar on left jaw bone."
Aged 35 years on discharge. Conduct: "Exemplary".
Granted a pension of 2/- per day on discharge.
At discharge, he said he intended too live at 6, Garden Row, London Row, Southwark, London.
Medals
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.
Documents confirm the award of the Crimean medal with the three clasps as stated, and the Turkish medal.
He was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was recommended for it on the 10th of January 1855, and received it with a gratuity of £10, but it is not known under what circumstances this was awarded.
He is said to have been presented with his Crimean medal by Queen Victoria at a ceremony on the Horse Guards Parade on the 18th of May 1855.
The distribution of Crimean Medals on Horse Guards Parade, 18th of May 1855. Painting by Sir John Tenniel.
[CHECK THE FOLLOWING — it is not clear on exactly which lists his name appears]. His name is [not?] written in the Nominal Roll of those present now in the PRO, but it does appear in a similar roll in the United Services Magazine for June of 1855, and on a similar roll which appeared in the United Services Magazine for June of 1855 and on that which appeared in the Illustrated London News of the 26th of May 1855.
It is possible he is depicted in a painting of the event [PB: Tenniel's or Thomas's version?]. In the bottom right hand corner of the picture, some six or seven individuals in, is the head and shoulders figure of a man with a full beard wearing the head-dress of the 11th Hussars who has a strong resemblance to other known pictures. This could well be John Breese.
Awarded the Queen Victoria 1877 Jubilee Medal while serving as a Yeoman of the Guard.
Further medal information archived.
Commemorations
Attended the first Balaclava Banquet in 1875. (See later notes.)
Portrait of John Breeze in the Illustrated London News, 30th October 1875.
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He was named as a survivor of the Charge in the 1877 list of members of the Balaclava Commemoration Society, but not in the 1879 revised list.
He was appointed to the rank of Usher in the Yeoman of the Guard in 1880.
Likenesses [more to be added?]
Portrait of John Breese c.1855, by an unknown photographer [now attributed to Cundall and Howlett]. The Royal Collection.
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In 2013 [?], the Royal Collection catalogue entry read:
"Photograph of Sergeant Breese in three-quarters length portrait. He wears uniform and faces the viewer. His left hand rests on hilt of sword and his right sleeve is tied to button on front of tunic. He wears the Crimea medal.
Sergeant Breese (c.1817-1889) of the 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars lost his arm at the battle of Inkerman. He was one of the wounded men Queen Victoria and Prince Albert met at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and was also sketched by Queen Victoria.
His portrait is one of a number of photographs that Queen Victoria requested be taken of the wounded men. She later appointed Breese a Yeoman of the Guard, with a pension for life."
By 2019, the commentary had been augmented, and the photograph attributed to Cundall and Howlett:
Sergeant John Breese (1817-89) 1855-6
Salted paper print, enhanced with ink in some areas | 24.8 x 18.9 cm | RCIN 2500154
Attributed to Joseph Cundall (1818-1895) & Robert Howlett (1831-1858)
Photograph of Sergeant John Breese standing with his body turned slightly to the right. He is wearing military uniform with a sash and two medals. His right arm is visibly missing under his jacket sleeve and he is holding a sword in his left hand.
Sergeant John Breese served with the 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars during the Crimean War and lost his arm at the Battle of Inkerman. He was one of the wounded men Queen Victoria and Prince Albert met at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, where he was sketched by Queen Victoria. This portrait is one of a number of photographs that Queen Victoria commissioned of wounded Crimean veterans. The Queen presented Breese with his Crimean Medal on Horse Guards Parade, London, on 18 May 1855. She later appointed Breese a Yeoman of the Guard, with a pension for life.
Troop Sergeant Major Smith saw Breese's injury occur: 'The enemy must have known where we were, for they dropped their cannonballs just over the brow of the hill so that they passed through us about breast high. One struck a horse's head, knocking it to pieces, then took off Sergeant Breese's arm. It then struck Private Wright full in the chest passing right through him. He fell out of the saddle close to my horse's feet.'
[Source: Royal Collection Trust: Sergeant John Breese (1817-89), 1855-6 (accessed 24.4.2019). Further information here.]
John Breese et al at Buckingham Palace, 1855
Soldiers awarded the Crimean Medal by Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace, 1855
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Photograph of a group of six soldiers who served in the Crimean War. From left to right: Sergeant John Breese of the 11th Hussars, Sergeant William Owen of the Grenadier Guards, Bombadier Henry Lidsdell of the Royal Artillery, Corporal Charles Motton of the Scots Fusilier Guards, Private Andrew Robins of the Royal Artillery and Corporal Frederick Bridges of the Coldstream Guards. They are wearing the dress uniform of their regiment and the Crimean Medal. Sergeant Breese and Private Robins are both missing an arm. There are two windows of Buckingham Palace behind them. This photograph, printed by Jabez Hughes in 1883, is a carbon print pasted over the original photograph.
These soldiers were awarded the Crimean Medal by Queen Victoria on 18th May 1855. Throughout the war she had taken an active interest in the welfare of the troops and on their return to Britain she met a number of veterans at Buckingham Palace and at the military hospital at Chatham.
[Source: Soldiers awarded the Crimean Medal by Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace 1883, copy after 1855 original. Carbon print | 10.7 x 13.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2500168. The Royal Collection.]
Line portrait of John Breese in the Illustrated London News, 30th October 1875.
A line portrait of him also appeared in the special Balaclava edition of the Illustrated London News, 30th of October 1875. (Copy in the 11th Hussar file.)
A photograph of John Breese appears in Uniforms and Equipment of the Light Brigade, by J. & B. Mollo. (London, 1968) (Copy in the 11th Hussar file.) ADD.
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John Breese, Yeoman of the Guard
Ten Yeomen of the Guard standing in full dress, some holding partisans, all looking at the camera. Sergeant John Breese stands second from the left in the group. c.1885. 10.3 x 14.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2911077. Link?
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Further images in the EJBA
There are two coloured pictures of JB in the EJBA/11th Hussar file, one in the uniform of the 11th Hussars and the other as a Yeoman of the Guard. See below for a reference to a a photostat copy of a "stereoscope picture" in which he can be instantly recognised by the absence of an arm.
[PB: I have found the two colour pictures [shown below] but not the photostat. Have another look for it.]
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Photograph of John Breeze colourised.
"Sergeant Bruse, One of the survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade. Ca 1854", Peter Robichaud, July 2016.
Online at Studio Robichaud.
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Mitches Military Models: Sgt. John Breese 11th Hussars.
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"Sculpted for MMM by Jim Evans is this 200mm scale resin kit of Sgt John Breese of the 11th Hussars. Sgt Breese took part in the charge of the Light Brigade where he lost his right arm and is depicted wearing his Crimean War campaign medals. Price is £65 which includes worldwide postage."
[Sources: PlanetFigure: Sgt. John Breese 11th Hussars; Mitches Military Models (accessed 10.2.2019).]
PlanetFigure: Sgt John Breese Bust, 11th Hussars, Crimea veteran
"Discussion in 'vBench (Works in Progress)' started by ChrisP, Jun 10, 2013."
[Source: PlanetFigure: Sgt John Breese Bust, 11th Hussars, Crimea veteran", model painted by "ChrisP", 2013.]
Life after service
He married Sarah Marlow, daughter of William Marlow, a Bricklayer, at Trinity Church, Twickenham, London, on the 8th of July 1858. They had one son, Henry John, whose birth was registered in Wandsworth in 1859.
Marriage registered
John Breese married Sarah Marlow, September Quarter 1858, Brentford.
Birth registered
Henry John Breese [son], December Quarter 1859, Wandsworth.
1861 Census
4, Park Road Terrace, Battersea
John Breese, aged 40, "Chelsea Pensioner", born Exeter, St Sidwell.
Sarah, 40, Twickenham, Middlesex.
Henry J., 1, Battersea, Surrey.
[RM]
[PB: Where was Park Road Terrace? Is this now part of Battersea Bridge Rd?]
1871 Census
Park Road, Battersea.
John Breeze [sic?], aged 50, Pensioner 11th Hussars, born Exeter.
Sarah, 50, born Twickenham.
One child is shown: John H., 11.
1881 Census
Marlow Villa, Park Road, Battersea
John Breese, aged 63, Army Pensioner, born at Stepney [sic], London, in 1818 [PB: does it actually say that, or is this an inference?], was living with his wife, Sarah, aged 60, born Twickenham, and a son, Henry J., aged 23, an Ironmonger's Assistant. [RM]
Note: their house is named after Sarah's maiden name.
Death & burial
Death certificate: John Breese, 11 October 1889
"John Breese, 11 October 1889, 25 Park Road, 72 years, Yeoman of the Guard. Army Pensioner. Acute Bronchitis. S Breese, Widow of deceased. Present at the death, 25 Park Road, Battersea. Registered 16 October 1889."
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Deaths registered
John Breese, 72, December Quarter 1889, Wandsworth.
Sarah Breese, 84, March Quarter 1904, Wandsworth.
John Breeze/Breese died on the 11th of October 1889 at his home, Marlow Villa, Park Road, Battersea, London, and was buried on the 18th of October in Battersea Rise Cemetery. His house had been named after his wife. It has recently [1976] been demolished, and the site is now a garage and service station.
His death certificate shows that he died, aged 72 years, from "Acute Bronchitis" at No. 25 Park Road, East Battersea. His widow, Sarah, was present at, and the informant of, his death. His occupation was given as Yeoman of the Guard and Army Pensioner. (There is a copy of his death certificate in the 11th Hussar file.)
From the Putney and Wandsworth News [date?]:
"His death came after a brief illness. The deceased was believed to have been 72 years of age at the time of his death and by his genial character and fund of animal spirits had earned the esteem of all who came into contact with him.
The funeral, which by the request of the deceased will be very simple, will be held in Battersea Rise Cemetery on Friday next, at 3pm."
From Modern Society, 26th of October 1889:
"A picturesque figure has disappeared from the Queen's Body Guard in the familiar figure of Sergeant Major John Breese, the sturdy one-armed Yeoman of the Guard who died at the ripe old age of 72 the other day at Battersea.
He was known as one of the survivors of the Balaclava Charge, riding into that "valley of death" as a Sergeant in the 11th Hussars. He escaped with a slight wound, but afterwards, when on vedette duty at Inkerman, he had his sword arm carried away by a round-shot, which also killed his horse.
In this perilous position he remained for some time, being unable to extricate himself until lifted from the saddle by the relieving patrol and was afterwards an inmate of the hospital at Scutari and being attended to by Miss Florence Nightingale.
At the inspection of the invalided soldiers from the Crimea in 1855 by the Queen and the Prince Consort, the maimed cavalry-man was selected and directly appointed a Yeoman of the Guard, in which distinguished body he served for 34 years."
From the South London Press, Saturday the 19th of October 1889:
'One of the Six Hundred.'
There died at his residence on the 11th inst. at No. 25, Old Park Road, Old Battersea, John Breeze, aged 72, much respected and beloved by all who knew him. The aged veteran was one of the redoubted 600 who took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade.
He had his right arm shot off in that mad charge and was removed to Scutari Hospital, where, through the kindness and devotion of Miss Florence Nightingale he recovered his health.
When her Majesty visited her wounded soldiers she was so struck by his soldierly bearing that she appointed him one of her Majesty's Royal Body Guard and in which Corps he served for 24 years as a Yeoman and 9 years as a Sergeant Major.
Mr. Breeze had the British Crimean medal with three clasps, the Turkish medal and the Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field."
From the Evening News and Post, 16th of October 1889:
A Balaclava Hero — Dies at a Ripe Old Age. — His Romantic Career.
One of the survivors of Balaclava has just passed away after a brief illness. The deceased was Sergeant-Major John Breeze, of Her Majesty's Body Guard, who, at the time of his death, and had for many years previously, resided at Marley Villa, Park Road, Battersea.
His career was an eventful one, the earliest record of his existence being that he was picked up when quite an infant off the mouth of the Tyne in the year 1819, having been found lashed to a spar. His rescuer was the captain of a coasting steamer named Dixon, who adopted him, and gave him the name which he bore.
On the death of his benefactor the deceased came to London, and after serving in various civilian capacities enlisted into the 11th Hussars in the year 1841.
He remained with the regiment, and proceeded with it to the Crimea, being present at the battle of the Alma. He also took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade under Lord Cardigan, through which he escaped unhurt, but in the battle of Inkerman his right arm was shot away.
He was taken to the Hospital at Scutari, and was there tended by Miss Florence Nightingale, of whom he always spoke with the utmost enthusiasm.
Thence he was invalided home, and it was in the Hospital at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, that her Majesty, when on a visit, appointed him a member of her Body Guard. It was during his service in the Crimea that he was appointed a sergeant in his regiment, and he was also recommended for further promotion, but the loss of his limb rendered that impossible.
He served in the Body Guard for 34 years and several years since attained the rank of Sergeant Major in the distinguished corps. During that period, he has, on several occasions, been the recipient of marked expressions of Royal favour.
The deceased is believed to have been 72 years of age at the time of his death, and by his genial character and flow of animal spirits had earned the esteem and respect of all who knew and came into contact with him.
The funeral, which by the request of the deceased will be very simple, will take place on Friday next at 3pm."
From the Broad Arrow, 26th of October 1889:
"11th Hussars. — A detachment, consisting of the Regimental Sergeant Major, Quarter-Master Sergeant, and six Troop Sergeant Majors, attended as representatives of the Corps at Battersea Cemetery on Friday the 18th inst., at the funeral of Sergeant-Major John Breese, Yeoman of the Queen's Body-Guard and formerly of the 11th Hussars."
Grave in Battersea Cemetery
His wife, Sarah, was buried in the same grave-space on the 21st of March 1904. The grave is No. A1-677 and is in Row No. 67, situated close to the path on the west side of the chapel. The burial records show that there is a landing and ledger on the grave. [PB: meaning?]
It has now been established that his tombstone is a coffin-shaped one of red granite, and bears on one side of the raised centre the inscription:
"In loving memory of John Breese, late Sergeant Major, H.M.'s Body Guard, formerly of the 11th Hussars and One of the Balaclava Six Hundred, who departed this life, 11th of October 1889, aged 72. "Deeply regretted by all who knew him."
On the other side is that to his wife:
"In loving memory of Sarah Breese, beloved wife of John Breese, who departed this life March 18th 1904, aged 82 years, 'Gone, but not forgotten.'"
(There are photographs of this stone in the 11th Hussar file.)
John and Sarah Breese: Gravestone in Battersea Rise Cemetery
(Photos: EJB /EJBA, 1980s?)
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The gravestone in 2014
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John and Sarah Brese's gravestone in Battersea Rise Cemetery, London. Photograph: Robbie Pearson, 2014.
Further information
Maundy Thursday procession
From the Daily Telegraph (unknown date), describing John Breeze's participation in a Maundy Thursday ceremony:
"As three o'clock approached, a procession was then formed, headed by the choristers in white surplices and followed by the rectors and vicars of the London parishes. Then followed Sergeant Major Breeze, who lost his arm at the battle of Inkerman, in command of some twelve of the Queen's Body Guard from Sergeant James's Palace, all veterans, and bearing the insignia of brave service upon their chests who took up their allotted positions in front of the pews. One of these bore on his head a charger full of Maundy gifts, which he placed in front of the Royal closet."
Family
1901 Census
25, Park Road, Battersea.
Sarah Breese, 80, widow, born Twickenham.
A visitor, Jane Riches, single, 40, is also shown.
At the same address, but counted as a separate household:
Henry Breese, 41, Ironmonger's Assistant, born Battersea.
Jane Breese, wife, 40, Westminster.
James, 12, Harry, 11, William, 8, Charles, 5: all schoolboys, born Lewisham, Kent.
Henry Breese [son]
Henry Breese later had an Ironmonger's business at Hither Green Lane. He married a Miss Jane Laurence at St. Mary's Church, Battersea. There were four sons of this marriage, of whom one was killed during World War One.
1911 Census.
25, Park Road, Battersea.
Henry John Breese [son], 50, Ironmonger's Assistant, born Battersea.
Jane Breese, 50, born Westminster.
James Marlow Breese, 22, Clerk.
Henry John Breese, 21, Engineer.
William Lawrence Breese, 18, Clerk (out of work).
Death registered
Henry J Breese [son], 72, March Quarter 1932, Battersea.
Much of the family information comes from one of his grandsons, Henry John Breese (as the name is now spelt), who in 1974 was living with his wife at Battersea, London. Both were aged over eighty at that time. He served for 26 years in the Royal Navy, including both World Wars.
The family possesses a number of items formerly belonging to John Breese, including his pipe (much used), a knife, tin box, presumably used to keep his "small book" dry, and a large amount of cuttings, wills, menu cards, and Royal party lists of guests at functions which he attended as a Yeoman of the Guard.
One very interesting item is a stereoscope picture in which he can be instantly recognised by the absence of an arm. (Photostat copies of some of these items can be found in the 11th Hussar file.) One of these is his invitation card to the 1875 Dinner and another his "warrant" as a Yeoman of the Guard.
[PB: Locate and add these images.]
References & acknowledgements
In March 2018 the EJBA was contacted by Robbie Pearson. The editors are very grateful to him for sending us his photograph of John and Sarah Breese/Breeze's gravestone, shown above.
Census information for 1871, 1901, and 1911, and a number of marriage, birth and death registrations, kindly provided by Chris Poole.
