| Brereton | Edward Fitzgerald | | Major | BRERETON, EDWARD FITZGERALD, Major, was born 21 January 1861, son of William Westropp Brereton, QC, of the Irish Bar. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and at Reading School, and entered the Army, as a Second Lieutenant in the 48th Foot, 11 August 1880; became Lieutenant in the Northamptonshire Regiment 12 March, 1881, and was Adjutant 5 August 1885 to 4 August 1890, being promoted Captain 1 September 1886. He served during operations on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98; took part in the operations on the Samana; also with Tirah Expeditionary Force (Medal with three clasps). He was promoted Major 18 January 1899. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, as District Commandant; afterwards Station Staff Officer, and as Assistant Provost-Marshal. Was present at the advance on Kimberley, including actions at Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein; served in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900; also in Orange River Colony, May to November 1900; in the Transvaal 30 November to December 1900, and March, 1901 and 31 May 1902; also in Cape Colony, December 1900 to March 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; Queen's Medal with four clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "Edward Fitzgerald Brereton, Major, Northamptonshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 2 June 1907, and commanded the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment until 1911; became Colonel 19 July 1911, and was appointed to command the 2nd West Riding Brigade (TF) in 1912. He served in the European War from 1914 to 1918, and was created a CB in 1916. On 24 April, 1918, he retired with the rank of Brigadier General. Brigadier General Brereton married, in 1887, Fanny E, youngest child of Major General E Foster, late 12th Regiment, and they had one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Northamptonshire Regiment |
