L/Sergeant John Lamb Brereton #65112, 24th Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014

Born on August 22, 1890 in Kidderminster, Worcester, England To Richard Brereton, railway goods clerk, and Eleanor Lamb. At the age of twenty-four John made his way to the U.S.A. and eventually to Canada looking for steady employment. He may have have been given a Land Grant in South Saskatchewan as he crossed from Portal, North Dakota into Saskatchewan September 1914. By October 1914 however after war was declared, John Brereton is found in Montreal enlisting into the 24th (Victoria Rifles of Canada) Battalion. He enlisted October 26, 1914 in Montreal listing his occupation as "rancher", single. 5'4" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, religion Church of England.

Officially joined the 24th Battalion on November 7,1914, the day Ottawa formally authorized the battalion\s formation. They left for England on the S.S. Cameronian. May 1915.On arrival Private Brereton forfeited 1 day pay for being AWL from East Sandling on May 20. 1915. September 1 promoted to Lance Corporal.The 24th Battalion traveled to France September 15. Promoted full corporal December 12, 1915. Suffered GSW wound to right hand and fingers February 23. 1916. Rejoined unit in field April 6, 1916. Appointed Lance Sergeant April 11, 1915. Granted 8 days leaves May 2. 1916. Killed in action May 23, 1916.

Killed in action May 23, 1916. The battalion war diary for that day nor the Circumstances of Casualty form include any details which is fairly strange. Lance Sergeant John Lamb Brereton is buried in Wysschaete Military Cemetery, grave IA.E.7

His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial can be found HERE 
His attestation paper and service record can be found on Library and Archives Canada HERE