4th Regiment, South African Infantry (South African Army)
Died:
03/04/1918 (Prisoner of War)
Age:
28
Summary
James Breen was the oldest son of son of John and Mary Eliza Breen. He was born about 1891. They were a farming family, living in Freughmore, Clogher. Private James Breen was serving with the 4th Regiment of the South African Infantry when he was captured. Private Breen died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war on 3rd April 1918, aged 28. Private James Breen is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery in France.
Further Information
James Breen was the oldest son of son of John and Mary Eliza Breen. John Breen and Mary Trimble were married on 25th November 1886 in the district of Dungannon.
James Breen was born about 1891 in County Tyrone.
The 1901 census lists John Breen as a farmer. 10 year old James was the eldest son.
Known family: John Breen, Mary Eliza Breen, Eliza Breen (born about 1888), James Breen (born about 1891), Thomas John Breen (born 25th October 1892), Matilda Breen (born 6th September 1895, twin), William Breen (born 6th September 1895, twin, died 1st November 1895), Rebecca Maria Breen (born 26th January 1898, died 30th March 1898), Rebecca Maria Breen (born 16th March 1899), Martha Breen (born 7th October 1901).
The 1901 census lists James as age 10, living with the family at house 2 in Freughmore, Clogher, County Tyrone. John Breen as a farmer.
James’s father, John Breen, died on 15th June 1907 in the district of Clogher. He was 50 years old.
The 1911 census lists James as age 21, a farmer's son, living with the family at house 6 in Freughmore. His mother as a widow.
Private James Breen was serving with the 4th Regiment of the South African Infantry when he was captured.
Private Breen died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war on 3rd April 1918, aged 28.
Private James Breen is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery in France.
James Breen is commemorated locally on Clogher War Memorial and on St Macartan’s Cathedral Roll of Honour Tablet.
The CWGC record Private James Breen as the son of Mary Breen of Freughmore, Clogher, County Tyrone, Ireland, and also as the son of the late John Breen.
