Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Fred was born at Barnard Castle in 1883 the son of Samuel (a ropemaker) and Deborah Jane (nee Alderson). He was their only son.
In 1901 father Samuel had his own account as a hemp ropemaker. He worked at home. Fred also made hemp rope. The family was able to afford a servant.
Fred married his sweetheart, Selina Slater in 1909. They had a son, Roland Samuel James born 6th February 1910.
By 1911 the little family were living in 2 rooms at 110 Galgate, Barnard Castle. Fred was a platelayer on the railway. A second son Horace Fred was born 5th November 1913.
Fred joined the army and originally served as number 33242 with the Durham Light infantry. Fred was reported wounded 27th October 1917 on War Office daily List 5401. This injury allowed him to wear a wound stripe.
However only a few months later, whilst serving with Northumberland Fusiliers, he was killed in action on 28th March 1918.
Fred Breen is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.10, B135.12, B135.23 and B135.25
He is also remembered in the Northumberland Fusiliers Book of Remembrance page 33
