Biography – Lt Stephen Robert Stayplton Bree

Second Victorian Rifles

Reginald Bree
Lieutenant Reginald SRS Bree.
(Hamilton History Centre)

Reginald Stephen Robert Stapylton Bree was born 2 September 1880 at Bewsall, Hamilton, Victoria, the eldest son of Robert and Annie Stapylton Bree. He was the grandson of the Rev Robert Stapylton Bree of Tintagel, Cornwall, England and Stephen George Henty, MLC (Member of the Legislative Council, Colony of Victoria) of Portland, an early pioneer of Victoria. He was educated at Hamilton College and was active in sporting pursuits, especially athletics, cricket and football and an enthusiastic member of the Hamilton Hunt Club. Whilst at the college he was a sergeant in the cadet corps and joined 'H' Company of the Victorian Mounted Rifles, as a private in February 1899. Bree was appointed probationary lieutenant in August 1899.1

Known affectionately as Reggie, Bree was employed as a clerk in his father's business, when war was declared in South Africa. His first attempt to enlist was hampered by his poor eyesight, which necessitated him wearing glasses. After a second examination, however, he was accepted. Bree left Hamilton with other members of 'H' Company and joined the second Mounted Rifles Contingent departing from Melbourne on 13 January 1900 aboard the Euryalus. The contingent arrived in Capetown on 5 February and, proceeded to Maitland Camp two days later. His appointment as lieutenant was confirmed on 25 February.

Lieutenant Bree saw action in the relief of Colesberg, before reaching Bloemfontein on 4 April, where the Victorians were placed under their own commanding officer. They remained at Bloemfontain refitting and rehorsing, until 20 May. Enteric fever then began to develop and amongst the victims was Lieutenant Bree, who died on 26 May 1900.2 Two days later, the Victorian Minister of Defence, Mr W H Melville cabled the news of his death to Hamilton, where it was delivered by Father Shanahan, an intimate friend of the family.

Research by Hamilton History Centre indicates that:

Shutters were placed in every shop window, the flags, which had so recently been blowing so triumphantly in the breeze, were half masted, and the church bells, accompanied by the deep tones of the fire bell, tolled forth their mournful message.3

A memorial service led by the Rev Canon Hayman was held in Christ Church the following Sunday, attended by his family, friends and fellow members of 'H' Company.

Lieutenant Bree is commemorated in his hometown of Hamilton on the Boer War Memorial, together with five fellow members of 'H' Company, Victorian Mounted Rifles. The monument, costing £230, was erected by public subscription. He is also commemorated on two plaques in Christ Church and on a memorial tablet inscribed in Latin at Hamilton College which translates:

In memory of
Reginald Stephen Robert Staplyton Bree,
formerly a pupil of this college,
who while fighting as a lieutenant for his country
in South Africa
with courage as becomes a man,
was seized with fever and died,
May 26, 1900.
He has lived
3

Bree's Grave
Grave of Lt. Reginald SRS Bree, Bloemfontein.
(Hamilton History Centre)

His grave in President Brand Cemetery, Bloemfontein, was visited in July 1999, by the Australian High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr David Connelly and reported to be in good repair.5

Acknowledgement -
Betty Huf, Hamilton History Centre, Grey Street, Hamilton, Victoria
(Postal address, PO Box 816, Hamilton Victoria 3300)


1 In Memoriam - Reginald S R S Bree - booklet republished from the Hamilton Spectator 29 May 1900.

2 Official records of the Australian Military Contingents in the War in South Africa, Col P L Murray, Melbourne, 1911.

3 In Memoriam - Reginald S R S Bree - booklet republished from the Hamilton Spectator 29 May 1900.

4 he Late Lieutenant Bree - Memorial Tablet unveiled, Hamilton Spectator, undated.

5 Information from the Hamilton History Centre.