Colonel Francis Brereton

Frederick Sadlier Brereton (1852 – 1957) studied medicine at Guy’s hospital, before gaining first place in the entrance exam to join the Army Medical Staff in 1896.

He was promoted to Captain in 1899 and served with the Royal Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C) as a medical officer to the 2nd Scots Guards during the Boer War.

At the outbreak of the First World War, he served with the R.A.M.C, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A highly decorated individual, he was awarded the C.B.E in 1919.

Brereton began writing his famous adventure books for boys prior to the First World War, when he was living in Stockport, Merseyside.

His experiences allowed him to write gripping tales, with such accuracy and attention to detail that one can almost hear the roar of guns and feel the sun beating down on the soldiers in their tropical dress uniforms.

Brereton also lived in Hemel Hempstead in Heath Barn, St. Johns Road, and was a Mayor of Hemel Hempstead from 1927-28.

We care for nearly forty editions of Brereton’s adventure books in our collection, alongside his local history works about Hemel Hempstead.

Here are some book covers of his novels, many have been published by Blackie & Son Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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