BRETT, DE RENZIE JAMES (1809-89) was the son of a barrister at Wexford, Ireland. He was educated at Portora, county Fermanagh, under Dr (afterwards Bishop) Knox, and in 1825 received his ensigncy in the 31st Madras Light Infantry, in which he served 24 years (nine as adjutant and some time as fort adjutant at Bellary).

Brett had a most gallant record of service. In the Coorg campaign (1834) he distinguished himself in rearguard actions; in saving the regimental treasure when the transport bullocks had been killed; at the capture of the stockade of Cassinhully and in command of the assaulting party at the storming of the Bakh stockade (when six out of eight officers were killed). This action, which is described in Warren's History of India, was referred to by King William IV in a speech to Parliament. Brett also assisted in the capture of the Rajah of Coorg, and received his company in recognition. Returning to Ireland on a visit, he was promoted major in 1853 and served in the second Burma campaign as a volunteer, second in command of the 35th Madras Light Infantry. He captured a post far in advance of the expedition on the Irrawaddy river, commanded the flank companies at the capture of Prome and the wing in the advance from that position. When the Crimean war broke out Brett's services were requisitioned by the War Office and he was appointed (with the rank of brigadier) to command four regiments of Osmanli cavalry in the service of the Sultan of Turkey. He went to Syria and Albania and raised new formations in an incredibly short time, landing them at the Dardanelles without loss of man or horse. He commanded the Osmanli cavalry regiments throughout the campaign in the Balkans to Shumla, his services being recognised by the dignity of 'leva pasha' (with the rank of major-general) and the third-class of the Medjidieh.

Brett had no sooner reached England (to give evidence in a courtmartial) than he was summoned to India on the outbreak of the mutiny. Joining the flying column at Kurnool, he was appointed to Whitlock's personal staff until the arrival of his own regiment (the 108th Foot) and the 3rd Madras Europeans, which he led in the relief of Delhi and Lucknow and the capture of the Nabob. Whitlock's column pressed on to Kirwee, where treasure to the value of three-quarters of a million was captured and sent to Allahabad. Brett was president of the Banda and Kirwee prize court. He then, with a regiment of irregular cavalry, two guns and two companies of Europeans mounted on camels and elephants, operated for two months in pursuit of Tantia Topi (1858). Returning to England after the mutiny to look after the claims of his superior officers Brett retired on full pay with £5,000 of prize money (1863). In 1865 he arrived in Lyttelton by the Greyhound and at once took up a property in the Courtenay district, which he named Kirwee. He was a fine settler, adopting the best methods of farming and taking a prominent part in local affairs. In 1870 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Selwyn. Having already promoted some experiments in irrigation, he brought in resolutions calling upon the executive to inaugurate a system of water races for the light lands of Canterbury, especially in Courtenay, Malvern and Hororata (Aug 1871). Eventually £10,000 was voted (Dec 1872), and from this beginning irrigation was rapidly extended over a great part of northern Canterbury, with benefits so obvious that in 1887 the farmers of the district combined to make a presentation to Brett in recognition of his services. He was also largely responsible for the opening of a school in the district. Brett was called to the Legislative Council in 1871 and attended to his duties with soldierly regularity throughout his life. In the Provincial Council (1870-74) and in the General Assembly he consistently urged the need for strengthening the defences of the colony and he personally supported the volunteer system. At the time of the Russian scare he was expected to command the Canterbury Irish Rifles, but there was a prior claim on his services for the honorary reserve corps, which he had assisted to establish and of which he was commandant at his death. He was the first president of the local Agricultural and Pastoral association.

Brett moved into Christchurch a few years before his death, which took place on 16 Jun 1889. He married in 1845 Harriet Baker, daughter of Colonel Harris, of the 24th Foot.

Parltry Record; Canterbury P.C. Proc., 1870-74 (notably 1 Aug 1870, 4 Dec 1872); N.Z.P.D.; Col. Gent.; The Press, 17 Jan 1889, 27 Jan 1930 (p); Lyttelton Times, 17 Jun 1889.

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 62

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