Person:James Sambrook (2)

NZ Biographies 1966 v9 p21 (Alexander-Turnbull)

SERGEANT-MAJOR J. SANDBROOK

News has been received in Wellington of the death in Auckland of Sergeant-Major James Sandbrook, a veteran of the Crimean and Maori wars, who lived for the greater part of his life in Wellington. He was just over [under] 100 years of age. He held the English and Turkish medals for the Crimea War, as well as the decoration for the Maori War. The late Sergt.-Major Sandbrook served in the Crimean war as a young man, so that he was a hard bitten though young soldier when he came out to New Zealand with the 14th Regiment (Royal Irish) by the troopship Robert Lowe, which arrived in Auckland in 1860. He served with his regiment in the Waikato, Taranaki, and Wanganui. When the war ended and the regiment returned to England, Sergeant-Major Sandbrook elected to take his discharge here. He married [in Ireland] and settled down in Wellington. Subsequently he became orderly to Sir Donald McLean, and accompanied that statesman when he was Native Minister to all his important conferences with Maori chiefs. He also accompanied Sir Donald McLean on a visit to Sydney [1874] when he took a number of Maori chiefs with him. The late Sergeant Sandbrook was a messenger at Parliament Buildings until his retirement. The deceased lived in Wellington until recently when he went to Devonport, Auckland, to reside with his daughter, Mrs Perrin. His remains are being brought to Wellington for interment at Karori, and he will be accorded a military funeral tomorrow. ________________________________________________________________________________

NZ Biographies 1978 v1 p143 (Alexander-Turnbull)
CRIMEAN VETERAN MILITARY FUNERAL - (Evening Post 6 July 1933, Dominion 7 Jul)
Note: Photo in Auckland Weekly News 5 Jul 1933, p51.

The funeral of the late Sergeant James Sandbrook, who died at Devonport, Auckland, on Saturday, took place in Wellington yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Sandbrook was a veteran of the Crimean and Maori Wars, and was in his hundredth year. Born at High Ircall, near Wellington, Shropshire, he enlisted in the second battalion of the 14th Foot on November 11th, 1854, at the age of 20. He had retained his original pay book, and conspicuous in its printed regulations was a list of military offences for which the death penalty might be exacted. Even in recent years Mr. Sandbrook had recollections of his days in the Crimea. He often spoke of the hardships suffered by the soldiers, who were compelled to remain in the trenches for the whole twenty-four hours under the extreme winter conditions of that region. He also remembered the pound of salt beef that was issued to the men, and the daily two quarts of water and the ration of rum. His regiment was under the command of Sir James Alexander, and he was able to recall Lord Raglan, who died in the Crimea, and General Simpson, who succeeded him in command. He was never wounded, but was in hospital for a time. It was then that he saw Miss Florence Nightingale. He remembered the dark uniform that she used to wear, and the wide straw hat tied with a ribbon under her chin. After the Crimean War, Mr. Sandbrook was stationed at Malta, and at Gibraltar, and he married in Ireland before coming to Australia [sic. Direct to NZ actually.] and later to New Zealand, where he arrived in September,[November] 1860. He joined the Armed Constabulary, and during the later Maori Wars travelled much about the country on the staff of Sir Donald McLean, Native Minister. He obtained his discharge in 1870 [in Melbourne], and was in the service of successive politicians at Parliament House, Wellington, until his retirement over twenty years ago Mr. Sandbrook was an excellent rifle shot in his prime, and served as an assistant musketry instructor. He was among the oldest Foresters in New Zealand, having first joined a lodge of that body in Wellington in 1870. He was presented to the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York on the occasion of their visits to New Zealand. For a time he was president of the Veterans' Association in Wellington. He was a very well-known figure in Wellington during his long residence here. In recognition of his war service, the funeral yesterday was a military one. Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Buckle Street, in the morning. The service at the graveside at Karori Cemetery in the afternoon was conducted by the Rev. Father Fletcher. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, upon which was a wreath sent by Lady McLean, widow of the late Sir Douglas McLean, bearing the words, "In memory of loyal service to Sir Donald McLean." The chief mourner was a daughter, Mrs M.O. Perrin [M.L Perrin], and amongst those present were Captain V.G. Jervis (representing Major-General W.L.H. Sinclair-Burgess, G.O.C., New Zealand Military Forces), Sergeant-Major O'Leary and Fellen, Sergeant-Major Bezar (a military comrade of the deceased), Lieut-Col. D.C. Bates (president His Majesty's Veterans' Association), Messrs. A.M. Bothamley, E.N.G. Poulton, and other friends of the deceased. Sergeant-Major King was in charge of the firing-party. Mr Edwin Bezar writes: "Seventy-seven years ago on the 28th of last May, Sergeant Sandbrook and I sailed from the Crimea in the steamship Etna. The whole of the 57th 'Diehards' and two companies of the 14th Regiment were on board. We reached Constantinople next day, took in coal, and resumed the voyage, reaching Malta on Sunday night, June 1. Three years late a 2nd Battalion was formed to the 14th, and many members of the 1st were transferred to the new battalion, the late Sergeant Sandbrook being one. That battalion came to New Zealand in 1860. ____________________________________________________________________________ FICHE...BRITISH ARMY IN AUSTRALIA J.H. Donohoe ISBN 1-875769-19-6 James Sambrooke 1/14th West Yorkshire (Prince of Wales Own) Regiment of Foot (1860-1870)

"Appendices to the Journals of the House of Representatives" (AJHR). 1881 H2 (p112) Messenger Salary: 6s per day. (under COLONIAL SECRETARY's dept.) 1907 Nominal Roll: Length of Service: 30 yrs, Salary 1907-8 £147. _______________________________________________________________________________ National Archives:

 NZ War Medal card index - 14th Regiment, British War Office [PRO, WO 100/18,
 p129 National Archives Repro 18] as follows..
  __________________Non Commissioned Officers______________________________
  ___Claim to New Zealand Medal under General Order No 17 of 1869__________

Emp(?)loyed on Active Service in the Field from January 1861 to September 1866 including W(?)atara Campaign & Actions. Waikato Campaign and actions of Kohiroa, P(?)apar(?)ata, & Rangiriri, and Wanganui Campaign, & actions of Okututu, Patahi, Otapawa, and Waikoko. Sandbrook, James. Reg:358 Rank:Sergeant Discharged at Melbourne 14 March 1870. (Medal repd 11.5.26 paymt 68/5 239 9/4/26)

National Archives:

British War Office quarterly Muster Books and Pay Lists for the Imperial
Regiments who served in New Zealand. [PRO, WO 12].
 14th Regiment: West Yorkshire (Prince of Wales Own).
   Reel:IJCP3734-3735 Vol:3206 Battalion:2 (MICRO-Z 1605-06)
     Apr 1860 - Jun 1860 Mullingar, Curragh Camp
     Jul 1860 - Sep 1860 Curragh, At Sea
     Oct 1860 - Dec 1860 At Sea, NZ.
     Jan 1861 - Mar 1861 NZ.

"The New Zealand Wars" Vol.1 James Cowan. p216

 (arrival of the 14th in "Robert Lowe". See also Vol.2 p68 about a hard march).

"Incidents of the Maori War" Sir James Edward Alexander, 1863

 (describes the voyage in great detail. 24 officers, 500 soldiers, 70 women  and as many children.)
Arrived at Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, on St.Andrews  day after 82 days at sea).

Onboard were Col Sir J E Alexander & Lady Alexander, Major W Douglas, Capts E W Saunders, Alexander Strange, W A Dobie, Iver McIver, W H Gresson; Lts J Glancy & Mrs Glancy, K Hill, G H Cope, J Anderson, J B Frizell; Ensigns J Lawrence, Charles Curtis, Cecil T McMahon, Aubrey Lisle Patton, ; QM & Mrs Spry; J E Carte MB Surgn & Mrs Carte; A T Carberry Asst Surgn; 7 officers' ch; Bandmaster & family (5); 506 rank & file, 63w 76ch "The Bush Wars" J.E. Alexander (describes many battles 1863-1866).

White Wings Vol One: Page 226 THE TROOPSHIP ROBERT LOWE "There was an unusual feeling of excitement among Aucklanders when the troopship Robert Lowe arrived in harbour on November 28, 1860, with the troops of the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment - a feeling akin to that manifested by the departure of one of those dull grey troopships during the late Great War. And it was sailing ships such as the Robert Lowe which brought soldiers from England not only to protect the settlers from the Maori, but also to rear the sons who were destined to leave the Dominion many years afterwards in defence of the Motherland.

The Robert Lowe, which brought over 700 souls, including 500 soldiers under the command of Lieut-Colonel Sir J E Alexander, was an auxiliary screw steam vessel of 1049 tons, clipper rig, and built of iron by naval architects. She sailed from Cork on September 7 in charge of Captain Congalton, and crossed the Equator after 21 days at sea. The meridian of the Cape was passed on November 2, and the vessel arrived as above after a voyage devoid of incident. She thus made the passage out in 82 days, 15 of which the ship was under steam. This was four days better than the previously unequalled record of the Spray of the Ocean, established the previous year, when she arrived at Auckland after a dashing passage of 86 days from Deal."

Further comment from White Wings: When commenting on the record made by the Spray of the Ocean Henry Brett notes on page 242 "The Spray of the Ocean's record, however, was not allowed to stand for long, and the following year the troopship Robert Lowe made a sensational passage of 82 days from Cork. In fairness to the Spray of the Ocean, it must be stated that the Robert Lowe was under steam for 15 days of the voyage."

Wellington Electoral Roll:

1875-76 Armed Constabulary, Tory St. (WISE PO Directory)
1878-79 235 Tory St, Messenger
1878-79 Taranaki St, Messenger (WISE)
1880-81 Tory St, Messenger
1887 Wellington South, Messenger
1905-6: James Sandbrook, 20 Dock St, messenger.
1928: 1 Haywood Tce, retired.

Summary:

       1852 Joined Shropshire Militia, aged 18.
11 Nov 1854 Enlisted as Private no. 3672 at Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Height: 5' 4".
Apr-Jul 1855 In Malta.
08 Aug 1855 Sent to Crimea. 22 days in hospital during Jul-Sep.
Oct-Dec 1855 Spent 47 days in hospital.
28 May 1856 Left the Crimea in the 'Etna'.
29 May 1856 - Etna reaches Constantinople
01 Jun 1856 Malta. St George's Bay.
Mar 1858 Malta. Servant to sick officer.
17 Apr 1858 Sent to England 'attending upon a sick officer'.
       1858 At Fermoy Depot, Ireland.
Apr-Jun 1858 At Naas and Waterford.
01 Jun 1858 Transferred to the new 2nd battalion of the '14th'. Promoted to Corporal. No. 358.
Oct-Dec 1858 Promoted to Sergeant. Was at The Curragh.
18 Jun 1859 Married in Ireland (to an Irish orphan?)
1859-1860 In Dublin, Curragh, then Mullingar.
24 Apr 1860 - dau Ellen born/christened Curragh Ireland.
8 Sep 1860 Left Queenstown (Cork) in 'Robert Lowe'.
30 Nov 1860 Arrived Waitemata harbour NZ. (took 82 days)
Jan-Mar 1861 On detachment in Wellington. Started fighting in Maori wars.
16 Jun 1862 - son William christened Wellington.
?? ??? 1863 - son George Jerimiah born Wellington NZ.
Mar 1865 Went to Wanganui.
?? ??? 1865 - son James born NZ.
Sep 1866 Finished fighting.
15 Oct 1866 - Regt. Sails to Sydney in the 'Monarch' - troops overland to Melbourne ??
?? ??? 1867 - son James is buried Wangaratta Vic at age 2.
?? ??? 1867 - Regt. served in Tasmania, Sydney, Victoria & Swan River.
01 Oct 1868 Melbourne. Wife Anne. Children 6,4,2,1 and 1 month.
?? Mar 1869 - John Samuel born Melbourne. (or Tasmania?)
03 Mar 1870 - Regt. leaves Hobart.
05 Mar 1870 - Regt. arrives Melbourne.
14 Mar 1870 Discharged at Melbourne. Four children under 14 yrs.
19 Mar 1870 - (Sat) James & family sail to NZ - possible date, on the Omeo.
           - www.mm.wa.gov.au/Museum/march/shipwrecks/Metro/omeo/omeo.html
24 Mar 1870 - Melbourne. (Remainder of) the 14th Regt. sailed in the Walmer Castle.
27 Mar 1870 - (Sun) The s.s. Omeo arrives at Bluff.
01 Apr 1870 - (Fri) The s.s. Omeo arrives at Wellington.
         1870 Joined Foresters lodge in Wgtn.
         1870-77 In the Armed Constabulary.
                  Orderly to Donald McLean while Native Minister.
?? ??? 1871 - son Thomas Joseph born Wellington.
?? ??? 1873 - dau Mary Louisa born Wellington.
?? ??? 1874 - James travels to Sydney with Sir Donald McLean.
?? ??? 1874 - son Francis Patrick born Wellington.
         1876 Death of Sir Donald McLean.
?? ??? 1877 - Messenger with NZ Public Service.
?? ??? 1878 - son Edwin Stanislaus born Wellington.
1878/1881  - resides: 235 Tory St Wellington.
?? ??? 1880 - dau Agnes Anne born Wellington.
?? ??? 1883 - Theresa born Wellington.
1887/1893   - resides: Tasman St Wellington.
1894/1897   - resides: Majorbanks St Wellington.
1899/1908   - resides: 20 Dock St Wellington.
1911/1919   - resides: 80 Dock St Wellington.
Aug 1912    - Retired
      1920?Presented to the Prince of Wales.
1922        - resides: 32 Ross St Wellington.
      1925?Moved in with his son Frank, 1 Hayward Tce, Wgtn.
      1927?Presented to the Duke and Duchess of York. (or 1901? or 1917?)
           President of the Veterans Association of Wgtn. [See www.mysite.xtra.co.nz/~kingsempirevets)
      1930-33 at Devonport Auckland.

The BOANERGES left the Cove of Cork, (Quenstown) on 13 September, 1860 and arrived 100 days later, in Auckland on, 22 December, 1860. She arrived with the second detachment of the Second Battalion of the 14th Foot Regiment. The Southern Cross, "Shipping Intelligence" of the 25 Dec, 1860 indicates that there were, 480 men, 42 women, 44 children, 14 Officers, 4 Officers wives, 5 Officers children and 2 Officers female servants, on the voyage. Major DWYER.