Born circa 1814.
Qualified at London on the 26th of June 1836.
He was recommended for the position of Veterinary Surgeon by Lieutenant-Colonel Molyneux (father of Charlie Berkeley Molyneux), then commanding the 8th Hussars, who wrote to the Commander-in-Chief saying that "he was a son of the Master of my Band, had passed out very highly in his examinations and possessed of a good education." This letter was dated the 17th of July 1836.
He wrote from No. 15 Newland Street, Eaton Square, London, when he entered the Army.
Veterinary Surgeon in the 4th Hussars: 14th of December 1838.
It is not clear just when he returned to England, or for what reason, but a letter was sent:
"Horse Guards,
28th February 1856.
Sir, – I am directed by the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th inst., and to acquaint you that it is impossible to comply with your request for an extension of your leave of absence.
I have, etc, etc,
W. A. Forster, AAG.
[To:] Veterinary Surgeon Byrne. 1 Roseanna Place, Portobello Canal, Dublin.
Immediate."
[PB – WHICH LETTER DOES THE "IMMEDIATE" BELONG TO – 28TH FEB OR 1ST MARCH?]
"Horse Guards,
1st March 1856.
Sir, – I am directed by the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th inst. and acquaint you in reply that as you came home from the East on your private affairs, you will have to return at your own expense and make your arrangements for the passage back.
I have, etc., etc.,
G. A. Weatherall, DAG."
[To:] Veterinary Surgeon Byrne, 1 Roseanna Place, Portobello Canal, Dublin."
Veterinary Surgeon in the Royal Horse Guards: 13th of November 1856.
On to half-pay. 31st of January 1860.
He married Matilda Catherine Tate, at St Werburg's Church, Dublin, on the 13th of June 1848.
He was then 33 years of age and she only 17. The ceremony was performed by the Revd W.H. Maro and the witnesses were John Bell and Harriet Tate.
Children born into the family were:
"Mary Helena, born in the parish of St. Mary's, Athlone, 1st of October 1849.
St. John George Nelson, born in the Artillery Barracks in the parish of St. Peter's, Dublin, 31st of October 1853.
Rosa Emily, born in the parish of St. Peter's, Dublin (No. 1 Rosanna Place), 19th of January 1855.
Gerald Arthur, born at No. 28 Pelham Street, in the parish of St. Luke's, Chelsea, 25th of February 1857.
Frank Alexander, born at No. 26 Marlowe Road, Kensington, 13th of July 1860.
Catherine Matilda, baptised at St. Philip's, Earl's Court, London, 5th of February 1864.
Cecil Leeson, baptised at St. Jude's, South Kensington, London, 30th of December 1870.
John Byrne served the Eastern campaign of 1854-55 with the 4th Light Dragoons, including the battles of the Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman, the Tchyerna and the Siege and fall of Sebastopol.
He was also present with the Light Brigade in Eupatoria – he was in charge of all the horses left in camp at Eupatoria when the Brigade was in the field. (Medal and four Clasps and the Turkish Medal.)
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman, and Sebastopol, and the Turkish Medal.
1871 Census
29, Pembroke Square, Kensington, Town Ward, Chelsea.
John Byrne, 49, Retired Surgeon in the Army (Cavalry), born Ireland.
Catherine M Byrne, 39, born Ireland.
Helen M Byrne, 21, Governess, born Ireland.
John Byrne, 17, Clerk, born Ipswich.
Emily Byrne, 16, born Ipswich.
Gerald Byrne, 14, born Kensington.
Frank Byrne, 11, born Kensington.
Matilda Byrne, 8, born Kensington.
Cecil Byrne, 4, born Kensington.
Death registered
John Byrne, aged 58, December Quarter 1872, Kensington.
Died at No. 32 Pembroke Square, Kensington, London, aged 58 years, on the 2nd of December 1872.
Census information for 1871, and JB's registration of death kindly provided by Chris Poole.