Touzel John Bree

Touzel John Breee

Farmer Touzel John Bree became a Jurat and was responsible for the island's food supplies during the German Occupation

Family

Born at St Clement's Farm on 15 February 1880, Touzel John was the eldest son of John Elias Bree and Jane Elizabeth, nee Touzel.

He attended Parlett's School in St Helier and joined his father in farming Fauvic Farm at Grouville, which he had recently bought. John Elias died when Touzel was still a minor and he took on responsibility for running the farm under a guardianship, until he was granted full control at the age of 20.

Service

Touzel Bree became involved in public service from an early age, serving as a Centenier in Grouville from 1916 to 1929 and then as Deputy from 1929 to 1938, when he was elected Jurat. He was elected president of the Committee of Agriculture, and when the Occupation started he was appointed to the Superior Council with responsibility for farming. This meant that he was responsible for the island population's food supplies and also for meeting the needs of the occupying German forces.

He came up with a plan to switch agricultural production from potatoes which could not be exported, to grain, vegetables and everything required to make the island as self-supporting as possible. He introduced controls over milk supply and the slaughter of cattle and pigs.

He was in frequent conflict with the German occupiers and produced weekly figures which were accepted but amazed by those close to him who knew the truth and the risks he was taking.

He was awarded the OBE for his services. In 1948 he decided not to seek election to the States as a Senator and remained on the Jurats' bench until he died while on holiday in France in 1951.

He married twice, to Louisa Mabel Le Couillard, and Kathleen Le Brocq after her death in 1936. He had a son Harold, who later became Constable of Grouville, and a daughter with his first wife.