ALBERT BOITTERE LUKE

Born: 1876, Heveningham, Suffolk.

Died: 14th April 1900; age: 24; Died of Enteric Fever at Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.

ENTERIC FEVER   Enteric Fever (eneterica serotype bacteria) was a rampant bacterial infection during the South Africa Boer War – 1899 – 1902.

This systemic disease, now known as Typhoid Fever, from the bacterium Salmonella typhi, is characterised by fever and abdominal pain. The disease is spread via the lymphatic system and can affect other parts of the body, or even the whole body. The symptoms usually developed a week or two after a person had became infected bringing on a high temperature, headaches, coughs, lethargy, aches and pains, lose of appetite, sickness and diarrhoea. After 2 – 3 weeks intestinal bleeding.

Enteric Fever was originally thought to be spread via dust storms and flies.

Human carriers with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through their faeces, which contains a high concentration of the bacteria. The polluted water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply. Enteric (Typhoid) Fever is then contracted by drinking, or eating the contaminated food or water. This bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage.

In 1897, an effective vaccine was developed by Almroth Wright and William Leisman, at the Army Medical School, Netley. At the time of the Boer War, the new inoculation had many side effects, and soldiers refused the voluntary immunisation. The inoculation was still voluntary in August 1914, when Great Britain entered the First World War.

Residence: Green Farm, Cookley, Suffolk.

Occupation: a Valet.

Enlistment Date: 31st January 1898.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 6442.

Regiment: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s).

Clasps Awarded: Modder River, Paardeberg & Dreifontein.

CENSUS

1881   Farm House, Cookley, Suffolk.

Albert was 5 years old and living with his parents & brothers.

William Luke, 38, a Farmer – employer, born Barton-le-Street, North Yorkshire.

Rose Luke (nee Boittere), born Alençon, Normandy, France.

Francis Wallace Luke, 7, born Alençon, Normandy, France.

William Smith Luke, 6, born Heveningham, Suffolk.

1891   Cookley Green, Cookley, Suffolk.

Albert was 14 years old, a Grocer’s Apprentice. He was living with his parents & siblings.

William, 48, a Farmer – employer.

Rose, 48.

Francis, 17, a Farmer’s Son.

Claude Edward Luke, 8, born Cookley.

Rose Eliza Luke, 7, born Cookley.

Soldiers’ Effects to William Luke – father, a Farmer – the money was never paid out.

The Boer War.