ARTHUR GODDARD

Born: 1879, Ellough, Suffolk.

Died: 3rd February 1901; age: 21; Died of Enteric Fever at Cape Town, Western Cape, 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: 5, High Common, Westhall, Suffolk.

Enlistment Date: 27th April 1899.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 2637.

Regiment: Coldstream Guards, 1st Battalion, South Africa Field Force.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal + South Africa 1901 medal.

CENSUS

1881   Town House, Ellough, Suffolk.

Arthur was a year old and living with his parents & siblings.

John Goddard, 42, an Agricultural Machinist, born Huntingfield, Suffolk.

Eliza Goddard (nee Woolnough), 41, born Willingham St. Mary, Suffolk.

Mary Ann Goddard, 18, born Cratfield, Suffolk.

George Goddard, 15, an Agricultural Labourer, born Cratfield.

David Goddard, 13, an Agricultural Labourer, born Shadingfield, Suffolk.

Frederick Goddard, 12, born Wrentham, Suffolk.

James Goddard, 19, born Weston, Suffolk.

Louisa Goddard, 8, born Brampton, Suffolk.

Martha Goddard, 5, born Ellough.

Ellen Goddard, 3, born Ellough.

1891   Street, Brampton, Suffolk.

Arthur was 12 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

John, 54, an Agricultural Machinist – portable.

Eliza, 52.

James, 19, an Agricultural Labourer.

Ellen, 13.

William Goddard, 9, born Shipmeadow, Suffolk.

Bertie Goddard, 7, born Westhall, Suffolk.

Soldiers’ Effects to Eliza Goddard – mother.

The Boer War.