ARTHUR ROBINSON

Born: 1878, Stowupland, Suffolk.

Died: 16th February 1902; age: 23; Died of Enteric Fever at Heilbron Hospital, 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 develop a week or two after a person has become infected bringing on a high temperature, headaches, coughs, lethargy, aches and pains, loss 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 contain 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 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 voluntary immunisation. The inoculation was still voluntary in August 1914, when Great Britain entered the First World War.

Residence: Handford Hall, Ipswich.

Rank: Driver; Service Number: 17698.

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, 20th Battery, South Africa Field Force.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal + South Africa 1901 medal & South Africa 1902 medal.

CENSUS

1881   Saxham Street, Stowupland, Suffolk.

Arthur was 2 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

Thomas Robinson, 28, an Agricultural Labourer, born Stowupland.

Susannah Robinson (nee Bloom), 23, born Stowupland.

Thomas William Robinson, 4, born Stowupland.

Mary Alice Robinson, 5 months, born Stowupland.

1891   Church Farm, Barking, Suffolk.

Arthur was 12 years old, a Farm Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings.

Thomas, 39, a Horse Leader.

Susannah, 34.

Thomas, 14, a Farm Labourer.

Mary, 10.

Ernest Edward Robinson, 9, born Barking.

Susannah Robinson, 7, born Barking.

James Robinson, 5, born Barking.

Albert Robinson, 2, born Barking.

Walter Robinson, 3 months, born Barking.

Soldiers’ Effects to Thomas Robinson – father.

The Boer War.