FREDERICK ALLUM

Born: 1880, Stradbroke, Suffolk.

Died: 20th July 1901; age 21; Died of Enteric Fever – 33 days, at Naauwpoort, Ditsobotla, North West, South Africa.

On the 27th June 1901, a letter was sent to Frederick’s family notifying that he was dangerously ill of ‘Enteric Fever’ at Naauwpoort on 25th June 1901.

Mr. D. Allum wrote in reply to enquire if there was any further news.

On the 23rd July 1901, a letter was sent to Frederick’s family notifying that he had died of Enteric Fever at  Naauwpoort, South Africa on the 20th July 1901.

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: Three Cross Ways, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk.

Enlistment: Date: 10th February 1897; Age: 18 years & 5 months, Height: 5ft 9ins, fair complexion, grey eyes & light brown hair. Scar back of right hand.

Rank: Bombardier; Service Number: 18541.

Regiment: 6th Company Eastern Division, Royal Garrison Artillery.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony & Transvaal + South Africa 1901 medal.

CENSUS

1881   Laxfield Road, Wilby, Suffolk.

Frederick was a year old and living with his parents, brother & maternal aunt.

David Allum, 24, a Horseman, born Horham, Suffolk.

Alice Allum (nee Clarke), 20, born Stradbroke, Suffolk.

Spencer William Allum, 3, born Stradbroke.

Eliza Clarke, 17, born Stradbroke.

1891   The Green, Stonhall Aspal, Suffolk.

Frederick was 11 years old, an Agricultural Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings.

David, 36, an Agricultural Labourer.

Alice, 30.

William, 13, an Agricultural Labourer.

John Allum, 9, born Combs, Suffolk.

Charles Allum, 5, born Stonham Aspal.

David Allum, 4, born Stonham Aspal.

Ethel May Allum, 2, born Stonham Aspal.

Sophia Allum, 1, born Stonham Aspal.

The Boer War.