GEORGE HENRY JORDAN

Born: 1882, Ipswich.

Died: 1st February 1902; age 20; Died of Enteric Fever at Clanwilliam, 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: ‘Oak Villa’ 1, Portman Road, Ipswich.

Enlistment Date: 26th March 1900.

Rank: Driver; Service Number: 6920.

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, 88th Battery, South Africa Field Force.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony & Orange Free State.

Brother to JAMES HENRY JORDAN. MM

CENSUS

1891   29, The Mount, Ipswich.

George was 6 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

John William Jordan, 35, a Sanitary Labourer – Drains, born Ipswich.

Emily Jane Jordan (nee Page), 39, born Tattingstone, Suffolk.

Emma Jane Jordan, 18, a Stay Box Maker, born Ipswich.

William Thomas Jordan, 17, a Bricklayer’s Labourer, born Ipswich.

Jane Jordan, 15, a Stay Box Maker, born Labourer.

Ellen Georgina Jordan, 11, born Ipswich.

John William Jordan, 9, born Ipswich.

Alfred Jordan, 7, born Ipswich.

Thomas Jordan, 5, born Ipswich.

Emily Jordan, 4, born Ipswich.

Henry James Jordan, 2, born Ipswich.

Soldiers’ Effects to John Jordan – father.

The Boer War.