GEORGE STURGEON
Born: Christmas Day, 1867, Barningham Suffolk.
Died: 30th April 1902; age: 34; Died of Abscess of the Liver at Wynberg, Western Cape, South Africa.
Residence: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Rank: Corporal; Service Number: 2602.
Regiment: 15th Mounted Infantry, Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion, South Africa Field Force.
Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal.
CENSUS
1871 Coney Weston, Suffolk.
George was 3 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Nathan Sturgeon, 33, a Game Keeper, born Barningham.
Eliza Sturgeon (nee Middleditch), 29, born Barningham.
James Sturgeon, 7, born Barningham.
Charlotte Sturgeon, 1, born Coney Weston.
Matilda Sturgeon, 1 month, born Coney Weston.
1881 Market Weston, Suffolk.
George was 14 years old, a Farm Servant. He was living with his employer, 62 year old, Charles Johnson, a Farmer of 60 acres – employing 2 men & 2 boys.
George’s father, Nathan Sturgeon died 19th June 1878, at Coney Weston. A gamekeeper and steward for Miss Bridgmen.
Soldiers’ Effects to Matilda King – sister.
One of the notable Battles with a large loss of Suffolk life was the “Battle of Suffolk Hill” at Colesberg, Northern Cape 5th- 6th January 1900. The hill was originally called Red or Grassy Hill. The Suffolk Regiment was ordered to make a night attack on a Boer position on the heights, four companies, 354 of all ranks, set out at midnight under the command of Col. Watson. A storm of bullets met the Suffolks. The Colonel was amongst the first to fall, and the party later retired with 11 officers and 150+ men killed, wounded or captured.
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