HENRY JOSEPH PODD
Photograph and extra information courtesy of John.
Born: 1870, Ipswich.
Died: 21st June 1900; age: 30; of Enteric Fever, at the Military Hospital, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, 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: 4, Beaconsfield Cottages, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Labourer – Chemical Works, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Service:
In barracks at Colchester, Essex – 1891.
Sailed for India – December 1892 for 5 years returning in December 1897.
Called up again and re-joined the ‘Colours’ – 1st November 1899, and sailed from Southampton on the Union Company’s S.S.’Scot’ for South Africa a few days later, arriving 28th November.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 2707.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion, Mounted Infantry Division.
Clasps Awarded: Johannesburg, Cape Colony & Orange Free State.
CENSUS
1871 East Street, Ipswich.
Henry was 8 months old and living with his parents & siblings.
Henry Podd, a Fitter’s Labourer, born Hintlesham, Suffolk.
Elizabeth Podd (nee Simpson), 37, born Copdock, Suffolk.
William Podd, 11, born Hintlesham.
Martha Podd, 9, born Freston, Suffolk – died 1886, Ipswich.
Elizabeth Podd, 6, born Stoke, Ipswich.
1881 Prospect Street, Ipswich.
Henry was 10 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Henry, 50, a Labourer – Manure Factory.
Elizabeth, 47.
William, 21, a Bricklayer’s Labourer.
Elizabeth, 16.
1891 District Camp, St. Botolph, Colchester, Essex.
Henry was 19 years old, a Soldier ranked Private for the Suffolk Regiment.
On the 20th March 1898, All Saint’s Church, Ipswich, Henry married Hannah Argent (nee King), born May 1873, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk – daughter of James King, a bricklayer’s labourer and Hannah King (nee Andrews), of 24, Raingate Street, Bury St. Edmunds.
They had 1 daughter.
Victoria Ethel Podd, born July 1899, Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Hannah Podd – widow.
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. The Suffolks were met by a storm of bullets. 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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