JOHN WALTER LORD

Born: 1880, St. Mary Elms, Ipswich.

Died: 4th July 1900; age: 20; Died of Enteric Fever at Kroonstad, 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 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: 45, Norfolk Road, Ipswich.

Enlistment Date: 1898.

Rank: Driver; Service Number: 31979.

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, 17th Battery.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony & Orange Free State.

Brother to WILLIAM GEORGE LORD.

CENSUS

1881   14 – 16 Mount, Ipswich.

John was a few months old and living with his parents at the home of his paternal grandparents, aunt & uncle.

John Lord, 51, a Labourer – Foundry, born Denchworth, Berkshire.

Emma Lord (nee Haxell), 50, born Somersham, Suffolk.

William James Lord, 14, an Errand Boy, born Isleworth, Middlesex.

Emma Louisa Lord, 11, born Isleworth.

John Lewis Lord, 21, a Blacksmith, born Isleworth.

Emma Lord (nee Orford), 19, a Stay Maker, born Gravesend, Kent.

2 lodgers.

1891   16 Mount, Ipswich.

John was 10 years old and living with his widowed father & siblings at the home of his paternal grandparents & aunt.

John, 61, a Foundry Labourer.

Emma, 60.

Emma, 21, a Dressmaker.

John, 31, an Engine Fitter – Foundry.

William George Lord, 8, born Ipswich.

Emma Daisy Lord, 5, born Ipswich.

1 boarder.

John’s mother, Emma Lord died 1887, Tendring, Essex. She was laid to rest at Ipswich Old Cemetery, John is remembered on her headstone.

John’s brother, William George Lord, lost his life during the First World War. William served under his mother’s maiden name Orford, he was ranked a Driver, service number 36951, for the Royal Artillery, Reserve Brigade, 123rd Battery. He died on the 1st February 1917, at Ipswich, aged 33 years old, and laid to rest at the Field of Honour, Ipswich Old Cemetery. He had served 10 years.

The Boer War.