JOHN WARD
Born: 1870, 25, Gorefield Road, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
Died: 2nd November 1900; age: 30; Died of Enteric Fever, at Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 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: 25, Gorefield Road, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
Occupation: a Farm Labourer.
Enlistment Date: 12th September 1899.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 5366.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion, South Africa Field Force.
Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal.
CENSUS
1871 25, Gorefield Road, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
John was 9 months old and living with his parents & siblings.
Edward Ward, 42, a Farmer of 20 acres – employer, born Leverington.
Susan Ann Ward (nee Diggle), 31, born Emneth, Norfolk.
Frances Ann Ward, 7, born Leverington.
William Ward, 5, born Leverington.
Charles Edward Ward, 3, born Leverington.
Sarah Jane Ward, 2, born Leverington.
1881 25, Gorefield Road, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
John was 10 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 52, a Farmer of acres – employer.
Susan, 41.
Charles, 13.
Sarah, 12.
George Ward, 9, born Leverington.
Charlotte Ward, 7, born Leverington.
Anne Ward, 2, born Leverington.
Elizabeth Ward, 3 months, born Leverington.
1891 25, Gorefield Road, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
John was 20 years old, a Railway Porter. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 62, a Farmer – employer.
Susan, 53.
Charles, 24, a Railway Porter – died 1891, Cambridgeshire.
George, 19, an Agricultural Labourer.
Annie, 12.
Elizabeth, 10.
John’s father, Edward Ward died July 1899, Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
Soldiers’ Effects to Susan Ward – mother, George Ward – brother & Frances, Sarah, Charlotte, Annie & Elizabeth – sisters.
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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