WALTER MARKLEY

Born: 1877, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.

Died: 6th April 1900; Died of Enteric Fever at Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 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.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 12503.

Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps, Natal Field Force.

Clasps Awarded: Tugela Heights & Relief of Ladysmith.

CENSUS

1881   3, St. John’s Road, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.

Walter was 3 years old and living with his parents and siblings.

Edward Martin Markley, 35, a Tinsmith, born Peterborough.

Phoebe Markley (nee Waterfall), 31, a Dressmaker, born Whaplode Drove, Lincolnshire.

Edwin Markely, 10, born Peterborough – died September 1884, at 29, Donnington Street, Leicester, Leicestershire.

Arthur James Markley, 8, born Peterborough.

Alice Maude Markley, 7 months, born Peterborough.

1891   97, Oxendon Street, Leicester, Leicestershire.

Walter was 13 years old, a Shoe Clicker. He was living with his parents and siblings.

Edward, 45, a Tin Plate Worker – own account – at home.

Phoebe, 41.

Arthur, 18, a Shoe Clicker.

Maude, 10.

Ernest Markley, 9, born Peterborough.

Harry Markley, 7, born Leicester.

Walter is also remembered on the South African Boer War Memorial, at Town Hall Square, Leicester.

Leicester Daily Post – Saturday, 14^th April 1900 – DEATH OF A LEICESTER MAN IN THE ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS – Private W. Markley, of the R.A.M.C., whose death from Enteric Fever, at Maritzburg, on the 6^th April, has been reported, was a native of Leicester, his parents residing at 97, Oxenden Street.

The Boer War.