WILLIAM RAVEN
Born: 1871, Wrentham, Suffolk.
Died: 12th February 1900; age: 28; died of Enteric Fever at Intombi Hospital, Ladysmith, 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 develop a week or two after a person has become infected bringing on a high temperature, headaches, coughs, lethargy, aches and pains, loss 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 contain 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 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 voluntary immunisation. The inoculation was still voluntary in August 1914, when Great Britain entered the First World War.
Residence: Lowestoft.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 728.
Regiment: King’s Royal Rifles, 1st Battalion, Natal Field Force.
Clasps Awarded: Talana & Defence of Ladysmith.
Body sewn into a blanket.
Grave Reference:
Ladysmith,
South Africa.
CENSUS
1871 London Road, Wrentham, Suffolk.
William was a month old and living with his parents and brother.
James Raven, 27, a Market Garner, born Frostenden, Suffolk.
Mary Raven (nee Manchester), 22, born Blyth, Northumberland.
Frederick Henry Raven, 1, born Wrentham.
1881 London Road, Wrentham, Suffolk.
William was 10 years old and living with his parents and siblings at the family home of his paternal grandparents.
James Raven, 62, a Market Gardener – 3 acres, born Wrentham.
Mary Ann Raven (nee Harrod), 58, born Henstead, Suffolk.
James, 37, a Gamekeeper.
Mary, 33.
Frederick, 11.
Annie Raven, 6, born Wenstead.
Soldiers’ Effects requested to be paid out to James Raven – father – not paid and retained.
Leave a Reply