WALTER GEORGE BEDWELL

Born: 1874, Ipswich.

Baptised: 22nd November 1874.

Died: 18th February 1902, age: 27; Died of Enteric Fever at Heilbron, 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: 2, Bulwer Road, Ipswich.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 4016.

Regiment: 6th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.

Clasps Awarded: Belfast, Diamond Hill, Paardeberg, Dreifontein, Johannesburg & Relief of Kimberley + South Africa 1901 medal & South Africa Clasp 1902 medal.

CENSUS

1881   14, Cardinal Street, St. Nicholas, Ipswich.

Walter was 6 years old and living with his parents & sisters.

John George Bedwell, 33, a Labourer – Soap Works, born Colchester, Essex.

Harriett Bedwell (nee Thorpe), 30, born Ipswich.

Winifred Harriett Bedwell, 5, born Ipswich.

Gertrude Sarah Bedwell, 3, born Ipswich.

Alice May Bedwell, 1, born Ipswich.

1891   2, Bulwer Road, Ipswich.

Walter was 16 years old, a Tobacco Steamer. He was living with his parents & siblings.

John, 43, a Soap Cutter.

Harriett, 40, a Tailoress.

Gertrude, 13, a Mother’s Help.

Alice, 11.

John Samuel Bedwell, 9, born Ipswich.

Violet Ellen Bedwell, 7, born Ipswich.

Laura Maud Bedwell, 6, born Ipswich.

Hedley Charles Bedwell, 2, born Ipswich.

Walter is remembered on his parents and sister, Gertrude’s headstone at Ipswich Old Cemetery, Ipswich.

The Boer War.