1901 - Joseph Coalby, of Tanners, Ramsbottom, and a private in the Lancashire Fusiliers, died today.
....Intimation that his son, Private Joseph Coalby, of the 6th Battalion (Militia) L F , had died from enteric fever at Kimberley Hospital on August 3rd, was received by Mr. James Coalby, of Douglas-street, Tanners, last week. Private Coalby, who was 20 years of age, joined the 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers at the Bury depot in February, 1899. The battalion was embodied for active service on December 13th, 1899, and sailed for South Africa the following month. In South Africa Pvt. Coalby was under fire a number of times. He was with his battalion in Christiana when that place was besieged by the Boers, the food for the inhabitants for three months consisting chiefly of biscuits. Pvt. Coalby became a member of a troop of mounted infantry formed in connection with his battalion, and was selected to act as orderly to Sir Albert Seymour, one of the officers. When leaving Christiana his horse was wounded by a rifle shot, but managed to carry him to his destination before it succumbed. Pvt. Coalby had been in hospital for nine weeks at Kimberley with an affection of the eye. From this he recovered, and was expecting to leave for home shortly when seized with the fatal attack of fever.
....Before joining the Army Private Coalby was connected with St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, being a member of the choir.
The Haslingden Guardian, Friday 23rd August 1901
