TOPIC:

Hi Chris / Dave,
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my original post. Indeed, if it wasn’t for the email notification that somebody had replied I doubt I would have seen it as I’d clean forgotten I’d ever posted on the website!

Sadly, I made no further progress regarding the exact circumstances of Frederick’s death.

Similarly, I saw the document which mentioned Pte Fears and was equally disappointed to find no reference to Frederick’s death in his papers.

I’m also surprised that no mention of it seems to have appeared in the Derby newspapers of the time (as far as I can see).

My final attempt to gain further information was to have ordered Frederick’s death certificate from the GRO which I never got around to. Obviously though, this will probably just note his exact cause of death rather than the circumstances behind it, but you never know.

For your reference, I copy below the letter which was sent to my GG Grandmother. I cannot help but think the Minister was being economical with the truth. I struggle to believe it was ‘a real mystery‘ to them all.

I will let you know if I find anything else.

Thanks,
Iain

*For the record, his brother Sgt. George Hilton was in South Africa at the time as mentioned in the letter. I believe he returned to England and discharged himself from the RGR in August that same year. He died in Mar 1914.

“Bloemfontein, 4th March.

You will be surprised to receive a letter from one who is a stranger to you, but I promised Sergeant Hilton to write to you the sorrowful news of the death of his and your brother here. The shock to him has been so great he does not feel equal to writing to you this week but will do so by the next mail.
Tuesday morning when I reached camp and I was [?] and troubled to hear that Private Hilton had been shot by a comrade. To us all it is a real mystery and am not able to write particulars.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Military Cemetery. The very large number of his comrades that were present and the beautiful wreaths placed on the grave by them was a testimony to the esteem in which your brother was held by them.
Full particulars the Sergeant will write to you next week.
May God comfort you and all in the old country who loved Pvt. Hilton.
I am [faithfully] yours,
?? Frankling
Wesleyan Minister
(I write in haste to catch the post)”

Hi Iain
Many thanks for responding. I'm sure it must have been a surprise after all this time but as I said, I had made my initial post before I saw how long had passed.
I would have still tried to get in touch regardless.
Firstly I should let you know that I have today ordered a copy of Frederick's death certificate. I don't know how long it will take to arrive but when it does I will let you know what it says.
Thanks for sharing details of the letter sent to his sister but the way it is written only adds to the mystery.
I have scoured the British Newspaper Archives but found no mention in the Derby papers.
You might think that whatever the circumstances of his death there would have been some sort of enquiry be it a court martial for Pre Fears or something else.
I find the use of the word 'inflicted' intriguing which to my suspicious mind suggests an unlawful rather than an accidental shooting.
I was aware of his brother's service too and have secured copies of all his service papers.
I think also that I have identified Private Fears as George Fears born in Bermondsey who had previously served with the Royal West Surrey Regt in India in 1897-8. He too served with the Royal Garrison Regiment and was serving in South Africa at the relevant time. There is no mention in his papers of any shooting either.
Strangely George did not serve overseas with the Derbyshire Regiment whilst Frederick obviously did.
I do like a mystery to try and solve and hopefully will eventually find the answer to this puzzle somewhere.
I'll be on touch as soon as the death certificate as soon as it arrives and before if I discover anything more.
In the box of photographs you first mentioned were there any of Frederick or George?
Thanks again. Be in touch.
Chris

Hi Chris,

Here's Frederick (on the left), with aforementioned medals I believe and George.

(Out of curiosity are you related to Frederick? I've some more unanswered questions relating to his family - totally
unrelated to this forum though)

Regards,
Iain

Here's one other 'postcard' of 3rd Battalion Royal Garrison Regiment in Bloemfontein, Christmas 1904.
I can't make out if Frederick or George are in the photo.

Hi Iain - many thanks for the two pictures - the first one is really interesting showing as it does both Frederick and George too.
In answer to your query, I am not related at all to the family.
I am a medal collector I am afraid, particularly those of to Derbyshire men and recently was fortunate enough to find and buy Frederick's India General Service Medal.
I haven't as yet received his death certificate but as soon as I do will pass on all the details therefrom.

Regards

Chris

Hi Iain - Frederick's death certificate arrived today. Perhaps unsurprisingly it only shows his cause of death as - 'gunshot wound' - with no further detail. Always going to be a long shot.
It appears this took place at No 18 Idut(?) Naval Hill Barracks, Bloemfontein. The 'informant' is shown as G.A. Goddard, Capt. RAMC and the officer making the return is W. Peyton, Capt and Adjutant, 3rd R. Garrison Regiment.
I still find it a mystery as to why no sort of enquiry into his death took place.
Cheers
Chris