TOPIC:

In keeping with my Defence of Ladysmith theme, I acquired the QSA with that clasp to 4452 Pte. G. Taylor, 5th Dragoon Guards. Normally, one's first port of call on sight of a single clasper like this is the casualty rolls - I have Palmer's which, being alphabetical, suits me down to the ground. Taylor wasn't there but, on further investigation elsewhere, I was rewarded with a report wherein Taylor succumbed to Dysentery whilst being invalided home aboard the Lismore Castle on 7 May 1900.

Therein lies the question(s): -

- Were deaths at sea not reported as casualties?
- When would the Lismore have sailed and from where in SA?
- With the siege lifted on 1 March 1900, why the long delay in getting a clearly ill Taylor to England?
- Are there records of those who were, perhaps, sent down to Durban/Pinetown/Hospital Ships in Durban harbour?

Regards

Rory

Hi Rory

See on my casualty list :

Hi Rory,

I have QSAs to two men who died at sea on the way back from South Africa. Neither are to be found in any casualty list for the conflict.
So, I guess that was the norm once leaving South African shores?

Cheers Steve

Do they have entries in British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials/BT 334
Deaths At Sea 1891 – 1972 on FMP Steve?

That would be worth a looksee. I've not looked at that. How would we access that resource? Through National Archives?
Cheers Steve

I would assume that those who died at sea were buried at sea.