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James Harrison

Died of Enteric Fever, Boshoff, Orange Free State – 11 May 1900

Lance Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment- Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal (Cape Colony, Orange Free State) to 3197 CPL. J. HARRISON, 1ST L. N. LANC: REGT

James Harrison is a bit of a mystery man. At the time the Anglo Boer War broke out on 11 October 1899 he was a Tram Driver in the employ of the Blackpool Corporation.

Our first glimpse of him comes courtesy of an article published in the Lancashire Evening Post of 16 November 1899. Under the heading ‘Blackpool Reserves, ‘ it read as follows:

“Tram Driver Harrison and A.H. Derham who are also joining the colours were entertained at the Empire. ….and during the evening it was intimated that what Harrison got would be made up to 20s. a week by the Corporation, who would also keep his place open for him.”

Five days later the following article appeared in the Blackpool Gazette & Herald of 21 November 1899 - when the war was already well underway. The article read as follows:

“On Saturday night Harrison, the tram driver, and Winder, the postman, left Blackpool to rejoin their regiment, and they had a most enthusiastic send-off. As many of the tramwaymen and postmen as could be spared assembled at the tram shed. A banner which caused Harrison no end of amusement bore, on one side, the inscription, “Down with Kruger,” while on the other side was “Pull his whiskers, Harrison.” At the station there was a magnificent demonstration. Cheers were given for the departing friends, and just before the train left, Harrison called three cheers for Mr Lancaster, the tramway manager, who had worked so hard to make the demonstration the best of all. At 10 o’ clock when the train steamed out, the hurrahs were deafening, and the two heroes leaning out of the carriage waved their hands in grateful acknowledgement.”

Few would have suspected, including Harrison, that he would never set eyes on his colleagues and family again.


Map showing the Boshof district in relation to Kimberley which is just over the Orange Free State border with the Cape Colony

Harrison’s regiment, the 1st battalion, Loyal North Lancashires, were already in South Africa when war erupted. They, famously, formed part of the garrison of the beleaguered city of Kimberley which was invested by the Boers at roughly the same time Harrison was bidding his country farewell. It was only after Kimberley was relieved that he joined his regiment in the field.

After the relief of Kimberley and the occupation of Bloemfontein the battalion operated for a time with Lord Methuen in the Kimberley-Boshof district and then accompanied him to the Lindley district. It was during the short space of time in which the regiment was in the Boshof area that Harrison breathed his last – succumbing, as did so many, to the ravages of Enteric Fever – a condition brought on by drinking polluted and unsanitary water.

This tragic event took place on 11 May 1900. News of his passing was published in the casualty returns, in the Western Morning paper of 15 May 1900 followed, somewhat closer to home, by the following intimation in the Preston Herald of 19 May 1900: -

“Reported Death of a Blackpool Reservist – A report has reached Blackpool that James Harrison, a Blackpool reservist has died of enteric fever at Boshof, South Africa. Harrison was an employee of the Tramways Department of the Blackpool Corporation. In November he was summoned to rejoin his regiment; the 1st Loyal North Lancashire, and he was given a very cordial send off. No official notification has been received, but as the name with the correct regimental number appended, appears in an official list of casualties there can be little doubt of his end. Harrison leaves a wife and family.”

Harrison’s Queens Medal was awarded, posthumously, from the medal roll dated Mafeking, 15 July 1901. Once received, it was likely the only memento his grieving family had by which to remember him.

It is not known if there is any war memorial on which his name appears.

Acknowledgements:
- Newspaper articles credited in the work above.
- Forces War Records

Thanks for this most enjoyable post. Check Casus- Belli to see if any monuments are listed with his name.