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Dear Forumites

Arthur Skeats didn't make it to the age of 40 for reasons unknown. He did, however, serve with the DEOVR almost from the beginning of the war until the end. Here is his story.

Arthur William Skeats

Private, Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal

- Kings South Africa Medal with clasps South Africa 1901 & 1902

Arthur Skeats was born into what would appear to have been a prosperous family in St. Pancras, London in 1868. His parents were Alexander Skeats, an Organ Builder, and Elizabeth Skeats.

The 1871 census has the family living at 1 Robert’s Street, Marylebone. Aside from his parents, Arthur (3) was joined in the house by a large assemblage of siblings with Charles Edward, (15) heading the list followed by Alfred James (13), Elizabeth (10), Emma (7) and Henry Samuel (5)

Ten years later, at the time of the 1881 England census, the family were still at the same address, a comparative rarity in then Victorian London. With the passage of time several of the children had moved on with 13 year old Arthur being the only boy child still in residence. Older sisters Elizabeth Mary and Emma Ann were still about. Edwin Allan, a 27 year old carpet upholsterer boarded with the family.

The next occurrence of any import for Arthur was the passing away in 1884 of the mater familias. Mr Skeats (senior) made use of the opportunity to solve the problem of loneliness by taking another wife in the same year.

As could be expected the 1891 England census showed that a now 21 year old (there seems to have been a problem with his age) Arthur had spread his wings and was residing with his brother-in-law Earl Woodman at 29 Arthur Street, Battersea. Arthur was listed as a Photographer, a profession at which he no doubt first showed an aptitude for. The fact that Earl was a Photographer might also have made an impression on his choice of career.

Mr Skeats passed away on 15 March 1894 in Huntingdonshire and Arthur, unencumbered by a wife or family, set sail for South Africa aboard the “Tainui” on 30 October 1895 to start a new life. The ships manifest lists him as a Miner by profession and confirms that he was unmarried.

Now a resident of Cape Town Skeats set about life and was on hand when the Anglo Boer war broke out in October 1899. Immediately enlisting for service with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles, he was assigned no. 1782 and the rank of Private.

The Dukes were reasonably active in the war specifically in the western part of the Cape but the fact that Skeats was awarded the state bars Orange Free State and Transvaal in addition to that of the Cape Colony would indicate that he saw service further afield. All told he served from 2 December 1899 until the conclusion of hostilities on 31 May 1902.

For his efforts he was awarded both the Queens and Kings South Africa medals, something denied to most of the Natal based volunteer units.

Back in civilian life Skeats met and married Edith Francis on 9 March 1904. At the time he was resident at 9 Southsea Terrace, Walmer Estate, Woodstock in Cape Town.

Quite why it was the case is unknown but Arthur Skeats was to pass away at the comparatively young age of 39 on 22 September 1909. At the time of his death he was employed as a Bottle Store Manager and was survived by Edith and a minor son, Edward James.

Almost as a presentiment to his impending demise Skeats completed a Last Will and Testament on 9 September 1909 wherein he bequeathed to his “dear wife Edith Frances Skeats all my goods chattels and effects I may possess”

The Will was signed at 1 Alexander Street, Woodstock.

Rory,

Thank you for sharing the information about Pte Skeats.

You have inspired me to dig deeper into some of my colonial me to see if I can find a similar level of detail as it adds so much to the medals.

With thanks
David