CHESTER MAN DROWNED IN SOUTH AFRICA.
We regret to announce the death of George Kelsall, son of Mr. John Kelsall, Picton Gorse Farm, near Chester. The only intimation of the sad event is the following notification, which was published in Saturday's casualty list: - "George Kelsall, arrived Capetown by s.s. Canada, about to join Transvaal Constabulary, was drowned. Place unknown." Kelsall, who was 23 years of age, left Chester a month ago to join the Transvaal Constabulary. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. The deceased's elder brother, Alfred, has been in South Africa for the past 12 months with the 21st Company of the Imperial Yeomanry.
Cheshire Observer, Saturday 2nd March 1901
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MR GEORGE KELSALL'S DEATH.
FURTHER DETAILS.
Mr. John Kelsall, of Picton Gorse, near Chester, has received official particulars in regard to the death by drowning of his son, George Kelsall, in South Africa. A letter from Captain K. McLaren, of the South African Recruiting Office, London, S.W., dated the 23rd March, reads: - I regret to inform you of the following particulars I received from General Baden-Powell by this day's mail: Your son went off by himself to bathe near Zuurfontein, and his clothes and rifle were found on the bank. His body was found on the 20th February, but nothing was found to shew how he was drowned. He was buried with full military honours." Zuurfontein is near Johannesburg. The deceased sailed on the Canada to join Baden-Powell's South African Police Force. On the 11th Feb. he wrote to his parents from Capetown, stating that they had orders immediately to go up country. Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr. and Mrs. Kelsall and family in their bereavement, and they have received many letters of condolence. Mr. Kelsall's eldest son went out to South Africa as a member of the 21st Company of Imperial Yeomanry, and he is still serving his country at the front.
Cheshire Observer, Saturday 30th March 1901
