Boer War - Charles Alexander BREWSTER

[Justaleafonatree]

Hello! I am wondering if anyone has used the Naval and Military archive website before.

I found an index record on Ancestry while researching Charles Alexander BREWSTER born 1850 Ontario, Canada. Died South Africa.

Name:   C Brewster
Casualty Type:   Died
Casualty Date:   4 Jun 1900
Casualty Place:   Bloemfontein
Rank:   Quartermaster Sergeant
Force:   South Africa Field Force
Regiment:   Essex Regiment
Battalion:   1st Battalion
Number:   1255

I’d just like to know others experiences as I have no idea what information this record could hold. I don’t know if this is our Charles.

Thank you kindly.

[MaxD]

I believe that is simply a listing and has no more detail than you see there. He appears on the Anglo Boer War web site but again with no detail.  A similar record appears on Findmypast extracted from WO 100/191, the medal roll, at the National Archives (download for free http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C3763955 ) also on Ancestry but again no detail.

His number, rank and battalion suggest he was a regular soldier.  No luck finding a service record though. 

MaxD

[MaxD]

More.  His death is listed in a number of Essex newspapers.  A report on 16 Jun says his death will be very much regretted in Colchester, he leaves a widow and five children.

MaxD

[ShaunJ]

Just to add that he died of enteric fever per the newspaper reports.

[Justaleafonatree]

Oh WoW! Thank you for your replies. I appreciate all of your help.

If at all possible can someone please message me the newspaper articles? I would love to see if this is in fact our Charles.

Many thanks!

[MaxD]

I've sent a PM

MaxD