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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: mckha489 on Sunday 06 January 19 08:36 GMT (UK)

Title: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: mckha489 on Sunday 06 January 19 08:36 GMT (UK)

I have George HOOPER who was 'Armourers Crew"  aboard HMS Forte.

He was awarded the Q SA and clasps for Talana,(20 Oct 1899) Relief of Ladysmith (2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900 ) and Laing's Neck (June 2nd - 9th, 1900)

But then he died as the medal was sent to his widow.

I attach a clipping from the register from National Archives ADM-171-53_4

Is there anything in that that tells me  exactly when he died?

I feel it's to do with 824/1900. But what does that mean?  (it's not the medal number) 

I'm presuming the 12 Sept '02 date is when they sent it. It's definitely not the date of death, wife was already a widow by 1901 census.

and what is the NB in pencil - there are a number of those on the page, not all to deceased.

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: MaxD on Sunday 06 January 19 10:29 GMT (UK)

I would suggest that the NB, the 824/1900 and the 1902 are simply administrative references or check marks that have no specific meaning today.  His year of death is given as 1900 in the Overseas marine deaths indices on Findmypast, aged 29.  That has the General Register Office reference and you could apply for his death cert which should have the answer.

Given the engagements he received awards for, he was, in all probability, a member of one of the Royal Navy gun teams who served on land as heavy artillery.  I haven't yet been able to turn up an official account of their doings but one book may be obtainable through the local library?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Afloat-Ashore-Royal-Navy-Boer/dp/1870192737

MaxD

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: mckha489 on Sunday 06 January 19 10:33 GMT (UK)

Thank you for that Max.
Much as I thought,

I’ll see if I can track that book down.  I’ve seen some photographs online and on the boerwar website.

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: MaxD on Sunday 06 January 19 11:16 GMT (UK)

Google "Naval Brigades Boer War" - possibilities there.  Also, but a visit to Kew needed, "Forte Ships Log" at the National Archives in ADM 53.

MaxD

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: mckha489 on Sunday 06 January 19 19:04 GMT (UK)

Thank you.

I shall need a sleeping bag for Kew when I eventually get there!

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: crimea1854 on Tuesday 08 January 19 14:45 GMT (UK)

According to his service record he died during a fight with an AB while on board Forte, 21/11/1900 - 340666. The inquest assumed he had hit his head on a projection on the ships side.

Martin

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: MaxD on Tuesday 08 January 19 16:12 GMT (UK)

How cruel!  Survives the exigencies of land service and then that happens, such a waste.

MaxD

Title: Re: George HOOPER Boer War Death HMS Forte 1900
Post by: mckha489 on Tuesday 08 January 19 18:03 GMT (UK)

Ah, thank you for that.
He was married on 1 Mar 1899,   One daughter born the first quarter of 1900,  and then that daughter died in 1904.
Wife remarried 1905


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