John J's Story.
2842 Sergeant John J Bailey, 4th Battalion the Cheshire Regiment, died of pneumonia and cardiac failure at Wynberg Military Hospital, Cape Town, on 24th February 1902. He is commemorated on the Boer War Memorial in St John's Parish Cemetery, Wynberg, Cape Town, and his name is inscribed on a plaque in the south porch of St Michael and All Angels Church, in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
John's name is recorded on the right hand side, 13th row down. (Wynberg Cemetery)
What do we know about John?
What do we know about John?
The information we have about John comes almost entirely from the Army Register of Deceased Soldier's Effects, which names him as the brother of William, Federick, James and Elizabeth Bailey. He enlisted into the army at Macclesfield on 21st March 1894, his occupation shown as labourer. His death certificate gives his age as 43, suggesting his year of birth was 1859.
With the 4th Btn of the Cheshire Regiment, he sailed to South Africa aboard the SS Orotava, departing on 24th February 1900, and arriving in Cape Town three weeks later, on 16th March.
With the 4th Btn of the Cheshire Regiment, he sailed to South Africa aboard the SS Orotava, departing on 24th February 1900, and arriving in Cape Town three weeks later, on 16th March.
The Orotava arrived at Queenstown Saturday (24th Feb 1900) and embarked 23 officers and 516 men of the 3/Norfolk Regiment, and 26 officers and 627 men of the 4/Cheshire Regiment. (London Times Feb 1900)
John died in No 5 General Hospital, Wynberg, of pneumonia and cardiac failure on 24th February 1902, aged 43. He had been ill for five days. The War Office listed his death as enteric fever (typhoid).
The Army Register of Deceased Soldiers' Effects lists his next of kin as his brothers William, Fred and James and his sister Elizabeth.
His name appears on the brass plaque in Macclesfield, in the south porch of St Michael and All Angels Church (below) and also on the Cheshire Regiment memorial in Chester Cathedral.
Researched by S. Lewington (July 2025)
John died in No 5 General Hospital, Wynberg, of pneumonia and cardiac failure on 24th February 1902, aged 43. He had been ill for five days. The War Office listed his death as enteric fever (typhoid).
The Army Register of Deceased Soldiers' Effects lists his next of kin as his brothers William, Fred and James and his sister Elizabeth.
His name appears on the brass plaque in Macclesfield, in the south porch of St Michael and All Angels Church (below) and also on the Cheshire Regiment memorial in Chester Cathedral.
Researched by S. Lewington (July 2025)