Monday 14th December 1914: A funeral has been held this morning for Private James Geddes of the 4th Cameron Highlanders who died from complications following measles. From the Highlanders’ first arrival in Bedford the medical authorities in the town have been afraid of the consequences of a measles epidemic. Many of the soldiers come from parts of Scotland where the disease is almost unknown and measles is known to be particularly dangerous among people who have not built up any natural immunity. A measles outbreak began in October, with the first case among the troops occurring on 15th October. Private Geddes’ death yesterday morning was the first fatality for the Highlanders, but it is very unlikely to be the last. He died at the Goldington Road Schools which were turned into a temporary military hospital when the severity of the epidemic became clear. This morning also saw the first fatal civilian case with the death of a three year old child.[1]
Private Geddes was a “braw laddie” of 22 years of age and had been a farm labourer at Culloden, the site of the famous battle. Tragically his younger brother, Private William Geddes of the 4th Seaforths, had been the first of the Highlanders to die in Bedford and was buried in the town cemetery on 10th October. Private James Geddes had been the principal mourner at his brother’s funeral; this time a third brother was the only official mourner. The young man was buried in a grave at the foot of his brother’s.[2]
Sources: Bedfordshire Times 18th November 1914; Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough of Bedford for 1914 [BorBB2/22/14]
[1] The Medical Officer of Health recorded 8 measles cases in October, 72 in November, and 386 in December and the first week of January. By the end of December 7 children and 15 soldiers had died. The Camerons, who came from the Western Highlands and Isles, were the most severely affected.
[2] Both James and William Geddes are commemorated on the Kilmuir Easter War Memorial, Ross and Cromarty.
Private Geddes was a “braw laddie” of 22 years of age and had been a farm labourer at Culloden, the site of the famous battle. Tragically his younger brother, Private William Geddes of the 4th Seaforths, had been the first of the Highlanders to die in Bedford and was buried in the town cemetery on 10th October. Private James Geddes had been the principal mourner at his brother’s funeral; this time a third brother was the only official mourner. The young man was buried in a grave at the foot of his brother’s.[2]
Sources: Bedfordshire Times 18th November 1914; Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough of Bedford for 1914 [BorBB2/22/14]
[1] The Medical Officer of Health recorded 8 measles cases in October, 72 in November, and 386 in December and the first week of January. By the end of December 7 children and 15 soldiers had died. The Camerons, who came from the Western Highlands and Isles, were the most severely affected.
[2] Both James and William Geddes are commemorated on the Kilmuir Easter War Memorial, Ross and Cromarty.
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