Advice whether this may be Non-Comm

[AndyJohnson]

Hello

Can I ask for some advice please, KevinEndon suggested this was the place to ask. I was doing some research for the family of 4 Glover brothers who all served with the South Staffs.

Edward Glover was wounded (GSW Shoulder) on 1st July 1916. He was discharged on 1st July 1917. Just 3 pages exist in the "Pensions" papers, and the only relevant item is "No longer physically fit" and "Permanently excluded from the liability to Med re-examination". He died in August 1919 and was buried in the local cemetery with military honours, the grave is now unmarked.

An article in the local paper re the funeral said "About 2 years ago was discharged having being badly wounded. Although he has been able to work recently, he was always ailing".

I realise that the Death Certificate is most important, so hoped it might help the case. It however says "Meningitis; No Post Mortem".

Kevin's view was that as anyone can catch Meningitis then this is an unlikely candidate, but to ask the experts on this part of the forum.

Any views please?

regards

Andy

[Terry Denham]

The cause of death has to be related to service for qualification in post-discharge cases.

In this case, meningitis two years later does not seem to be connected to his reason for discharge or service. I would agree with Kevin that there would seem to be no evidence upon which a case could be built.

[AndyJohnson]

Hello Terry

Thanks for your swift reply.

When we discussed this last night at South Staffs pals we both thought it sounded unlikely, but to post here for an expert view. Someone did suggest that meningitis could have been caught on the Menin Rd, but that was just the beer talking!

Many thanks for your input.

regards

Andy

[Terry Denham]

I don't think it would have taken two years.

[Heid the Ba]

Someone did suggest that meningitis could have been caught on the Menin Rd, but that was just the beer talking!

[Hywyn]

I don't think it would have taken two years.

It is a long road though.

:-)

[Neil Clark]

I accept that it's very often clear and palpable that the cause of death can't possibily be put down to a man's war service, but in the past I have seen quite a few cases where researchers have given up at the first hurdle. On the face of it heart disease couldn't possibly be related to a mans war service BUT 9% of war pensions awarded between 1914-1929 were for (you guessed it) Heart Disease!

Have a good look at the attached link and see if it's possible that the doctor got it wrong with his DC. Remember that medicine in the early 1900's was still in the dark ages compared to today. It may be possible to find something which was confused with Meningitis. It won't be easy without establishing the mans circumstances and his medical history (which often isn't possible as the documents no longer exist). You MAY be able to put over a convincing argument to the MoD (Army) who now look at these things in a fair and balanced way. As I understand it, Meningitis can be caused by secondary infection and it is possible his immune system was impaired as a consequence of his war service.

You need to prove (on the balance of probability) that he contracted this disease after his body was ruined by his war service and his past wounds. The MoD MAY look favourably on the case if you can come up with a likely explanation.

I'm not saying this case is a certainty, on the face of it I think Terry's appraisal here is accurate, but it's worthwhile having a good look.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningitis#Bacterial

Good Luck

[wesleycrabb]

Hello.

Was this the brother that had the metal plate inserted into his head.

If so, might that not have contributed to his 'meningitis'?

Just a thought.

Wes.

[Neil Clark]

Wes,

Yes that's the way forward, check, check and then check again. I have had a few very good results by lateral thinking like this. The Naval Historical Branch still can't understand how a man's heart disease can be linked to war service. The fact that 9% of war pensions were awarded for this is imaterial to them. Also Rhematic Fever was the reason why so many soldiers, sailors and airman had heart problems after discharge (often caught while serving). Thankfully the MoD Army nearly always make good adjudications these days and many heart disease men have got approved. As for naval sailors - I have a list of odd decisions all of which I am appealing...

The most important thing to ask yourself in cases like this - could the death be the result of SECONDARY INFECTION?

Where is Andy Johnson? It seems all may not be lost YET.

[AndyJohnson]

I didn't check this thread again until Kevin prompted me, as I thought there was nowhere else to go!

I will start the trail again.

Neil I will send pm.

Andy

[Neil Clark]

I'm taking this case forward on Andy's behalf. I have already established an interesting link between GSW and Meningitis. As I thought the prefered line here seems to be SECONDARY INFECTION. I shall keep you all informed of my progress here on this page. I will also keep Andy informed by email.

From looking at the case quickly he got a military funeral with FULL military honours! His coffin was carried to the cemetery on a gun carriage and the army kindly provided an escort and full guard of honour. The last post was sounded and the guard of honour fired 3 shots over his grave. A pretty good indication that the service authorities clearly accepted his death was resultant of his war service I'd say...

Worth a punt I'd say.

[Hywyn]

Yes, worth a punt. Good luck and looking forward to the result.

Hywyn