Lance-Corporal William Bessell, ‘B’ Company (Rorke's Drift)

Born at Bethnal Green, London. Trade - Porter. He attested at Bow Street, London on 27th February 1877, aged 20 years and 11 months. Height - Five Feet six and a quarter of an inch, Religion - Church of England. Fresh complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He served in South Africa, Gibraltar and India. Appointed Lance - Corporal 26th November 1878. Promoted Corporal 23rd January 1879 in ‘B’ Company vice Jones. Made a monthly remittance of £1 to a Mrs Porter, January 1879; changed in March 1879 to 2 pound sterling to a Mrs Stoneham. Granted Good Conduct Pay at 1 penny per diem 11th September 1879. Gained a 4th Class Certificate of Education. Charged with insubordination and confined 14th November 1879. Tried 25th November 1879. Sentenced to 84 days imprisonment, reduced to Private on 25th November 1879 and forfeited 1 penny per diem Good Conduct Pay. Good Conduct Pay restored 17th February 1881. Service continued in South Wales Borderers 1st July 1881. Granted Good Conduct Pay at 2 pence per diem 2nd June 1883. Transferred to 1st Class Army Reserve on 28th June 1883. Discharged at Brecon 26th February 1889. Medal for South Africa with Clasp ‘1877-8-9’. On Bournes original list he is shown as ‘Bissell’. His regimental service number was 25B/1287.
Next of kin, Mrs C Slohner, 38 Chesmild Road, Victoria Park, London.
Served at Home 27th February 1877 to 31st January 1878; South Africa 1st February 1878 to 12rh January 1880; Gibraltar 13th January 1880 to 11th August 1880; India 12th August 1880 to 28th May 1883; Home 29th May 1883.
Served in the Kaffir War 1878. Served in the Zulu War 1879, a Lance-Corporal in ‘B’ Company at the defence of Rorke’s Drift (WO97).

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Dundee Evening Telegraph 22 July 1903

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Manor Park Cemetery & Crematorium, Sebert Rd, Forest Gate, London

From Manor Park Cemetery:-

"I can confirm that Square 14 grave 194 was a common grave
The land is owned by Manor Park Cemetery Co Ltd and can be reclaimed for re-use 50 years after the last burial in the area
When the land is reclaimed the remains stay in situ, the land is built up then further burials can take place
Sadly this is the case with square 14
It is now part of square LG11 and LG12"

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Star of Gwent - Friday 24 July 1903