Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

When Henry Sketcher enlisted in 1901 in the 5th QIB and his details were published with the rank and file in The Queenslander, 16 Mar 1901, he noted his N.O.K. as his mother at Wishback, England. This appears to indicate he was unmarried at the time, however, in 1971 his son Frederick Herbert Sketcher worte to Army Records seeking information on his father's Boer War service. Perhaps Henry had divorced or his wife had passed prior to 1901.

In the above correspondence Frederick indicates that Henry (Harry) Sketcher was born in 1869 at Gedney, Licolnshire, England. A birth registration was unable to be found in Queensland for Frederick, however, he died there in 1988 and his registration indicates that he was born 1899 with his parents being Harry Sketcher and Lily Amelia Sketcher (nee Baker).

Its unclear when Henry Sketcher emigrated to Queensland but it may have been after his son Frederick's birth in England. Also in his correspondence Frederick indicates his father Henry was killed in action in South Africa but this was incorrect, perhaps indicating he died not many years after returning to Australia in 1902 when Frederick was still a young boy. 

In the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 5th QIB, Bk 2 p. 62, held by Qld State Archives it notes he directed part of his pay to his sister Mrs L. A. Baker, Ipswich, which appears to be the same name used for his son's mother, see above. It also indicates that he was promoted to Saddler prior to embarking in 1901 and that he was injured and invalided to England in Dec 1901 suffering "concussion of brain". It notes he was declared medically unfit to continue service and that he convalesced in England before returning to Australia in Apr 1902.

The "Return of Corporal H. Sketcher" was reported in the Ipswich based newspaper, The Queensland Times, 12 Jun 1902, p. 7. He appears to have been interviewed for the article on his return to Ipswich. He indicated he was injured when his horse fell and kicked him in the back when they were both attempting to stand, injuring his spine. He noted he was promted to Saddler prior to embarking for South Africa but there is no mention of a promotion to Corporal. He confirmed he was initially treated at the Kimberley military hospital before being invalided to England, arriving Boxing Day 1901, where he was treated at the Netley Hospital. He embarked from England aboard Ophir on 24 Apr 1902 arriving Brisbane 9 Jun 1902 and returned to Ipswich 10 Jun 1902. He noted his injury resulted in permanent incapacity from being able to undertake any occupation.

(sources- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray p. 497; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 5th QIB, Bk 2 p. 62; National Archives Australia- Boer War Dossier; "Return of Corporal H. Sketcher", The Queensland Times, 12 Jun 1902, p. 7).