Career
He died of dysentery in German East Africa in World War I, while serving in the Mounted Commandos. and is buried in Dar es Salaam in modern day Tanzania, where Tommy Thompson is also buried. His entry on the International Roll of Honour reads:
"He upheld in the worthiest possible manner the teachings of the rugby game..and his case will stand for all time as a shining example to his countrymen."
He played for Western Province rugby union team and also represented Transvaal in cricket. He was the brother of Gerhard Morkel who was also on the 1912-1913 tour.