Most of the South African War service records for soldiers in this database have now been digitised and are available by searching the Archives New Zealand Archway website.
Full name was Beckham Paikawa Arthur. Paikawa being his Warrior Name. YES he was Maori fighting in Africa 1900 and 1902 . First World War. Lieut-Colonel November 1918 to Command the 1st Motor Brigade Machine Gun Corps. Wounded at Loos September, 1915. Awarded a Distinguished Service Order and Mentioned in Despatches (x 3).
Great Uncle Beckham left Gisborne in 1899 to join the 4th Contingent, He went back again in the 9th. Stayed in England after Boar War. Wrote home to his Mother. With the First World War, © King Edwards Horse | Contact Peter Nemaric
First Name LastName Regt No Origin Rank Remarks
Beckham Arthur 111 New Zealand Sgt
Gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant in March 1915, and posted to Motor Machine Gun Service at Bisley. Promoted Captain June 1915, Major March 1916 and Lieut-Colonel November 1918 to Command the 1st Motor Brigade Machine Gun Corps. Wounded at Loos September, 1915. Awarded a Distinguished Service Order and Mentioned in Despatches (x 3).
Distinguished Service Order LG 26 July 1918. Major Beckham Arthur For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when handling his motor machine-gun battery during a defence and the subsequent withdrawal. It was largely due to his action that two battalions of infantry were enabled to carry out a successful retirement, for his guns inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and materially held up their advance.
Note
Hist 60, App H.
Beckham Arthur was born and grew up in Tokomaru Bay, where he rode his horses with my Great Grandfather, his older brother. He was a Rough Rider in the Boar War. Letters home describing a battle. Amazing!
VERY PROUD, uNCLE BECKHAM. 1876-1922 Aged just 46.
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