Memorial to South African War trooper Louis Hewson Marcks in the Maheno cemetery.Note that on his service record his first name is spelt 'Lewis'.The memorial was unveiled on 4 January 1903 (PapersPast).
Sixteen members of the Eighth New Zealand Contingent were killed when their train collided with a goods train at Machavie (Machavierug) near Potchefstroom.
Henry Coutts was one of four colonial soldiers to receive a woollen scarf knitted by Queen Victoria in recognition of an act of gallantry. Born on 14 November 1866 at Coutts Island in Canterbury, he farmed at Ngaere in Taranaki before joining No. 1 Company of the First Contingent. While in South Africa he was promoted to Lance Corporal.
Canterbury-born Henry Coutts won royal recognition for rescuing a wounded soldier after a British column had been ambushed at Sannah's Point on 30 March 1900.
Born in Sussex, England, in 1870, George Roland Bradford was the first member of a New Zealand military force to be killed while serving overseas. The South Africa War was not Bradford’s first military experience, as he had served with the Grenadier Guards before immigrating to New Zealand. After settling here he served with the Ohinemuri Rifles volunteer unit. Following the declaration of war in South Africa he enlisted on 7 October 1899 as a Farrier with the first company of the First Contingent.
Annie Lee Rees (or Lily) was one of the 20 New Zealand women selected to work as teachers for Boer children living in the concentration camps in South Africa. Born at Beechworth in Victoria, Australia, Lily was raised in New Zealand from the age of two. The daughter of Liberal politician and lawyer William Lee Rees, Lily enjoyed a privileged upbringing which consisted of private schooling and a university education. She was also physically active, enjoying sports such as swimming, riding and tennis. Influenced by her father, Lily possessed a strong sense of morality and individuality.
Majuba Hill (27 February 1881) was the main battle fought between British and Boer forces during the First Boer War, 1880-1881. It was a comprehensive victory for the Boers, who routed a 400-strong British force occupying the summit of the hill.
