boer war

Imperialism in Stone

During the second half of the 19th century a tradition developed in Britain to erect war memorials to those who had died in foreign wars and had no grave at home. So it was not surprising that New Zealanders put up about 50 war memorials to those who died in the South African war, most of which are still known to exist. All but one were completed within six years of peace. The memorials preserve in stone the imperial sentiments which inspired New Zealand's involvement in the war.

New Zealand and the South African War

A tight corner, a New Zealander painting, circa 1900

Boer kommandos (commandos) wait for the enemy during the South African (Boer) War, circa 1899-1901. Having grown up on the veldt (open plains), the Boers knew the terrain and used its features to their advantage. Kopjes (hills) and dongas (riverbeds) suited the Boer marksmen as they provided natural cover in an otherwise open landscape.

Members of New Zealand's Sixth Contingent burn a Boer farm, 1901. This photograph was possibly taken by Private William Raynes.

During the second phase of the war Boer farms were often cleared of their inhabitants: houses and possessions were burned and the livestock either taken by the British  or destroyed. As a result of this method, more than 30,000 farms were burnt and up to 3.6 million sheep were destroyed.

The Trooper Tarrant memorial on the Motueka Quay. The memorial was unveiled on 8 July 1903.

This German-supplied Boer Mauser Model 1897 rifle was used by in South Africa by Veld Kornet (Captain) Jacobus Cornelius Beukes of the Heilbron Commando, OVS (Orange Free State). This rifle is from the last batch of 510 delivered to the Orange Free State in 1899.

The right face of the rifle butt has been carved with the inscription: 'OVS 1900 - J.C.O. BEUKES & K.V. HEILBRON.'

This South African ('Boer') War leather 'housewife' – also known as (and always pronounced) 'hussif' – is attributed to Quartermaster-Sergeant Seymour Spencer. Spencer arrived in South Africa with the Fifth Contingent in April 1900. He was promoted to Lieutenant and saw further service with the Seventh and Ninth Contingents.