NZ units in South Africa 1899-1902
South African War 1899-1902
New Zealand and the South African War
South African War memorials
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.
The Contingents - NZ units in South Africa 1899-1902
Origins of the conflict - NZ in the South African WarTensions in southern AfricaConcerned by German interest in southern Africa, the British Empire annexed the Boer South African Republic (Transvaal) in 1877 to ensure the security of its own South African territories. Women at war - NZ units in South Africa 1899-1902The South African War began just six years after New Zealand women had gained the right to vote, and provided further opportunities for them to assert their independence. Many did this by actively participating in fundraising, while some expressed public opposition to the war. A small number of women played a more direct role, choosing to leave behind a life of comfort to serve as teachers and nurses in South Africa. Kiwi stories - NZ units in South Africa 1899-1902Although histories of war are often dominated by discussion of strategies, leaders and battles, it is also important to remember the ordinary people whose lives were affected, either through active participation or on the home front. The stories below reflect the human face of war, containing tales of hardship, heroism and death. Each biography links to a page with further information. The Boers - NZ in the South African WarThe term Boer is derived from the Afrikaans word for farmer and was used to describe the people in southern Africa who traced their ancestry to Dutch, German and French Huguenot settlers who arrived in the Cape of Good Hope after 1662. South African War memorials mapClick on pins to find links to memorial pages. Zoom in to find exact locations using Satellite, Map or Street views. Memorials are also listed below the map. Read more about South African War memorials. Note we will be adding other South African War memorials to this map shortly. Embarkation database - NZ units in South Africa 1899-1902The information was sourced from the nominal rolls of the New Zealand Contingents published in the Appendices to the House of Representatives. It contains the names, contingents, companies, registration numbers, ranks, embarkation details, addresses, next of kin and occupations of every New Zealand soldier who joined the New Zealand contingents that sailed to the South African War.
Note that some New Zealand soldiers enlisted with British, Australian or South African forces and will therefore not appear on this database.
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