William James Hardham

William James Hardham VC (31 July 1876- 13 April 1928) was a New Zealander recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 24 years old, and a Farrier Sergeant Major in the 4th New Zealand Contingent, New Zealand Military Forces during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 January 1901 near Naauwpoort, South Africa, Hardham was with a section which was hotly engaged with a party of about 20 Boers. Just before the force started to retire, a trooper was wounded and his horse killed. The Farrier Sergeant Major at once went, under heavy fire, to his assistance, dismounted and put him on his own horse, and then ran alongside until he had guided the wounded man to a place of safety.

Further information

Hardham was the first New Zealand-born man to win the VC. He later achieved the rank of Major. He was buried at Karori Soldier's Cemetery, Wellington, New Zealand. Circle O. Plot 20.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum "(Waiouru, New Zealand)".

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.ozemail.com.au/~vcweb/winners/nz_winners/hardham.htm Hardham W.J.]
* [http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/7572/nzvcross.txt New Zealand Troops who have won the Victoria Cross] "(brief biography details)"