Second Boer War British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient, and the first New Zealander to receive a Victoria Cross. He served as a Farrier-Sergeant, in the 4th New Zealand Contingent. On January 28, 1901, he was in command of a scout unit that was ambushed by a Boer force at Naauwpoort in Transvaal. Under heavy fire he held the point position mounted on his horse so his men could to retreat. When one of his troopers was wounded and his horse killed, he went to his assistance. He placed the injured man on his own horse and ran alongside until he had guided him to safety. For this act of conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in October 1901. He went on to serve in the Wellington Mounted Rifles during World War I, and served at Gallipoli. He achieved the rank of Major.
Usually called Billy, he went to Mount Cook School in Wellington, and made his debut as a rugby player for Wellington in 1897. He was in the Ranfurly Shield winning team in 1904. He became a farrier and blacksmith. Later he worked for the newspaper "Dominion" and then the Public Works Department.
Second Boer War British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient, and the first New Zealander to receive a Victoria Cross. He served as a Farrier-Sergeant, in the 4th New Zealand Contingent. On January 28, 1901, he was in command of a scout unit that was ambushed by a Boer force at Naauwpoort in Transvaal. Under heavy fire he held the point position mounted on his horse so his men could to retreat. When one of his troopers was wounded and his horse killed, he went to his assistance. He placed the injured man on his own horse and ran alongside until he had guided him to safety. For this act of conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in October 1901. He went on to serve in the Wellington Mounted Rifles during World War I, and served at Gallipoli. He achieved the rank of Major.
Usually called Billy, he went to Mount Cook School in Wellington, and made his debut as a rugby player for Wellington in 1897. He was in the Ranfurly Shield winning team in 1904. He became a farrier and blacksmith. Later he worked for the newspaper "Dominion" and then the Public Works Department.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
11/661 Major
W. J. Hardham V. C.
Wellington Mtd Rifles
Died 13-4-1928
Aged 51
Family Members
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