William James Hardham
Encyclopedia
Major 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.
Sergeant Major
in the 4th New Zealand Contingent
, New Zealand Military Forces during the Second Boer War
when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
rugby representative and donated the Hardham Cup, which is the Premier Division 2 trophy in Wellington club rugby.
, Waiouru
, New Zealand.
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(31 July 1876 – 13 April 1928) was a New Zealander recipient of the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
forces.
Details
Hardham was 24 years old, and a FarrierFarrier
A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves...
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
in the 4th New Zealand Contingent
4th New Zealand Contingent
The 4th New Zealand Contingent was one of ten contingents of New Zealand volunteers for service during the Second Boer War. It served from April 1900 through to June 1901. The contingent went from New Zealand to Beira, Portuguese East Africa in the SS Gymeric, though there was a "mutiny" on the...
, New Zealand Military Forces during the Second Boer War
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
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. Hardham was also a WellingtonWellington Rugby Football Union
The Wellington Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the city of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand...
rugby representative and donated the Hardham Cup, which is the Premier Division 2 trophy in Wellington club rugby.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial MuseumQEII Army Memorial Museum
The National Army Museum is the museum of the New Zealand Army. It was formerly known as the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum. It is situated 94 minutes south of Taupo on State Highway One, on the southern side of the small military town of Waiouru. The 1300 square metre museum is...
, Waiouru
Waiouru
Waiouru is a small town in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand. It is on the North Island Volcanic Plateau, 25 kilometres south-east of Mount Ruapehu, and in the Ruapehu District....
, New Zealand.
External links
- Hardham W.J.
- angloboerwar.com (brief biography details)