QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 TO DOW, (type 3 reverse), - three

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 TO DOW, (type 3 reverse), - three clasps - Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal. 358 Serjt: S.J.Henderson. N.Z'Land M.R. Impressed. A black diagonal stripe on ribbon to indicate died in service, medal with some hairlines, otherwise extremely fine.

Sidney James Henderson, farmer, age 23 from Blenheim, NZ; Enl. with 3 years service as Trooper with Marlborough Mounted Rifles; Embarked with NZMR 2nd Contingent on board S.S. Waiwera; served as Sergeant; WIA 23Jan1901 at Balmoral; Died 27Jan1901 at Pretoria.

On 23 January 1901 400 Boers attacked 120 New Zealanders and Queenslanders who were patrolling the railway near Balmoral. The colonials were the first to reach and seize a kopje commanding the railway and camp and held the position until reinforced, losing two killed and six wounded including Sgt S.J.Henderson.

When Sgt Henderson died four days later from his wounds, news of his death was reported back to New Zealand. There was deep sympathy for the family as he was the second son of Mr W.Henderson of Kenepuru and was well known and respected throughout the district where he had many friends.

With copy of Service File.