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Trooper John Henry Hurford
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TitleTrooper John Henry HurfordSummaryThe obituary and letters of a soldier in the Anglo-Boer War. DescriptionA farmer, born Near Chard, Somerset in 1877. Trooper Ellesmere Mounted Rifles. 1 Contingent, 2 Company. Seriously ill at Arundel, invalided with enteric fever from Cape Town on ‘Karamea’ 3.7.1900. (Information from Hurford's military personnel file, Archives NZ)
Otago Daily Times, 26th June 2009
"Mr Stan Wilson, a World War 2 veteran who fought at Cassino, has a special interest in the Boer War.
His uncle John Henry Hurford, from Doyleston, in Canterbury, was a member of the first contingent New Zealand Mounted Rifles in the South African war. Mr Wilson, who has a comprehensive collection of war memorabilia and photographs, has one of his uncle's spurs, a button from his coat and his farrier's badge, along with copies of his certificate of discharge and his obituary. After 12 months' fighting, Mr Hurford was invalided home with typhoid, and he died in 1907, aged 30, from complications resulting from the fever. He was given a military funeral at Sedgemere Cemetery."
The Star, Issue 6696, 18th January 1900
The New Zealanders at the Front
Page 4
Trooper Hurford, who was from the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, wrote to his parents from Naauwpoort on Dec. 3. The letter is of considerable interest, and gives a graphic description of the place and its surroundings. Trooper Hurford also gives a careful and descriptive account of military life on active service. At the time of writing the New Zealand contingent had not had an engagement with the enemy, but was hourly expecting to run across a detachment of Boers, as the men were employed to reconnoitre the kopjes and country surrounding Naauwpoort, and it was known that the enemy were concealed somewhere in the vicinity. The New Zealand boys were much amused at the contortions and lingo of the nigger mule-drivers. Up to the date of the letter, the New Zealand contingent was in "first-rate buckle," and was anxious to "have a go." Trooper Hurford describes Naauwpoort as a "dusty hole, the dust getting on and into everything. Altogether the letter is a most cheerful one.
The Star, Issue 6709, 2nd February 1900
From Trooper Hurford
Page 4
The parents of Trooper Hurford have received further information from him. He is in No. 2 Company of the contingent. The letter was written in the form of a diary, and is interesting in that every-day life on active service is graphically described. Trooper Hurford, judging by the tone of his letters, likes the service of the Queen better as he becomes more acquainted with it. He was in excellent health and spirits at the time of writing, and humorously described Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in camp. Through the generosity of the officers (who provided from their own pockets the "ingredients" required), Christmas plum pudding was served out to every man in camp, each tent having a pudding to itself, and each pudding having a golden and silver seasoning in the shape of coins given for the purpose by the officers. Trooper Hurford was lucky enough to "strike gold " in his claim, and intends to keep the half-sovereign as a souvenir of the occasion. At the time of writing, although the contingent had had several light brushes with the Boers, it had not really had much serious Work, and General French, was waiting the arrival of longer range cannon with which to shell the Boer position, before making a general attack. Troopers Bradford, Gourley, Collins and Booth have since been killed, which shows that after Trooper J Hurford's letter was written, the more serious part of the business was entered upon.
The Star, Issue 6727, 23rd February 1900
First Contingent
Page 4
Letter from Trooper Hurford
Two recent cables have appeared, in the Columns of the local newspapers, concerning Trooper Hurford, of the first New Zealand Contingent. The first cable stated that Trooper Hurford had been invalided from the front, through heart disease. The second stated that the trooper reported to be suffering from heart disease was not Trooper Hurford of the New Zealand Contingent, but one of the same name belonging to the New South Wales Contingent. By the last mail, however, the parents of Trooper Hurford, at Doyleston, received a letter from their son, confirming the news of the first cable. The letter is from No. 2 General Hospital, Wynburg, Capetown, under date Jan. 22, and states that the writer, though kept to his bed by the hospital authorities, feels well enough to be knocking about, and is exceedingly anxious to rejoin his regiment at the front. Trooper Hurford waxes enthusiastic in describing the kindness, skill and 'attention the sick and wounded receive from all who have access to them, and says that a galaxy of the most skilful surgeons of the world is at present attending the wounded of both British and Boer armies in South Africa. Describing the gift of chocolate from her Majesty to every soldier in South Africa, the writer says, it is about six inches long, four broad and one deep, in a very handsome tin box, on which is embossed a portrait of the Queen. The troops are keeping the boxes as loving souvenirs of the kindness and forethought of Queen Victoria towards her troops fighting the nations battle in South Africa. Trooper Hurford is sanguine that he will get to the front again before the relief of Ladysmith, which event, he considers, will be the beginning of the end. Describing the manner in which he got placed hors de combat, the writer states that among others, he was guarding a kopje for forty-eight hours in an intolerable heat, and almost without rest, when he felt a faintness come over him, and on being sounded by the doctor, he was packed off to De Aar Hospital, and after staying there a week, was sent along in an hospital train, among about one hundred other sick and wounded, to the Wynburg Hospitals at Capetown. The populace, of all the places within the fighting line give their almost undivided attention to the relief of the sick and wounded troops, and jellies, soups, fruit, etc., are sent to the hospitals in great quantities, while the ladies read to and comfort the wounded in every possible manner. The New Zealand lads, with the exception of those casualties which are too well known already, are all well and keen for fighting.
Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 27, 1st August 1900
Our Invalided Troopers. Return of the Thirteen More. Their Reception Here This Morning.
The steamer Karumea arrived from Capetown last night, having on board a party of thirteen members of New Zealand's various Contingents in South Africa. When the vessel drew alongside the Queen's Wharf at 9.30 o'clock this morning a large number of citizens were assembled, and gave the soldiers a hearty greeting. As soon as the gangway was lowered, the Premier, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. G. W. Aitken), Colonel Penton, Captain Owen, several legislators, and numerous friends and relatives of the invalids went on board. Nine of the 13 men were drawn up in line on the deck when the party from the city went on board. After the Premier and the Mayor had given each man a hearty handshake and a personal word of greeting, Mr. Seddon addressed them collectively. He welcomed them back to New Zealand, and said it would be the colony's duty to do all that it could to help them to regain their health. Mr. Aitken also welcomed the soldiers in the name of Wellington, and trusted they would be fully restored to health. Cheers were given by the crowd for the troopers, and general cheers for the captain of the Karamea after which the invalids were given into the hands (and arms) of waiting relatives, sweethearts, and friends. Groups were soon formed over the deck, and many were the questions and answers made and given. The returned party consists of Sergt. H. S. Orbell, South Canterbury, First Contingent, who started in the ranks, and was a member of the Otago Hussars (Lieut. -Colonel Robin's corps) ; Sergt. H. A. Finlay, Temuka (South Canterbury), Second Contingent, who had also been promoted while at the front ; Corp. G. P. Overton, Christchurch, Second Contingent, a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry ; Lance-Corporal J. F. Strange, Te Aroha (Auckland), First Contingent ; Trooper J. H. Hurford, Doyleston (Canterbury), First Contingent; Trooper A. Newdick, Thames, First Contingent; Trooper Geo. Hilliar, Patea, Second Contingent ; Trooper R. Meredith, Kihikihi (Auckland), Fifth Contingent; Trooper D. Davis, Karamea (West Coast), Fifth Contingent; Trooper G. K. Jackson, Dunedin, Second Contingent; Troopers Parsons (2), Kaikoura, Hotchkiss Battery — father and son, who joined the Battery in South Africa ; Trooper W. H. Wilson, Riccarton, Second Contingent.
All the invalids fell victims to enteric fever, and some have been in its grip for many months. All were able to come ashore this morning with the exception of Parsons, junior, who is still in hospital on the Karamea, and is in a low condition. The men spoke cheerfully of their experiences, and when questioned by a member of our staff as to their treatment in hospital, several said that in Capetown, both in hospital and in the convalescent camp, they were very carefully attended to. It was in the field hospitals that the men under treatment suffered most, but the doctors and authorities were not blamed for this. The men recognised it as one of the exigencies of war. When the question of treatment in hospital was mentioned to the men who wore stripes, they hinted that they knew something not altogether of a pleasant nature, but "they were not disposed to disclose it to the press fellows." The invalids said they had picked up in condition wonderfully during the voyage, thanks to their treatment on board the Karamea, whose chief steward (Mr. Bland) came in for special praise.
Readers who followed the Camp Notes in the Post during the time the Second Contingent (Major Cradock's command) was camped in Newtown Park, will remember that the bucking proclivities of the ex-racer Prospect came in for frequent mention. Corporal Overton, who returned this morning, was the rider of Prospect during those "fresh" days. Asked what had become of his steed, the Corporal said that whilst out with other animals grazing off a place called Bastardputs, Prospect strayed away, and he is probably bearing a Boer on his back to-day. Regret was generally expressed by the men at having to leave the scene of action. One trooper, who had been "right in the thick of it" with the Second Contingent couldn't keep the tears out of his voice when telling his mother this morning how he had pleaded with the medical officer to let him go back to the front again. "I prayed every morning," said the tall fellow to the little woman who was so glad to see him back — "I prayed every morning that I might be able to get into the firing line again. And when the doctor came round and asked 'How are you?' I said, 'Oh, I'm fine this morning, doctor, and you'll be able to send me back.' On the third morning, when I felt fit as a fiddle, the doctor came as usual, and after carefully looking at me, he began to mark his card. I suggested that I might go back to camp next day. But I saw him write 'Capetown' on that card — and I haven't got over it yet!" And even the woman by his side sympathetically added -"Poor fellow!" But an outsider who hadn't heard the story came along just then, and overhearing the word "fever" — which the soldier said had pulled him down so much — said to the trooper, "Then you didn't do any shooting?" "Shooting!" was the quick reply; "Didn't I? I'd like to have a pound for every shot I fired!" "But how many Boers did you kill?" asked the doubter. "How many did I kill? What a question to ask! How do I know, Do you think I could go out and count 'em? I fired the shots at the beggars, that's all I know. They know whether they got 'em or not!"
Trooper Wilson was a member of Christ's College Rifles (Christchurch) before joining the Second Contingent, and his people live at Riccarton. Strange to say this trooper's name and number has been omitted from the printed roll issued by the Government, and consequently he has been confounded with some other Wilsons who are in the various Contingents, including his brother (Thornton Wilson, of the First Contingent) who took part in the New Zealand Hill affair in which Sergeant Gourley was killed. Before leaving the Karamea the invalids were instructed to meet at the Defence Office at 11.30 o'clock for the purpose of visiting Government House. His Excellency the Governor had expressed a desire to meet them. This afternoon the men are to be medically examined, and those who are fit to return home will be granted leave. First NameJohn HenryLast NameHurfordDate of Birth2 July 1876
Place of BirthChard, SomersetDate of Death19 January 1907Place of DeathLakesideCause of DeathComplications from typhoidAge at Death30Parents or Next of KinFather: David Hurford, Doyleston
Otago Daily Times, 26th June 2009
"Mr Stan Wilson, a World War 2 veteran who fought at Cassino, has a special interest in the Boer War.
His uncle John Henry Hurford, from Doyleston, in Canterbury, was a member of the first contingent New Zealand Mounted Rifles in the South African war. Mr Wilson, who has a comprehensive collection of war memorabilia and photographs, has one of his uncle's spurs, a button from his coat and his farrier's badge, along with copies of his certificate of discharge and his obituary. After 12 months' fighting, Mr Hurford was invalided home with typhoid, and he died in 1907, aged 30, from complications resulting from the fever. He was given a military funeral at Sedgemere Cemetery."
The Star, Issue 6696, 18th January 1900
The New Zealanders at the Front
Page 4
Trooper Hurford, who was from the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, wrote to his parents from Naauwpoort on Dec. 3. The letter is of considerable interest, and gives a graphic description of the place and its surroundings. Trooper Hurford also gives a careful and descriptive account of military life on active service. At the time of writing the New Zealand contingent had not had an engagement with the enemy, but was hourly expecting to run across a detachment of Boers, as the men were employed to reconnoitre the kopjes and country surrounding Naauwpoort, and it was known that the enemy were concealed somewhere in the vicinity. The New Zealand boys were much amused at the contortions and lingo of the nigger mule-drivers. Up to the date of the letter, the New Zealand contingent was in "first-rate buckle," and was anxious to "have a go." Trooper Hurford describes Naauwpoort as a "dusty hole, the dust getting on and into everything. Altogether the letter is a most cheerful one.
The Star, Issue 6709, 2nd February 1900
From Trooper Hurford
Page 4
The parents of Trooper Hurford have received further information from him. He is in No. 2 Company of the contingent. The letter was written in the form of a diary, and is interesting in that every-day life on active service is graphically described. Trooper Hurford, judging by the tone of his letters, likes the service of the Queen better as he becomes more acquainted with it. He was in excellent health and spirits at the time of writing, and humorously described Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in camp. Through the generosity of the officers (who provided from their own pockets the "ingredients" required), Christmas plum pudding was served out to every man in camp, each tent having a pudding to itself, and each pudding having a golden and silver seasoning in the shape of coins given for the purpose by the officers. Trooper Hurford was lucky enough to "strike gold " in his claim, and intends to keep the half-sovereign as a souvenir of the occasion. At the time of writing, although the contingent had had several light brushes with the Boers, it had not really had much serious Work, and General French, was waiting the arrival of longer range cannon with which to shell the Boer position, before making a general attack. Troopers Bradford, Gourley, Collins and Booth have since been killed, which shows that after Trooper J Hurford's letter was written, the more serious part of the business was entered upon.
The Star, Issue 6727, 23rd February 1900
First Contingent
Page 4
Letter from Trooper Hurford
Two recent cables have appeared, in the Columns of the local newspapers, concerning Trooper Hurford, of the first New Zealand Contingent. The first cable stated that Trooper Hurford had been invalided from the front, through heart disease. The second stated that the trooper reported to be suffering from heart disease was not Trooper Hurford of the New Zealand Contingent, but one of the same name belonging to the New South Wales Contingent. By the last mail, however, the parents of Trooper Hurford, at Doyleston, received a letter from their son, confirming the news of the first cable. The letter is from No. 2 General Hospital, Wynburg, Capetown, under date Jan. 22, and states that the writer, though kept to his bed by the hospital authorities, feels well enough to be knocking about, and is exceedingly anxious to rejoin his regiment at the front. Trooper Hurford waxes enthusiastic in describing the kindness, skill and 'attention the sick and wounded receive from all who have access to them, and says that a galaxy of the most skilful surgeons of the world is at present attending the wounded of both British and Boer armies in South Africa. Describing the gift of chocolate from her Majesty to every soldier in South Africa, the writer says, it is about six inches long, four broad and one deep, in a very handsome tin box, on which is embossed a portrait of the Queen. The troops are keeping the boxes as loving souvenirs of the kindness and forethought of Queen Victoria towards her troops fighting the nations battle in South Africa. Trooper Hurford is sanguine that he will get to the front again before the relief of Ladysmith, which event, he considers, will be the beginning of the end. Describing the manner in which he got placed hors de combat, the writer states that among others, he was guarding a kopje for forty-eight hours in an intolerable heat, and almost without rest, when he felt a faintness come over him, and on being sounded by the doctor, he was packed off to De Aar Hospital, and after staying there a week, was sent along in an hospital train, among about one hundred other sick and wounded, to the Wynburg Hospitals at Capetown. The populace, of all the places within the fighting line give their almost undivided attention to the relief of the sick and wounded troops, and jellies, soups, fruit, etc., are sent to the hospitals in great quantities, while the ladies read to and comfort the wounded in every possible manner. The New Zealand lads, with the exception of those casualties which are too well known already, are all well and keen for fighting.
Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 27, 1st August 1900
Our Invalided Troopers. Return of the Thirteen More. Their Reception Here This Morning.
The steamer Karumea arrived from Capetown last night, having on board a party of thirteen members of New Zealand's various Contingents in South Africa. When the vessel drew alongside the Queen's Wharf at 9.30 o'clock this morning a large number of citizens were assembled, and gave the soldiers a hearty greeting. As soon as the gangway was lowered, the Premier, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. G. W. Aitken), Colonel Penton, Captain Owen, several legislators, and numerous friends and relatives of the invalids went on board. Nine of the 13 men were drawn up in line on the deck when the party from the city went on board. After the Premier and the Mayor had given each man a hearty handshake and a personal word of greeting, Mr. Seddon addressed them collectively. He welcomed them back to New Zealand, and said it would be the colony's duty to do all that it could to help them to regain their health. Mr. Aitken also welcomed the soldiers in the name of Wellington, and trusted they would be fully restored to health. Cheers were given by the crowd for the troopers, and general cheers for the captain of the Karamea after which the invalids were given into the hands (and arms) of waiting relatives, sweethearts, and friends. Groups were soon formed over the deck, and many were the questions and answers made and given. The returned party consists of Sergt. H. S. Orbell, South Canterbury, First Contingent, who started in the ranks, and was a member of the Otago Hussars (Lieut. -Colonel Robin's corps) ; Sergt. H. A. Finlay, Temuka (South Canterbury), Second Contingent, who had also been promoted while at the front ; Corp. G. P. Overton, Christchurch, Second Contingent, a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry ; Lance-Corporal J. F. Strange, Te Aroha (Auckland), First Contingent ; Trooper J. H. Hurford, Doyleston (Canterbury), First Contingent; Trooper A. Newdick, Thames, First Contingent; Trooper Geo. Hilliar, Patea, Second Contingent ; Trooper R. Meredith, Kihikihi (Auckland), Fifth Contingent; Trooper D. Davis, Karamea (West Coast), Fifth Contingent; Trooper G. K. Jackson, Dunedin, Second Contingent; Troopers Parsons (2), Kaikoura, Hotchkiss Battery — father and son, who joined the Battery in South Africa ; Trooper W. H. Wilson, Riccarton, Second Contingent.
All the invalids fell victims to enteric fever, and some have been in its grip for many months. All were able to come ashore this morning with the exception of Parsons, junior, who is still in hospital on the Karamea, and is in a low condition. The men spoke cheerfully of their experiences, and when questioned by a member of our staff as to their treatment in hospital, several said that in Capetown, both in hospital and in the convalescent camp, they were very carefully attended to. It was in the field hospitals that the men under treatment suffered most, but the doctors and authorities were not blamed for this. The men recognised it as one of the exigencies of war. When the question of treatment in hospital was mentioned to the men who wore stripes, they hinted that they knew something not altogether of a pleasant nature, but "they were not disposed to disclose it to the press fellows." The invalids said they had picked up in condition wonderfully during the voyage, thanks to their treatment on board the Karamea, whose chief steward (Mr. Bland) came in for special praise.
Readers who followed the Camp Notes in the Post during the time the Second Contingent (Major Cradock's command) was camped in Newtown Park, will remember that the bucking proclivities of the ex-racer Prospect came in for frequent mention. Corporal Overton, who returned this morning, was the rider of Prospect during those "fresh" days. Asked what had become of his steed, the Corporal said that whilst out with other animals grazing off a place called Bastardputs, Prospect strayed away, and he is probably bearing a Boer on his back to-day. Regret was generally expressed by the men at having to leave the scene of action. One trooper, who had been "right in the thick of it" with the Second Contingent couldn't keep the tears out of his voice when telling his mother this morning how he had pleaded with the medical officer to let him go back to the front again. "I prayed every morning," said the tall fellow to the little woman who was so glad to see him back — "I prayed every morning that I might be able to get into the firing line again. And when the doctor came round and asked 'How are you?' I said, 'Oh, I'm fine this morning, doctor, and you'll be able to send me back.' On the third morning, when I felt fit as a fiddle, the doctor came as usual, and after carefully looking at me, he began to mark his card. I suggested that I might go back to camp next day. But I saw him write 'Capetown' on that card — and I haven't got over it yet!" And even the woman by his side sympathetically added -"Poor fellow!" But an outsider who hadn't heard the story came along just then, and overhearing the word "fever" — which the soldier said had pulled him down so much — said to the trooper, "Then you didn't do any shooting?" "Shooting!" was the quick reply; "Didn't I? I'd like to have a pound for every shot I fired!" "But how many Boers did you kill?" asked the doubter. "How many did I kill? What a question to ask! How do I know, Do you think I could go out and count 'em? I fired the shots at the beggars, that's all I know. They know whether they got 'em or not!"
Trooper Wilson was a member of Christ's College Rifles (Christchurch) before joining the Second Contingent, and his people live at Riccarton. Strange to say this trooper's name and number has been omitted from the printed roll issued by the Government, and consequently he has been confounded with some other Wilsons who are in the various Contingents, including his brother (Thornton Wilson, of the First Contingent) who took part in the New Zealand Hill affair in which Sergeant Gourley was killed. Before leaving the Karamea the invalids were instructed to meet at the Defence Office at 11.30 o'clock for the purpose of visiting Government House. His Excellency the Governor had expressed a desire to meet them. This afternoon the men are to be medically examined, and those who are fit to return home will be granted leave. First NameJohn HenryLast NameHurfordDate of Birth2 July 1876
Place of BirthChard, SomersetDate of Death19 January 1907Place of DeathLakesideCause of DeathComplications from typhoidAge at Death30Parents or Next of KinFather: David Hurford, DoylestonConnections
CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn Anglo-Boer WarMore InformationOtago Daily TimesPapers PastPapers PastPapers PastPapers Past
Military Service
Memorial or CemeterySt Mark's, SedgemereOccupation before EnlistingFarmerRegiment or ServiceNew Zealand Mounted Rifles, 1st ContingentService Number143TransportWaiwera
Occupation before EnlistingFarmerRegiment or ServiceNew Zealand Mounted Rifles, 1st ContingentService Number143TransportWaiweraAttribution
Researched ByMike SmithTaken FromPhoto taken from Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph. Please refer to this site for the photo’s copyright license.
Taken FromPhoto taken from Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph. Please refer to this site for the photo’s copyright license.Trooper John Henry Hurford. Selwyn Stories, accessed 16/01/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/472
