Local RSA members, historians and descendants gathered at Queens Gardens last Wednesday to honour the Nelson Mounted Riflemen who served with New Zealand’s 6th Contingent during the Boer War.
The annual memorial service, initiated in 2021 by military historian Peter Millward and organised by the Nelson RSA and members of the Nelson Historic Society, marks the departure of troops for South Africa on October 21, 1899. Each year, the organisers acknowledge a different contingent, with this years' service honouring the 6th Contingent in the sixth year of the memorial.
New Zealand’s first overseas military deployment, the Boer War lasted from 1899 to 1902. More than 6500 New Zealand volunteers served across 10 contingents of mounted riflemen, alongside 8000 horses. Of those who served, 230 died in action or from wounds or disease.
Nelson RSA patron Brian Ramsay led the Order of Service and noted that the Boer War memorial in Queens Gardens was unveiled 120 years ago, on June 4, 1906, when 600 local volunteer troops paraded in the gardens.
“The troops of the 6th Contingent were famously known as the ‘Silent Sixth',” Peter says. Unlike earlier and later groups which received massive public farewells, their departure coincided with the death of Queen Victoria, which completely overshadowed their exit.
“When the Queen passed there was not the usual pomp and ceremony for those going off to war.”
As Peter read the names of those who served, he highlighted the family connections among the men, with some siblings serving alongside one another, others joining different contingents, and some fighting in multiple wars. The average age of those who served was 26.
“It is an honour to have the relations of some of those men here today."
One descendant, Grant Pahl, attended after Peter tracked him down. His ancestor, Trooper F.E. (Frank) Pahl, served with the 6th contingent, and Grant laid a wreath at the memorial.
“I wasn’t aware of the family history until Peter got in contact with me. Our name is on the plaque at Wakefield Quay, but I had no idea the legacy was here too. I’m honoured to be a part of today’s service.”
Ian Martyn read the Ode to the Fallen, while David Todd played The Last Post, bringing the gathering together in remembrance.
