Commemoration of 23 New Zealanders

Restored Anglo-Boer War Memorial Commemorating 23 New Zealanders Officially Rededicated By Former All Black

Former All Black Ian Jones was honoured by the community of Vrede in Free State, South Africa on Tuesday by being invited to lay a wreath in memory of 23 New Zealanders who lost their lives during the Anglo-Boer War.

The stone memorial celebrates the heroism of members of the 7th New Zealand Mounted Rifles Regiment who gave their lives for their country and empire on the 23rd of February 1902 during the Battle of Langverwacht. It was originally built in 1903 by the remaining New Zealand troops and the local Afrikaaner community.

Almost one hundred years later the memorial was severely damaged during an electrical storm when lightning struck a nearby oak tree, causing it to fall on the memorial, in the process breaking the solid marble plaque. Its recent restoration was paid for by the New Zealand Government and overseen by Joseph Buthelezi.

The re-dedicating ceremony took place near the battle site in a remote Afrikaaner farming community near Vrede in northern Free State. The site was used during the battle for the New Zealanders make-shift hospital. The 23 men who died that day were buried on that site. Their bodies were later re-interred and moved to the nearby town of Vrede.

Ian was joined during the ceremony by the Mayor of Phumelela Local Municipality – Councillor TJ Motaung who also laid a wreath in memory of the Boers who were killed on that day.

Coverage of this moving ceremony can be seen in SKY’S build-up to this Sunday’s test between the All Blacks and Springboks in Bloemfontein. “Kamo to Bloemfontein” follows Ian Jones as he travels through the Free State uncovering rugby stories that capture the proud history between rugby’s two greatest countries.

‘KAMO TO BLOEMFONTEIN’ ON SKY SPORT 1 & THE RUGBY CHANNEL…

Rugby Channel: Saturday 25 June, 12.30pm (Replayed: 4.00pm, 8.30pm & Sunday 26 June 1.30am)

SKY Sport 1: Saturday 25 June at 7.30pm (Replayed: Sunday 26 June, 1.30am)

ENDS

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