New Zealand's Role in the South African Tragedy : 1899-1902

The New Zealand contribution of 6,500 men in ten contingents is covered in detail, as are many of the social issues such as Maori participation in the war. Today, we can look back with pride at how incredibly supportive the 800,000 population of New Zealand was of these brave soldiers. About 81,000 or more persons died during the war. In total, 70 NZMR soldiers died as a result of battle while 158 died from illness, disease or accident and 166 were wounded. The NZMR soldiers served our nation with pride, winning many accolades for their skill, daring and professionalism. The Times History of the war in South Africa acknowledges that the New Zealanders were on average the best mounted troops in South Africa.