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VC Action

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1 Jul 1876, Wellington, N.Z.

 

13 Apr 1928, Wellington, N.Z.

 

Militia 1895-1900
New Zealand Boer War Contingent 1900-02
New Zealand Expeditionary Force 1914-19
       (Gallipoli)

 

Oct 1914

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1919

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Petone Company (1895-1900)
NZ Rough Riders (1900-02  VC)
Wellington Mounted Rifles (1914-15 1917-19)
Queen Mary Army Hospital (1915-17)

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28 Jan 1901, Naauwpoort, South Africa

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Farrier Sergeant Major

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Major

MINI BIO

 

A talented rugby player, William became a blacksmith after attending Mount Cook School.
In 1895 he enrolled in the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers, late 1896, transferred to the Petone Naval Artillery Volunteers.
Mar 1900, enlisted as Farrier Sergeant in the Fourth (Rough Riders) Contingent, arriving in South Africa in May.  He saw a considerable amount of action.  On one occasion he rode out under heavy fire to retrieve a wounded man.  He placed the man on his horse and then ran alongside to safety.  For this act, he was awarded the only VC to a New Zealander during the Second Boer War.
Returning to NZ, he continued to play rugby for Petone and Wellington, becoming part of rugby admin. He is remembered in a senior club trophy, the Hardham Cup.
William saw military service in the First World War.  August 14 appointed Captain in the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment and was severely wounded at Gallipoli on 30 May 15.
While convalescing in Wellington, Hardham married Constance Evelyn Parsons 11 Mar 16; they had no children. Between Jun 16 and Sep 17 he was commandant of Queen Mary Hospital at Hanmer Springs. Determined to return to active service, he eventually secured medical clearance and returned to the Wellington Mounted Rifles in Palestine.
After contracting malaria, was invalided back to NZ Jan 1919. Effects of his wounds and illness stopped him resuming blacksmith work, he found less demanding employment with the Dominion newspaper and, later, the Public Works Department. Following the war he worked conscientiously to promote  the interests of returned soldiers.
William was a quiet, modest man: initially, reluctant to wear his Victoria Cross on official occasions. He was a popular and much respected soldier and sportsman who put service to others before self-interest. It was said of him that his 'ideals were high, his work splendid, and although he has crossed the last goal line his spirit still lives.'

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LONDON GAZETTE

No. 27362

4 October 1901

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On 28 January 1901, near Naauwpoort, this Non-Commissioned Officer was with a section which was extended and hotly engaged with a party of about 20 Boers. Just before the force commenced to retire Trooper McCrae was wounded and his horse killed. Farrier- Major Hardham at once went under a heavy fire to his assistance, dismounted and placed him on his own horse, and ran alongside until he had guided him to a place of safety.