troop trains at the end of the Boer War, South Africa, 1902

The skirmish between the Boer farmers of South Africa and the British colonial forces was the first main opportunity that colonialists in NZ had to show their loyalty to the Empire.

The stoush began in 1899 and ended in 1902 by which time ten contingents of NZ volunteers totalling over 6,500 men (plus 8,000 horses) had sailed for Africa, along with doctors, nurses, veterinary surgeons and a small number of school teachers. The casualty rate fortunately was minor: 71 New Zealanders were killed in action or died of wounds, with another 159 dying in accidents or as result of disease.

This shows troops and horses of the 7th Contingent boarding a train for home. Location not stated.