Most of the South African War service records for soldiers in this database have now been digitised and are available by searching the Archives New Zealand Archway website.
Harry or Henry John Whelch (which was his true name) was my grandfather - he also served in World War 1. You do not seem to have that recorded. His father Thomas Whelch was one of the grandsons of Elizabeth Delahay Whelch who married Captain George Hempleman - George Hempleman set up the first settlement in Canterbury at Banks Peninsular at Piraki in 1837. The Canterbury Museum has his log - the Piraki Log. Tales of Banks of Peninsular tells some of the history. Harry or Henry John Whelch's youngest son, also called Henry John Whelch Corporal 596013 served in the 22nd Battalion WW2 and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal - Gazetted 18 Oct 1945.
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