William Harding, 1901

Date of action: 28 Jan 1901 (near Naauwpoort, South Africa); date of award: 4 Oct 1901 Wellington blacksmith William Hardham was the first New Zealand-born serviceman to receive the VC. He won his award in South Africa serving with the fourth New Zealand contingent. After his unit was ambushed, Hardham rode back to pick up a wounded soldier, helping him to safety under heavy fire. Read more