His grave is at Otahuhu Cemetery. Thanks to Sarndra Lees (www.sarndra.com) for supplying the following information and images.
Grave transcript:
In memory of
Lieutenant Henry J MACDONALD
Passed on 18 March 1948
Aged 78
Veteran South African War – World War 1
“Till we meet again”
Area B Lot No. 38
Henry John
Military service Numbers:
2391 Trooper 5th Contingent S.A.
4694 Sergeant 7th Contingent S.A.
Lieutenant 9th Contingent S.A.
Discharge certificate dated 15 September 1902
Military awards:
Kings South Africa Medal and South Africa Clasps [1900 and 1902]
2nd Boer War Medal
Occupation: Engineer and Carpenter
“To Whom it may Concern”
This is to certify that Serg. H. J. MacDonald of the 7th & 5th New Zealand Regiments is a most reliable & able non com.
Having many opportunities of personally seeing his work both infield and camp, I can recommend him for any like or advanced position. I have personal knowledge of the good work done by this soldier extending over a period of 22 months.
A Bauchop
Major 7th N.Z. Reg.
I certify that this is a true copy of letter written by Major Bauchop 7th N.Z. Contingent
C.P. WHITELEY J.P
Otahuhu Jany 22nd 1902
[other references included in his military records – fabulous reading…and I especially like the following letter he wrote:
Jan 22nd 1902
Otahuhu
Auckland
To the Rt. Hon. the Minister for Defence
Sir,
Having returned last week from South Africa after a period of 21 months continuous active service, I find the 8th Contingent on the eve of departure and a 9th Contingent proposed.
In applying for a commission in the 9th, I respectfully draw to your attention the fact that though continuously in the field with the 5th & 7th Contingents I have had less than one week’s illness during that time and am sound & well at present.
I enclose copies of recommendations from two of my late Officers in the 7th
Maj. Bauchop & Capt Ross
And I can refer you with confidence to many of the leading men of this District for my personal character.
In offering my services I am actuated by a sincere desire to see the war through to the end and should I receive His Majesty’s commission as a subaltern in the 9th Contingent, I hope to carry it as a New Zealander ought to.
I remain, Sir
Your obedient servant
Henry John Macdonald
Sgt 7th N.Z.M.R.
His military records are available online to read:
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search#/item/aims-archive/R20521656
His Cenotaph database record:
http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/125078.detail?
His probate is available:
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search#/item/aims-archive/R9370581
Images of the grave
Community contributions