683 Harry Robert Rule, 3rd NZMR
QSA - 3rd NZMR - Died of Disease
The scarce casualty QSA w/clasps Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 issued to the next-of-kin of Harry Robert Rule, who served a year in the field in South Africa only to succumb to disease at Cape Town on 29th March 1901.
Harry Rule was born in Rangiora, New Zealand on 9th November 1870, son of James Rule and Mary Ann Rule née Day. He was educated at Rangiora School, and worked as a storeman for Blackett and Sons in the town. Rule also served as a sergeant with the Rangiora Rifle Volunteers, thus was quite experienced at the time of his selection for service with the 3rd Contingent in early 1900.
Harry served throughout the major operations conducted by the 3rd Contingent, including the actions around the capture of the Boer capitals of Pretoria and Johannesburg. A copy photo is included in this lot of Harry sitting astride the captured Boer general, Piet Cronje's horse. Unfortunately just prior to leaving South Africa at the completion his tour, Harry succumed to the ravages of enteric fever whilst at Cape Town and died on 29th March 1901. He was buried in Maitland Cemetery, with his family later erecting a headstone which still stands today.
The medal is correctly impressed 683 PTE H. RULE. N.Z.’LAND R.R. and comes with several copy photos of Harry during his time in the Volunteers and in the Boer War.