The Queen's South Africa Medal w/clasps Cape Colony, Transvaal, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 issued to 3705 John Patrick Brown, 6th NZ Contingent.

 

John Patrick Brown was born on 21st April 1877 at Auckland, New Zealand. At the time of his selection for service in South Africa he was working as a stockman at Goodwood, north of Waikouaiti and had completed one year's service with the North Otago Mounted Rifles.

 

Brown served a full tour with the "Silent Sixth" in South Africa, returning at the end of the war in 1902, where he was accorded a warm welcome: "Corporal J.P. BROWN, of Goodwood, who served in the Sixth New Zealand Contingent, was accorded a social on his return from South Africa on Friday last; 18th inst., in Mr Kennedy's woolshed, Pleasant Valley. There were close on 200 people present. Mr Allcock (Mayor of Hawksbury) opened the proceedings by welcoming the corporal on behalf of those present. Dancing was then indulged in, and later on the Mayor, in a congratulatory speech, said there was a presentation to be made, and he called on a little girl (Miss Hannah Stewart), who, amidst applause, handed to the corporal a handsome gold albert chain and pendant, suitably inscribed, as a token of regard from the residents of the district. Various songs and other items were rendered by friends during the evening, refreshments being provided in abundance by Mr W. Williams, the caterer. A pleasant time was experienced by all, and the meeting broke up at 4 o'clock next morning."

 

Brown's later life is not yet clear, as there is mention of a John Patrick Brown from Goodwood dying in Sydney in October 1904 of accidental injuries received when he fell down the hold of ship between New Zealand and Australia. Brown's service file also shows he signed for his date clasps after this date, so there does appear to be two John Patrick Brown's associated with Goodwood, Otago.

 

The medal is correctly impressed 3705 Pte J. P. BROWN. N: ZEALAND M.R.

 

Service file held at Archives New Zealand