Location: Memorial Avenue, Timaru
Access: Public
Associated years: 1899 to 1902, 1904, 1905, 1926
Associated people/groups: South Canterbury soldiers in the South African War, local memorial committee, later First World War dead with South African War service
The Timaru Troopers’ Memorial remembers local men who died in the South African War, also called the Boer War. NZ History records the inscription: “This memorial is erected by the inhabitants of Timaru and districts to the memory of their soldier sons who died in action or from wounds or disease during the Boer War 1899-1902.” It also records names on the memorial, including men who served in South Africa and later fell in the Great War.
This stop is important because Timaru’s war memory did not begin at Gallipoli. The South African War was New Zealand’s first major overseas war, fought within the British imperial system. The memorial shows that before 1914, South Canterbury already knew the pattern of sending men overseas, receiving news of deaths, raising memorials and linking local service to events on the other side of the world.
Find a WUHoo: Compare its language with First World War memorials. What does it say about Empire, duty and country?
Postcard featuring the Trooper's memorial on the corner of High and King Streets, Timaru, circa 1905(?) opposite Alexandra Square before it was relocated. Depicts the memorial for troops who went to the Boer War. Note the Drill Hall in the background on High Street. The Troopers memorial was unveiled on 23 February 1905. Following the First World War the memorial was moved to its present site about 1929 to a triangle of grass bounded by King Street, Catherine Street and Memorial Avenue. Memorial Ave (previously Charles Street) now leads past the Troopers memorial to the cenotaph commemorating those lost in the Great War. Photographer Ferrier, William, Photographer, Timaru. Published by H J Anderson, No.1. South Canterbury Museum 1160
