Orange remembers the Boer War

It is often termed the 'forgotten war’ but this weekend Orange residents will remember and honour those who fought in the Boer War.

Orange City’s Council’s Cultural Heritage Community Committee Chair Cr Reg Kidd said Orange had a close connection to the Boer War through former Mayor Sir Neville Howse.

“It is well known Sir Neville Howse received the Victoria Cross but the story of how that happened is not as widely known,” Cr Kidd said.

REMEMBERED: The monument at the northern end of Robertson Park where Sunday's ceremony will be held. Inset: Sir Neville Howse VC, former Orange Mayor.

“Sir Neville Howse was serving with the Second Contingent of the NSW Army Medical Corps when he saw a fellow soldier fall.

“He jumped on his horse to rescue the man but the horse was shot and killed from underneath him, but that didn’t stop him, he continued on and carried the wounded soldier on his back, while under fire.”

The Boer War raged from 1899 until 31 May 1902 and of the 16,000 troops from Australia who served in South Africa around 600 men died, about half from disease and half in action.

Sir Neville Howse was one of six soldiers to receive the Victoria Cross during the conflict and he went on to serve the city of Orange as its Mayor, twice and he was elected as the Federal member for Calare in 1922.

The community is invited to attend a memorial ceremony at Robertson Park on Sunday from 11am.

The Ceremony will be held at the Boer War Memorial located at the northern end of Robertson Park, Byng Street, Orange, commencing at 11.00am on Sunday May 29.

Descendants and anyone interested in the Boer War is welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be provided at 11.30am in the CWA Hall.

Anyone wishing to attend can RSVP to Renea Meacham on 6393 8216.