Bob Scott shows off his barefoot goalkicking skills during Petone celebrations (1970s). With Scott are Fergie McCormick (left) and legendary South African Okey Geffin. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
One of Wellington's oldest rugby clubs will celebrate its 140th anniversary by bringing together two pieces of history.
This weekend's celebrations at the Petone Rugby Football Club will have a Victoria Cross and the Hardham Cup together for first time in over 100-years
In a first for New Zealand rugby, the military's highest award - the original Victoria Cross (VC) won by William James Hardham - and Wellington club rugby's prestigious Hardham Cup will be displayed at the Petone club rooms.
Hardham was a member of Petone RFC, which was formed in 1885.
The original Victoria Cross will be on loan from the Waiouru Museum, taken to the club by Hardham's family.
As part of the Petone celebrations, the New Zealand Remembrance Army, in collaboration with the United Services Medals Trust and New Zealand Defence Force's - Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, will present a set of miniature replicas of Hardham's military medals to Petone RFC.
Hardham served with the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles. The unit will mount a guard at the kick off of Petone's premier game against Wainuiomata at Petone Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon.
"Hardham was a club legend in its early days and was the only New Zealander awarded a Victoria Cross during the South African War (1899-1902)," said Simon Strombom, managing director of NZRA.
"He was also the first New Zealand-born person to receive the award and only soldier from the Mounted Rifles to ever receive the award."
William Harding VC painting and Hardham Cup. (L to R) Mark Brewer, NZ Remembrance Army Trustee; Brent Pritchard, Petone Rugby President; Chris Penk Veterans Minister; Chris Bishop Minister of Sport and Tim Ewing Jarvine NZRA Board Member. Photo: supplied
Hardham, who was born in Wellington in 1876, distinguished himself through an act of conspicuous bravery in action.
Posted to the 4th Contingent in 1900, he was on a patrol in the South African Transvaal when it was ambushed. He rode his horse to the rescue of a wounded soldier while under heavy fire, and for this he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Returning to civilian life after the war, he played representative rugby for Petone Rugby Club and the Wellington provincial team. He also continued to serve in the militia (today's Territorials).
A stalwart of the Petone club, Hardham played more than 50 matches for Wellington.
Hardham contracted malaria while serving in Palestine and died in Wellington on 13 April 1928, aged 51. He is the only VC recipient to be laid to rest in the Karori Soldiers' Cemetery.
The trophy that bears his name was donated to the Wellington RFU for competition in his honour in 1939.
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