Standing in front of the Ben Burn Park Sth African War memorial plaque, I imagine the scenes of the past unfolding before my eyes. Imagine this park, not as a serene space but as a training ground for soldiers preparing for the Second Boer War. In the late 1800s, this very park was used by the Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles, a prominent New Zealand Army regiment, to train soldiers for deployment in South Africa. This plaque, unveiled in 2015, stands as a tribute to those soldiers who left from here, ready to fight for their country.
The plaque itself is a sober testament to the sacrifices made. Its inscription lists the names of the men who served and fell in the war. Their names, etched in stone, speak silently of their bravery and the costs of war. Look closely, and you’ll see that the plaque is actually a replica of an existing monument, a legacy from an era when the memory of these men was held in high regard.
The plaque, a subtle yet evocative symbol of the past, reminds us of the impact of the South African War. While the park now offers a haven of peace, it once resonated with the disciplined marches, the drilling and the anticipation of those heading into a fierce battle. Next time you wander through the park, take a moment to reflect on the stories of those who trained here and the sacrifice they represented, etched forever in the heart of this space.