The Queen's South Africa Medal w/clasps 'Transvaal', 'Orange Free State', 'South Africa 1901', 'South Africa 1902' issued to 4421 Corporal George Neil Langford, 7th NZMR Contingent. Langford suffered a wound to his right hand and buttock during the desperate fighting at Langverwacht on the night of 24th February 1902. During this engagement the New Zealanders suffered their largest single loss of the war, with 23 killed and over 40 wounded.

 

George Langford was born at Peel Forest near Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand on 17th October 1880, son of Alfred William and Mary Ellen Langford (née Potter). He was serving as a volunteer in the Geraldine Rifles, and working as a labourer when he enlisted for service in South Africa. He sailed on the S.S. Gulf of Taranto in April 1901. During his time in South Africa he was promoted to sergeant, although the medal roll has his rank as corporal. After his return from South Africa, Langford was the guest of honour at a smoke concert. During the toasts and speeches, Langford's experience at Langverwacht (Bothasberg) was described thus : 'In the Bothasberg fight Sergeant Langford was in command of an outpost of six men when the enemy charged. They had a very hot time but every man stuck to his guns and out of the seven of them only one man escaped not killed or wounded'.

 

George Langford died in Temuka on 8th July 1943, and was buried at the Church of the Holy Innocents at Mount Peel Station. Langford had worked for the Acland family, the owners of Mount Peel Station, over a number of years.

 

Medal is correctly impressed 4421 CORPL: G.N. LANGFORD, 7th N.Z'LAND M.R., with medal and clasps confirmed on WO100/295. Medals to casualties of the Langverwacht (Bothasberg) fight are scarce and desirable.

Service File at Archives New Zealand

Reception for Sergeant Langford