The extremely scarce killed in action Queen's South Africa Medal issued to the next of kin of John Thomas Cotter, who served a full tour in South Africa with the 5th NZMR Contingent before being killed in action with the 7th NZMR Contingent in June 1901.

John Thomas Cotter was born on 8th August 1880 at Hawea Flat, near Queenstown, New Zealand. Son of Irish-born Thomas Cotter and his wife, Bridget Masterton, John was one of nine children born to the couple. There is some evidence to suggest Bridget was born in the United States, with her obituary stating she arrived from ‘the States’ in the 1860s to live with her uncle - possibly leaving due to the ongoing US Civil War.

The Cotters lived at Cardrona for several years, where Thomas was a storekeeper, before moving to the ‘Neck’ - the narrow piece of land between Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. The Cotter family seemed to have suffered a disproportianate level of loss throughout the years. A son died as an infant in 1885, and both Thomas and Bridget died in 1899, leaving John and his eight siblings parentless. John took up employment as a station hand at Patoka Station in Hawke’s Bay, and it was from here, in March 1900, that he applied for a position in the 5th NZMR Contingent being raised for service in South Africa.

 

Cotter was posted to 13 (Wellington, Nelson and West Coast) Company, and embarked on the S.S. Waimate on 31st March 1900. He served with his contingent continuously, with no apparent issues with dystentery or malaria that so plagued the New Zealanders during their march through from Beira in Portuguese East Africa to the Transvaal. John served with B Squadron, under Lt. Charles Simson. This squadron served with the Rhodesian Field Force around Mafeking in July and August 1900, before being split off and seeing extensive action under Lord Methuen. Captain Donald Polson (later receiving the DSO for his leadership with this squadron), wrote in a letter “As Simson and I and all the Blenheim boys of the Fifth belong to this squadron, we are very proud of this notice, especially as kudos from Lord Methuen is highly valued out here. In September last our squadron was detached from the regiment, and it was not until early this month that we rejoined. During the intervening seven months we have been under Lord Methuen, and have done more marching and seen more fighting than any other squadron of the Fifth” - Marlborough Express 3/5/1901

This intensive action seemed to suit Cotter, and when it came to depart for New Zealand in May 1901, Cotter volunteered to transfer to the 7th NZ Contingent which had recently arrived. He officially joined the contingent on 15th May, and was appointed a sergeant in 25 (Otago) Company. Charles Simson, his erstwhile squadron commander from the 5th Contingent joined him.

From early June, Cotter’s company was based in Standerton, south east of Johannesburg. From here they ranged out on sweeps, as part of a column in search of the Boer commandos commanded by De Wet and Botha. The New Zealanders were often tasked with patrolling the flanks and rear of the columns to which they were attached, and on 13th June 1901 Cotter’s squadron were performing just such a duty when they were attacked by a force of around 100 Boers near Kameelfontein.

In a letter to John Cotter’s family, Captain Simson wrote of the subsequent action:
“Early in the day the squadron was detailed to patrol on the flank, and on the way to rejoin the column it was found necessary to ‘stand by ‘ to cover the retreat of another flanking party. Your poor boy was one of a party to line a ridge and keep back 100 Boers. The fight was of the keenest — each party fought most stubbornly, and at very close range. Throughout the contest Sergeant Cotter made himself conspicuous by the gallant manner in which he encouraged those near him ; his keen desire to get his men into the best positions made him a mark for the enemy, and everyone sincerely regretted that, on the order to retire, such a brave fellow had to be left behind. The ambulance was at once sent for, but on reaching the spot the Boers informed the doctor that death must have been instantaneous. The body of your brave boy received a soldier’s burial. The grave has been carefully marked, and a tombstone will be erected as soon as possible”. Sergeant Cotter was next on the list for appointment to a lieutenancy when he was laid low. He was held in the greatest respect by his officers and comrades." - Otago Witness 28/8/1901

Lt-Col Porter, Officer Commanding the 7th Contingent reported that Cotter “was shot - five bullets taking effect - and he died gallantly fighting. His comrades say rather rashly exposing himself to the strong fire of the enemy”.

 

There is some confusion over where John Cotter was buried. It is likely he was interred at Ermelo Cemetery, where he is recorded on the list of burials there, but he is also recorded on the list of burials at Wakkerstroom Cemetery.

 

John’s brother William received the Queen’s South Africa medal and clasps ‘Cape Colony’, ‘Rhodesia’ and ‘Transvaal’ on behalf on his late brother in November 1902. He later, in 1906, received the clasp for ‘South Africa 1901’.

Hard on the heels of John’s death, tragedy struck the Cotter family once more with the death of Francis Timothy Cotter in July 1901. Another brother, Edmund, died in 1903 and between 1906 and 1912 three more sons of Timothy and Bridget Cotter died - George (1906), Luke (1907) and Charles (1912). The First World War claimed the life of yet another brother, Henry Cotter, who died of wounds received during the Battle of Messines.

 

The QSA is correctly impressed 2459 TRPR. J. T. COTTER, NEW ZEALAND M.R.