Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 18/12/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, to:
New Zealand Rough Riders –
647 Trooper John Joseph HEASLEY
Presentation made by Mr S.S. Chapman.
Inscribed: "To Trooper J. J. Heasley, from the Willowby Residents. In memory of the African Campaign, 1900".
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Canterbury Press, 21st December 1900
WELCOME HOME TO TROOPER HEASLEY.
Trooper J. J. Heasley, of the Rough Riders, was welcomed home at Willowby on Tuesday night. Mr S.S. Chapman, who presided, presented to Trooper HEASLEY, on behalf of his friends, with a gold Maltese cross, inscribed: "To Trooper J. J. Heasley, from the Willowby Residents. In memory of the African Campaign, 1900". Trooper HEASLEY, who was received with prolonged applause, spoke of his delight at being once more amongst Willowby friends. He thanked the people for their gift, and also gave a short outline of his life whilst on active service. His first baptism of fire occurred at Aliwal North, when serving under General Brabant at the relief of Wepener, whose stock of ammunition had dwindled down to three shells. He rendered a tribute to Corporal UPTON, describing him as "A soldier and a man". Trooper HEASLEY is to be entertained at a smoke concert by the Ashburton Guards.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: HEASLEY
Reg No: 647
Given Names: John Joseph
Contingent: Third (Rough Riders)
Rank: Private
Unit: No 5 Company
Joined from: Ashburton Guards (Private, 8 months)
County/City: Ashburton
Age: 22 years, 6 months
Occupation: Commission Agent
Ship: “Knight Templar”, 17 February 1900
Address: Ashburton
Next of Kin: Heasley, Mr James
Next of Kin Address: Ashburton
Relationship to Soldier: father
