Harold Lothrop Borden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Lothrop Borden
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Harold Lothorp Borden
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| Born | 23 May 1876 Canning, Nova Scotia |
| Died | 16 July 1900 (aged 24) Witpoort, South Africa |
| Buried |
Braamfontein Cemetery, Brakpan, East Rand, South Africa
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| Allegiance | Britain |
| Years of service | 1893 - 1900 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War
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Lieutenant Harold Lothrop Borden (born 23 May 1876 – died 16 July 1900) was a brave Canadian soldier. He came from Canning, Nova Scotia. Harold was the only son of Frederick William Borden, who was Canada's Minister of Defence. He was also related to future Prime Minister Robert Borden.
Harold Borden served in the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He became one of the most famous Canadians to die in the Second Boer War. Even Queen Victoria asked for his photo. Canada's Prime Minister, Wilfrid Laurier, praised his service. Many tributes came from across Canada. A monument was built in his hometown to remember him.
Contents
Harold's Early Life
Harold Borden was born in 1876. He earned a degree in arts from Mount Allison University. He was studying medicine at McGill University when he decided to join the war.
Harold's Military Service
Harold Borden started his military journey in 1893. He joined the King's Canadian Hussars. In 1897, he was part of the group for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. He received the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal. By 1899, he was a major leading his corps.
When the Second Boer War began, Borden became a lieutenant. He joined the 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles. This group later became known as the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was in charge of the 4th Troop.
Bravery at Vet River
Harold Borden showed great courage at the Vet River. On 5 May 1900, he and Richard Ernest William Turner swam across the river many times. They did this to make the Boer soldiers, who were hiding, fire their weapons. This helped the British commander, Lord Roberts, see where the enemy was.
Fighting at Faber's Put
Borden also fought bravely at the Battle of Faber's Put on 30 May 1900. This battle was very tough for the Canadians. Many soldiers were killed or hurt. Lord Roberts praised Borden for swimming the Vet River and for capturing enemy wagons.
Death at Witpoort
Lieutenant Harold Borden died at Witpoort on 16 July 1900. He and Lieutenant John Edgar Burch were helping other soldiers. They were fighting against a Boer attack on Witpoort ridge. They led a counter-attack, which means they charged back at the enemy. Their attack was successful. However, Boer marksmen, who were very close, shot them as they stood up to lead the charge. Lord Roberts reported that Borden and Burch "were killed while bravely leading their men."
Remembering Harold Borden
Harold Borden is remembered with many monuments and plaques. In his hometown of Canning, Nova Scotia, there is a statue of him. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the South African War Memorial has a panel about the Battle of Witpoort.
There is also a special plaque for Borden at McGill University in Montreal. He was a medical student there before the war. His name is also on the Memorial Arch at the Royal Military College of Canada. Finally, a plaque for Borden and others who died at Witpoort is at Braamfontein Cemetery in South Africa, where he is buried.
Images for kids
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Harold Borden Monument, Canning, Nova Scotia
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Battle of Witpoort, Harold Borden Monument, Canning, Nova Scotia
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Battle of Cortzee Drift (Vet River), Harold Borden Monument, Canning, Nova Scotia
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Battle of Witpoort, South African War Memorial (Halifax)
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Memorialized on the Royal Military College Memorial Arch.
