His service record can be downloaded here (Archway)
Information supplied by Sarndra Lees:
KELCHER Thomas William 657
Died 28 Dec 1940 aged 67
South African War ‘Rough Rider’
3rd NZ Contingent
Next of kin: Joseph Henry KELCHER
Intended residence at time of discharge (1902): Waihao Downs, Waimate
Married Olive Morton Goldsmith in 1905
The Evening Post 3 July 1900 (PapersPast) reports:
'Trooper Kelcher, who had dropped out on the night march ill and had lost himself while trying to find the main body next morning, came on an armed and mounted Boer. Kelcher’s carbine was empty, but he presented it at the Boer and took him prisoner.'
Some other reports from PapersPast:
Thomas accepted and sworn in at camp. Also an interesting read of how the men reacted who weren’t accepted that day
The send off arrangements for the Rough Riders
Report of him and others returning
Images of T.W. Kelcher's grave at Waikumete Cemetery taken 2 June 2012, courtesy Sarndra Lees:
