Lieutenant Hampden Zane Churchill Cockburn(1867-1913) Was born on novenber 19th 1867 on toronto Ontario. At the outbreak of the South African War, he gave up his law practice to enlist. during the war he took part in 45 engagements and earned the Queen's South African medal with claps for Cape Colony, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, and for Orange Free State. He was presented with the Victoria Cross on October 11ht, 1901 for his actions on November 7th 1900 at Komati River in South Africa. During the battle of Liliefontein, 32 year old Leiutenant Cockburn and his men, while acting as a rear guard for a column of tropps, found themselves under fire from an overwhelming number of Boers. during a hectic running battle over many hours, the Dragoons twice prevented the capture of artillery piecesunder their protection. Cockburn was wounded and all of his men were either killed, wounded or taken prisoner. At the same time that he was presented with his VC, he recieved a sword of honour voted to him by the Toronto city council. In recognition of his services, he was appointed a mayor in the Governor Generel's Bodyguard. Cockburn later moved to western Canada. He died on July 13th 1913 during a riding accident on his ranch at Maple Creek.
