This memorial features a statue of local war hero Corporal William Knisley who served with the Canadian Mounted Rifles (later known as the Royal Canadian Dragoons) during the South African War. He earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal for rescuing a comrade while under heavy fire during the Battle of Leliefontein in November 1900.
Knisley survived his first tour of duty and was welcomed back to his hometown of Jarvis, Ontario. He soon re-enlisted to return to South Africa. Corporal Knisley took part in the Battle of Harts River in late March 1902, where he and a few fellow soldiers became separated from the rest of the Canadian troops. A much larger enemy force soon tracked them down and trapped the small band of Canadians in a makeshift defensive position. Corporal Knisley lost his life on April 2, 1902, during the ensuing fighting.
