Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - SADDLE, KINNEAR, BOER WAR, William 'Billy' Kinnear, c.1899-1901
... John Peter 'Humbert' Bechaz...The saddle was used during the Boer War by Pte "John Peter 'Humbert' BECHAZ" No. 1437. He enlisted in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles and was wounded at the Wilmansrust incident on 12 June 1901. ...The saddle was used during the Boer War by Pte "John Peter 'Humbert' BECHAZ" No. 1437. He enlisted in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles and was wounded at the Wilmansrust incident on 12 June 1901. ...
Rare Kinnear Bulldog Saddle (also known as a Bulldog Poley) made by William "Billy" Kinnear of Bourke St. Melbourne. The saddle was used during the Boer War by Pte "John Peter 'Humbert' BECHAZ" No. 1437. He enlisted in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles and was wounded at the Wilmansrust incident on 12 June 1901. He sailed home on 13 Oct 1901.
According to family legend, he served in WW1 in the 29th Battalion. However if this is so, it was possibly under a different name. There is no record of a Bechaz in the 29th Battalion or indeed in any other unit with records held by the National Archives. Even though he is mentioned as serving in the 29th Battalion on the Virtual War Memorial website, this is only a cross reference to information that has been included by an outside party.Leather horse saddle with stirrups attached. Girth strap and surcingle attached. A pair of metal spurs with straps and butterflies attached to a metal loop on RH side of saddle near pommel. Manufacturers markings under flap on LH side of saddle. Metal loops around edge of saddle seat and used to hang various pieces of equipment.Stamped on flap on LH side: 'image of a bulldog",
Stamped on flap on LH side below Bulldog image: Oval shape with words "KINNEAR, MAKER, MELBOURNE".john peter 'humbert' bechaz, kinnear saddle, boer war, 5th victorian mounted rifles.