New Zealand Land Wars Victoria Cross recipients
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Because New Zealand has never had an enemy invade its home territory, it is not generally known that 15 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the 19th century Land Wars in that country. The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition for valour "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service, and civilians under military command.
In the New Zealand case, VCs were awarded to members of the various British forces in New Zealand to fight Māori who were disputing the occupation of their lands. As colonial troops were not eligible for the VC the New Zealand Cross (1869) was created. One colonial soldier, Major Charles Heaphy was awarded the VC, as he was under British command.
The recipients, locations and dates they won their awards are:
- Leading Seaman William Odgers, Waireka, near Patea, March 28, 1860
- Colour Sergeant John Lucas, Cameron Town, near Te Awamutu, March 18, 1861
- Colour Sergeant Edward McKenna, Cameron Town, September 7, 1863
- Lance Corporal John Ryan, Cameron Town, September 7, 1863
- Ensign John Thornton Down, Poutoko Redoubt, near New Plymouth, October 2, 1863
- Drummer Dudley Stagpoole, Poutoko Redoubt, October 2, 1863
- Lieutenant Arthur Frederick Pickard, Rangiriri, near Meremere, November 20, 1863
- Assistant Surgeon William Temple, Rangiriri, November 20, 1863
- Captain Frederick Augustus Smith, Tauranga. January 21, 1864
- Major Charles Heaphy, Paterangi Pa, Mangapiko River, near Te Awamutu, February 11, 1864
- Lieutenant Colonel John Carstairs McNeill, Ohaupo, near Hamilton, March 30, 1864
- Assistant Surgeon William George Nicholas Manley, Tauranga, April 29, 1864
- Captain of the Foretop Samuel Mitchell, Tauranga, April 29, 1864
- Sergeant John Murray, Tauranga, June 21, 1864
- Captain Hugh Shaw, Nukumaru, (near Wanganui), January 24, 1865
[edit] Reference
In the face of the enemy: the complete history of the Victoria Cross and New Zealand by Glyn Harper & Colin Richardson (2006, HarperCollins Auckland) ISBN 1869505220
