HMS Niger 2019doc - ellott-postalhistorian.comellott-postalhistorian.com/articles/HMS-Niger.pdf · HMS Niger was a Wooden Screw Sloop armed with 2 x 68 pounder and 12 x 32 pounder

THE ROYAL NAVY IN NEW ZEALAND

HMS NIGER 1860 – 1861

HMS Basilisk and HMS Niger - Towing Stern to Stern

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

AUGUST 2019

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HMS NIGER

HMS Niger Name - Geographical

HMS Niger was a Wooden Screw Sloop armed with 2 x 68 pounder and 12 x 32 pounder guns. Her tonnage was 1,013 bm., 190 x 35 feet, complement 160 men. Built in Woolwich Dock Yard, launched on 18 November 1846. First commissioned at Portsmouth 9 July 1850. 1869 Decommissioned and Sold on 2 December 1869 to Castle, for breaking up at Charlton. HMS Niger was engaged during the Crimean War, and also the 2nd Anglo-Chinese War, prior to being commissioned on 8 September 1858 to join the Australian Station, and New Zealand.

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Extract from the Royal Navy List

The Australian Station was separated from the East Indies Station in June 1859, with William Loring CB., of HMS Iris, appointed Commodore. With trouble anticipated in New Zealand, the Admiralty had been requested to have a Royal Navy Ship stationed there, and in the case of HMS Niger, to be kept, if so ordered by Loring, upon the New Zealand coast. 17 September 1859. Prior to leaving Sydney, HMS Niger had been repaired by John Cuthbert at the Fitzroy Dock, Sydney between 8-10 September 1859 1 October 1859 Arrival of HMS Niger at Auckland New Zealand

The Southern Cross 4 October 1859 Reporting the arrival of HMS Niger - Saturday 1 October 1859 at Auckland

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18 November 1859 HMS Niger, leaves Auckland on a Cruise of the NZ North & South Islands

2 December 1859 HMS Niger arrived at Nelson

Nelson Examiner 3 December 1859

Nelson

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1 January 1860 – 10 January 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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11 January 1860 – 20 January 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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16 January 1860 HMS Niger returns back to Auckland after the New Zealand Cruise

New Zealander Wednesday 18 January 1860

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1 February 1860 – 10 February 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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22 February 1860 Martial Law had been declared in the Taranaki District

Taranaki Herald 25 February 1860

28 February 1860 - Tuesday HMS Niger left Manukau Harbour for New Plymouth

The Southern Cross - Tuesday 28 February 1860

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1 March 1860 – 10 March 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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1 March 1860 - Thursday HMS Niger arrived at the roadstead, New Plymouth, and landed the Artillery men, the two Howitzers, and 96 rounds of rifle ammunition. 4 March 1860 - Sunday HMS Niger embarked his Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, and steamed for Waitara, having previously taken on board a large quantity of heavy camp equipment for the troops which were marching to Waitara. The men from the Niger having landed and taken possession of the W. Kingi’s Pa. The Maoris retired precipitately at the sight of the blue jackets and marines. 5 March 1860 - Monday When Colonel Gold and the troops sighted the Waitara where the Union Jack was flying over W. Kingi’s Pa, and on arrival it was found that the men from the Niger had landed everything and was in possession.

6 March 1860 - Tuesday

THE TARANAKI HERALD 10 March 1860

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7 March 1860 - Wednesday HMS Niger on returning to New Plymouth roadstead, landed the two Howitzers, which were taken to Marsland Hill. 9 March 1860 - Friday 20 Marines, 50 seamen, Lieutenants, Blake and Wells, a Midshipman, and Assistant Surgeon and a Gunner, together with a 12 pounder Howitzer, were landed and posted on a commanding position in the east end of the town (now known as Fort Niger) 10 March 1860 - Saturday HMS Niger left New Plymouth for Manukau, to coal, and bring more troops. 11 March 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

13 March 1860 - Tuesday Blue Jackets and Marines from HMS Niger were engaged and posted at different stations between Cracroft Redoubt and Fort Niger, effectually to prevent surprise attack eastward of the town. 16 March 1860 - Friday Reports were received that W. Kingi had rebuilt his Pa overnight, indicating that considerable reinforcements of men must have arrived, consequently Lieutenant Blake HMS Niger with the Rocket corps of the Naval Brigade, and 2-24 Pounder howitzers, were ordered to proceed to Waitara in the harbour boats. 17 March 1860 – Saturday The men from HMS Niger, took a conspicuous part in the attack of the Te Kohia Pa, more generally known as the “L Pa” from its shape, some nine miles from New Plymouth and about two miles from the Waitara River. The force under Colonel Gold, was composed of three companies of the 65th Regiment, 20 Royal Artillery, ten Sappers & Miners, and twenty Volunteer Cavalry, together with the Naval Brigade from HMS Niger. The British losses were 2 Killed and 2 Wounded, no known losses by the Maoris, who evacuated the Pa overnight.

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19 March 1860 – Monday On returning to New Plymouth, the troops were engaged in constructing Stockades and Redoubts.

Taranaki Herald 31 March 1860

26 March 1860 - Monday HMS Niger returned from the Manukau, with Quartermaster Withers and 32 men of the 65th Regiment. Additional 65th Regiment Officers and men and supplies arrived on board the Airedale, the next day

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21 March 1860 – 30 March 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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Taranaki Herald 31 March 1860

27 March 1860 - Tuesday News was received in New Plymouth that William Kingi had murdered three men and two boys, and boasted that he would drive the Europeans into the sea. 28 March 1860 - Wednesday The Naval detachment on shore accompanied the troops into the country to bring into town some settlers who lived in exposed and outlying places; and Captain Cracroft at the desire of Governor Gore Browne, landed further officers and men to hold the town during the absence of the expedition. He disembarked in person, with sixty seamen and Marines. The rescuing force had not advanced more than four miles when it found itself warmly engaged with a strongly-posted body of Maoris. Word was sent back for reinforcements, and Captain Cracroft went at once to the front with his men and a 24-pr. rocket-tube. William Kingi occupied a pah at Omata on the summit of a hill, and had severely handled the British force before the arrival of the small Naval contingent, the leader, Lieutenant William Hans Blake had been dangerously wounded, and a Marine killed. Captain Cracroft, determined to storm the pah, and, addressing his men, pointed to the rebel flag, and promised £10 to the man who should haul it down. He then moved to within 800 yards, and opened fire from his rocket-tube, which, however, made no impression. It was then nearly dark, and Colonel Murray, who led the military force, announced his intention of retreating to the town, whither he had been ordered to return by sunset, and advised Captain Cracraft do the same. Captain Cracraft, had other ideas, and declared that he proposed to take that pah first. The visible withdrawal of the troops from the front of the position probably had the effect of rendering the Maoris more careless than he might otherwise have been the result was that Captain Cracroft managed to get close up to an outlying body of natives before his presence was detected. Within 60 yards of the enemy he gave the word to double. With a volley and a cheer the men were instantly in the midst of the Maoris, who, after a brave resistance, took refuge in the pah behind them, or escaped. The seamen and Marines from HMS Niger rushed onwards, met tomahawk with bayonet, and soon annihilated all resistance. Captain Cracroft decided that his force was not enough to hold the position, he returned with his wounded, who were not numerous.. On the following day, the enemy retired to the southward, having lost very heavily. It should be added that William Odgers, seaman, who was the first man inside the pah, and who pulled down the enemy's flag, was awarded the Victoria Cross

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WILLIAM ODGERS

William Odgers climbing the Stockade at Kaipopo Pa-

An Artist’s impression by Henry Payne (1900) Pure Ariki Taranaki Museum

CITATION

On the 28th of March 1860. William Odgers displayed conspicuous gallantry at the storming of a Pah during operations, against Rebel Natives in New Zealand; having been the first to enter it under a

heavy fire, and having assisted in hauling down the enemy’s colours.

Jury Farmhouse, showing elevation of Kaipopo Pa – A. H. Messenger

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Waireka Battlefield Blue Jackets approaching the Pah along the south road to Omata Sketch by Murray Moorhead

31 March 1860 HMS Niger left for the Manukau, Captain Cracroft, Passengers – His Excellency the Governor, Ensign St. Hill, as well as the three captured Maori flags. 5 April 1860 HMS Niger arrived back from the Manukau, with Ensign St. Hall and H. Ford 6 April 1860 HMS Niger left for the Manukau, with Donald McLean Esq.

Taranaki Herald 7 April 1860

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STORMING WAIREKA PAH

The Battle of Waireka

Waireka, five miles south-west of New Plymouth, was the theatre of an engagement (28 March 1860) which proved the fighting-capacity of Taranaki’s newly trained Volunteers and Militia, and saved the town from direct attack by the united strength of the southern tribes. The encounter was doubly memorable because it was the first occasion on which British Volunteer Corps engaged an enemy on the battlefield. Reference James Cowan – The New Zealand Wars Volume 1 Government Printer 1955 (Reprint) 1 March 1860 – 10 March 1860

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21 April 1860 – 30 April 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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3 April 1860 Letter written by James Emmett, Carpenter’s Mate HMS Niger at New Plymouth

Page One

HMS Niger 1 March 1860 Dear Parents I take the opportunity of writing to you hoping to find you in good health as it leaves me at present I wish to n the reason why you have not answered my letters for I feel very much offend at you not answering them if I have offend you why do you not tell me of it so now I must tell you that we have got our awards for England and so you must expect me ….. as soon as this letter

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Page Two

HMS Niger 1 March 1860

… father I should of sent you a present of £5 in money but all money orders are stop now as we are under …. now for presents I have got you another thing to tell you that none of my sisters as ever wrote to me since I left home but our Elizabeth and my …… and I shall not forget to tell them of it when I come home again but as they have forgotten me now I hope they will forget me then and tell my brother …….that if he is a good boy to his Father and his Mother that I will not forget and give him my kind love to him and my Jack and … that I am surprised at him not writing

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Page Three


me so now I must conclude by sending my kind love to all inquiring friends so no more at present from your ever affectionate son. James Emmett – Good night and God Bless you all My direction for James Emmett Carpenter Crew on board HMS Niger Sydney or Auckland New Zealand

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Page Four


Will you be so kind as tell my wife that you have received a letter from and I am well.

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1d Adhesive John Richardson Print No Watermark Paper

New Plymouth 3 April 1860 unframed cds & Rochdale cds 12 July 1860 on reverse Received London 12 July 1860 Framed cds LONDON PAID (red) on obverse

Probably carried on the Wong Wonga to Nelson and taken to Sydney to catch the P&O Mail Boat Benares which left 14 May 1860 via Galle. P&O Delta took the mail from Alexandria to Southampton 11 July 1860

This is the only recorded Seaman’s Concession 1d Rate letter recorded, posted at New Plymouth during this campaign (The First Taranaki War 22 February – 19 March 1861). Losses sustained by HMS Niger, included Lieutenant Blake, seriously wounded, and a Marine Thomas Milliard. 7 June 1860 HMS Niger left Manukau for Sydney, for the purpose of being docked and overhauled on account of having grounded at her anchorage and knocked off some 27 feet of her false keel, which required to be replaced. 9 July – 20 July 1860 The necessary repairs were carried out by John Cuthbert, at his shipyard at Millers Point, Darling Harbour.

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1 June 1860 – 10 June 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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11 June – 19 June 1860 HMS Niger Captain Peter Cracroft – Extract from his Diary Notes

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Source: State Records of New South Wales, Image 27, and City of Sydney Archives, Image 2.

‘Panorama of Darling Harbour from Balmain’: John Cuthbert’s shipyard at Millers Point, Darling Harbour1 14 August 1860 HMS Niger arrived back at Auckland 19 September 1860 HMS Niger again returned to New Plymouth 26 September 1860. Left New Plymouth for a short cruise down the New Zealand coast 28 September 1860 HMS Niger returned to New Plymouth, leaving on the 30 September for Manukau. During the next few months she was engaged in carrying despatches and troops along the coast. In November, it is recorded that she and the ss Victoria had an exciting race from the Manukau to New Plymouth. HMS Niger led all the way, beating the Victoria by half a mile, carrying out the 180 miles in a little over 12 hours. February 1861 A seaman named Griffith was drowned off the ship in the Manukau.

1 Dr. Roger Hobbs - John Cuthbert 1815-1874 -Nautical Association of Australia, Inc., Melbourne 2017

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29 April 1861 HMS Niger left New Plymouth for the last time. 9 May 1861- Thursday HMS Niger left New Zealand from Manukau, heading back home to England. HOMEWARD BOUND

New Zealander 10 May 1861

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CAPTAIN PETER CRACROFT HMS NIGER

The Daily Southern Cross 10 May 1860

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CAPTAIN PETER CRACROFT HMS NIGER

CHAPMAN’S ALMANAC 1860

It would appear that this was Captain Peter Cracroft personal copy as it includes details of his day to day journal entries.

Endorsement at Frontispiece Acknowledgment Thanks to the generosity of Bob Symons – Rivendellbooks (ebay) who provided the Scans, gratis.

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TARANAKI

Map showing the areas of conflict

The gunboat HMS Caroline, acted as Tender to the Niger. It has been recorded (Grant Howard) “but for the Navy, the battle fought at Waireka on 28 March 1860 would have been a disaster” The Niger’s tiny but potent force was the forerunner of a much bigger Naval Brigade which was to serve throughout both the Taranaki campaign and later in the Waikato and at Tauranga.There is no doubt on the reaction which the actions of the Royal Navy presence had on the New Plymouth community; one of the settlers wrote: -

“I do believe that the war here would be soonest ended by sending away all the soldiers… and having the Niger and Pelorus men to head the militia and volunteers.

They would soon make a clean sweep of the settlement!”

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HONOURS

13 officers, 37 seaman and 16 marines from HMS Niger were awarded the New Zealand Medal (1860-1861) for their services in the fighting at the Capture of “L” Pa (16 & 18 March 1860), Omata & Jury’s Hill (18 March 1860) Waireka (28 March 1860), Materikirike (30 December 1860) as well as minor engagements in 1861 (All in conjunction with HMS Cordelia, HMS Iris, HMS Pelorus, and HMCS Victoria). Notes on medal roll: Naval Brigade Only. (Not granted for service in ship when she fired on the Warea Pah) New Zealand Medal for services in H.M.S. Niger in 1860-61. Atkins, W. Quartermaster

Ball, W. Ordinary Seaman

Bardens, H. Able Seaman

Barlow, C. Captain of Mast

Beech, S Gunner (RMA)

Bennett, J. Ordinary Seaman

Blake, W.H. Lieutenant

Blunden, J. Able Seaman

Brian, P. Leading Seaman

Briste, C. Able Seaman

Bunyan, J. Able Seaman

Clark, W. Private RM

Collins, C. Ordinary Seaman

Connor, J.T. Captain Mizzentop

Crosford, A. Gunner (RMA)

Elwell, E. Able Seaman

Gassiot, S. Midshipman

Goulthorpe, W. Able Seaman

Grant, F. Drummer RM

Griffin, J. Captain Afterguard

Hubert, J. Able Seaman

Hyde, W.H. Assistant Paymaster

Jones, J. Able Seaman

Jones, J. Sergeant (RMA)

Karslake, W.C. Midshipman

Lambert, H.W. Ship's Steward Assistant

Lawrenson, R.C.P. Assistant Surgeon

Ledger, E.T. Captain Foretop

Ledger, R.W. Leading Seaman

Lee, J.T. Leading Seaman

McDonald, W. Stoker

Medcalf, W. Sergeant RM

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Morey, J. Gunner (RMA)

Myers, J. Private RM

Netherclift, W.H. Able Seaman

New, W. Able Seaman

Odgers, W. Leading Seaman

Oliver, S. Able Seaman

Palmer, W. Private RM

Parr, G. Cox of Launch

Patrick, W. Surgeon

Pizzey, T. Blacksmith

Potter, N.J. Gunner

- Roll states, 'Discharged Service by Court Martial 8 July 1864'

Powell, D.W. Boatswain's Mate

Price, T.C. Midshipman

Pugh, T. Private RM

Pryer, T. Captain of Mast

Richardson, J.M. Able Seaman

Rowbotham, G. Gunner (RMA)

Searle, H. Sailmaker's Mate

Skeggs, H.J. Ordinary Seaman

Smyth, W.W. Acting Mate

Snead, W.J. Able Seaman

Sollors, J. Gunner (RMA)

Taylor, J. Private RM

Theobald, C.B. Midshipman

Thorne, H. Gunner (RMA)

Till, W. Gunner (RMA)

Villiers, A.J. Lieutenant

Walker, J. Able Seaman

Ward, E. Captain Maintop

Webb, H. Ordinary Seaman

Wells, J.C. Lieutenant

White, H.W. Assistant Engineer

Williams, J. Private RM

Wilson, J. Gunner's Mate Sellers J. Gunner (RMA)

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Victoria Cross

William Odgers VC HMS Niger New Zealand

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R. B. Craven late of HMS Niger

R. B. Craven & J. Jones

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Gerald J. Ellott

Believe nothing that you hear, a quarter of what you read,

and only a half of what you see, and check and recheck your facts"

Percy de Worms

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

Winston Churchill

I accept that any errors are mine, and hopefully these will be brought to my attention, together with details of any additional material and other surviving letters.

Gerald J. Ellott MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

August 2019 [email protected]

www.ellott-postalhistorian.com

Documents

HMS Niger 2019doc - ellott-postalhistorian.comellott-postalhistorian.com/articles/HMS-Niger.pdf · HMS Niger was a Wooden Screw Sloop armed with 2 x 68 pounder and 12 x 32 pounder