THE 57th REGIMENT (WEST MIDDLESEX)

REGIMENT OF FOOT NZ 1861 – 1867

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

AUGUST 2017

57th REGIMENT (West Middlesex)

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Short History On the renewal of hostilities in 1755, Colonel John Arabin raised a Regiment of Foot in the counties of Somerset and Gloucester of British Infantry. There is no record to show by what county titled it was then called, but in 1782 when country titles were conferred on Infantry Regiments the 57th came to be designated the “West Middlesex” Regiment. The Regiment saw sea service with the British Fleet before garrisoning the station at Gibraltar until 1763. During 1776 to 1790 the Regiment was in North America where it took part in the indecisive actions. In 1796, it embarked for the West Indies where it was present at the attach and surrender of the Isle of St. Lucia. Due to sickness and the effects of the climate, a much-depleted Regiment returned home in 1803. During 1804 and 1805 the Regiment was back in Gibraltar, and in 1809 it landed at Lisbon as part of the Army of the Peninsular, returning home in 1814 to be sent to Canada. The following year, 1815, it was sent to Paris as part of the Army of occupation in France. New South Wales In 1824 and 1825 the 57th embarked by detachments for Colonial service in New South Wales where it stayed for six years. (See New Zealand – 1830). India – Ionian Islands – Crimean War In 1830 the Regiment embarked by detachments for India and continued to serve there until 1846. During 1853 and 1854 the 57th was quartered on the Ionian Islands, but on 13 July 1854 orders were received to join the Army of the East. The Regiment saw active service at Balaklava and Sebastopol, and at the termination of the Crimean War in 1856 it was sent to Malta and stayed in the garrison for two years.

57th Regiment in the Crimean War

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Aden – India In 1857 two Companies were sent to Aden in order to release Indian troops to return home. As these two companies were the first British troops that had passed through Egypt by what is now so well known as the “Overland Route” it was thought necessary to dress them like civilians and pack their arms in cases lest “our Allies” should take exception to the passage of troops through that country. Headquarters of the 57th under the command of Colonel Warre were sent in May 1858 to Bombay, the two Companies in Aden joining them there after having been in Aden for two years. During 1859 and 1860 the Regiment was occupying five different stations in India. when orders were received on 3 November 1860, to hold the Regiment in readiness for service in New Zealand. New Zealand -1830 The first British Troops to spend any time in New Zealand, were members of the 57th Regiment from New South Wales, who were guarding a party of convicts bound for Norfolk Island. The convicts mutinied, overpowered the guards and took charge of the ship and when the water supply was low, compelled the crew to put in at a New Zealand Whaling Port. The troops went ashore, and the whaling fleet surrounded the mutineers’ vessel and captured the convicts who were subsequently hanged. The sergeant in charge was reduced to the ranks for inefficiency. One of the main whaling ports was at Kororareka, Bay of Islands.

Whaling Port Kororareka, Bay of Islands

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New Zealand On 23 November 1860, the freight ship Star Queen sailed for New Zealand. Under the command of Major Butler were 10 officers, 16 sergeants, 18 corporals, 9 drummers and 292 privates. Five privates died on the voyage. 15 January 1861 The Star Queen arrived at Auckland

New Zealander (re-printed in the Taranaki Herald

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On 27 November 1860, the freight ship Castilian sailed for New Zealand. Under the command of Major R. A. Logan with Headquarters, were 10 officers, 24 sergeants, 10 corporals, 15 drummers and 366 men. 22 January 1861 The Castilion arrived at Auckland.

Captain D. M. Shute and 4 privates died on the voyage to Auckland The Regiment disembarked on 24 January 1861 and encamped at the Albert Barracks. Brevet Major Captain C. W. St. Clair with Lieut. C. M. Clarke and 150 NCO’s and men marched from Auckland to Onehunga, the same day and embarked on board H.M.S. Cordelia for Taranaki.

23 January 1861 The Star Queen arrived at Taranaki, left Auckland on 21 January

Taranaki Herald

24 January 1861 H.M.S. Cordelia left Onehunga for Taranaki, with Brevet Major Captain C. W. St. Clair with Lieut. C. M. Clarke and 150 NCO’s and men. 28 January 1861 H.M.S. Cordelia arrived at Taranaki

20 February 1861 On 20 February 1861 Headquarters and the Band under the command of Major Logan embarked at Onehunga for Taranaki with 7 officers, 16 sergeants, 13 corporals, 7 drummers and 215 privates aboard H.M.S. Niger which arrived at the Waitara on 21 February 1861.

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21 February 1861

Waitara The Regiment took part in the actions at the Waitara. Killed and wounded until the cessation of hostilities on 19 March 1861 were one private (died of wounds), one corporal and five privates wounded. I was a little surprised at these figures taking into account that the 57th did not arrive at the Waitara till 28 January 1861 and 21 February 1861, and during this period there was a truce on 12, 13 and 14 March 1861, and the white flag was raised by the Maoris at 6 am on 19 March 1861. The only action taking place at the Waitara during this period was the construction of Pratt’s “long sap” in front of the Te Arei pa. The official casualty figures during this period are: February 10 No. 7 Redoubt, Huirangi 1 killed, 28 wounded March 3 New Plymouth 1 killed, 1 wounded March 5 Sap at Te Arei 1 killed, 4 wounded March 17 Sap at Te Arei 1 killed, 0 wounded However, the 57th Regiment was to share the toil and honours with the 65th of the most arduous service in the campaigns ahead of any of the British Regiments. Colonel Warre Colonel H. J. Warre, re-joined the 57th in New Zealand on 5 March 1861 at the Waitara. Having reported to General Pratt he was ordered on 9 March 1861 to return to Auckland to take command of the troops in that Province, with rank of “Colonel on the Staff”. Colonel Warre was Acting Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief in India at the time the 57th left India for New Zealand, and he resigned this position in order to re-join the Regiment in New Zealand. He made his way to New Zealand from Calcutta by P & O Jedda to Sydney where he arrived on 17 February 1861. Leaving there on board the Lord Worsley he arrived in Auckland on 25 February 1861, only to find the Regiment in Taranaki. As the Governor, Gore Browne, intended to visit Taranaki on the return of General Warre to Auckland, he made Colonel Warre Deputy Governor until his return on 23 April 1861, when Colonel Warre went back to Taranaki to re-join his Regiment. On his return to Taranaki, as peace had now been declared, he was appointed Agent for the New Zealand Government, a post similar to that which he held in Auckland whilst he was Deputy Governor, the Province of Taranaki still being under Martial Law.

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Headquarters 57th Regiment in New Zealand

1864

1866

1867

Several Officers including Colonel H.J. Warre were transferred to Staff.

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General Duncan Cameron In April 1861, General Duncan Cameron arrived in New Zealand relieving General Pratt. Headquarters and the left wing of the 57th were inspected at Camp Kairau (Waitara) by General Cameron on 7 April 1861 and the right wing on 12 April 1861. Prince Arthur The Depot and families of the 57th Regiment embarked on H.M. steamship Prince Arthur and left Bombay on 18 March 1861 under the command of Brevet Major J. Hassard, 1 officer, 1 sergeant, 20 privates, 44 women and 73 children, arriving in Auckland on 27 May 1861, Casualties during the voyage were 2 privates, 2 women and 1 child.

30 May 1861 Prince Arthur left Auckland for New Plymouth

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3 June 1861 The Prince Arthur arrived at New Plymouth.

The 57th Regiment aided by the Taranaki Volunteers and Militia continued to hold the several blockhouses and outposts on the Waitara River and at Omata during the next two years. The Headquarters under the command of Major R. A. Logan, with 11 officers, 29 NCO’s and 243 men, marched from Camp Kairau and re-joined the right wing at New Plymouth. Wanganui On 20 June 1861, detachments of the Regiment under Major R. A. Logan, were transferred from New Plymouth to Wanganui aboard the steamer Wonga Wonga.

21 June 1861 - Major Logan with 4 officers, 7 NCO’s, 65 men, 2 women and 1 child arrived at Wanganui, on 21 June 1861, to relieve Captain Murray and men of the 57th Regiment. Captain Clark and Lieut. Murray with 6 NCO’s 65 men, 3 women and 2 children left Wanganui on 23 June 1861, arriving at New Plymouth on 24 June 1861. 1 July 1861 – Captain J Steward, 6 NCO’s, 64 men and 1 woman left New Plymouth on 1 July 1861 and arrived Wanganui on 2 July 1861.

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25 July 1861 The Henry Fernie arrived at Auckland.

Daily Southern Cross

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12 August 1861 - On 12 August 1861, a draft of three Ensigns and 110 rank and file joined the Regiment at New Plymouth from England having sailed in the ship Henry Fernie. On 12 October 1861 Ensign J. T. Down joined from England having travelled in the transport ship Northumberland. Further detachments were sent from New Plymouth to Wanganui per the steamer Wonga Wonga to join the detachments stationed there under the command of Major Logan. 17 December 1861 – Lieutenant Clayton with 3 sergeants, 85 privates, 2 women and 5 children left Wanganui, on 17 December 1861, arriving at New Plymouth on 18 December 1861. 1862 – Captain J Hassard, Ensign Powell, 3 sergeants, 4 corporals and 71 men, 3 women and 6 children, left Wanganui, on 7 January 1862 and arrived at New Plymouth on 8 January 1862. In June 1862, the establishment of the Regiment was reduced by authority from the War Office to 10 Service Companies - 38 officers, 85 NCO’s, 21 drummers and 730 privates - and two Depot Companies - 6 officers, 20 NCO’s, 4 drummers and 120 privates, a total of 1025 all ranks. The distribution of the Service Companies is shown on the following lists: -

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22 December 1862 Companies at Headquarters, under the command of Colonel H. J. Warre, C.B.

Taranaki From the cessation of hostilities in March 1861, the Province of Taranaki had been abandoned to the Maoris, the settlers with their families being either crowded into the small town of New Plymouth or evacuated to Nelson. Martial Law was still in force and it was not until March 1863 that Governor Sir George Grey, who had succeeded Governor Gore Browne in September 1861, turned his attention to the Taranaki area. Having decided to occupy a strong position on the southern boundary of New Plymouth before re-occupying the land at Tataraimaka, the 57th Regiment were detailed to build a Redoubt at Poutoko, 13 Miles from New Plymouth. The force consisting of 12 officers, 13 sergeants, 11 corporals, 8 drummers and 250 privates, constructed a camp and Redoubt called St. Patrick’s Redoubt; although held up for a few days because of bad weather, it was completed by the 17 March 1863. 29 March 1863 Governor Grey and General Cameron, together with the Colonial Secretary, arrived at New Plymouth on 29 March 1863. Having assessed the position, it was decided that additional troops were required, and reinforcements were sent for from Auckland. These included; Captain Mercer and a battery of Royal Artillery, the 65th and 70th Regiments. With no actual Port at New Plymouth and surf on the beach at all times, it was a feat of expertise and endurance that 100 horses of the Royal Artillery were unloaded in twelve hours without a single casualty.

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St. George’s Redoubt Another Redoubt was constructed on Bayley’s Farm near the Katikara River. Commencing on 6 April 1863, it was completed on 13 April 1863, and was called St. George’s Redoubt. Again, bad weather had retarded progress. Major Logan, together with 4 officers, Assist. Surgeon Hope, 6 sergeants, 8 corporals, 2 drummers and 130 privates of the 57th occupied this Redoubt. The Ambush at Wairau On 4 May 1863 an escort of Colour Sergeant Ellers, Sergeant Hill and 5 privates, accompanied by 2 officers, Lieut. Tragget and Assist. Surgeon Hope, were proceeding to New Plymouth with Private William Banks, a prisoner who was to be brought to trial before Court Martial, when they were attacked by an ambush party of 30-40 Maoris, and the whole party of 10 were killed or wounded. Only one person Private Kelly, although wounded survived the massacre. It is said that the ambush party were actually waiting for Governor Grey and General Cameron; the course of the war might have been very different had their mission succeeded! Another Redoubt was constructed near the scene of the massacre, and this was completed by 12 May 1863 and occupied by a detachment of men from the 57th Regiment. The Storming of Katikara On 4 June 1863, General Cameron and a force made up of Headquarters Companies of the 57th and 70th Regiments, detachments of the 65th and Royal Artillery, and a small detachment of Royal Engineers, in all a force of about 650 strong, attacked the fortified position of the Maoris on the other side of the Katikara River. The strength of the force of 57th Regiment under Colonel Warre was 16 officers, 18 sergeants, 9 drummers and 383 rank and file. Losses were 3 privates of the 57th killed and 8 privates wounded, 7 from the 57th and 1 from the 70th. HMS Eclipse (Captain Mayne) assisted the action which had started at 6.45 am by shelling the Maori positions, and after the action conveyed the General and part of the force back to New Plymouth where they arrived at 1 p.m. The remainder of the force marched back to New Plymouth. On 20 June 1863, General Cameron embarked at New Plymouth for Auckland on board HMS Eclipse, leaving Colonel Warre in command of the Province, and Major Logan took command of the Regiment

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4 June 1863

Copy of the Maori Tolls Board

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Waikato Troops were now required in the Waikato area, so the detachment of the 57th was withdrawn from Tataraimaka and the land was abandoned for the second time. New Plymouth All the 70th with the exception of one Company had been withdrawn from New Plymouth and the Oakura Redoubt too was abandoned on 11 August 1863. The detachment from Oakura joined Headquarters and returned to New Plymouth on 12 August 1863. A Detachment of the 57th continued to occupy St Patrick’s Redoubt at Poutoko. There was intermittent skirmishing for some months with the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers and the Militia taking part. The principal engagement during the latter part of 1863 was an encounter at Allen’s Hill on 2nd October 1863 with a large force of Maoris. In the ensuing engagement in which the 57th had 8 officers, 7 sergeants, 5 drummers and 150 rank and file present, and the 70th 1 officer, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer and 44 rank and file, together with officers and men of the Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, the British losses were 2 killed and 6 wounded. Both Ensign John Thornton Down and Drummer Dudley Stagpoole of the 57th were awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallant conduct in rescuing wounded comrades from the field under fire, in the case of Drummer Dudley Stagpoole while he was himself wounded.

Victoria Cross awarded to Ensign Downs & Drummer D. Stagpoole

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Chariots of Fire The troopship Chariots of Fire which left Queenstown, on 7 October 1863, with troops of the 18th, 40th, 50th, 57th, 65th & 70th, Regiments, the Royal Artillery and Staff amounting to the Officers in command and 510 Rank & File, 64 Women and 67 children. The 57th Regiment of Captain T. W. J. Lloyd and 71 Rank & File, arrived at Auckland on 8 January 1863, the troops disembarking next day. On 24 January 1864, a draft of 57th under Captain Lloyd consisting of 1 sergeant and 60 rank and file, which had arrived on board the Chariots of Fire, at Auckland joined Headquarters at New Plymouth. There was little activity until 28 February 1864 when Mr Patterson, a settler, was murdered whilst visiting his farm about three miles from New Plymouth. The Military Settlers were sent to occupy the abandoned blockhouses at Mahohetaki and Oakura, and Major Butler of the 57th took command of the southern outposts. Kaitake March 1864 The Maoris had built a strong fortification at Kaitake, and on 11 March 1864 Major Butler, who in reconnoitring the position had advanced too close, had to withdraw under heavy fire, during which 1 private was killed, and 1 officer (Royal Artillery) and 4 privates were wounded. On 22 March 1864 approval was received to destroy the Maori positions, and the pa’s at Tataraimaka and Ahu Ahu were attacked and destroyed on 23 and 24 March, and the Kaitake Pa was captured on 25 March 1864 after fierce fighting by the “mixed” force under Colonel Warre. The force consisted of both regular troops and Militia and Volunteer. There were 6 Headquarters officers 9 Officers 8 Sergeants 3 Drummers 175 Rank and File of the 57th 2 Officers 1 Sergeant 1 Drummer 26 Rank and File of the 70th 1 Officer 1 Sergeant 20 Rank & File Military Mounted Corps

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8 Officers (including Captain E Carthew) 13 Sergeants 1 Drummer 218 Rank and File Melbourne and Otago Volunteers 9 Officers 11 Sergeants 2 Drummers 151 Taranaki Riffle Volunteers The normal return of killed and wounded was 3 Privates (57th) and 1 Sergeant (Taranaki Rifle Volunteers), all wounded. The capture of the Kaitake Maori stronghold was to a great extent attributable to the accuracy of the Royal Artillery Armstrong guns under Captain Mercer, R A, which set fire to the structures within the stockade. With the fall of the Kaitake pa the Maoris withdrew from the district.

************************* Whist the fighting was taking place both in the Waikato and Taranaki a new fanatical religion, Pai Marire or Hau Hau was developing amongst the Maoris. It was based on a blend of ancient faiths in spells and incantations with which it was believed they could turn aside the Pakeha’s bullets. A new phase in the fighting was soon to take place and the events of 6 April 1864 were to bring the whole of the Hau Hau movement into active and violent hostilities with the white “pakeha” people, both settlers and soldiers.

************************* Captain Lloyd On 6 April 1864 Captain Lloyd of the 57th who had recently arrived in New Zealand from England on the Chariots of Fire, had an engagement with the Maoris at Te Ahuahu while reconnoitring the country. Captain Lloyd was in command of a force of 1 subaltern, 1 sergeant and 54 Rank and File, together with 2 Officers, 2 Sergeants and 41 Rank and File of Militia, when they were attacked by a large group of Maoris whilst halted, and in spite of fierce resistance Captain Lloyd and three privates from the 57th and three Taranaki Military Settlers were killed, and twelve were wounded. Captain Lloyd was decapitated by the Hau Hau as were several of the others who were killed, as well as the bodies being terribly mutilated which bore the unmistakable evidence of acts of cannibalism. The head of Captain Lloyd as well as those of the others slain, was carried round the country after being preserved by the Maori smoke-drying process, and were sent from tribe to tribe to enlist Hau Hau recruits.

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Captain Lloyd The New Zealand Gazette does not record the above incident, except as an “aside” in Colonel Warre’s despatch dated 23 April 1864, published in the Gazette on 21 May 1864. No doubt the earlier despatch was withheld, especially as it would have arrived at the time of the British defeat at Gate Pa, Tauranga, 29 April 1864, when there were 68 killed and 123 wounded. Kopua In the action which took place on 20 April 1864, 2757 Private John Dowling (28) of the 57th was mortally wounded. Sentry Hill Redoubt On 30 April 1864, over 300 Hau Hau’s mounted an attack on the Sentry Hill Redoubt at New Plymouth, led by “Te Ua” their prophet. Relying on their belief that the white soldier’s bullets would miraculously “swerve away”, they made a frontal attack on the fort in broad daylight. Captain Shortt and about 40 men of the 57th repulsed the attack with only one soldier wounded, whilst they killed 50 and wounded about 60 of the attacking Hau Hau’s. Drummer Daniel Hurley (18) 57th Regiment, received a Gunshot wound left shoulder severe. Wanganui The 57th Regiment was now transferred to the Wanganui area and Nos. 6 and 10 Companies, commanded by Brevet Major Shortt embarked on 25 May 1864, on board the p.s. Prince Alfred for Wanganui with Lieutenant Mills & Waller, Ensign Powys, 2 sergeants, 2 drummers and 152 Rank and File.

Taranaki Herald 4 June 1864

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Wanganui Nos 5 and 7 Companies (with the Band) under the command of Major Butler, embarked on 31 May 1864 for Wanganui with 6 Officers, 9 Sergeants, 4 Drummers and 158 Rank and File. On 13 December 1864 Brevet Major Stewart’s detachment of 5 officers, 7 sergeants, 4 drummers and 140 rank and file joined Headquarters, and before the end of 1864 under the command of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Logan the whole of the 57th were concentrated at Wanganui preparatory to commencing the opening of the west road to Taranaki. Alexander’s Farm Early in 1865, Major Butler and detachment of the 57th were sent to occupy Alexander’s Farm situated on the Mowhanau River about nine miles northwest from Wanganui. Soon afterwards Colonel Waddy (50th Regiment) with a mixed force of about 1200 NCO’s and men from the 18th, 50th and 57th Regiments formed an encampment on a high plateau on the left bank close to the mouth of the same river, erecting temporary bridges at Kai Iwi and bridged about seven miles beyond Alexander’s Farm. On 20th January 1865, General Cameron arrived at Wanganui having left Auckland on the 14 January via New Plymouth where he conferred with Colonel Warre. General Cameron established his Headquarters at Alexander’s Farm on 22 January 1865. In order to protect Wanganui during the absence of the Expeditionary Force, the Headquarters of the 57th under command of Lieut. Colonel Logan were left in charge. Two additional posts were formed and occupied by two Companies of the 57th under Brevet Major Stewart and Captain Woodall, and one Company was left at Alexander’s Farm on the advance of the Expeditionary Force on 24 January 1865. Nukumaru Brig. General Waddy left the Camp at Alexander’s Farm on 24 January 1865 at 9.30 a.m. with a combined force of Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Military Train, 18th and 50th Regiments, and a Brigade Staff of 4. Total Officers 46, Sergeants 45, rank and file 878. They reached Paetaia Lake, a ½ mile from Nukumaru, where they formed a camp, at about 4.30 p.m. (see 18th Regiment for details of the engagement at Nukumaru).

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Nukumaru Brig. General Waddy left Nukumaru on 4 February 1865 at night, encamping on the right bank of the Waitotara River, with a combined force of 18th, 50th, 57th and Military Train, consisting of 4 Field Officers, 49 officers, 48 sergeants, 27 drummers and 946 rank and file, the 57th strength being 1 Field Officer, 4 captains, 5 subalterns, 1 staff officer, 13 sergeants, 7 drummers and 270 rank and file. The force left on 15 February and encamped on the left bank of the Patea River in the early morning of 16 February 1865. Colonel Weare of the 50th was left in command at Nukumaru with a force of 2 Field Officer, 34 officers, 55 sergeants, 24 drummers and 1002 rank and file, the strength of the 57th being 3 captains, 3 subalterns, 11 sergeants, 5 drummers and 232 rank and file. Waitotara On 15 February 1865, the 57th Regiment left Nukumaru, and they marched to the Waitotara camp vacated by Brig. General Waddy. In Lt. General Cameron’s despatch of 17 February 1865, due praise was given to the officers in charge of the Colonial Steamers “Gundagai” and “Sandfly”, Mr Cadell and Mr Marks for their assistance in providing means for reconnoitring the coast and for supplying the troops and keeping communications open to Wanganui. Kakaramea On 15 March 1865, General Cameron marched out of Patea, and when about two miles out encountered a large force of Hau Hau’s at Kakaramea. The only British losses were Private James Nixon (57th) killed and 3 privates (57th) wounded. The following Officers of the 57th were engaged in the action in which 80 Hau Hau’s were killed: - Major H. Butler, Brevet Major J. Hassard, Lieutenants: W. De W. Waller, F. H. Clayton, H. D. Barton, P. E. Powys, J. T. Down, Ensigns C. Picot, J. K. Tredennick, and R. J. Holmes, Assistant Surgeon J. Davies. No. 2774 Sergeant Daniel O’Connor (57th) was awarded a medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field.

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Manawapou On 18 March 1865 a detachment of 13 Officers, 18 Sergeants, 12 Drummers, and 337 Rank and File of the 57th Regiment under Major Butler, went to Manawapou on the sea coast where they were engaged in building Redoubts on both sides of the Ingahape River, as well as a road from the left bank, and forming a depot and post of communication. Patea On 22 March 1865 convoys from Patea brought up supplies and the force was reinforced with a further 100 men of the 50th and another 100 from the 57th. A further road was formed on the right bank of the river. With the completion of the Redoubts on 28 March 1865 they were garrisoned by 100 men of the 57th under Brevet Major Hassard, and that on the right bank by 100 men of the 50th under Major Locke. Hawera On 29 March 1865, the force, with Headquarters, moved from Manutahi and after halting for a day a few miles from Manawapou marched through Hawera on 31 March 1865, and a camp was established on the high banks above the Wai-ngongoro. Two Redoubts were constructed on both sides of the river and occupied by the 57th Regiment under Brevet Lieut. Colonel Butler. The detachment of the 57th were mainly engaged in conveying supplies from Manawapou to Wai-Ngongoro. On 1 August 1865, Lieut. General Sir Duncan Cameron relinquished command of the troops. Pipiriki On 19 August 1865 Headquarters of the 57th under Lt. Colonel Logan relieved the Taranaki Military Settlers at Pipiriki, staying there until the end of the year, and were located in three Redoubts. The force consisted of 10 Officers, 14 Sergeants, 8 Drummers and 294 Rank and File, the Officers being Brevet Major J. Steward, Captain F. S. Shomberg, Brevet Major W. A. J. Shortt, Lieutenants: E. Mills, W. A. R. Thompson, F. K. Clayton, A. C. Manners, H. D. C. Barton, Ensign E. Broderip and Assistant Surgeon J. Davies. In 1866 the Service Companies of the Regiment were distinguished alphabetically instead of numerically as hitherto.

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New Plymouth On 30 December 1865, Detachments of the 57th joined Major General Chute’s force which marched from Wanganui to New Plymouth. Lieut. Colonel Butler in command of the detachment from Wai-ngongoro of 5 Officers, 6 N.C.O’s and 120 Rank and File, joined the force on 6 January 1866, together with Lieut. Colonel Hassard in command of the detachment from Manawapou of 4 Officers, 6 N.C.O’s and 120 Rank and File. Summary The Regimental losses from 1 May 1863 to 31 March 1866 were as follows: Killed or died of Wounds 3 Officers, 24 N.C.O’s Wounded 2 Officers, 44 N.C.O’s Not included in the above list are Assistant Surgeon Hope, who although transferred to the Staff, had been attached for some years to the 57th and Lieutenant. Tragett and 6 N.C.O’s and men, who were killed on 4 May 1863 when they were ambushed at Wairau, Taranaki. Captain Lloyd was killed on 6 April 1864 while on patrol at Kaitake together with 2 Privates of the 57th and 3 men from the Taranaki Military Settlers, by the Hau Hau’s. All the men were killed and decapitated, and the heads were preserved by smoke drying and sent from tribe to tribe. Lieutenant John Thornton Down, who as an Ensign, and Drummer Dudley Stagpoole, were both instrumental in rescuing a wounded comrade from the bush under heavy fire from the Maoris during the engagement at Allen’s Hill, 5½ miles from New Plymouth along the South Road on 2 October 1863, were both awarded the Victoria Cross. Headquarters under Lieut. Colonel Logan, and the Regiment, were concentrated at Wanganui preparatory to embarkation for Auckland. On 18 April 1866 Headquarters under Lieut. Colonel Logan embarked at Wanganui on board the S.S. “Ahuriri” for Onehunga, together with the following officers - Lieutenants. W A Thompson, P E Powys, F H Clayton, Ensign E Broderip (Acting Quarter Master), with H and K Companies and Band. Headquarters arrived at Otahuhu from Wanganui on 22 April 1866, and the other Companies re-joined Headquarters on their being relieved at the outstations. Headquarters with 4 Companies marched from Otahuhu to Te Awamutu, the remainder of the Regiment being detached as follows - one company at each location - Queen’s Redoubt, Ngaruawahia, Whata Whata, Te Rore and Raglan.

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Carried by Mounted Orderly

20 April 1866 - Letter from Major Shortt to the Commissariat, requesting a Hospital Bed for his wife, as he was selling up prior to returning home.

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314 Rank & File took their discharge in NZ prior to departure.

Homeward Bound On 7 October 1866, orders were received to be in readiness for embarkation for England, and early in 1867 the Regiment was concentrated at Auckland ready for embarkation.

On 31 March 1867, the right wing under the command of Brevet Major James Stewart, which included 9 Officers, 22 N.C.O’s and 239 Rank and File left Auckland on board the S.S. “Maori”, arriving at Liverpool on 31 July 1867. Headquarters and left wing under the command of Brevet Lieut. Colonel R A Logan, which included 13 officers, 20 N.C.O’s and 280 Rank and File, embarked for England on board S.S. “Electric” on 12 April 1867. The ship encountered very bad weather during the voyage, encountering four gales in the 9 days 24 May to 2 June, obliging the Captain to put into Ascension where they stayed for 8 days from 14 to 23 June 1867. H.M.S. “Flora” and “Espoir” were in port at this time. S.S. “Eclipse” finally made port at Plymouth on 28 July 1867, proceeding to Liverpool where the Regiment was landed on 6 August 1867. 13 April 1867 In the Daily Southern Cross, confirming the departure of the Electric with the 57th Regiment, it also recorded that Lord Ashley was departing that day to Wellington, and was carrying 1 soldier for Tauranga, 1 soldier for Napier, 2 soldiers for Otago, all of the 57th Regiment.

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Before the Regiment left New Zealand, this obelisk memorial was supplied by a London

Mason and erected by members of the Regiment in New Plymouth’s Te Henui Cemetery.

Dedicated to the memory of the officers and men who had been killed in action or died of disease during the New Zealand Wars.

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Transcript

Front (south) face

LVII Albuhera [in wreath above plaque]

In Memory of / the /Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers / and Men/ 57th Regiment / Who have been killed in New Zealand

Murdered at the Wairau / on the 4th May 1863 Lieutenant T. H. Tragett Assistant Surgeon W. A. Hope Colour Sergeant S. Ellers Sergeant S. Hill Private J. Flynn [Private] B. McCarthy Private W. Banks [Private] E. Kelly [Private] P. Ryan

West face

DIED

Surgeon W. A. Mac Andrew 24 September 1861 Ensign A. B. Duncan 4 June 1864 C[olou]r. Sergeant R. Meredith (drowned) Sergeant W. Ashworth Sergeant T. Traynor

Corporal J. McLougli Drummer J. McChristal Drummer R. Robertson

Private [:] A. Gillespie C. Horrigan P. Doolan J. Maguire D. Farrell R. Casey C. Willis E. Gillett J. Jones T. Palmer J. Bland (drowned) R. Connell

Private [:] P. Scully G. May J. Cleary R. Walton H. East R. Muskill M. Connor J. Jones J. Walsh (drowned) J. Denahey J. Driscoll T. Fain

Private [:] J. Anderson J. Rollings H. Miles R. Keefe (drowned) J. Bailey E. Dunnett W. Gosling M. Mulcahey M. Fleming J. Gascoigne T. White R. Simms

Lieutenant J. T. Down, V.C. 27th April 1866

KILLED IN ACTION

Sergeant F. Day 19 Jan 1866 at the Otapawa Pah [Sergeant] J. Sullivan [19 Jan 1866 at the Otapawa Pah] Privates H. McGregor, M. Moran, J. Manning, R. Doake / C. King, H. Nixon 13 March 1865 at Kakaramea

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North face

This monument has been erected / by their comrades / of the 57th Regiment

The 57th Regiment landed / in New Zealand, from India, on the / 25th January 1861

East face

KILLED IN ACTION

Captain T. W. J. Lloyd 6 April 1864 at Ahu Ahu Taranaki

Private [:] E. Martin 4 June 1863 at Katikara River Taranaki M. Kennedy 11 March 1864 near Kaitake Taranaki J. Dooley 6 April 1864 at Ahu Ahu [Taranaki] G. Sadler 6 April 1864 [at Ahu Ahu Taranaki]

DIED OF WOUNDS

Private [:] G. Brown 28 Feby 1861 J. Osborne 5 June 1863 H. Shipman 5 June 1863 T. Finn 3 Oct 1863 H. Cain 31 Oct 1863 M. McCarthy 1 April 1866

Captain and B[reve]t Lieutenant Colonel J. Hassard 15 January 1866

30

Letter from Bermuda addressed to M. Mathews Paymaster

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

Winston Churchill

" 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

I accept full responsibility for any errors which may have occurred, but it must be appreciated that many of the so called “Facts” have been found to be contradictory. This has even been the case with both contemporary and secondary information. The case of the Captain Lloyd decapitation and the aftermath appears to have been deliberately concealed at the time. I look forward to details of any new information and more especially details of letters etc.

Gerald J. Ellott MNZM

August 2017