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Auction: 22103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals VII - e-Auction
Lot: 331

(x) Three: Able Seaman W. New, Royal Navy

Baltic 1854-55, unnamed as issued; China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857, unnamed as issued; New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (W. New. A. B. H.M.S. "Niger". 1860-61), contact marks, nearly very fine (3)

New Zealand Medals were only issued to the Bluejackets who landed and engaged the enemy.

On 28 March 1860, during the First Taranaki War, a party of approximately 60 Marines and Bluejackets under the command of Captain Peter Cracroft landed at Waireka as reinforcements in the engagement that was taking place there. After reaching the Omata stockade near dusk, they proceeded to storm the by now lightly defended Kaipopo Pa. Coxwain William Odgers broke through the palisades and pulled down the Maori ensigns flying there, and received the first Victoria Cross of the New Zealand wars as a result (Victoria Cross in the Patiala Collection, India).

On 30 March 1860, Niger shelled Maori positions near Warea. Her crew also participated during the storming of the Omata stockade. Later in 1860 the detachment of Marines was stationed as a garrison at Fort Niger, a hill overlooking the New Plymouth suburb of East End.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£320