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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 38

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (699. Pte. S. N. Cowell. 43rd Foot.), one light edge knock, very fine

In September 1863, the 43rd Regiment of Foot left India to take part in the New Zealand Wars. The 43rd Foot were part of a British force of 1,700 troops from several Regiments and a Royal Navy detachment that attacked a Maori held "pah" or redoubt near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty at the Battle of Gate Pa. The British attacked the 250 Maori dug in in two strong redoubts on 29 April 1864. The British had artillery with 110 and 40 pounder Armstrong guns and 24 pounder howitzers. Despite their numerical advantage, the British were repulsed and suffered 35 killed and 75 wounded; twice the casualties suffered by the Maori. Among the British killed were the 5 officers of the 43rd Foot, including their commanding officer Lt Colonel Booth. The Maori abandoned the redoubt and many escaped. The repulse of the British attack was a humiliating blow for the 43rd Foot and the Naval Brigade. The Regiment moved on to other battles in New Zealand and finally left for England in April 1866.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£210