| Her
Majesty's Victorian Ship VICTORIA 1860 provided a landing party (see below)
at Taranaki New Zealand.
They served under Commodore Seymour of
the Imperial Naval Brigade.
As they were officially placed under the
Articles of War they became the first Australians (albeit colonial
Australian) who served in an organised, official military action in the
face of the enemy. Other Australians (approx 2,000) who fought in NZ were
in non-Australian units.
They took part in several actions,
including Kairau and Matarikoriko where the 2 officers were Mentioned in Despatches.
All would have been entitled to the New
Zealand Medal (see photo)
but records show only about 10 being awarded. Presumably the others were
not claimed. |
for
reverse
In his book "Medals to Australia" 3rd edition, R D Williams
says "On several occasions shore parties were sent from the ship
under command of Lt G Woods and Midshipman W Horn, both of whom were
later Mentioned in the Despatches from Major General Pratt to the War
Office, London. Captain W H Norman was also mentioned in
Despatches. The Victoria landed at New Plymouth, New
Zealand on 30 April 1860 and discharged 4 Officers, 8 Sergeants, 2
Buglers and 120 Rank and file of Her Majesty's 40th Regiment of Foot
(many of whom had previously fought at the Eureka
Stockade). The sailors from
Victoria fought with the British Naval Brigade in several battles and
can
justly claim to be the first official Australian force to engage in
war overseas.
