William Odgers
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William Odgers ( February 14, 1834 - December 20, 1873) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 26 years old, and a Leading Seaman in the Royal Navy during the Taranaki Maori War, New Zealand when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 March 1860 at Omata (locally known as Waireka), New Zealand, Leading Seaman Odgers of HMS Niger displayed conspicuous gallantry when a party of officers, sailors and marines from the ship stormed Kaipopo Pa during operations against rebel natives. He was the first to enter the pa under heavy fire, and assisted in hauling down the enemy's colours.
Controversially this action was labelled a 'fictional triumph' and a myth in Belich, James: The New Zealand Wars: Penguin books: Auckland: 1986. However, Prickett, Nigel: Maori Casualties of the First Taranaki War, 1860-1861: Auckland Museum: 2005, demonstrates the action was a catastrophic defeat for insurgents who lost their overall chiefs and most of their lesser chiefs at Kaipopo Pa.
A few days later, HMS 'Niger' with cannon and rockets bombarded two coastal pa at Warea, about 40 kilometres south of New Plymouth, where the defeated Maori force had regrouped.
[edit] Further information
This was the first VC won in New Zealand. He later achieved the rank of Quartermaster.
[edit] The medal
The medal is displayed at Sheesh Mahal Museum, Patiala, India.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Cornwall)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
