New Zealand Land Wars Victoria Cross recipients

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).

Because New Zealand has never had an enemy invade its home territory, it is not generally known that 15 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the 19th century Land Wars in that country. The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition for valour "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service, and civilians under military command.

In the New Zealand case, VCs were awarded to members of the various British forces in New Zealand to fight Māori who were disputing the occupation of their lands. As colonial troops were not eligible for the VC the New Zealand Cross (1869) was created. One colonial soldier, Major Charles Heaphy was awarded the VC, as he was under British command.


The recipients, locations and dates they won their awards are:


[edit] Reference

In the face of the enemy: the complete history of the Victoria Cross and New Zealand by Glyn Harper & Colin Richardson (2006, HarperCollins Auckland) ISBN 1869505220

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../n/e/w/New_Zealand_Land_Wars_Victoria_Cross_recipients_e95e.html"