THE 70th REGIMENT (SURREY)

1861 – 1865 IN NEW ZEALAND

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

AUGUST 2017

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70th Regiment

Short History

The formation of the Regiment was prompted by the expansion of the army as a result of the commencement of the Seven Years' War. On 25 August 1756 a number of Regiments were required to raise a second battalion and on 10 December 1756, the 31st Regiment of Foot raised a second Battalion, which became an independent Regiment the “70th Regiment of Foot on 21 April 1758.

In 1764, the Regiment was sent to the West Indies, but due to serious losses through illness it returned home in 1774.

Between 1775 – 1827, the Regiment mainly served in North America and the West Indies, taking part in all the major actions, and once again, the Regiment suffered greatly from disease, in the West Indies

In 1782, it acquired the County designation as the 70th (Surrey) Regiment. In 1811 four companies returned to Scotland to recruit men which lead to re-designation in October 1812, as the 70th (Glasgow Lowland) Regiment. In December 1825, the Regiment, regained its English County designation 70th (Surrey) Regiment The Regiment was in India (1848-57), before fighting in the Maori Wars in New Zealand and then went on to fight during the Second Afghan War (1878-80). In 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms it was merged with the 31st Regiment of Foot to become East Surrey Regiment

New Zealand In January 1861, the Regiment was ordered to proceed to Calcutta and embark for New Zealand. The Regiment embarked on three ships all on the same day, 24 February 1861. The Louisa, reached Auckland on 14 May 1861, Daniel Rankin, on 13 May 1861 and the Minden, on 27 May 1861. The Regiment was in New Zealand until January 1866, and saw action in Taranaki and Napier, with a Detachment at Dunedin during 1861-1863.

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Daily Southern Cross - Transporter Minden

Otahuhu The Regiment was at first stationed at Otahuhu, marching there from Auckland, after the arrival of the Minden. During the next six months, it was a case of building huts for both the Officers and men, which was hindered by the incessant rain.

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5 August 1861 Otahuhu Camp Manuscript

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2 August 1861 Otahuhu Camp Entire Letter

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Dunedin One Detachment was sent down to Dunedin to act as Escorts for the Gold and generally to keep Law & Order amongst the inhabitants. The Detachment returned to Otahuhu on 16 June 1863, and after resting, proceeded to Queen’s Redoubt, to relieve their comrades, Military Road In December, the Regiment was marched out of the Camp at Otahuhu, to construct the Military Road between Auckland and the Waikato. At that stage, a sort of road existed for about 20 miles through dense forest, very broken and hilly. The road was to be metalled throughout, fourteen feet wide, and the forest cleared thirty yards on each side of the road. Both the Officers and men knew nothing about road-making, and Engineers were scarce. The Bush as the forest was called was about the densest in the world, and the trees the biggest and the hardest, even worse was the creepers and the mosquitoes. In addition to road building redoubts had to be constructed along the route to both safeguard the road makers but also to protect the stores and provisions. The 70th Regiment were given the task of surveying both the proposed road but also the access by sea, surveying the Waikato River to ascertain the possibility of bring boats of any size up it. Whilst at this stage, no military action had taken place in Auckland or the Waikato, it was clearly understood that if we crossed the river into the Maoris country they would attack us. The surveyors understandable never appeared in uniform. Taranaki After the cease fire to hostilities in March 1861, the Governor had decided that the operations at New Plymouth were to be confined to the defence of that place. Following the occupation of the Tataraimaka Block, by the Maoris, on the 4 April 1863, the Governor, and the Lt. General commanding together with the 70th Regiment, commenced at once to construct a Redoubt on the block. Detachments of the 70th were ordered to repair the road to New Plymouth and to construct defensible positions at intervals. Wairau The first shot in the second Taranaki campaign was fired on 4 May 1863, when an escort party of the 57th Regiment, taking a prisoner of the regiment from Tataraimaka into New Plymouth, were ambushed. There were six soldiers under two Sergeants and two officers, nine were killed, and the only man who escaped was Private Florence Kelly.

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Taranaki Katikara On the 4 June 1863, the 70th Regiment and the 57th Regiment under Colonel H. J. Warre crossed the Katikara River and advanced upon the Maori entrenchments. HMS Eclipse was to assist with a preparatory bombardment, however the weather was so bad, the Eclipse could not co-operate. British losses were three killed and four wounded. Kaitake The Maoris constructed a strongly entrenched Pa, about three miles from the Oakura River mouth. In December 1863, Colonel H. J. Warre shelled the place with the Armstrong field-guns, but the final operations were deferred until 1864. On 25 March 1864, Kaitake was stormed and captured by a force of 420 men of the 57th & 70th Regiments, and Volunteers and Militia, under the command of Colonel H. J. Warre. A Redoubt holding 100 men was immediately constructed on the site. One soldier was killed and six wounded. Auckland On 20 June 1863, General Cameron embarked for Auckland on board HMS Eclipse, leaving Colonel H. J. Warre in command of the Province, and Major Logan took over the command of the 57th Regiment. Troops were now required in the Waikato area, and all of the 70th Regiment with the exception of one Company had been withdrawn from New Plymouth. The 70th Regiment and Headquarters were now stationed at Queen’s Redoubt, in readiness for the advance into the Waikato Taranaki The remaining 70th Regiment Detachment, was involved with various, intermittent skirmishes for some months, with the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers and the Militia mainly taking part. The principal engagement was at Allen’s Hill, on 2 October 1863, when one Officer, two Sergeants, one Drummer and 44 Rank & File, of the 70th Regiment together with the 57th Regiment, as well as the Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, at which the British losses were 2 killed and six wounded.

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Letter from Lt. Colonel T. E. Mulock to the Commissariat Purveyor

Carried by mounted Orderly

Letter from Lt. Colonel T. E. Mulock to the Commissariat Purveyor

Thanking him for the bedding

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Waikato – Koheroa 14 Officers and 284 men of the 14th Regiment, which were manning the two Redoubts at Koheroa, observed that the Waikato Maoris had dug a series of trenches across the narrow ridge, in readiness for an attack on the Redoubts. On 17 July 1863, Lieut. Colonel Austin, immediately ordered his battalion under arms, and moved out to meet the Maoris, followed by a Detachment of the 12th Regiment; Five Officers and 145 Rank & File and a Detachment of the 70th Regiment; two Officers and 102 Rank & File, under the command of Major G. A. Ryan from the Queen’s Redoubt. The 70th Regiment had only just settled in at the Queen’s Redoubt after returning from Taranaki. At the conclusion of the fighting Lieut.Colonel Austen and ten Privates of the 14th Regiment were wounded, and Private William Smith also of the 14th died from his wounds. There were no losses of men of the 12th & 70th Regiments. Pukekohe East Church Stockade On 14 September 1863, the stockade which was only defended by a few members of the Forest Rifle Volunteers, and local volunteers enrolled as special constables, was attacked by between a war-party of between 300 – 400 Maoris. Major G. A. Ryan with one Field Officer, one Subaltern, one Sergeant and 20 Rank & File, proceeded to assist in the attack, and to leave at the stockade a party under Ensign Phillips (18th). The 70th Regiment losses were Private Burdett and Private Bailey, both killed, the wounded included Captain A. Saltmarshe, Private John Ely, Private Thos. Donnehy, and Private Wm. Paterson, all classified as “Seriously”. Lieutenant J. F. A. Grierson the Officer Commanding the Camp at Shepherds Bush heard the firing and joined the defenders at the Stockade, together with one Subaltern, three Sergeants, three Corporals, one Drummer and 24 Privates, keeping up a fire for at least two hours and a half before the 18th arrived from Drury. Captain Saltmarshe and Lieutenant J. F. A. Grierson were mentioned in despatches Taranaki On 2 October 1863, the Detachment of the 70th Regiment left at Taranaki were involved with the 57th Regiment in an action against the Maoris in the vicinity of the Poutoko Redoubt, the 70th Regiment under Captain A. B. Wright, 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer and 44 Rank & File. The 57th Regiment lost one Private killed and one Ensign & seven Privates wounded.

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Thames Expeditionary Force The 70th Regiment consisting of one Field Officer, three Captains, nine Subalterns, 21 Sergeants, nine Drummers and 326 Rank & File, embarked on 16 November 1863 at Auckland aboard HMS HMS Miranda. The rest of the troops from the other Regiments and the colonial Forces embarked on HMS Esk. Stores Baggage and Horses were on board ss Corio and ps Sandfly, all leaving that same day. The total force under Colonel G. J. Carey, included Royal Engineers, 12th ,18th & 70th Regiments, Army Hospital Corps, Waikato Militia, Naval Volunteers and Colonial Defence, a total of 946 Officers & men.

Surrey Redoubt- The 70th Regiment were encamped at the Redoubt named after them.

Rangiaowhia The Battle at Rangiaowhia, took place on 21 February 1864. A Force of 1232 Officers & men, under General Cameron left Te Rori on the 20 February 1864, towards Te Awamutu. The Force included, One Field Officer, four Captains, 10 Subalterns, three Staff, 20, Sergeants, 12 Drummers & 348 Rank & File of the 70th Regiment. Fighting took place on the 21 February 1864 & 22 February 1864, whilst the 70th Regiment was held in reserve on the 21st the Regiment was certainly in action on the 22nd at Hairini, when three of their Regiment were wounded: - 197 Private Joseph Morris (21) Severe 1789 Sergeant John Dunn (41) Slight 3260 Private Isaac Muggeridge Slight Total British losses were 2 Killed & 6 wounded on 21 February 1864, and 2 Killed & 19 wounded on the 22 February 1864. Two of the wounded died later from their wounds, in all probability, Private Charles Askew (65th) and Ensign C. A. Doveton (50th). The strength of the 70th Regiment, which took place in the fighting on the 22 February was; - 1 Field Officer, 3 Captains, 7 Subalterns, 2 Staff, 14 Sergeants, and 262 Rank & File.

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Taranaki - Kaitake On 25 March 1864, Kaitake was stormed and captured by a force of 420 men of the 57th & 70th Regiments, and Volunteers and Militia, under the command of Colonel H. J. Warre. The complement of the 70th Regiment, consisted of two Officers, one Sergeant, one Drummer, and 26 Rank & File. One soldier was killed and six wounded all from the 57th & Taranaki Rifle Volunteers. A Redoubt holding 100 men was immediately constructed on the site Waikato Orakau The Battle at Orakau took place on 31 March 1864 and on the 1st & 2nd of April 1864. Whilst the 70th Regiment did not take part in the main attack, they were part of a reinforcement of 220 men from the 18th & 70th Regiment: - 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Sergeants, 1 Drummer and 89 Rank & File. 70th Regiment losses were Private Thomas Maskell, killed and Privates George Courtney and Peter Pettit wounded. Tauranga - Gate Pa While it does not appear that the 70th Regiment took a major role in the action which took place during 27 April 1864 to 29 April 1864, a mixed Detachment under Major G. A. Ryan (70th) were placed towards the Maori entrenchments, about 1200 yards from the enemy’s position on the 27 April 1864. The main assault taking place soon after daybreak on the 29 April 1864, Major Ryan’s Detachment was extended as close to the work as possible, to keep down the fire from the rifle-pits, with orders to follow the assaulting column into the work. Whilst the British losses of Officers and men were extremely high, there were no reported casualties from the 70th Regiment.

General Cameron fifth from the right at Gate Pa

Te Ranga The 70th Regiment does not appear to have taken part in the action which took place there on 21 June 1864.

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Taranaki - Manutahi &Te Arei On the 8 October 1864, H. J. Warre, C.B. Commanding Taranaki decided to destroy the formidable Maori works at Manutahi and Te Arei Pah. The Force consisted of Staff, C. T. Corps, R.A. & R.E. and the 70th Regiment, from Town, Major G. A. Ryan with 1 Field Officer, 3 Captains, 9 Subalterns, 3 Staff, 13 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 200 Rank& File. From Mahoetahi, Bt. Major A. Saltmarshe with 1 Captain, 3 Subalterns, 7 Sergeants, 5 Drummers, and 138 Rank & File. All up the force totalled; Regulars 420, Colonials 162. The 70th Regiment suffered no losses during this action, 2 Taranaki Rifle Volunteers were both slightly wounded. A similar force was involved at Te Arei Pah on the 11 October 1864, totalling 450 Regulars, and 21 Colonials. The 70th Regiment, from town, Major A. V. Rutherford, 1 Field Officer, 2 Captains, 7 Subalterns, 2 Staff, 12 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 200 Rank& File. From Mahoetahi, Bt. Major A. Saltmarshe with 1 Captain, 4 Subalterns, 8 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 134 Rank & File. The works at Te Arei were found to be very formidable, the trenches 15 feet wide, and a parapet 16 feet wide, covered by a line of rifle-pits about 40 feet in front of the line of the stockade. Captain T. D. Backhouse and Captain W. H. Ralston in addition to the Officers in command were mentioned in the Despatch. Pukearuhe (White Cliffs) Thirty miles along the northern coast from New Plymouth Colonel Warre (57th) the Officer commanding Taranaki, constructed a strong Redoubt, here in April 1865. Colonel T. E. Mulock was in command with 160 of the 70th Regiment and two Royal Artillery Gunners. Warea There was a good deal of skirmishing in mid-Taranaki in the latter part of 1865. On the 13 June 1865, Colonel Warre with a column working in three divisions, attacked the Taranaki tribes in their villages inland of Warea. Detachments of both the 43rd & 70th Regiments were involved. Following the killing of Captain Close (43rd) on the 28 July 1865, a force including Captain A. Cay with a company of the 70th Regiment pursued and attacked the Maoris in their villages, during this fighting, the 70th Regiment losses were a Lieutenant and five men killed and six wounded.

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Taranaki Volunteers and Colonial Militia

Napier Towards the end of 1865, the 70th Regiment had troops at Auckland, Taranaki and Napier. At the end of 1865, the Imperial Forces in New Zealand totalled about 10,000 men, nine Regiments including the 70th Regiment. Two batteries of Field Artillery, and Royal Engineers and Military Train. The first units to sail were the 70th & 65th Regiments.

Headquarters 1864

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Headquarters 1866

Homeward Bound. The Regiment received orders to leave New Zealand and return back to England. Embarking on board the Ida Zeigler which left Auckland on 3 January 1866. arriving home on 4 April 1866. On 31 December 1865, and at a few other dates, 284 Rank & File decided to take their discharge, and stay in New Zealand

Daily Southern Cross

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" Believe nothing that you hear, a quarter of what you read,

and only a half of what you see, and check and recheck your facts"

Percy de Worms

I accept full responsibility for any errors, whilst a large proportion of the History of the 70th Regiment whilst in New Zealand, have been taken from contemporary sources, secondary information has hat to be included, even now, I feel that some information is missing. I definitely look forward to any information which can be added or corrected.

Gerald J. Ellott MNZM

August 2017