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The New Zealand Wars: A History of the Maori Campaigns and the Pioneering Period: Volume I (1845–64)

Drawing by A. H. Messenger, after a sketch 1852] — The British Frigate “Castor”

Drawing by A. H. Messenger, after a sketch 1852] The British Frigate “Castor”

Drawing by A. H. Messenger, after a sketch 1852]
The British Frigate “Castor”

H.M.S. “Castor” was an oak frigate of 1,293 tons, built in 1832. She took part in the Syrian campaign of 1840, and shared in the bombardment of St. Jean d'Acre. After cruising on the coast of Ireland she was sent out to the East Indies Station and New Zealand. Seven of her men were killed in the fighting at Rua-pekapeka pa, 11th January, 1846. H.M.S. “Dido” arrived at Auckland from the East Indies on the 2nd June, 1847, and relieved the “Castor,” which sailed for England three days later. In 1852 the “Castor” was Commodore Wyvill's ship on the Cape Station, and her commander was sent to the scene of the wreck of the transport “Birkenhead” to render help. The frigate remained afloat for seventy years. For many years she was employed at South Shields as drill-ship for the Royal Naval Reserve.