Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

The Fight At Rangiriri

The Fight At Rangiriri.

On the morning of the 20th of November, 1863, General Cameron, with a force of 853 officers and men, proceeded from Meri-Meri up the right bank of the Waikato river to attack the entrenched position of the Maoris at Rangiriri. In this operation Commodore Sir William Wiseman arranged to co-operate with the steamers “Pioneer,” and “Avon,” and four gunboats. The combined forces arrived near Rangiriri at the same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. The position taken up by the Maoris consisted of a main line of entrenchments across the narrow isthmus dividing the Waikato river from Lake Waikare. The line had a double ditch and a high parapet, and a square redoubt of very formidable construction was erected in the centre. Behind the left centre of the main line, and at right angles to it, there was an entrenched line of rifle pits parallel to the Waikato river. After shelling the position for a considerable time with two 12-pounder Armstrongs, and a naval 6-pounder, the two gunboats assisting, General Cameron ordered an assault shortly before 5 p.m. This was gallantly executed by the troops, who had to pass over a distance of 600 yards in the face of heavy fire, the 65th Regiment leading and escalading the enemy's entrenchment on the left. After passing the main line of entrenchment the troops wheeled towards the enemy's centre, and came under fire of the rifle pits facing the Waikato river. They at once stormed and carried the enemy's outer position, and drove the enemy to the centre redoubt, which the Maoris then desperately defended. While the troops were thus engaged 300 men of the 40th Regiment landed from the “Pioneer” and “Avon,” occupied the ridge in the rear, and drove the enemy from that part of the position. The troops who carried the main line were checked by the fire from the centre redoubt; two assaults were made, the first by thirty-six of the Royal Artillery, led by Captain Mercer, and the second by ninety sailors of the Royal Navy, under Commander Mayne. Both attacks were unsuccessful, owing to the formidable nature of the work, and the overwhelming fire which the Maoris poured upon the assailants. Darkness coming on, it was resolved to await for daylight before undertaking further operations, but the troops meanwhile remained in the several positions which they had gained, and by which they almost completely enveloped the enemy. Shortly after daylight on the 21st, the white flag was hoisted by the Maoris, of whom 183 surrendered unconditionally, and gave up their arms, and became prisoners of war. The British losses included 130 in killed and wounded, and amongst those who died of their wounds was the gallant Captain Mercer; but the fall of Rangiriri gave great prestige to the cause of the colonists.

From the 8th of December, 1863, to the 27th of January, 1864, General Cameron was detained at Ngaruawahia, awaiting supplies. In the meantime the Maoris were taking up strong positions. When General Cameron arrived at Pikopiko and Paterangi he found these places too strongly fortified to carry by assault. At Awamutu, on the 21st of February, he surprised a force of natives, and pushing on, met a large body of rebels at Rangioahia, whom he defeated with considerable loss. Here Colonel Nixon, of the Colonial Defence Corps, was mortally wounded. Early next morning a force of about 400 Maoris were found entrenching themselves near Rangioahia. A detachment of the 50th Regiment immediately charged them with the bayonet. The natives, after firing one volley, bolted, and were followed and scattered by the Mounted Defence force.