New Zealand Land Wars Victoria Cross recipients
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Because New Zealand has never had an enemy invade its home territory, it is not generally known that 16 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, it was awarded to members of the various British forces taken to New Zealand to fight Māori who were disputing the occupation of their lands.
The recipients, locations and dates they won their awards are:
- Colour Sergeant John Lucas, Cameron Town, near (Te Awamutu), March 18, 1861
- Colour Sergeant Edward McKenna, Cameron Town, September 7, 1863
- Lance Corporal John Ryan, Cameron Town, September 7, 1863
- Major Charles Heaphy, Paterangi Pa, Mangapiko River, near Te Awamutu, February 11, 1864
- Captain Hugh Shaw, Nukumaru, (near Wanganui), 24 January 1865
- Lieutenant Colonel John Carstairs McNeill, Ohaupo, near Hamilton, March 30, 1864
- Leading Seaman William Odgers, Waireka, near Patea, March 28, 1860
- Ensign John Thornton Down, Poutoko Redoubt, near New Plymouth, October 2, 1863
- Drummer Dudley Stagpoole, Poutoko Redoubt, October 2, 1863
- Lieutenant Arthur Frederick Pickard, Rangiriri, near Meremere, November 20, 1863
- Assistant Surgeon William Temple, Rangiriri, November 20, 1863
- Assistant Surgeon William George Nicholas Manley, Tauranga, April 29, 1864
- Sergeant John Murray, Tauranga, June 21, 1864
- Captain Frederick Augustus Smith, Tauranga. January 21, 1864
- Captain of the Foretop Samuel Mitchell, Tauranga, April 29, 1864
