NEW ZEALAND MEDAL (Reverse dated 1860-1861) ROYAL NAVY
(Took part in the first ever VC action in New Zealand)
Officially Impressed To: C. BARLOW, CAPTn. MAST, H.M.S. NIGER.
Charles Barlow was Born in Plymouth, Devon on 5th February 1837 and joined the Royal Navy at age 19 on 21st September 1856. First serving aboard, HMS JAMES WATT, as an Able Seaman. Barlow had a long and varied career in which he served in many ships. Serving in HMS NIGER from 1858 – 1861 he became captain of the mast.
‘On the 28th March 1860, Captain Peter Cracroft, HMS NIGER, with a force of sixty men (of which Charles Barlow was a member) and a 24-pounder rocket tube, landed and captured the Maori pa (fort) at Waieka, Taranaki, (New Zealand, North Island) incidentally relieving a party of Army volunteers from 65th (2nd Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment who were in difficulties. This is the action in which SEAMAN WILLIAM ODGERS won the First VICTORIA CROSS to be awarded form service in New Zealand. He was the first man to enter the fort and haul down the Maori flag.
Roll clearly confirms that N.Z. 1860-61 medals were only issued to ‘Naval Brigade Only’ and to the survivors who actually landed and engaged the enemy at Waieka Pa.
Further stating: ‘Not granted for service in ship when she fired’.
Charles Barlow (No.141 on the ship’s book) received his medal 7th February 1871.
A wonderful and rare Navy /New Zealand medal to a VICTORIA CROSS action.
SUPERB EF £-SOLD-