Medal, awarded to Cornet Angus Smith

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This New Zealand Cross was awarded to Cornet Angus Smith for his gallantry in 1869 during the Second Maori War.

This decoration, uniquely awarded for gallantry to soldiers of New Zealand, resembles the Victoria Cross but is made in silver and gold.

An unlikely leader, Smith had been a private in the 93rd Regiment but had deserted in 1855. He settled in New Zealand and commanded a detachment of the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry. Smith was severely wounded and captured when his troop was ambushed by a Maori 'Hauhau' force led by Te Kooti. Tied to a tree and left to die, Smith freed himself and reached safety nearly 40 miles away.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-181-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  M.1990.581
• Date: Around 1869
  June 1869
  
• Material: Medal
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Medal
  
• Subject: Medals
  
• Who: Cornet Angus Smith (Owner)
  New Zealand, Bay of Plenty Cavalry Volunteers (Non-British forces, inc. Imperial and Colonial)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: New Zealand, Bay of Plenty Cavalry Volunteers - New Zealand Cross awarded to Cornet Angus Smith for valour in June 1869
  
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