Medal, awarded to Cornet Angus Smith

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.

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Online ID:	000-180-000-181-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland M.1990.581
Date:	Around 1869 June 1869
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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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