Samuel Austin, N.Z.C.
Production date
Circa 1900
Description
Copy photograph of a studio portrait of Sergeant Samuel Austin (1828-1903), Wanganui Native Contingent and winner of the New Zealand Cross for action at Putahi pā and Keteonetea in 1866. The photograph is a bust portrait and shows Austin with a long beard wearing a jacket with two medals, including the New Zealand Cross, pinned to his chest.
This photograph is included on page 14 of William Francis Robert Gordon's album "Some Soldiers of the Queen who served in the Maori Wars and Other Notable Persons Connected Herewith".
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Public comments
It was Samuel's Grandfather William Austin not his father who was the career soldier he served with Wellington at Waterloo
- Garry Aitchison posted 3 years ago.
Also refer to AUCKLAND CENOTAPH for Sgt. Austin's military profile - and photograph of his NZ War Medals (held by NZ Army Museum, Waiouru, NZ).
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 8 years ago.
Samuel Austin is also mentioned in the book : "The Colonial New Zealand Wars" written by Tim Ryan and Bill Parham (Published by Grantham House : New Zealand 1986). He is mentioned on Page 215 under the heading "The New Zealand Cross".
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 8 years ago.
CORRECTION TO BOOK TITLE - IT SHOULD READ: "For Gallant Service Rendered : The Life & Times of Samuel Austin - NZ Cross" by Barbara Mabbett (2012).
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 8 years ago.
SAMUEL AUSTIN (1828-1903). Born: Tandragee, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Died: 25 January 1903, Wanganui, New Zealand. Enlisted - aged 16 years - with the 65th (2nd North Yorkshire Riding) Regiment of Foot at Banbridge - August 1844. His father had also been a career soldier. Trained at the 65th's principal Irish Depot at Mullingar. One year later the regiment was ordered to the Chathams and then as escorts on convict ships to NSW, Australia. He was in a detachment of 35 men sent to Norfolk Island in December 1845. In 1846 he was sent with his regiment from Sydney, Australia to Wellington, New Zealand to assist to quell Maori disturbances in that area. Whilst engaged there he helped to build a military garrison at Pauatahanui, Porirua and to build a military road to Wellington. He also participated in bush engagements with Te Rangihaeata near Porirua. 1847 - He transferred to the Wanganui District, where he would remain for the rest of his life - as a serving soldier and as a farmer citizen/family man. 1859 - At the rank of Sargeant he took his discharge from the Army in July 1859. 1865 - Re-joined as Quarter Master Sargeant to the Wanganui Native Contingent - led by Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui Taitoko (Major Kemp 1823-1898) - where he would serve for a further 5 years. 1865 - Wereroa Pa; Pirpiriki; Opotiki (East Coast); 1866 - Okokutu (North Wanganui); Awarded NZ Cross for Conspicous Bravery at Putahi Pa (7 Jan 1866) in rescuing a wounded Officer; Otapawa Pa; Ketemaraea Pa; Ahipaipa; Mawhitiwhiti Pa; Assisted in capture of Puketaratara and Pungarehu. 1868 - Served at Tauranga Ika and Karaka Flat; Nukumaru and Waitotara. 1869 - Otauto; fall of Paterangi. 1870 - Tapapa. In later engagements he would serve under Major Keepa (Kemp) - NZ Cross. Married (1) Lavinia NEWPORT (1826-1870) - born UK; Emigrated with parents - Stephen & Leah NEWPORT - to Nelson NZ, from Buckinghamshire UK 1842 on Sir Charles Forbes. Samuel and Lavinia would have 6 children. Lavinia died in 1870 - during childbirth - aged 40 years. Samuel married (2) Alice ARNOLD (born UK 1855; died Wanganui 1913) and they would have 4 children. For further information on Samuel Austin NZC - refer to the book : "For Services Rendered: The Life & Times of Samuel Austin NZ Cross" (2012) by Barbara Mabbett.
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 8 years ago.