43rd LIGHT INFANTRY
1863-1865


Based on extracts from - A short history of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 1741-1922 for the young soldiers of the Regiment. By R.B. Crosse


New Zealand.

The 43rd was at Calcutta and elsewhere until ordered to proceed on active service in New Zealand in 1863. Having embarked on October 8th, the Regiment reached Auckland on December 11th, but was not in action until April 21st, 1864, when the Maoris attempted to entrap a detachment. A week later, in the assault of the Gate Pah, the rebels were defeated after a very severe fight, which cost the 43rd in casualties 9 officers, including Lieut.-Colonel Booth who died of wounds, and 32 other ranks. On June 21st, in the attack on the fort at Te Ranga, Captain Smith received the Victoria Cross "for conspicuous gallantry in being the first into the right of the line of rifle-pits."

A number of small actions took place during the next two years, after which the Regiment sailed for England, having been nearly fifteen years abroad, in March, 1866.

Soldier of the 43rd in New Zealand

Captain Smith VC