Hms Curacoa 1863 – 1866

THE ROYAL NAVY IN NEW ZEALAND

HMS CURACOA 1863 – 1866

HMS Curacoa at Fitzroy Dock 1865

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

AUGUST 2019

HMS CURACOA

The name dates from 1806. Presumably commemorates the capture in 1806 of the Dutch Island of Curacoa.

Screw Steam Frigate Built at Pembroke Dockyard, South Wales. Launched 13 April 1854 1570t 350ihp 31 Guns Complement 320 Broken Up 1869 Commissioned 16 August 1854.

In 1854-1855, engaged in the Crimean War, including operations in the Black Sea, bombardment of Eupatoria (Yevpatoria) and the capture of Kinburn.

Commissioned for the Australia Station 20 April 1863 Guns reduced to 23 Captain Sir William S. Wiseman, Bart CB. Commodore of 2nd Class 20 April 1863 Secretary Henry H. Wyatt 22 August 1863

Royal Navy List September 1864 Commander George G. Duff 16 July 1864 Lieutenant Charles F. Hotham 20 April 1863 Robert F. Hammick 25 April 1864 Albert Dent 14 July 1864 Duke D. Yonge 29 April 1864 The Hon. Evan L.V. Mostyn 13 July 1864 Additional for disposal Henry L. C. Robinson 7 July 1864 Berkeley G. A. Belson 7 July 1864 The Hon. Herbert G. P. Meade 15 July 1864 Philip R. H. Parker 14 July 1864 Paul Storr 14 July 1864 John Hope 14 July 1864 Master John E. Scudamore 20 April 1863 2nd Lieutenant Marine Artillery William L.A. T. Cockraft 25 April 1863 Chaplain & Naval Instructor Samuel W. Payne LLD 20 April 1863 Surgeon Richard Picken MD. 21 April 1863

2 Additional for services of Royal Marines At Port Albany Timotheus J. Haran 8 Dec. 1863 Paymaster Edward W. M. Millman 20 April 1863 Additional for Transport Services Edward A. Amphlett 18 Nov. 1863 Chief Engineer Robert J. Wemyss 20 April 1863 Sub- Lieutenant Additional for disposal Edward S. Evans 14 July 1864 Assistant Surgeon Joseph Halpin 16 Feb. 1864 2nd Master Benjamin T. Dickinson 23 April 1863 Assistant Paymaster George M. J. Higginson 20 April 1863

The following Officers are borne as Additional for Surveying Duties.

Staff Commander James Jeffrey 22 Aug. 1863 Master Thomas Bourchier 22 Aug. 1863 Frederick Howard 22 Aug. 1863 Henry J. Stanley 19 May 1863 2nd Master Michael S. Guy 22 Aug. 1863 Ettrick W. Creak (act) 6 Dec. 1863 Assistant Surgeon Belgrave Ninnis MD 16 Dec. 1864

There were also three Midshipmen Cecil George Saville Foljambe Sydney Augustus Rowen Hamilton Frank Elrington Hudson All mentioned in Despatches while in New Zealand HMS Curacoa left Portsmouth 25 May 1863, to join the Australia Station.

20 July 1863, HMS Curacoa arrived at the Cape and left on 31 July 1863.

HMS Curacoa at Simon’s Bay, Cape Town July 1863

3 13 September 1863, arrived at Sydney

Letter from Midshipman Cecil G. Foljambe HMS Curacoa Sydney c 22 September 1863

Placed in the Ship’s Mail Bag Great Britain 3d x 3 – 9d Rate via Marseilles, cancelled with the Mailboat Cancel A85, on board the P&O Massilia. The P&O Northam left Sydney with the Homeward Mail 22 September 1863, P&O Carnatic from Galle, at Alexandria P&O Massilia to Marseilles arrived 19 November 1863. WORKSOP cds 20 November 1863.

Arrived Sydney 13 September 1863

HMS Curacoa at Sydney

4 13 September 1864

22 September 1863. HMS Curacoa, Commodore Wiseman left Sydney for Auckland New Zealand in company with HMS Eclipse which was to tow the recently constructed 300t River Gunboat Waikato renamed Pioneer. Whilst HMS Curacoa made for Auckland, HMS Eclipse went to Onehunga on the Manukau Harbour, arriving there on 3 October 1863. At the same time the four small armoured barges or gunboats were assembled at Onehunga, ready for transportation to the Waikato River.

HMS Eclipse

Waikato renamed Pioneer HMS Pioneer, Stern Wheel Gunboat, 153 x 20 ft. 2-12pdr in Cupolas & 1 rocket tube

6 HMS Curacoa 3 October 1863 12th Regiment Disembarked

Note Lieutenant Charles Hill and Duke D. Younge, and Midshipman Hunt were saved from HMS Orpheus, when she was wrecked on 7 February 1863. Lieutenant Charles Hill, was the only surviving Executive Officer, and after the Court Martial in Portsmouth he was appointed to HMS Curacoa, and returned to New Zealand where he saw action during the Waikato campaigns and was killed in action at Gate Pah Tauranga on 29 April 1864.

8 17 October 1863 Four Companies from HMS Curacoa, marched the nine miles to Onehunga, all with heavy back packs, for transfer to the Waikato River.

Port Onehunga Camp, Manukau Harbour

18 October 1863 The 1st and 2nd Companies went on board the Lady Barkly for Drury, and the other two companies went on board the Gunboat Pioneer, which both left HMS Pioneer in company with HMS Eclipse, heading for the Waikato Heads.

Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe, HMS Curacoa, was on the Pioneer, which had been handed over to the Royal Navy, and was now considered to be for the time a British Man of War. HMS Pioneer however broke down and was towed by HMS Eclipse, to Puponga Head, and anchored off Cornwallis

9 24 October 1863 Left Cornwallis, as the repairs were finally completed and together with HMS Eclipse, plus four large and six small flat bottomed boats for navigating the Waikato River, Port Waikato was reached late evening.

The Midge, one of the 4 large boats, crew of seven seamen 12lb Armstrong gun and a 4.4 Brass Cohorn Mortar

27 October 1863 Left Port Waikato, having taken on board Archdeacon Munsell from the Mission Station at Maraetai, and stopped at Kohunga where he disembarked. Stopped at the Tuakau Redoubt, for a short while, before proceeding to the Bluff Havelock, which was reached at 3.45 pm.

Tuakau Redoubt

28 October 1863 HMS Pioneer went up the Whangamarino Creek, returning later after placing the 2 - 40lb Armstrong Guns on the Whangamarino Heights, back to the mouth of the Mangatawhiri Creek.

Charles Heaphy’s sketch showing Mere Mere from the Whangamarino Redoubt.

The Pioneer is on the Waikato River below the fortification.

The Daily Southern Cross 5 November 1863 Page 3

The Naval Camp at Mangatawhiri

31 October 1863 General Cameron sent up 700 men of the 40th & 65th Regiments embarked on the Pioneer and Avon to be taken down river to capture the Maori position at Mere Mere.

The Pioneer left at 1am. from the Buff with four gunboats in tow, passed Mere Mere at 2am, landed men opposite and above Takapau, to cut off the retreating Maoris from Mere Mere and to blockade the River. In the ensuing affair, with a possible attack from both north and south, the Maoris withdrew to the east, that evening, abandoning their position.

The Pioneer at Mere Mere

12 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe (HMS Curacoa) left the Pioneer to take command of the Midge, with a crew of seven seamen, having left the Pioneer it meant that he had to stay at the Bluff Stockade which consisted of four tents. In command was Lieutenant Burton 40th Regiment who was able to stay in the small wooden house.

1 November 1863 Mere Mere now deserted, General Cameron, informs the Governor of the “Cordial co-operation of Commodore Sir William Wiseman (HMS Curacoa), and to the indefatigable exertions of the officers under his command.”

3 November 1863 The Pioneer, reconnoitred the River up to Rangiriri, burnt down the village of Tapaehina, except the church. The rudder got out of order and the Pioneer had to lay up, while being repaired.

The Waikato Flotilla The “Waikato Flotilla” consisted of the two Colonial Steamers, Avon and Pioneer, as well as four small gunboats; Ant, Chub, Flirt, and Midge. These were all manned by 245 officers and men from HMS Curacoa Miranda, Harrier, Eclipse, and Esk. Colonial Steamers involved included the Alexander, Sandfly and Tauranga.

Junior officers and men from the Royal Navy ships were assigned to each gunboat, Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe (HMS Curacoa) was in charge of Midge, Sub- Lieutenant R. F. Hammick, (HMS Miranda) the Ant, and Midshipman Charles Hunt (ex HMS Orpheus) and Midshipman F. Hudson on the Flirt and Chub.

The Avon as drawn by Cecil G. Foljambe

Avon – Paddle Steamer 58.2 x 15.4 ft. 1-12pdr & 1 rocket tube

13 Royal Navy Ships The Royal Navy ships involved with the fighting in the Waikato were: - HMS Curacoa, HMS Miranda, HMS Harrier, HMS Eclipse, and HMS Esk, including the Troop Ship HMS Himalaya.

Naval Brigade With the advance into the Waikato, the Naval Brigade made up of officers, seamen and marines from HMS Curacoa, Miranda, Harrier and Eclipse, assisted General Cameron and the British troops, at Meremere, and at the battle of Rangiriri 21 November 1863. Part of the Naval Brigade travelling overland and the others in the boats of the Waikato Flotilla.

Letter from Midshipman Cecil G. Foljambe HMS Pioneer At the Bluff Waikato River 25 - 28 October 1863

OFFICIAL PAID LONDON 18 January 1864. Carried in the Commodore’s Ship’s Mail Bag to London and posted at the Admiralty Whitehall. WORKSOP 19 January 1864 cds.

Rangiriri Following the capture of Mere Mere, preparations were underway to attack the Maori Redoubt at Rangiriri.

18 November 1863 Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron, made a reconnaissance of the area, and determined on landing a force in the rear of the position simultaneously with attacking it in front, with a view of turning and gaining possession of a ridge 500 yards in front of the main entrenchment, and thus intercepting the retreat of the enemy. The plan was for both the land force to arrive at the same time (3pm) as the force onboard the two steamers and four gunboats.

14 20 November 1863 Nearly 800 men of the 12th, 14th, 40th, 65th, Regiments, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery and the HMS Curacoa 6lb Armstrong and crew, went by land.

300 men of the 40th Regiment, embarked on HMS Pioneer the Avon, and four gunboats leaving the Bluff at 9.30 am scheduled to arrive at Rangiriri at the same time as the force travelling overland, however Rangiriri was not reached until 4.30 pm. Due to the failure of the first attack by the land force, Lieutenant-General Cameron sent a message to the Commodore Sir William Wiseman HMS Curacoa, for the Naval Brigade to attack only with cutlasses and revolvers.

Naval Brigade Commander Mayne was directed to make a frontal attack with 90 seamen of the Naval Brigade, consisting of portions of the crews of HMS Curacoa, Eclipse, Harrier and Miranda. A later attack was carried out by a party of seaman under Commander Phillimore.

Commander Mayne, was severely wounded in the left hip, Lieutenant Panter Downes, of HMS Miranda was shot through the left shoulder, and Lieutenant Alexander in the right shoulder, and Lieutenant C. F. Hotham in the right leg, both from HMS Curacoa. Midshipman Watkins HMS Curacoa received a bullet through his head.

The Rangiriri line was manned by about 500 Maoris from tribes including Ngāti Mahuta, Ngātiteata, Ngāti Hine, Patupou, Ngāti Pāoa and Ngati Hauā.

Despite success elsewhere along the line, the British failed in at least eight attempts to take the central redoubt before nightfall.

The British suffered 132 casualties; 47 Killed & 85 wounded, of these, six officers and 41 men were killed in action or died later from their wounds. The officers, who included Captain Henry Mercer of the Royal Artillery; Lieutenant- Colonel Charles Austen, Lieutenant William Murphy and Captain John Phelps of the 14th Regiment; and Ensign A. Ducrow of the 40th Regiment, were buried in Auckland’s Grafton Cemetery.

Many of the troops were buried at Rangiriri, probably according to Regiment. It was later reported that “the dead were sewn up in blankets, and buried in rows only divided by a small space from the last resting-place of the enemy’s slain. Side by side they sleep in peace.”

15 Rangiriri

The Māori church adjacent to the burial ground in Daniel Manders Beere’s 1864 photograph was built some time before the battle

The Maori Church at Rangiriri, the Cemetery is in the foreground 1864

Naval Brigade Losses

Royal Navy losses were as follows: - Killed HMS Curacoa Midshipman Watkins Quartermaster J. Woods Able Seaman William Tidy HMS Harrier Able Seaman Frederick Osborne Private (RM) Richard Downer

Wounded since died HMS Harrier Able Seaman Charles Stevenson

16 Naval Brigade Losses

Wounded HMS Curacoa Lieutenant H.M. Alexander Lieutenant C.F. Hotham Able Seaman Thomas Dooley Able Seaman Walter Robinson Ordinary Seaman Solomon Hayes HMS Eclipse Captain R.C. Mayne Able Seaman Henry Oldfield HMS Harrier Able Seaman Charles Stevenson HMS Miranda Lieutenant E. Panter Downes Leading Seaman Thomas Gulling

Reference The NZ Gazette, No. 62, published by Authority, 30 November 1863

Memorial Tablet

17 The Naval Brigade’ Assault James Cowan

This [earlier] repulse only strengthened Cameron’s stubborn resolution to take the redoubt, and another assault was ordered.

This time the Royal Navy men were selected for the forlorn hope. Captain Mayne, of HMS Eclipse, was directed to make a frontal attack with ninety sailors of the Naval Brigade, consisting of portions of the crews of HMS Eclipse, Curaçoa, and Miranda.

The bluejackets, with rifle and cutlass, dashed at the works and endeavoured to swarm up the straight-scarped parapet, but once more the stormers were thrown back, and dead and dying men strewed the ditch and the ground in front of it.

A few reached the top of the parapet. Midshipman Watkins was one of them; he fell back into the trench with a bullet through his head. Commander Mayne was severely wounded in the left hip; Lieutenant Downes, of HMS. Miranda, was shot through the left shoulder; and two officers of the HMS Curaçoa suffered bad wounds, Lieutenant Alexander in the right shoulder and Lieutenant C. F. Hotham (afterwards Admiral) in the right leg.

When this attack failed a party of seamen, under Commander Phillimore, of HMS Curaçoa, charged up to the ditch and threw hand-grenades over into the redoubt, but this attempt did not alter the position.

In the Naval Brigade was Midshipman C. G. Foljambe HMS Curaçoa, afterwards Earl of Liverpool and father of a recent Governor of New Zealand. He and his comrades made several attempts to scale the parapet, but the task was hopeless.

The Midshipman Cecil Saville Foljambe Archive Letters were gifted to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Welliington

21 November 1863 The next day, the White Flag, was flying at the Redoubt, and the prisoners were taken back to go on HMS Curacoa at Auckland.

All the wounded were taken on board the Pioneer, which eventually reached the Bluff Stockade at 10 pm, after running aground at least twice.

26 November 1863 HMS Curacoa, appears to have been mainly tied up at the Auckland wharf, and after the Battle of Rangiriri, received 178 Maori Prisoners of war, all as described in the following report published in the issue of the New Zealand Spectator & Cook’s Strait Guardian, dated 30 January 1864.

The Maoris who surrendered on 21 November 1863, at Rangiriri walked from the Queen’s Redoubt (Pokeno) to the main Auckland Camp at Otahuhu, some 30 miles, guarded by men of the 50th Regiment. From there they were taken on board the Corio to HMS Curacoa tied up at Auckland Harbour. They were later transferred to the hulk Marion, which had been fitted out to receive them, and the side walls, raised to stop possible escape. Later they were transferred to Kawau Island, and sometime later, they did escape.

During the next three months, officers and men from HMS Curacoa, part of the Waikato Flotilla, were fully engaged carrying supplies etc., along the Waikato River and the Waipa. The troops being engaged at Ngaruawahia, Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Alexandria (Pirongia) and Cambridge (Pukerimu) etc.

19 8 December 1863 Following the battle of Rangiriri, troops with tents and baggage were taken down the river and landed at Ngaruawahia, by the boats and seamen under the command of Captain Phillimore HMS Curacoa. The Midge was blockading the Waipa River. Cecil Foljambe was transferred from the Pioneer to the Avon, commanded by Sub- Lieutenant Easther from the Harrier, and a crew of 15 men. Midshipman Cecil Foljambe, HMS Curacoa took it in turns to be on the bridge. There was a constant movement of both the Pioneer and the Avon, with troops and supplies, up and down the two rivers from Rangiriri, and Ngaruawahia, to the Redoubts and camps at Whata Whata, Ngahinaporui and Te Rore, all in readiness for the attack on the Maori Stronghold at Rangiawhia.

21 February 1864 The force which took part in the battle of Rangiawhia, included 10 Officers and 135 Royal Navy and Marines, with no recorded casualties. The boats of the Waikato Flotilla were used to take the wounded troops, back up river.

31 March 1864 There appears to be no record of any naval personnel taking part in the final battle in the Waikato at Orakau.

Letter from Midshipman Cecil G. Foljambe HMS Avon Cambridge 3 April 1864

Placed in the Commodore’s Ship’s Mail Bag GB 1d cancelled in London 13 June 1864, Figure 1 indicating 1d to pay for redirection. WORKSOP cds 14 June 1864

Alice Cameron Auckland 7 April 1864 to Sydney. P&O Bombay 22 April 1864 to Galle, P&O Simla to Suez, P&O Syria 4 June 1864 to Marseilles 11 June 1864.

5 April 1864 Blue Jackets from the Naval Brigade with men of the 50th Regiment, occupied the Pah at Te Tiko.

17 April 1864 The men serving on the Waikato Flotilla, including the Pioneer’s naval crew were now being replaced by Colonial Volunteers, consequently all the men serving on the Waikato Flotilla, returned to their respective ships.

18 April 1864 HMS Curacoa received on board all the Marines from HMS Harrier and 22 men from HMS Eclipse.

19 April 1864 HMS Curacoa, left Onehunga on 19 April 1864 for Auckland, arriving on 24 April 1864.

21 April 1864 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe returned to Auckland on board the Lady Barkly to Onehunga, where he marched to HMS Curacoa berthed at Auckland Harbour.

24 April 1864 - Tauranga Lieutenant Hunt, Mr. Allan, Engineer plus 32 men from HMS Curacoa, and part of the Naval Brigade; 80 Men and Marines landed for service at Tauranga.

25 April 1864 Commodore Sir William Wiseman, HMS Curacoa, left Auckland for Tauranga with Lieutenant Hill, and Hotham, the 2nd & 4th Lieutenant & the Lieutenant Marines of the Esk.

29 April 1864 – Gate Pa The Naval Brigade, consisting of 4 field officers, 6 captains, 7 subalterns, 36 sergeants, 5 drummers, 371 rank & file, took an active part at the Battle of Gate Pa, Tauranga.

150 Seamen and Marines under Commander Hay of HMS Harrier formed part of the assaulting column, the remainder of the seamen, followed as a reserve.

21 29 April 1864- Lieutenant-General Cameron in his despatch to the Governor, reported that Commodore Sir William Wiseman, HMS Curacoa, on this occasion, as on every other occasion, had co-operated with him in the most cordial manner, and was much indebted to him, as well as to the whole of the officers and men of the Royal Navy and Marines who took part it these operations, for their valuable assistance.

Gate Pa

The British losses were 27 killed and 66 wounded.

The Royal Navy losses were 3 officers and 9 men killed, and 3 officers and 27 men wounded.

Virtually all the Naval officers were either wounded or lost their lives.

Officers who were killed included: - Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton of HMS Esk Commander Edward Hay of the HMS Harrier Lieutenant Charles Hill HMS Curacoa Officers wounded were George Graham Duff HMS Esk, Lieutenant Robert Frederick Hammick HMS Miranda Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Hastings Parker HMS Falcon

HMS Curacoa casualties included:

Killed Lieutenant Charles Hill Ordinary Seamen James Harris

Wounded Ordinary Seamen Thomas Tenam William Fox John Watson Amos Smith Gunner Royal Marine Charles Ween

Gate Pa – Awaiting the order to advance

Alexander Turnbull Library, 1/2-019993-G

The Attack on Gate Pa Watercolour by Lieutenant Horatio Robley, 68th Regiment

Taranaki Herald 14 May 1864

Several promotions were made in recognition of the gallantry displayed by the Navy, those from HMS Curacoa being: - Commodore Henry Bourchier Pillimore to be Captain (14 July 1864) Lieutenant George Graham Duff to be Commander (29 April 1864)

24 10 May 1864 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe Enclosing a copy of the Rangiriri Gallop (see endorsement)

WORKSOP 19 July 1864 cds Placed in the Ship’s Mail Bag, 1d GB red cancelled with the Mailboat obliterator B57 on the P&O Euxine. The P&O Madras left Sydney on 22 May 1864, P&O Numbia to Alexandria, P&O Euxine to Malta and Marseilles. Although endorsed via Marseilles, the P&O Poonah took the letter to Southampton, 18 July 1864.

The Rangiriri Gallop – Music “Partant Pour La Lyric” London W. Dale, 8 Poultry

25 Waikato Flotilla The Waikato Flotilla was now under the Command of Captain Francis Cadell, who had been appointed by the Colonial Government, Superintendent of Steam Transport. Interestingly Captain Cadell was now Commodore of a fleet of eight steamers, including both the Avon & Pioneer plus six new boats.

30 May 1864 HMS Curacoa, prior to leaving for Sydney, visited Kawau Island in order to cut some spars. These were required at the Auckland Dockyard, as well as taking the remainder to Sydney.

6 June 1864 HMS Curacoa together with HMS Eclipse left Auckland for Sydney.

19 June 1864 HMS Curacoa arrived at Sydney, HMS Falcon was also at Sydney.

19 August 1864 Sydney Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

GB. 1d red. Letter placed in the Ship’s mail bag. Figure “5” indicating 5d. to pay Handstruck “MORE TO PAY” applied on P&O Poonah. LONDON cds & WORKSOP cds 21 October 1864.

The P&O Madras left Sydney on 22 August 1864, P&O Candia to Alexandria, P&O Poonah and P&O Delhi to Malta, P&O Delhi to Southampton, arriving 20 Oct. 1864.

26 20 August 1864 HMS Curacoa left Sydney for Melbourne.

23 August 1864 written at Sea Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

GB. 1d red. Letter placed in the Ship’s mail bag. Figure “9” indicating 9d. to pay Handstruck “MORE TO PAY” applied on P&O Poonah. LONDON & WORKSOP cds 17 October 1864

The P&O Madras left Melbourne 26 August 1864 P&O Candia to Alexandria, P&O Poonah and P&O Delhi to Malta. P&O Poonah to Marseilles, arriving 15 October 1864

26 August 1864 HMS Curacoa arrived at Melbourne.

4 September 1864 HMS Curacoa left Melbourne for Sydney.

7 September 1864 HMS Curacoa arrived at Sydney, HMS Esk in Dock.

17 September 1864 HMS Curacoa going into Dock, HMS Harrier preparing to return to Auckland.

27 22 September 1864 Sydney Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NSW Adhesives, 6d (Plate 1) 1862 x 2 & 2d 1862 x 2. Cancelled with the Sydney Duplex SYDNEY 22 September 1864. Endorsed “via Marseilles” WORKSOP 16 November 1864 The P&O Northam left Sydney 22 September 1864, P&O Nubia to Alexandria, P&O Baroda & P&O Ceylon to Malta. P&O Ceylon to Marseilles arrived 15 November 1864 The 1s 4d Rate 1 July 1864 – 14 November 1864

Commodore Sir William Wiseman was planning to go on a two week cruise on board HMS Salamader, Cecil Foljambe, as Signal Midshipman, also went.

11 October 1864 HMS Curacoa came out of Dock.

15 October 1864 HMS Curacoa leaves Sydney in a hurry to get back to Auckland as the 200 Maori Prisoners of War, which had originally been onboard the Curacoa, and the Hulk Marion and later transferred to Kawau Island had now all escaped.

Maori Prisoners of War aboard the Hulk Marion

28 13 October 1864 Sydney Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

Placed in the Ship’s Mail Bag. GB 1d red cancelled in London No. 19 barred obliterator. Handstruck “MORE TO PAY” applied onboard P&O Euxine. Figure “11” indicating 11d. to pay for the 1 oz. Rate. LONDON 20 December 1864 cds. and WORKSOP 22 December 1864 cds. P&O Bombay left Sydney 22 October 1864, P&O Euxine & P&O Delhi to Malta and P&O Delhi Southampton via Lisbon, arrived 21 December 1864. The P&O Delhi was storm damaged and put into Lisbon for repairs, arriving four days later than expected.

22 October 1864 Lieutenant Alexander married Miss Wiseman daughter of the Commodore.

23 October 1864 HMS Curacoa arrived at Auckland. Lieutenant Alexander was promoted Commander.

4 -6 November 1864 HMS Curacoa at Kawau, returned to Auckland with Governor Grey.

Sir George Grey

29 10 November 1864 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

Placed in the Ship’s Mail Bag. GB 1d red cancelled with the A86 Mailboat obliterator, and Handstruck “MORE TO PAY” applied onboard P&O Ceylon. Figure “5” indicating 5d. to pay for the ½ oz. Rate. LONDON 19 January 1865 cds. The Alice Cameron carried the mail from Auckland to Sydney where the P&O Madras left on 22 November 1864, P&O Ceylon & P&O Ripon to Malta and P&O Ripon to Southampton arrived 19 January 1865. Also small bisected circle (red) Inspectors Marking.

17 November 1864 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe, has been given a month’s leave and proceeded to Port Lyttelton on board the Wellington. News received that it had been decided to change the capital from Auckland to Wellington.

30 14 December 1864 Christchurch Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

Posted in the New Zealand Mail system NZ 6d, NZ watermark, strip of 3 Imperf. & 2d to pay for the 1 oz. Rate via Marseilles. CHRISTCHURCH NZ 14 December 1864 Duplex. WORKSOP 16 February 1865 cds. The P&O Northam left Sydney on 22 December 1864, and from Melbourne 26 December 1864. P&O Nubia to Alexandria, P&O Ellora & P&O Poonah to Malta and P&O Poonah to Southampton arrived 14 February 1865.

Christchurch First Post Office – opened May 1851

31 12 December 1864 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe left Christchurch on board the Rangatira.

Lyttelton Harbour

19 December 1864 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe, returns to HMS Curacoa at Auckland.

31 December 1864 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d, cancelled with the Auckland No. 1 within a diamond, barred obliterator. AUCKLAND 31 December 1864 large cds. WORKSOP 23 March 1865 cds. The P&O Bombay left Sydney on 22 January 1865, P&O Simla to Alexandria, P&O Ripon to Southampton arrived 22 March 1865.

32 13 January 1865 Commodore Sir William Wiseman, is going to Taranaki, on board HMS Falcon, together with General Cameron and some troops.

Taranaki New Plymouth 1860’s

6 February 1865 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d & 2 x 2d cancelled with the Auckland No. 1 within a diamond, barred obliterator. AUCKLAND 6 February 1865 cds. LONDON PAID (red) & WORKSOP 12 April 1865 cds. Endorsed via Marseilles. The P&O Madras left Sydney on 26 February 1865, P&O Candia to Alexandria, P&O Ceylon to Marseilles arrived 10 April 1865.

33 28 February 1865 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d & 2 x 2d cancelled with the Auckland No. 1 PB, barred obliterator. AUCKLAND 28 February 1865 cds. SHEFFIELD & WORKSOP 15 May 1865 cds. Endorsed via Marseilles. REDIRECTED GB 1d Red cancelled with the WORKSOP Duplex 15 May 1865 No. 922 barred obliterator. LONDON cds 16 May 1865 The P&O Northam left Sydney on 22 March 1865, P&O Golconda to Alexandria, P&O Pera to Marseilles arrived 12 May 1865.

7 March 1865 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d cancelled with the Auckland No. 1 PB, barred obliterator. AUCKLAND 7 March 1865 cds. WORKSOP 20 May 1865 cds. REDIRECTED GB 1d Red cancelled with the WORKSOP Duplex 15 May 1865 No. 922 barred obliterator. The P&O Northam left Sydney on 22 March 1865, P&O Golconda to Alexandria, P&O Poonah to Southampton arrived 19 May 1865.

34 8 – 10 March 1865 Preparing to go to Sydney, but there was a Cyclone in Auckland, which delayed the preparation. News was received that the Rev. Volkner had been murdered and decapitated on 2 March 1864 at Opotiki.

The downfall of the Rev. Volkner

18 March 1865 HMS Curacoa left for Sydney via The Bay Of Islands. There were two American Whalers at Russell, came across the Emigrant Ship Bombay with 450 emigrants which had come dismasted, she was taken in tow back to Auckland.

The Bombay and HMS Curacoa

19 March 1865 Prepared to leave Auckland, but due to Gale Force winds, had to wait until the evening of 20 March 1865.

25 March 1865 HMS Curacoa, passed by Norfolk Island, but did not stop.

35 1 April 1865 Arrived at Sydney, anchored at Farm Cove where HMS Salamander was berthed. As the Captain and the Paymaster of the Salamander were both invalided, the Curacoa 1st Lieutenant Yonge and the Commodore’s Secretary Mr. Wyatt were promoted to replace them.

9 April 1865 In the Fitzroy dry dock, left the next day back to Farm Cove.

4 June 1865 Left Sydney for a cruise to the South Sea Islands. Visiting Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Sunday Island, Savage Island, Samoa Group, Friendly Group, Fiji Group, New Hebrides, Banks Island, Santa Cruze Group, Solomon Islands, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia.

Track Chart HMS Curacoa – South Sea Islands Three Years on the Australian Station Cecil George Foljambe - Hatchard & Co. 1868

36 11-12 August 1865 The island of Tanna, in the New Hebrides, was reached, and an ultimatum was sent to the Chief. This was on account of the expulsion in late 1864, of Mr. Paton, the Missionary who had been in residence for three years, as well as ransacking his house. Receiving no reply, landing parties were sent on shore, and several villages were destroyed, together with the crops, and with the death of one of the seamen, The Curacoa opened fire, destroying more villages.

Evening Star 14 November 1865

Whilst at the New Hebrides, HMS Esk came with the Mails from Home.

HMS Esk

HMS Falcon, also carried the outward mail from HMS Curacoa, back to Auckland.

HMS Falcon

22 July 1865 Friendly Islands Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

Although the letter was written at the Friendly Islands, it was taken onboard HMS Falcon and posted at Auckland. It appears that Foljambe had put 6 x 6d NZ adhesives on, the envelope, however the Officers Concession Rate was per ½oz, so one 6d stamp was removed before posting.

NZ 5 x 6d cancelled with the AUCKLAND 3 August 1865 Duplex. LONDON PAID 16 October 1865 cds (red).Endorsed via Marseilles. The P&O Jedda left Sydney on 22 August 1865, P&O Moolton to Alexandria, P&O Mongolia to Marseilles arrived 14 October 1865.

38 13 October 1865 Arrived back at Sydney, the South Sea Islands Cruise. The cruise had lasted for 132 days away from Sydney and HMS Curacoa having sailed over 9284 miles.

Two Letters from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe HMS Curacoa, written at the Solomon Islands 27 August 1865, but posted at Sydney 21 October 1865

Postage 1s 6d stamps remaining, appears that 2 x 1d stamps removed

Postage 7d stamps remaining, appears that 2 stamps 1s0d & 1d. removed.

SYDNEY Duplex 21 October 1865 Oval NSW obliterator. The P&O Madras left Sydney on 22 October 1865, P&O Mooltan to Suez, P&O Tanjore to Marseilles, arrived 15 December 1865. It has been stated (David Boyd) John Darnell Collection that these are the earliest stamped items from the Solomon Islands KS4 (Page 74.3) I disagree. These two letters were posted by Cecil Foljambe, eight days after arriving back at Sydney New South Wales.

39 28 November 1865 HMS Curacoa, left Sydney for Auckland, via Norfolk Island.

5 December 1865 Arrived at Norfolk Island, leaving for New Zealand on 7 December 1866.

Norfolk Island Cemetery 9 December 1865 Passed North Head, arrived Auckland 11 December 1866.

22 December 1865 Midshipman Cecil Foljambe and a party of seamen from the Curacoa, climbed Rangitoto, the dormant volcano at Auckland

29 December 1865 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 2 x 2d & 6d cancelled with AUCKLAND Duplex 29 December 1865 Barred “1” obliterator. WORKSOP 16 March 1866 cds. The P&O Madras left Sydney on 22 January 1866, P&O Mooltan to Suez, P&O China to Marseilles, arrived 14 March 1866.

9 – 27 January 1866 A party of Officers Lieutenant Meade, Captain Luce of HMS Esk, Midshipman Cecil Foljambe and a few seamen left Auckland to revisit the various places where they had served during the Maori War. Travelling first to the Queen’s Redoubt by Cobb & Co. coach (a new conveyance) leaving at 1 pm and arrived at 8 pm. 10 January 1866 Went by steamer from the Bluff to Newcastle (Ngaruawahia) 8 hours, there were a few 40th Regt. troops there but mainly 3rd Regt. Waikato Militia. 11 January 1866 Visited Whata Whata, Te Rore, Alexandra (Pirongia) 12 January 1866 Te Awamutu, Kihi Kihi, Harapepe 13 January 1866 Cambridge and Pukerimu and Hamilton. 16 January 1866 Taupo 20 January 1866 Rotorua 23 January 1866 Maketu 24 January 1866 Opotiki, visited the spot where Rev. Volkner was murdered. 25 January 1866 Maketu & Tauranga Went on board the Ladybird back to Auckland. 27 January 1866 Arrived at Auckland

29 January 1866 Two cutters from HMS Curacoa took part in the Auckland Regatta, both came 1st & 2nd with the cutters from HMS Brisk 3rd HMS Esk 4th HMS Falcon (HMS Eclipse 2nd cutter) and last the HMS Eclipse 1st cutter.

24 February 1866 HMS Curacoa, left Auckland for Tasmania.

11 March 1866 Hobartown was finally reached after being caught in a terrific cyclone (3-4 March).

41 4 April 1866 Left Hobartown for Adelaide.

9 April 1866 Anchored in Holdfast Bay, abut 10 miles from Adelaide.

23 April 1866 Left Adelaide for Melbourne, arriving on 25 April 1866.

28 May 1866 Back at Sydney, left on a “Homeward Bounder” 24 August 1866.

August 1866 Sydney Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

SYDNEY Duplex 8 August 1866 Oval NSW obliterator. WORKSOP 21 October 1866 cds. The Hero left Brisbane 20 August 1866 to Batavia, MFvdP Messageries Imperiales to Singapore, P&O Massilia to Southampton arrived 20 October 1866. This was the first trip of the Hero on this new service, and the only recorded cover from this voyage.

11 September 1866 Arrived at Auckland, after stopping for a day at Kawau where a pair of young emus and three wallabies were given to Sir George Grey.

Wallaby & Emus

42 28 September 1866 HMS Challenger our successor arrived.

HMS Challenger – Screw Corvette launched 1858 – 22 guns

2 October 1866 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d cancelled with AUCKLAND Duplex 2 December 1866 Barred “1” obliterator. WORKSOP 2 December 1866 cds. Endorsed via Panama & per Mataura. The new service was from Wellington, the Kaikoura left on 8 October 1866, arrived Panama 6 November 1866 Tamar to St. Thomas, Seine to Southampton arrived 1 December 1866.

Yellow Fever was onboard the Seine, and the mails were fumigated prior to being landed at Southampton.

43 11 October 1866 Auckland Letter from Midshipman Cecil George Foljambe

NZ 6d & 4d with AUCKLAND Duplex 11 October 1866 “1” within diamond barred obliterator. WORKSOP 13 December 1866 cds. The Lord Ashley carried the NZ Mails from Auckland via Tauranga and Napier to Wellington. The Tararua left 17 October 1866 to Melbourne where the P& O Madras left 28 October 1866, P&O Nubia to Suez, P&O Ceylon to Malta and Marseilles arriving 12 December 1866.

4 October 1866 HMS Curacoa left Auckland and New Zealand, reaching Cape of Good Hope 13 December 1866, finally reaching England on 7 February 1867.

Plymouth Dockyards

44 HONOURS

The New Zealand Medal HMS Curacoa – 1863-64

The New Zealand Medal, 24 Officers and 124 Naval Ratings, 1 Officer and 40 Marines, received the Medal, for services as members of the Naval Brigade, the Waikato Flotilla, as well as their involvement at Rangiriri, Te Awamutu & Rangiawhia, and Gate Pa, Tauranga. A total of 189 Medals, the highest number given to any of the Royal Navy Ships engaged in the New Zealand Wars 1845 – 1866.

Victoria Cross Two Victoria Crosses were presented to the Royal Navy, Leading Seaman W. Odgers, HMS Niger and Captain of Forecastle, S. Mitchel HMS Harrier. 45

Gerald J. Ellott

Believe nothing that you hear, a quarter of what you read, and only a half of what you see, and check and recheck your facts" Percy de Worms

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill

I accept that any errors are mine, and hopefully these will be brought to my attention, together with details of any additional material and other surviving letters.

Gerald J. Ellott MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

August 2019 [email protected]