The extremely rare New Zealand War Medal 1845-1866, reverse dated 1846 to 1847, awarded to Private John Horswill, Royal Marines, who formed part of the marine detachment aboard the 28 gun frigate Calliope in New Zealand during the First Maori War of 1845 to 1847. Calliope’s marines saw action in the Northern War, the vessel operated mainly between Wellington, Whanganui and Nelson from late February 1846 until October 1847. During the Wellington War it transported troops between Wellington and Porirua. A ship’s boat commanded by Midshipman Henry McKillop patrolled the Pauatahanui Arm of Porirua Harbour, exchanging fire with Maori forces. Calliope also took Te Rauparaha of Ngati Toa to Auckland as a prisoner after he was captured at Taupo pa (Plimmerton) in July 1846. The medal was only awarded to those naval men who served ashore, and from Calliope, whose men were landed during 1846 to 1847, some 13 officers, 38 Royal Navy ratings, and 11 Royal Marines were landed. The only medals to the Royal Navy / Royal Marines with the reverse for 1846 to 1847 were issued to the crew of Calliope, some 62 in total, with 11 of those being to Royal Marines, making this an extremely rare award.

New Zealand War Medal 1845-1866, reverse dated 1846 to 1847; (PTE. JOHN HORSWILL R MARINS. - H - M.S- CALLIOPE)

Condition: light contact wear and very minor edge bruising, otherwise Good Very Fine.

John Horswill saw service as a Private in the Royal Marines aboard the 28 gun frigate Calliope in New Zealand during the First Maori War of 1845 to 1847. Owing to settlers have encroached on their land, war broke out with the Maoris in 1845, they being led by Hone-Heke and Kawiti, who were then pitted against the 58th and 99th Regiment’s of Foot, under Colonel Despard, the only - continued below:

Depending on timing item may be sent from Australia as we regularly travel between NZ and Australia, if so - note it's a big world out there beyond NZ and Australia post express tracked is probably faster and more reliable than NZ post.