Tribal Guns and Tribal Gunners: The Story of Maori Artillery in 19th Century New Zealand Author: Trevor Bentley isbn: 9781877427527

European sailing ships arriving in New Zealand waters during the early nineteenth century, brought with them terrifying and destructive gunpowder weapons that Maori soon termed pu repo (great guns). Sold to some 120 chiefs in the shape of muzzle loading cannon, carronades and swivel guns, 165 documented artillery pieces were acquired by the coastal and inland tribes.

Set during the bloody intertribal Musket Wars (1818-1839) and the Anglo-Maori New Zealand Wars (1845-46 and 1860-1872), this book reveals a hitherto unknown dimension of this country's military history. The history of New Zealand artillery and artillerymen begins with the tribal gunners. The book describes their professional approach to gunnery and the impact of artillery on military tactics during the Musket Wars. It shows how artillery became the catalyst for a new type of amphibious campaign and contributed to the evolution of gunfighter pa designed to deliver and resist musket and artillery fire.

Events of the past leave various records and 24 of the original 165 tribal guns can still be seen on marae, within nearby urupa (graveyards), public parks and museums. Photographs of many of these guns and the chiefs who owned and fired them are included here to enhance their stories.

2014 Hardback 175 pages BRAND NEW

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