An anthology of eye-witness accounts

256 pages and very detailed. It is based on all primary and first hand sources available. It is not a summary of other historical works. Its purpose is to start again from the source material and discover what actually happened on the day, from the viewpoint of those who were actually there and left their own writings.

The source material is reproduced in full, verbatim from diaries, letters and official reports. The book also includes a large number of early newspaper articles relating to the battle and to the situation in New Plymouth at the time.

The second part of the book comprises ancillary material including a brief background of some of the eye witnesses.

A valuable resource for students of history and also for family historians who have an ancestor who was present at the battle. It is a hard cover book and as it comprises a large collection of early documents, it will maintain its value and be of interest to future generations.