Waikato War British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He was a resident artist and surveyor, whom served as a Major in the Auckland Militia of the New Zealand Military Forces. On February 11, 1864, at the banks of the Mangapiko River, New Zealand, Major Heaphy went to the assistance of a soldier who had fallen into a hollow where there were a great many enemy concealed. While doing this, he became a target from only a few feet away. Five musket balls pierced his clothes and cap, he was hit in three places, but in spite of this he stayed with the wounded man all day. For this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal being the first colonial soldier at that time to receive the honor.
Waikato War British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He was a resident artist and surveyor, whom served as a Major in the Auckland Militia of the New Zealand Military Forces. On February 11, 1864, at the banks of the Mangapiko River, New Zealand, Major Heaphy went to the assistance of a soldier who had fallen into a hollow where there were a great many enemy concealed. While doing this, he became a target from only a few feet away. Five musket balls pierced his clothes and cap, he was hit in three places, but in spite of this he stayed with the wounded man all day. For this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal being the first colonial soldier at that time to receive the honor.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
See more Heaphy memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
