A selection of ancestors and events through time, including the movements of HM 55th and 58th Regiments of Foot, the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps, the 7th (Service) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders and the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
Aotearoa (New Zealand) was discovered and settled by Polynesian voyagers in the 13th century, with estimates typically ranging between 1200 and 1300 AD. According to Māori tradition, the legendary explorer Kupe is credited with being the first to discover Aotearoa, guided by ocean currents and the flight paths of birds.
1348
The Black Death (bubonic plague) arrived in England and killed nearly half of the population.
1430
In early 1430, Joan of Arc organised a company of volunteers to relieve Compiègne, which had been besieged by the Burgundians - French allies of the English. She was captured by Burgundian troops on 23 May. After trying unsuccessfully to escape, she was handed to the English in November. She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on accusations of heresy, which included blaspheming by wearing men's clothes, acting upon visions that were demonic, and refusing to submit her words and deeds to the judgement of the church. She was declared guilty and burned at the stake on 30 May 1431, aged about nineteen.
"In the year of our Lord 1522, John FYNAMORE of Melksham Court, Stinchcombe, received from the Crown a lease of a Water Corn Mill at Cam to hold for his life and that of his wife Alice, John and Thomas Fynamore his sons and Agnes his former wife, and William Fynamore his son by Alice his present wife". See: "A Journey Through Time - The History of Cam Mills from 1522 by William J.Lucas".
1591
On 19 May, the city of Zutphen was under siege. The siege involved Dutch and English forces led by Maurice of Nassau. It took place at Zutphen during the Eighty Years' War and the Anglo-Spanish War. The siege began after a clever ruse by the attackers. The city endured an eleven-day siege until the Spanish garrison surrendered. See: William PHINIMORE: "He Hath offered his candle to the divell"
The Siege of Zutphen
1605
On 1 July, William CARTER married Susan DEVERELL in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, England. He became the second largest holder of land in Swanbourne.
On 1 July 1644, during the Torstenson War, the battle of Colberger Heide (Kolberger Heide) was fought. It was a naval engagement in the southern Baltic Sea, near Colberg Heath. Swedish Admiral Carl Gustaf Wrangel's fleet faced a combined Danish-Dutch fleet led by Admiral Thijssen. The Swedish fleet successfully maintained its blockade, contributing to overall Swedish success in the war. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645, solidifying Sweden's territorial gains in the Baltic region. During the battle the Danish king was struck by a bullet aboard his ship Trefoldigheden. Sören Nielsen HOFMAN, the King's doctor, attended to the wound but could only determine that the eye was lost. Christian IV never really recovered from the battle at Colberger Heide. He died in 1648.
In 1702, Hinrich Valentin KRAUCHENBERG, Pastor/Pfarrer, at the Oldendorf Kirche in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, became a "Propst der Kehdingschen Präpositur", a position he held until he died in 1719. As a "Propst" he was responsible for overseeing churches and clergy in the Kehdingschen (Kehdingen) region.
Hinrich studied at Jena University and became assistant professor at the Faculty of Philosophy. During his time at Jena and at Oldendorf Kirche he published various sermons and theological writings, including, in 1674: "Recens Natam Opinionem De Impossibilitate Polyarchiae Simplicis Ampliss" ("A Recently Formed Opinion on the Impossibility of Simple Polyarchy") - Polyarchy is a political term that describes a democratic system with free elections, political diversity, civil liberties, and accountability.
1707
The Scottish parliament was dissolved and England and Scotland became one country - Great Britain.
1742
On 13 April, Handel's 'Messiah' received its first performance, in Dublin.
1750
On 5 September, Robert FERGUSSON, the Scottish poet, was born in Edinburgh to William and Elizabeth FERGUSSON, née FORBES. His notable works included: "The Daft Days" "Hallow Fair" "Auld Reekie" "Leith Races" "Caller Oysters" "Braid Claith". Towards the end of 1774, gripped by "religious melancholia" and after suffering a head injury, he was taken from his mother's house, against his will, and lodged in the Bedlam (Darien House "hospital") next to the Edinburgh poorhouse. The conditions were terrible - food was in short supply and the use of restraints was commonplace. Within weeks, on 16 October 1774, Robert died. He was only 24. Robert FERGUSSON is one of the sixteen Scottish poets and writers depicted on the lower section of the Scott Monument, Princes Street, Edinburgh. He appears opposite Robert BURNS. BURNS was moved to commission a headstone in Canongate Kirkyard to Robert FERGUSSON, thirteen years after Robert had been buried there in an unmarked grave. BURNS described the poet as 'my elder brother in misfortune; by far my elder brother in the muse':
No sculptur'd marble here, nor pompus lay,
No story'd urn nor animated bust;
This simple stone directs pale Scotia's way
To pour her sorrows o'er her poet's dust.
Robert FERGUSSON - Portrait by Alexander Runciman 1772.
1769
On 6 October, James COOK became the first European to land on Aotearoa (New Zealand) at Poverty Bay. On 29 April 1770 he landed at Botany Bay, Australia.
On 13 May, the First fleet of convicts sailed to Australia. The fleet was made up of 11 ships. The arrival of the fleet at Sydney Cove in January 1788 marked the beginning of the European colonisation of Australia. Convict transportation lasted until 1868.
On 17 August Charles Jefferson BESWICK joined HM 55th (Westmorland) Regiment of Foot as a new recruit. [Discharge Document]
In September Charles Jefferson BESWICK was present as a recruit at Manchester, England. [3rd quarter 55th Foot muster return]
1821
In September Charles Jefferson BESWICK was present at Chatham, England. [3rd quarter 55th Foot muster return]
In December Charles Jefferson BESWICK embarked for the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, on board the transport Earl Balcarra. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return; Page 71, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History]
1822
During February/March two divisions of the 55th Foot arrived at the Cape of Good Hope and were quartered in Cape Town, South Africa. [Page 71, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History]
In September, the 55th Foot marched to Graham's Town (now Makhanda), South Africa. See also: Campaign in Graham's Town 1827 - 28. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
1828
In June, the 55th Foot marched to Fort Beaufort, 3 days march from Graham's Town, where an expedition to Xhosa territories (then termed ‘Kaffraria’ in British sources) was being formed. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
The Mbolopo massacre.
The Battle of Mbolompo.
In July, the 55th Foot began penetration into the interior, across the rivers: Chumie, Keiskama, Buffalo, Goonobies, Kie and Bashie. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History; Faku: Rulership and Colonialism in the Mpondo Kingdom (c.1780-1867) by Timothy Joseph Stapleton].
On 27 August, the 55th Foot arrived on the banks of the Umtata, where the Xhosa (referred to in period sources as ‘Kaffirs’), eluding pursuit, had assembled in large numbers. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 28 August, the 55th Foot and other forces under the command of Colonel Henry SOMERSET attacked and dispersed the assembled fighters. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 14 September, the “Kaffraria” expedition returned to their respective stations, the 55th Foot reaching Graham’s Town. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
1830
In May, the 55th Foot returned to Cape Town to prepare for service in India. [Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
In August, Charles Jefferson BESWICK, with four divisions of the 55th Foot Regiment embarked for India. [3rd quarter 55th Foot muster return; Page 73, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
In October, the four 55th Foot divisions arrived in Madras, India, from the Cape of Good Hope, joining three companies already arrived from the 55th Foot depot in England which was now reduced from four companies to one. On disembarking, the 55th Foot Regiment formed the garrison of Fort St George. [Page 73/74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
In December, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was present at Madras (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), India. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 27 July, Pte. Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Catherine McNEIL married at Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. Witnesses: John MORGAN and Mary WINDER. Chaplain/Clergyman: R. DENTON. [Return of Marriages in HM 55th Regiment of Foot from 1 July to 31 December 1831 Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India].
In October, the 55th Foot marched for Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [Page 74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
1832
In March, Charles Jefferson BESWICK, was present at Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [1st quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 10 September, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was promoted to Corporal at Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [Discharge Document; 3rd quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 11 February, Newman CARTER was "ducked" in a pond 2 or 3 times at his father's house in Swanbourne, England. See: Assault 1834.
On 20 February, Harriet BESWICK, was baptised in Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India, by Chaplain J. CUBITT. Sponsors: Lance-Sergeant William DALY, Ann CURDWELL and Elizabeth CREER.
The Coorg War. On 24 February, the 55th Foot Regiment received orders to join the northern division of a force of seven thousand men under the command of Brigadier-General LINDSAY, that was about to commence operations against the Rajah of Coorg, Chikka Vira RAJENDRA, who had begun hostilities against the Indian Government. The force was composed of three divisions, each divided into a main and an auxiliary column, which were to enter the territories of Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, India, in different directions and meet at the capital of Mercara (Madikeri), Karnataka, India. [Page 74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 10 March, five companies of the 55th Foot made up of three hundred rank and file under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel MILL, marched from Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India, together with the 31st Madras Native Infantry, and some guns of the European Foot Artillery. [Page 74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
In March, Charles Jefferson BESWICK, was engaged on field service in Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, India. [1st quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 30 March, the attachment of forces including five companies of the 55th Foot Regiment reached, by forced marches, “Kenchumah Oas Cottah”, just outside the enemy’s territory, where the division had assembled. In addition to the 55th Foot companies, the main column was now composed of the 9th and 31st Regiments Madras Native Infantry, the rifle company of the 24th Regiment Madras Native Infantry, two hundred Sappers, and a detachment of artillery with two guns. The force was under the command of Colonel Gilbert WAUGH, of the Hon. East India Company. [Page 74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 1 April, the Northern main column entered Coorg (Kodagu) territory, the 55th Foot acting as the advanced guard. [Page 74, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 3 April, after continued contact with enemy forces the advance guard of the main column, which now consisted of 80 men of the 55th Foot under Captain BATTY, sixty men of the 9th and 31st Native Infantry, and a party of sappers, arrived around noon in front of the fortified position of Soamwar Pettah (Somwarpet), Karnataka, India, where they encountered strong resistance that necessitated a reinforcement of one hundred men of the 55th Foot under Captain WARREN, which was supplemented shortly afterwards by the remainder of the regiment under Colonel MILL, who took over command. The 55th Foot reinforcements were forced into retreat, suffering severe losses, to their former encamping ground three miles distant. See also: Campaign in Coorg 1834. [Page 76/77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 6 April, the main column of the expedition, commanded by Brigadier-General LINDSAY, entered the capital of Mercara, Karnataka, India. Of five columns, only Brigadier-General LINDSAY's column and one other managed to force their way through enemy defences. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 7 April, with the war now virtually at an end the column at Somar Pettah (Somwarpet), Karnataka, India, under the command of Colonel WAUGH recommenced its march through the evacuated stockade joining Brigadier-General LINDSAY at Mercara, Karnataka, India, on the morning of the 8 April. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 17 April, an escort, of which the 55th Foot took a part, arrived at Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka, India, with the exposed Rajah of Coorg and his family. The ex-Rajah was afterwards removed to Benares (Varanasi), situated on the Ganges River in northern India, where he was permitted to reside, receiving an allowance fitted to support a household suitable to his altered position. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 17 April, the 55th Foot escort departed Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka, India. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
From March through to May, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was engaged on field service in Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, India. [2nd quarter 55th Foot muster return].
1835
From August to December, Newman CARTER, with his wife and children, was at the Winslow Workhouse for the poor. By 1844, estranged from his father, Newman and his family had relocated to Manchester. See: Murder Charge.
On 19 January, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was promoted to Sergeant at Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [1st quarter 55th Foot muster return].
During October and November, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was sick at Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 17 October, the 55th Foot departed Bellary (Ballari), Karnataka, India. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
On 23 November, the 55th Foot arrived at Secunderabad, Telangana, India, where they remained for more than three years, during which time they experienced much severe sickness. [Page 77, George NOAKES 34th, 55th Foot History].
In December, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was present at Secunderabad, Telangana, India. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
1837
In June, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was reduced to private at Secunderabad, Telangana, India. Reason: "Drunk as orderly sergeant of his Regiment". [Discharge Document; 2nd quarter 55th Foot muster return].
1839
During November and December, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was en route from Secunderabad, Telangana, India to Poonamalle, Tamil Nadu, India. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
1840
On 20 January 1840, Charles Jefferson BESWICK embarked for England. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
In July, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was present at Fort Pitt, Chatham, England - an invalid depot from which men were discharged. [2nd quarter 55th Foot muster return].
On 4 July, Charles Jefferson BESWICK was discharged to out-pension at Fort Pitt, Chatham, England. [4th quarter 55th Foot muster return].
1842
On 1 August, Charles Jefferson BESWICK married his second wife, Harriet ROWLAND in the Collegiate and Parish Church, Manchester, England. [Extract from Lands and Deeds Department, Auckland: Dated 01 August 1899; Marriage Records, Manchester].
In July, the 58th Foot Regiment was ordered to New South Wales (Australia), going out in fifteen different transports as convict guards. The first detachment embarked July 1843, headquarters followed in May 1844, the remainder of the regiment did not leave England until January 1845. [Short History of the 58th Regiment]. See: 58th Regiment - Arrivals and Departures
On 31 August, Edmund WOODWARD embarked at Deptford the Duke of Richmond for New South Wales. [3rd quarter 58th Foot muster return; "Discharged in New Zealand" by Hugh and Lynn HUGHES].
On 23 January, Henry BESWICK died, son of Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Harriet Rowland (née ROWLAND).
On 24 January, Edmund WOODWARD disembarked the Duke of Richmond at Sydney - Paid in England to 7 January 1844 and on full rations to 5 January 1844. [1st quarter 58th Foot muster return; "Discharged in NZ" by Hugh and Lyn HUGHES]. See: 58th Regiment - Arrivals and Departures.
During March, Edmund WOODWARD was present at Windsor, New South Wales. [1st quarter 58th Foot muster return].
In June, Edmund WOODWARD was present at Sydney, New South Wales. [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
Throughout September, Edmund WOODWARD was present at Parramatta, New South Wales. [3rd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
In November, Edmund WOODWARD was on detachment in Sydney, New South Wales. [4th quarter 58th Foot muster return].
1844–46: Period leading up to the "Childs Mutiny" at Norfolk Island.
On 9 November 1844, the Agincourt arrived at Norfolk Island. The Agincourt, a barque, 958 tons, built London 1841, Class A1. Captain NEATBY, Surgeon Chas. Hy. FULLER. From Woolwich 8th July, Cape of Good Hope 24th September and Norfolk Island the 12th inst. Passengers Capt H A RUSSELL, 58th Regt, Mrs RUSSELL, two sons and daughter, Lieutenant G H PAGE, 49 rank and file of the 58th Regt, 7 women and 13 children and 2 private of the 51st Regt. (with 224 male convicts, arriving Norfolk Island 9 November 1844 with 220, four having died on the voyage. Voyage took 123 days.) See: Norfolk Island Mutiny. [58th Regt. Arrivals and Departures]
During December, Edmund WOODWARD was on detachment at Norfolk Island. [4th quarter 58th Foot muster return].
1845
In March, Edmund WOODWARD was present at Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. [1st quarter 58th Foot muster return].
Locals expressed concerns about "ruffianism" and the "credibility" of the 58th Regiment soldiers in Parramatta. There was the tragic death of Robert DIXON. The desertions of John BARLOW, John DORAN, James FOSTER, Joseph HILL, Charles CURSON, Patrick CASEY, Denis O'DONALD, Thomas McCANN, Thomas McBRIDE, Daniel DIAMOND, James QUINN, William CHAMBERLAIN, John JACKSON, Henry LEECH, John BRESNAN were reported from Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand (this list is non‑exhaustive). Movements of soldiers were frequent - to/from Sydney, Melbourne, Van Diemen's Land, Norfolk Island, New Zealand. See"58th Foot Regiment Disruption".
On 23 April 1845, the greater part of the 58th Foot Regiment arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, under the command of Major Cyprian BRIDGE. While in New South Wales, a mounted troop was formed to deal with bushrangers. [Short History of the 58th Regiment].
In April, Edmund WOODWARD was in hospital at Norfolk Island. [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
In June, Edmund WOODWARD was on detachment to Norfolk Island. Of the 58th Regiment present on the Island at this time were: 1 Major, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 2 Colour-Sergeants, 11 Corporals and 110 Private soldiers. See: Childs Mutiny and Norfolk Island Mutiny [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
On 9 August 1845, in Manchester, England, Elizabeth BESWICK was born to Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Harriet BESWICK, née ROWLAND.
“During May through to July, the 58th Foot Regiment, or portions of it, were constantly engaged against rebel Māori, some of the encounters being of a “most sanguinary nature”. At the assault of Ōhaeawai on 1 July 1845, the Grenadiers and another company under the command of Major BRIDGE, had one officer (Captain GRANT) and 15 men killed, besides 40 men wounded." Colonel Henry DESPARD was Commanding Officer of all British forces in the northern war. [Historical Records of the 58th Foot Regiment by R. Wallace (1893)].
On 14 November, the new Governor of New Zealand, Captain GREY, arrived in Auckland from Adelaide on the 18-gun sloop Elphinstone. [The New Zealander - 15 November 1845]. Note: In 1843 Robert FITZROY was appointed Governor of New Zealand, replacing Governor HOBSON, who had died in 1842.
“Troops - We perceive by the Hobart Town papers, that the Commissariat in Van Diemen's Land, are entering into contracts for the conveyance of 8 officers and 212 non-commissioned officers and privates from Norfolk Island, of the 58th Regiment, to New Zealand; and likewise, for the removal hence, of the detachments of the 99th Regiment, for Sydney, and of the 98th Regiment to Launceston, the United Service Gazette for June, mentions that the 11th Regiment was under orders to embark for Van Diemen's Land, and that the 8th Regiment would shortly follow. In the debate, on the New Zealand question, Mr. G. W. HOPE, stated in the House of Commons, that the destination of the former regiment would be direct to New Zealand.” [The New Zealander - 15 November 1845].
During 1845, affairs in New Zealand were in a very disturbed state, the Māori under the leadership of Hōne Heke had rebelled against the British Government and in March had captured and burnt the town of Kororāreka, one of the chief European trading centres of the North Island. [Short History of the 58th Regiment; See: Condition of the Colony, 19 November 1845].
On 5 December, Edmund WOODWARD boarded the Louisa at Norfolk Island. [4th quarter 58th Foot muster return; "Discharged in NZ" by Hugh and Lyn HUGHES).
On 23 December, Edmund WOODWARD, on board the Louisa, arrived at Auckland, New Zealand, en route to the Bay of Islands. See: Ruapekapeka ["Discharged in NZ" by Hugh and Lyn HUGHES].
On 27 December, Capt. William Wild Joseph COCKRAFT, with four subalterns and 108 men of the 58th detachment from Norfolk Island marched in to join the regiment at Waiōmio. [Page 122, To Face the Daring Māoris by Michael Barthorp].
During November and December, as the Chiefs Heki and Kawiti still refused to submit, it was decided to reduce the great pā at Te Ruapekapeka (the Bat's Nest) and a column of 1,100 Europeans and 450 friendly Māori was formed under Colonel DESPARD. The force consisted of 58th and 99th Regiments with detachments of Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Navy, Marines, a contingent from East India Company's Artillery and Navy and some Colonial volunteers. They had with them three 32-pounders and one 18-pounder, a few field guns and rockets. [Short history of the 58th Regiment].
On 31 December, the column of forces, including detachments of the 58th Regiment, arrived at Te Ruapekapeka pā after dense forest and precipitous hills obstructed the advance, while water was scarce and bad. [Short history of the 58th Regiment].
1846
On 10 January, Robert LARGE and William EDEN were charged with stealing a tame rabbit, the property of William CARTER. LARGE, who had previous convictions was sentenced to seven years transportation. EDEN was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, with hard labour. [The Aylesbury News, January 10th, 1846].
Convict Robert LARGE was sent to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) on 4 March 1846 on the ship Palmya, arriving 22 August 1846. He died 26 December 1877 and was buried at Queenborough Cemetery, Sandy Bay, Hobart. On 8 June 1878 his remains were exhumed and reinterred at Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Tasmania, Australia.
On 11 January, the greater part of the 58th Regiment under Colonel WYNYARD assisted at the capture of the native fortress of Ruapekapeka. This pā was only reached after great exertions, the heavy guns being dragged through the woods and over several rivers by the men. At the assault the advanced piquet of the 58th, under Captain Denny and Ensign Wynyard, had the honour of being the first inside the pā. [Historical records of the 58th Regiment by R. WALLACE].
During January, the Chiefs Heki and Kawiti sued for peace which was granted and the 58th, leaving a detachment of 200 men at the Bay of Islands, returned to Auckland where they were warmly welcomed by the inhabitants. See: New Zealand. [Short history of the 58th Regiment].
Photo: Troops parading outside the Albert Street Barracks, Auckland (now Albert Park).
In 1846, conditions of enlistment for the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps were posted in camps in England, Scotland and Ireland. Volunteers were offered a free passage to New Zealand for themselves and their families. Each family was to receive a cottage of two rooms and an acre of land. Land and a cottage was allotted in one of the following areas: Onehunga, Howick, Ōtāhuhu or Panmure, provided they served the 'Crown' for seven years. [NZ Fencible Society]. See also: "New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian": Dispatch from Lieut. Governor GREY.
Mark Boulcott’s Farm Stockade, being the most advanced post of the regular troops in 1846. Here, 200 natives on 16 May, under Rangihaeata’s orders and led by Te Karam of Ngāti Hauā Te Rangi, Upper Whanganui, were repulsed by a garrison of 50 men of the 58th Regiment. Memorial (Military Road, Hutt County): The bodies of six Imperial men who fell rest nearby: Killed — L/Cpl James DOCKRELL; Privates William ALLEN, Robert BRETT, Thomas BOLY, J. McFADDEN, T. SONHAM. Died of wounds and buried at Wellington — L/Sgt E. INGRAM (58th Regt), Pte James FRENCH (99th Regt). Accidentally killed — Sgt HICKS (Armed Constabulary), Pte J. SWAN (Hutt Militia).
On 19 December, the headquarters and greater part of the 58th Regiment arrived back in Sydney - Captain LAYE and 180 men had remained in New Zealand on detachment at Whanganui where they constructed the "Rutland" stockade. Five natives having murdered a settler’s family were arrested, but the district Chiefs assembled 700 men to rescue them. Captain LAYE at once ordered a court-martial of sub-alterns, tried the murderers and hanged four without delay. The Māori immediately attacked the settlement on 19 May 1847 but were repulsed with heavy loss.[Short History of the 58th Regiment].
In December, Edmund WOODWARD was detached at Windsor, New South Wales. [4th quarter 58th Foot muster return].
1847
During May, Edmund WOODWARD was on guard duty in New South Wales. [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
On 1 June, Charles Jefferson BESWICK's pension commenced at C.P., 1/- per day, from the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps. [Fencible Records].
In June, Edmund WOODWARD was on detachment to Goat Island, Sydney. [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
In June, headquarters and the greater part of the 58th Regiment returned to New Zealand (headquarters Auckland). Lieutenant-Colonel WYNYARD being the senior officer assumed the command of the troops in the Colony, and retained it until 9 October 1847, when Major-General PITT arrived. [Historical Records of the 58th Regiment by R. WALLACE (1893)].
In July, a peace settlement was arranged in New Zealand after the attack on Whanganui and the first New Zealand war came to an end. [Short History of the 58th Regiment].
In September, Edmund WOODWARD was present in New South Wales. [3rd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
On 8 October the Minerva arrived at Auckland from Gravesend having departed there on 1 June 1847 with a detachment of Scottish Fencibles (Howick settlement).
On 11 October the Sir Robert Sale arrived at Auckland from Gravesend having departed there on 13 Jan 1847 with a detachment of Irish Fencibles (Onehunga settlement).
On 26 November, the Sir George Seymour arrived at Auckland from Gravesend having departed there on 12 April 1847 with a detachment of English and Irish Fencibles (Howick settlement).
In November, Edmund WOODWARD was on guard duty in Auckland, New Zealand. [4th quarter 58th Foot muster return].
On 3 November, the usual half‑yearly inspection of the troops in garrison took place on Wednesday last. Early in the forenoon, the whole of the available force of the 58th Regiment, not doing duty as guards, was drawn out on the parade ground in the barrack square, and shortly before eleven o’clock, formed in line in readiness to receive the Commander of the Forces. On Major General PITT appearing soon after in front, the troops presented arms, the band playing and the regimental and royal colours displayed. Close order was then resumed; the battalion formed into companies and marched past the General, first in ordinary, then in quick time, and lastly in close column, after which they again formed into line in open order. The Major General then passed along the ranks, minutely inspecting the men, their arms and accoutrements, and on returning to the front was again saluted with presented arms. The gallant Major General was understood to have complimented Colonel WYNYARD on the soldier‑like appearance of the men, their high state of discipline, and general effectiveness. The barracks, provisions, and other minutiae afterwards underwent a close examination, which terminated a general inspection. Major General PITT was on foot, and attended by Ensign WYNYARD, 58th Regiment, acting aide‑de‑camp, Lieut‑Colonel BOLTEN, R.E., and other officers.
On Thursday, a general review of the regiment in heavy marching order, each man provided with twenty‑five rounds of blank cartridge, was appointed to take place, but owing to the wetness of the morning it stands deferred. In the afternoon, Major General PITT, with his lady, a number of other ladies, and several naval officers, partook of a sumptuous lunch in the officers’ mess room of the 58th, the excellent band of that regiment playing some very pleasant overtures on the green outside. HMS Calliope has brought up Number Five Company of the 58th. The whole were disembarked on Thursday afternoon with the exception of six and one wounded man left on board. It is understood that Major General PITT (after perfecting some contemplated barracks improvements, tending to afford means of recreation and amusement for the men) will proceed to the Bay of Islands to inspect the troops there, and afterwards probably pay a temporary visit to the southward in HM Steamer Inflexible. [The New Zealander].
1848
On 1 January, Thomas COPLEY and Mary COPLEY were married at the Cathedral and Parish Church, Manchester, England.
On 23 January, the Clifton arrived at Auckland from Galway having departed there on 26 September 1847 with a detachment of Irish Fencibles (Panmure settlement).
On 13 May, Edmund WOODWARD was granted good conduct pay of 1d per day while on guard duty, presumably at Battalion headquarters in Auckland. [2nd quarter 58th Foot muster return].
On 16 May 1848 the Ann arrived at Auckland from Belfast having departed there on 25 December 1847 with a detachment of Irish Fencibles (Otahuhu settlement).
On 1 August: Death of Elizabeth BESWICK, daughter of Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Harriet BESWICK at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 9 November: Birth of Samuel BESWICK, to Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Harriet BESWICK at Onehunga, New Zealand.
1849
Throughout 1849, Edmund WOODWARD was present in Auckland, New Zealand. [Quarterly 58th Foot muster returns].
On 16 June the Berhampore arrived at Auckland from Gravesend having departed there on 7 Mar 1849 with a detachment of UK Fencibles (Onehunga settlement).
John COPLEY was born about 1849/50 to Thomas COPLEY and Mary COPLEY at Manchester [Census return dated 7 April 1861 - Hope Place, Gorton].
On 18 September the Oriental Queen arrived at Auckland from Gravesend having departed there on 16 May 1849 with a detachment of English and Irish Fencibles (Howick, Onehunga, Panmure settlements).
On 4 November, John BESWICK was born to Charles Jefferson BESWICK and Harriet BESWICK at St Peter’s Church, Onehunga.
1851
Britannia, Feb. 10. French Man-Of-War. - The French corvette Alcmene, of 32 guns now in Harbour (Van Diemen's Land) lost thirteen men on the island of New Caledonia; among them were a first Lieutenant, a midshipman, and an English pilot; three of the men composing the boat's crew were subsequently rescued after having passed thirteen days among the natives; these three men who are now on board the corvette witnessed the horrible massacre of their unfortunate compatriots, who were devoured under their eyes by the cannibals; these three men had been kept alive for the purpose of being fattened, and then sent as a present to a neighbouring chief. Providence, however, ordered otherwise, and they are now alive to tell the sad tale. ["New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian" 12 March 1851]
On 17 April, the Royal New Zealand Fencibles were called out in an emergency when a confrontation at Mechanics Bay seemed imminent with the Ngāti Pāoa. Major Kenny, in response to an urgent dispatch, mustered the Fencibles on the Green Hill Reserve (now Jellicoe Park) and marched them to Auckland. The sight of so many soldiers and the diplomacy of Sir George GREY proved a deterrent and at high tide the Māori launched their canoes and returned home. Next day the Fencibles marched back to Onehunga without having fired a shot.["The New Zealander" April 1851]
Mechanics Bay Emergency
On 3 July, the French Corvette Alcmene of 32 guns was wrecked on the west coast of the Colony (Between Kaipara Heads and Hokianga Heads). A party of the 58th Regiment was at once sent to the aid of the crew, and conducted them overland to Auckland, where the officers and sailors were housed in the barracks for about six weeks. The hospitality of the Regiment was fittingly acknowledged in a complimentary letter addressed by the French Captain to Colonel WYNYARD, and later the Regiment was the recipient of an oil painting of the Alcmene. [Short History of the 58th Regiment; "The New Zealander" 16 July 1851].
Alcmene. Watercolour by Cuthbert CLARKE 1819-1863
On 14 September, in Tradeston, Glasgow, Scotland, an illegitimate baby boy was born to Ellen (or Helen) McINNIS (or McINDOE) "Widow of John McINDOE" and a cab driver, named Alexander McVICAR. The cab driver could not have been thisAlexander McVICAR. He died in September 1842, aged 60. It also could not have been his son, Alexander. He died in August 1847, aged 24. Whoever the mysterious cab driver was, he was ordered to pay 1 Pound, 10 Shillings Stirling and then 5 Pounds Sterling annually for the childs upbringing until the child turned 10 or was able to provide for himself (See the Sheriff Court Paternity Decree). Alexander McVICAR was a tailor at 32 King Street, Tradeston, just down the street from John McINDOE who was a shopkeeper at 96 King Street, Tradeston. John McINDOE died 20 February 1850, aged 41. They were buried at the Southern Necropolis, Glasgow.
From 1855 to 1864, Archibald MacVICAR (Snr.) was a grocer at the corner of Victoria and Albert Street, Auckland, New Zealand.
On 27 April, Eva BESWICK was born to Charles and Harriet BESWICK at Onehunga, New Zealand.
In 1855, peace was threatened at Taranaki by a dispute between Māori tribes. Three companies of the 58th Regiment were dispatched to New Plymouth under Major NUGENT whose firmness and good judgement saved the Colony from a serious war. [Short History of the 58th Regiment]
In August, Edmund WOODWARD was detached at Taranaki. [3rd quarter 58th Foot Muster return]
On 16 September, Edmund WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand.
In December, Edmund WOODWARD was on detachment at Taranaki throughout. [4th quarter 58th Foot Muster return]
In 1857, news was received in Auckland of the outbreak of the Indian mutiny and though the Regiment was then under orders to return to England, every Officer and man of the 58th Regiment volunteered for active service. The offer was, however, declined by the home authorities. [Short History of the 58th Regiment]
On 28 February, Edmund WOODWARD discharged from the 58th Regiment of Foot in Auckland with a gratuity of nine months pay. [lst quarter 58th Foot muster return;"Discharged in NZ" by Hugh and Lyn HUGHES]
On 22 June, Benjamin BESWICK was born to Charles and Harriet BESWICK at Onehunga, New Zealand
On 29 September, Thomas WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand
1858
On 17 November, the 58th Regiment embarked for England. Only 16 Officers and 194 Non-commissioned Officers and men came home, over 1100 settled down as Colonists in the country which, after nearly fourteen years service, they had come to regard as their own. [Historical Records of the 58th Regiment by R. WALLACE (1893)]
1859
On the 20 March, Christina MacVICAR, daughter of Archibald and Christina MacVICAR died in Auckland, New Zealand.
On 14 September, William was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand.
1860
On 8 March, Vencedora, a 40 metre wooden barque, was launched at the North Sands Dockyard in Sunderland, England. Vencedora was built by Joseph Lowes THOMPSON and Sons. Joseph was the son of the Shipbuilder Robert THOMPSON. On 3 October 1876 when bound from Porthcawl, Wales, to Valparaiso, Chile, the ship caught fire and was abandoned. The crew and passengers were rescued by the ship Eastern Light and were landed at Callao, Peru.
On 17 December, Samuel BESWICK, son of Charles and Harriet BESWICK, died, aged 12 years, at Onehunga, New Zealand. Cause: Inflammation of the brain. Informant - William FILMER, carpenter, Onehunga.
1861
On 7 April, the Census Return for Hope Place, Gorton, England records Thomas and Mary COPLEY and two children, John and Ann. Also resident at Hope Place was the family of Thomas' brother Alfred, including Alfred's wife Sarah, and children
The Census Return for the Parish of St Barnabas, Openshaw township records: William CARTER (head), married, age 36, Overlooker at cotton mill, born Buckingham; Ellen CARTER (wife) age 33, born Manchester, Lancashire; Horton (daughter) age 11, Scholar, born Manchester; Peter (son) age 6, Scholar, born Bradford; James William (son) age 11 [mths?]; Robert (son) age 1 mth.
On 1 October, Mary Jane WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand
On 23 July, Christina MCVICKERS (MacVicar) and her neighbour, Thomas Reilly, were charged for allowing a chimney in Victoria Street to catch fire.
1864
MURDER!
On 19 March, Joseph THOMPSON was arraigned - and acquitted - for the murder of Mrs. O'ROURKE, at Sheffield, England. His sister, Mary Ann THOMPSON, a spinster from Sheffield, testified. A work colleague, John Thomas COPLEY, a "Pen-Blade Grinder" and Trade Union member, working at Messrs. CHAMBERS brewery, also testified. The trial would have been of much interest to the extended COPLEY family, many of whom lived in Sheffield and Rotherham (near Sheffield).
Related to the COPLEYs are the PAGDIN family (Richard COPLEY married Fanny PAGDIN at Tickhill in January 1815 and Sally COPLEY married Thomas PAGDIN at Tickhill in June 1815). Fanny and Thomas PAGDIN's 1st cousin (1x removed), Thomas Armfield PAGDIN, was killed by his wife, Charlotte, née TEASDALE. On 5 Dec 1870, at the Leeds Assizes, she was found "not guilty by reason of insanity" and was sentenced to "the mercy of the Crown" and therefore sent to the wretched Broadmoor Asylum, on 8 Feb 1871, for the rest of her life.
Charlotte's daughter, Sarah Ann (née BARTON), married John Thomas COPLEY. In June 1891 he was driving a horse and cart through Meadow Street when he accidentally ran over a little boy named Henry Siddell CATERER who was severely injured. [Refer: The Sheffield and Rotherham Independent (12 June 1891)]
On 20 June, at the Hibernian Hotel, Onehunga, an inquest was held before Dr. PHILSON on the body of Bridget PURCELL, the wife of a pensioner living in Onehunga, who died in the lock-up from the effects of intemperance [Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2158, Page 3].
"HASTY deposed: I am constable at Onehunga. Between three and four o'clock, p.m., on Friday night, Mr. MELLAMPY sent a boy for me, saying I was wanted at the chapel. I went over and found the deceased lying inside the Catholic chapel. With Mr. MELLAMPY's assistance I got her on my back and carried her almost to Queen Street, when she slipped off my back, and I leaned her against Dr. WECKES' fence. A man mamed LARING helped me again to get her on my back, and I carried her to the lock up. After she had been in the cell a little time I threw a cloak over her. As she did not, however, show signs of animation I went for Dr. WECKES. He visited her immediately. He directed me to give her a glass of warm brandy and water, and to put a bottle of warm water to her stomach and feet. I did so. Shortly afterwards her husband came and gave her more brandy, but she was so exhausted that it had to be administered in a teaspoon. I never heard her speak or recognise anyone till she died, about 7pm.
When she died Mrs. BESWICK, a man named WOODWARD, Mr PURCELL, and several others were present in the cell. I think that she died more from starvation and cold than from the immediate effects of intoxication. - Dr. WECKES deposed: About 4 p.m. on Friday, HASTY, the last witness, came for me to visit a woman lying in the lock-up. I went down and visited her. I found her in a state of torpor, having no pulse. I considered the case hopeless. I ordered hot brandy to be administered to try to revive her. I was coming again to visit her, when HASTY informed me she was dead. In my opinion her death proceeded from exposure to cold and from the immediate want of food in the stomach. - Mrs. BESWICK stated that she had known deceased for 17 years. For the last four or five years she had been given to very intemperate habits. - Mr. PURCELL deposed: I am husband of deceased. On returning from Auckland where I had been driving horses, about five o'clock, I heard that deceased was in the lockup. I was with her till she died. She was of intemperate habits. I could not live with her. - Verdict: "We find that deceased died through starvation and cold brought on by intemperance."
The Hibernian Hotel, Queen Street, Onehunga, 1900's.
1865
On 17 November, Henry WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand
1867
28 March, extract from the Daily Southern Cross: SUPREME COURT - Wednesday. SITTING IN BANCO. [Before his Honor Mr. Justice J. S. MOORE.]
Charles BESWICK deposed: I had a contract to do fencing for Mr. GRAHAM. I asked Mr. DALTON to point me out the lines of road - the gentleman with the spectacles. He did not do so. I have been constantly employed on the island [Motutapu]. I saw no pegs or cuttings. Mr. GRAHAM and Mr. JONES gave me the line where the fence was to go along. I don't know how Mr. DALTON was employed. Cross-examined: I entered upon the contract in the beginning of June. I don't know when Mr. DALTON first came to the island. I asked him to point the line of main road. Mr. GRAHAM pointed out the line of road to me in the same month..."
1868
On 15 July, John WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD at Onehunga, New Zealand
1869
On 24 June, Wednesday, at Onehunga Magistrates Court, before J. J. Symonds, Esq., "Wife Desertion - BESWICK vs BESWICK"
On 30 November, John Lamont FERGUSON, sister of Agnes STRONG, appeared at the District Court of Bankruptcy, Newcastle, England. Read the story here.
On 11 December, the "Daily Southern Cross" and "New Zealand Herald" newspapers published articles concerning an enquiry held at Mr. LAWLESS' Newton Hotel into the death of Christina McVICAR.
On 24 December, Caroline WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriet WOODWARD, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
1873
On 13 December, Agnes WOODWARD was born to Edmund and Harriett WOODWARD, at Onehunga, New Zealand
1875
On 17 January, Peter CARTER and Ann COPLEY, daughter of Thomas and Mary COPLEY, married at Heaton Norris, England.
1876
About 1876, Mary Francis CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER in England.
1877
On 4 July, George STRONG's business at 15 Grace Terrace, South Shields, Durham, England, "George Strong and Co" as timber merchant, builder and contractor, was in liquidation. [Shields Daily Gazette]
On 22 November 1877, James William CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER in England.
1878
On 18 January, the public examination of the bankrupt, Robert Fergusson STRONG (Snr.), took place, Mr. Lodge (Leeds), appearing for the petitioning creditor, and Mr. H. Ritson for the trustee. The bankrupt was examined at some length as to business transactions, especially as to certain securities held by his bankers. The case was adjourned to enable him to file a petition again. In Re. George STRONG, timber merchant. There was a motion to obtain possession of a house in the occupation of the bankrupt in Grace-terrace. Mr. Blakey appeared for the owner of the house; Mr. Ritson for the debtor. The motion was adjourned, to allow of copies of certain affidavits being obtained. [Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette: 4 July 1877]
About 1878, Alice Maud CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER in England.
1879
On 2 May 1879, John Thomas CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER, at Gorton, England. Thomas later married Edith Emma LAY at Auckland on 10 November 1906, New Zealand. Thomas died 21 June 1945 at 7 Killarney Road, Hamilton, and is buried at Hamilton East Cemetery alongside his wife, Edith.
1880
On 16 December, Boer rebels laid siege to a British fort at Potchefstroom, beginning the First Boer War.
1881
On 5 May 1881, Esther CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER, at Gorton, England.
The 1881 British Census return (Rusholme, Lancashire) records at No.8 Ivy Street, Gorton: Jas. Wm. CARTER age 23 (head), Iron Turner, born Manchester; Robert BARLOW age 79 (Grandfather), Dyer, born Radcliffe, Lancashire; Sarah Ellen CARTER aged 19 (sister), Calico Weaver, born Openshaw; Mary Alice CARTER aged 13 (sister), Scholar, born Openshaw.
The 1881 British Census return (Gorton, Lancashire) records at No. 58 Victoria Road, Gorton: Peter CARTER age 28, (head), married, Labourer, born Openshaw; Ann CARTER age 24 (head), married, born Gorton, Lancashire; James Wm. CARTER age 4 (son), Scholar, born Gorton; Alice Maud CARTER age 3 (daughter), born Gorton; John Thomas CARTER age 1 (son), born Gorton; Robert CARTER age 21 (brother), Fitter (E), born Openshaw
The Manukau Electoral Roll for the years 1881; 1884; 1887 records the following: 1464 WOODWARD, William, residential, Onehunga, gentleman; 1722 McVICKERS, Archibald, residential, slaughterman.
1882
On 26 January, Archibald MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 13 February, Archibald MacVICAR, son of Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR died aged 17 days. Cause of death: "Overdose of chlorodyne ignorantly administered by his mother". The Webster Dictionary, 1913, describes Chlorodyne as: Chlorodyne [From chlorine, in imitation of anodyne.] (Med.) A patent anodyne medicine, containing opium, chloroform, Indian hemp, etc. See: Death by Poisoning at Onehunga, 1882 Inquest into Death of Son, 1882 Chlorodyne Memoranda.
1883
On 5 February, Harriet MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand
On 6 December, Christina MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 19 December, Christina MacVICAR, daughter of Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR died aged 13 days. Cause of death: Premature birth.
1884
On 22 January, Peter and Ann CARTER, née COPLEY, with Children; James, Alice, John and Esther disembarked the "Earl Derby" at Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. The Earl Derby departed Plymouth, England on 27 October 1883. Remarks: Free. See [Earl Derby Passenger List]
On 10 November, Archibald MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 10 November, Archibald MacVICAR, son of Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR died aged 12 hours. Cause of death: Debility.
1885
The Depression in New Zealand: 1885 to 1900. The 1880s and 1890s have come to be known as the long depression in New Zealand. In the winters there was visible hardship and distress. Those who had come out in the 1870s sent less positive messages home, and free passages were ended. Fewer new settlers arrived, and people began to leave. They went particularly to Australia, where "marvellous Melbourne" experienced a boom in the 1880s. In 1888 about 10,000 more people left New Zealand than arrived, and in the years from 1881 to 1900 the net gain from migration was only about 40,000 (almost 100,000 less than in the decade of the 1870s). By the dawn of the 20th century New Zealand had fewer foreign-born people than 20 years before. The proportion of the non-Māori population who were born overseas went from a half to under a third. New Zealand lost its status as an immigrant nation. [Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]
On 23 May, Robert CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER, at Saltwater Creek Road, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
1886
On 5 January, Elsie Lilian MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 2 March, boys were caught throwing stones at Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR's house in Selwyn Street, Onehunga.
On 19 April, George STRONG, Timber Merchant and Saw Mill Proprietor, Tottenham, was adjudicated bankrupt. In 1972 he was sued "for the recovery of the sum of £3 10s 4d,. for goods sold at auction". The Judge gave a verdict for the plaintiff "for the amount claimed, less the £5 due to Mr. Usher for rent, and ordered defendant to pay costs in the small sum, viz:- £8 10s 4d". He was owed 213/ and 198/ by a Shipbuilder, William WATSON, who went bankrupt in 1874. George STRONG died days later "after a long illness in his 66 year on 8 May 1886 in Tottenham, Middlesex, England. late of Sunderland". [Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - 15 April 1874]
1887
On 16 August, William Alexander MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
1888
On 12 January 1888, Robert Fergusson Strong (Snr.) was imprisoned at Holloway Gaol for six weeks due to his failure to pay someone else's debt (he was sentenced at Edmonton County Court on 23 June 1887). On February 1, he appeared in court as a witness in a case involving telegram forgery. The defendant had sent a forged telegram to R.F. Strong, pretending to be a solicitor, to lure Strong into a situation where he could be taken into custody. Read about it here.
On 2 October, Albert Ernest CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER, at Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. He married Florence (?) in 1922 in Auckland, New Zealand. Albert died 15 January 1958 at Laingholm Road, Laingholm, Auckland.
On 22 November, an application for relief was entered by Benjamin BESWICK, son of Charles and Harriet BESWICK. Listed are Benjamin, his wife Louise [Jane Filmer 3 Oct 1862 - 26 Aug 1935], and their children: Eva, Benjamin, Charles, Mary, and Julia. Reason: "Sickness". [Hospital and Charitable Aid Board records held at National Archives, NZ].
1891
On 29 April, a four‑roomed dwelling house with detached kitchen, which was on the Saltwater Creek Road, Maryborough, Queensland, occupied by Mr. Peter CARTER and family, was completely demolished by fire. See also:Local News
On 16 June, Emily Maria MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
"Yes, Mr Laing, there is a good deal behind this" On 22 June, at the Sunderland Petty Sessions, England, Robert Fergusson STRONG (Snr.) was charged with neglecting to maintain his wife and family, whereby they had become chargeable to the Union. Readabout the case.
1892
On 11 February, Henry THOMPSON, grandson of Robert and Sarah THOMPSON, attempted to murder Emma Gelliburn, a barmaid, and then shot himself at the Feather's Hotel, Clayton-Square, Liverpool, England. Read the story here.
1894
On 20 February, Hilda MacVICAR was born to Archibald and Harriet MacVICAR, at Onehunga, New Zealand.
On 11 May, Edmund WOODWARD makes application for relief to the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Registered No. 9050. [Refer: YCAB A493/63 Page 9 - Auckland Archives]:
Date of Application
Name/Address
Age
Years in Colony
Names of Relatives Liable to Contribute Towards Support of Applicant
11 May 1894
WOODWARD, Edmund
70
30
Ann Elizabeth SMITH, Newton, 8 children, husband bootmaker.
WOODWARD, Harriett
63
Elizabeth BARR, Huia, 9 children, husband bushman.
July 1899: Eva MacVICAR is recorded in the Onehunga Public School Register; First Class; Teacher - M. G. KIRKBRIDE; Register: July 1899 - December 1899; Quarter ending September 30th and December 31st; Admission No. 2074; McVICARS, Eva; aged 8 yrs (She was in the same class as her 1st cousin, Carrie WOODWARD, daughter of Edmund WOODWARD and Anne CLARK) See[Certificates]
1 August: Date of statement by Harriet BESWICK (née ROWLAND) regarding Charles Jefferson BESWICK's original land grant at Onehunga. Includes their marriage details at Manchester, England, and birth dates of all their children [Lands and Deeds Department, Auckland].
On 11 October, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State declared war on the United Kingdom beginning the Second Boer War
On 12 October, Otto LÜDEMANN, son of Joachim Hinrich LÜDEMAN and Maria Louisa LÜDEMAN, née GÜNTHER, began compulsory military service with 5. Garde Regiment zu Fuß and was transferred to the reserve on 24 September 1901. Otto was a Crane operator in civilian.
1900
On 24 April, Uchter KNOX, 5th Earl of Ranfurly, Governor of New Zealand, and Countess of Ranfurly (Constance CAULFEILD) gave an "At Home" at Government House in order to entertain a large number of the veterans. Edmund WOODWARD of HM 58th Regiment was invited, he had just turned 76. Read the New Zealand Herald article here (lists the veterans who attended).
On 26 January, Ellen CARTER was born to Peter and Ann CARTER, at Woodstock Street, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
1904
During March, in Heide, Germany, Otto BIEGEMANN, brother of Ann Selma PETERS, née BIEGEMANN, built and carved his table, now in the possession of his great‑grandniece, Silke CARTER, née PETERS, in Auckland, New Zealand.
On 20 May, Edmund WOODWARD, formerly HM 58th Regiment of Foot, died, aged 80 years, at his son-in-laws residence, Mr F. SMITH, Newton Road, Auckland, New Zealand. (Frederick SMITH married Elizabeth Ann WOODWARD 30 June 1874)
About 1904, Peter and Ann CARTER, "crossed the ditch" to Auckland, New Zealand, from Queensland, Australia.
On 12 December, Harriet BESWICK, née ROWLAND, died at Onehunga, New Zealand. She was 82 years of age.
1908
On 8 February, Harriet MacVICAR, née WOODWARD, competed in the Married ladies' race (open), at the annual Onehunga Woollen Works Picnic, held at Mr. McLaughlin's farm in Papatoetoe.
The Onehunga Woollen Mills, established in 1886 in Te Papapa, Auckland, were significant in bolstering Onehunga's role as a port and industrial centre.
Wills McLAUGHLIN inherited the "Puhi Nui" estate in Papatoetoe from his father, William McLAUGHLIN, who died in June 1907. William McLAUGHLIN had been "keenly interested in all manner of sports".
On 23 September, at St Andrew's, Monkwearmouth, Durham, England, Harriet STRONG, daughter of Robert Fergusson STRONG (Snr.) and Mary Ann STRONG, married Alfred Robert SIDNEY-WILMOT, a Brewery Manager. It was his third marriage and her first. They had two children:
(1) Jean SIDNEY-WILMOT, who died 29 January 1973 alongside her husband, Major Roderick William Dennistoun SWORD M.C., when an Egypt Air Ilyushin 18 plane crashed into a mountain on approach to Nicosia, Cyprus, killing all seven crew and 30 passengers.
(2) Air Vice Marshall Aubrey SIDNEY-WILMOT O.B.E. C.B. Prior to World War 2 he qualified as a solicitor. In 1940 he was commissioned into the Administration Branch of the RAF. He then transferred to the office of Judge Advocate General in 1942, followed by Deputy Judge Advocate General (Army and RAF) in the Far East from 1948 to 1950. He then transferred to Directorate of Legal Services (RAF) in 1950, becoming Deputy Director of Legal Services (RAF) in 1969 and Director of Legal Services (RAF) from 1970-1979. He was awarded OBE in 1948 and CB in January 1977.
Aubrey SIDNEY-WILMOT's son, Colin SIDNEY-WILMOT, was a painter and sculptor, and co-founded the artists retreat/commune, Bussana Vecchia in Liguria, Italy.
World War One. On 28 July, the First World War began. The war pitted the Central Powers - mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey - against the Allies - mainly France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and, from 1917, the USA. The war was virtually unprecedented in the slaughter, carnage, and destruction it caused.
On 4 August, England declared war on Germany. At the time it was believed that any declaration of war by the United Kingdom automatically included New Zealand. On 5 August, the Governor of New Zealand (Arthur FOLJAMBE, Earl of Liverpool) announced that New Zealand was at war with Germany. The New Zealand Prime Minister at the time was William (Bill) Ferguson MASSEY.
On 8 August - 10 September 1915, Otto LÜDEMANN, aged 35, great grandfather of Silke Christiane CARTER, née PETERS, was recalled and posted to Nr. 9 Kompanie, Bekleidungsamt IX Armee Korps (Clothing stores of the IX Army Corps).
In August, the 7th (Service) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, was raised at Fort George, near Ardersier, Inverness, Scotland, as part of Kitchener's First New Army and joined 26th Brigade in 9th (Scottish) Division. See: 7th Seaforth Highlander Photos
On 31 August, Robert Fergusson STRONG (Jnr.), aged 25, grandfather of Russell William Fergusson CARTER, enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment (Reg. No. S/2373) at Fort George and joined "C" Company, 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlander's on 2 September. After initial training in Scotland the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to Aldershot, Hampshire, England. [Service Document; 7th Seaforth's War Diary]
Before enlisting Robert Fergusson STRONG (Jnr.) lived at 26 Tivoli Road, London, and was employed as a Steward/Footman to Mr. Leopold HIRSCH, a German-Jewish Stock-broker/financier, of 10 Kensington Palace Gardens, London. [Service Document]
On 5 October, Walther LÜDEMANN, younger brother of Otto LÜDEMANN, was killed-in-action at Serre-lès-Puisieux (Serre), Pas-de-Calais, France, aged 25. According to his marriage certificate (7 Aug 1911 to Maria Adelheid KINDLER) he served in No. 9 Company, 1st (Emperor Alexander) Guards Grenadiers (German: Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 1) of the Prussian Army. He was a bricklayer in civilian life.
"The Regiment remained in Puisieux and the sunken road directly to the west till after midday, unfortunately this was not without casualties. About 10am an enemy aircraft flew over between the villages of Serre and Puisieux and not long afterwards heavy artillery fire fell on both regiments of the brigade. No. 9 Company received a direct hit which tore apart Vfw. Volkmann and a Füsilier and also wounded 10 others" [Regimental history G.Gren. Rgt.1 page 128]
According to the Regiment's Roll of Honour there were only two fatalities in No. 9 Company on 5 October - Vfw. Robert Volkmann and Walter Lüdemann. Walter has no known grave. Vfw. Robert Volkmann is buried in the cemetery in Archiet-le-Petit, perhaps Walter is buried there as an unknown [charlie2 courtesy Great War Forum]
In January, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were billeted in Alton, Hampshire, England. They moved on to Bordon, Hampshire, in March for final training. On 10 May the Battalion left in two parties, embarking on the SS Queen and landing at Boulogne, France, at 11.30pm. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 10 May, Robert Fergusson STRONG was posted to France with the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders. [Service Document]
On 6 August, Robert Fergusson STRONG was promoted to Corporal. In early August 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were near Locon, France, on the BDE Reserve Line. In September they moved to the front line trenches at Vermelles, about 3 kilometres from the Hohenzollern Redoubt. [Service Document, 7th Seaforth's War Diary]
From 25 September to 8 October, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were in action in the Battle of Loos. It was the biggest British attack of 1915, the first time that the British used poison gas and the first mass engagement of New Army units. The 7th Seaforths took part in the attack on Hohenzollern Redoubt [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 10 September - 31 May 1916, Otto LÜDEMANN was stationed with Nr. 10 Kompanie, Bekleidungsamt IX Armee Korps (Clothing stores of the IX Army Corps).
During October - December, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were in the trenches, opposite Hill '60', at Verbranden Molen, Belgium. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 14 October, Robert Fergusson STRONG was listed as wounded on the casualty List, entitling him to wear a "Wound Stripe" (the injury most likely occured during the Battle of Loos). The injury is not recorded in his service summary nor pension claim therefore the injury may have been "slight" and dealt with at the Regimental Aid Post without requiring evacuation. ["The Scotsman"; Service Document]
On 12 December, Robert Fergusson STRONG was accidentally wounded in the thigh and returned to Depot, Fort George, Scotland. [Service Document]
1916
On 24 January, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to trenches at Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
From 1 June to 30 October, Otto LÜDEMANN, was stationed with Nr. 6 Company, Bekleidungsamt IX Armee Korps (Clothing stores of the IX Army Corps). He was then transferred to the Ersatz-Abteilung Feld Artillerie Regiment 45 (a training unit) where he remained until 8 January 1917. The Barracks of the Ersatz-Abteilung Feld Artillerie Regiment 45 were only a short distance from the Bekleidungsamt of the IX (clothing stores) in Bahrenfeld (Altona), Hamburg, Germany.
Photo: Robert Fergusson STRONG (Back row, 1st from right). Duffield Hospital 1916
From 8 July, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to trenches at Carnoy Village, Bernafay Wood and Longueval. During World War I, they were key sites in the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest and bloodiest battles on the Western Front. Refer: Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Longueval, the Battle of Delville Wood. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 13 August, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to trenches at Cabaret Rouge near Souchez, France. "Cabaret Rouge" was a small, red-bricked, red-tiled café. The café was destroyed by shellfire in March 1915 but it gave its name to this sector and to a communication trench that led troops up the front-line. "On 14 July at about 12 noon a grey Rolls Royce car came along the Arras - Béthune Road but was stopped at Cabaret Rouge by the Regimental Guard. Two Frenchmen (civilians) were inside the car. They were told to go back quickly as the road was exposed to view of the enemy". [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
Sketch showing Cabaret Rouge: from the 7th War Diary (the dotted line above the trench layout is the front line)
On 9 October, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to trenches at Eaucourt l'Abbaye (the British forces succeeded in capturing Eaucourt l'Abbaye on 1 October). The area witnessed significant military engagements as part of the larger Battle of Le Transloy. On 12 October the 7th Seaforths took part in the battle for Snag Trench at great cost. On 13 October they moved to trenches near Bazentin-le-Grand. In November they were regrouping at Dainville and from 21 November at Manin. In December - March 1917 the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to Lattre de Tassigny, Saint-Quentin and to trenches at Blangy-sur-Canche and Arras, including Écurie, Étrun, Marveville, Hermaville and Monchy-Breton.[7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 28 December, William Alexander MACVICAR (WW1 7527), aged 29, brother of Eva May CARTER, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 9th Battalian, 25th Reinforcements and embarked 14 June 1917 from Sydney on HMAT A20 (Troop ship) to Liverpool, England. The ship was the Hororata. About 1913, aged 26, William moved from Onehunga, New Zealand, to Maryborough, Queensland, Australia, where Eva May CARTER's husband, Robert CARTER was born. Before enlistment he lived at Ipswich, a suburb of Brisbane.
Both MACVICAR brothers survived the war. The SS Remuera was torpedoed in the North Sea on 26 August 1940 during World War II. Read the "Remuerian". [Online Cenotaph]
On 5 January Robert Fergusson STRONG was posted to the 3rd Seaforth Highlanders at Cromarty, Scotland. [Service Document]
On 10 January - 30 January, Otto LÜDEMANN, was stationed with Ersatz-Abteilung Feld Artillerie Regiment 83 (to 21st January - a training unit at Köln-Riehl) and then to the Ersatz Bataillon Fuß Artillerie Regiment Nr. 9 (Fuß-AR 9).
On 2 February Otto LÜDEMANN was transferred to the Munition Kolumne 1. Batterie Bayrisches Reserve Fuß Artillerie Bataillon Nr. 3 (Res.FuAR Nr. 3) where he is recorded as an Unteroffizier (Corporal).
On 15 February, Nr. 1 Batterie, Res.FuAR Nr. 3 was subordinated to the 1st Army (German Empire).
On 3 March Robert Fergusson STRONG returned to France joining the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders. He re-joined the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders on 5 April at Arras, France. The 7th Seaforths were manning trenches at Arras from "River Scarpe on South to May Avenue". [Service Document, 7th Seaforth's War Diary]
From 17 - 27 March, Nr. 1 Batterie, Res.FuAR Nr. 3 was subordinated to Oberste Heeresleitung (Supreme Army Command) behind the 6th Army (German Empire). Res.FuAR Nr. 3 was re-equipped with the 15cm length schwere Feldhaubitze 13 (heavy field howitzer 13) in March.
From 7 April - 15 June, Nr. 1 Batterie, Res.FuAR Nr. 3 was subordinated to the 6th Army (German Empire). The 6th Army was the target for the assault of the Canadian and British forces (British 1st Army) at the Battle of Vimy Ridge (9 - 12 April 1917) an escarpment on the northern flank of the Arras front. The town Vimy was practically destroyed during the fighting in the area.
From 9 - 14 April, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders fought in the First, and from 23 - 24 April, the Second Battle of the Scarpe during the Arras Offensive.
In April - May Robert Fergusson STRONG and Otto LÜDEMANN faced off. Two soldiers fighting opposite one another, across the trenches, barbed wire and atrocious conditions. The distance between them, Robert near the town of Arras and Otto near the battered town of Vimy, was only about 11 Km. Both men, fortunately, survived the war.
In May Robert Fergusson STRONG contracted skin disease (Seborrheic Dermatitis) from "exposure to gas and foul conditions" at Arras, France. He was treated on 9 June at 22nd General Hospital, Camiers; on 14 June at No. 6 Convalescent Depot, Etaples; and on 22 June - 18 July at No. 5 Convalescent Depot, Cayeux. From Cayeux he returned to Base Depot at Etaples, France. [Service Document]
From 20 June - 3 November, Res.FuAR Nr. 3 was subordinated to the 4th Army (German Empire). The 4th Army defended in the Battle of Passchendaele, Ypres Salient, Belgium (31 July - 10 November). Although a general withdrawal had seemed inevitable in early October, the Germans were able to avoid one due to the resistance of the 4th Army, unusually wet weather in August, the beginning of the autumn rains in October and the diversion of British and French resources to Italy. The campaign ended in November, when the Canadian Corps captured Passchendaele.
On 13 October, Robert Fergusson STRONG was promoted to Sergeant. The 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders Regiment were on coastal defence duties at Coxyde Bains (Koksijde-Bad), Belgium. On 17 October they were relieved by the 3rd French Regiment. [Service Document, 7th Seaforth's War Diary]
In late October and November 1917, the Germans launched a concentrated artillery offensive on the Nieuport-Bains sector in Belgium, using relentless shelling and gas attacks. In response, the Allies flooded the fields between Nieuport and Nieuport-Bains, creating a natural barrier against German advances. The conditions for soldiers were difficult, with flooded trenches and muddy terrain leading to health issues like trench foot and frostbite.
The trenches were along the River Yser, where Maritiem Park is located in Nieuwpoort, Belgium.
On 3 November, Otto LÜDEMANN was admitted to the Bavarian Feld-Lazarett Nr. 50 (a field hospital in Beveren, Belgium) with bronchitis - probably as a result of exposure to "foul conditions" during the Battle of Passchendaele. His service record ends here but it is likely he was discharged to a Prussian unit. The Prussian records were all but destroyed in 1945. Otto survived the war and died 11 October 1956 in Germany.
In December, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlander Regiment moved via train and on foot to Peronne, France, then on to Gouzeaucourt to man the trenches there. On 30 December it was noted that "The enemy is using a gas shell which colours the snow yellow. OC Coy will ensure that all precautions are taken against the danger of gas". [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
1918
On 5 February, Archibald MacVICAR met with a painful accident at Onehunga, New Zealand, when he was thrown from his wagon. Read the newspaper article. Archibald was a butcher who, for 40 years, was employed by Mr. Daniel NEILSON at his butchery in Queen Street, Onehunga. ("Neilson Street, Onehunga" was named after Mr NEILSON).
1–26 February, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were in Morcourt (Somme), France. A "rest period" to recuperate from trench duty. The distance from Gouzeaucourt to Morcourt is approximately 5 kilometres. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 25 February Robert Fergusson STRONG was treated for skin disease at 41 Bty. Hospital in Gailly, a small village in Northern France. [Service Document]
On 7 March, Robert Fergusson STRONG returned to his battalion at Heudicourt, France - just in time to live through the start of the German Spring Offensive. [Service Document]
On 11 March, the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders moved to the trenches at Gouzeaucourt, France, to relieve the 4/5 Black Watch. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 21 March, the Germans launched Operation Michael. The 7th Seaforth (Service) Highlanders were in 9th (Scottish) Division which was the northernmost division of the British 5th Army. It was the 5th Army who took the brunt of that initial Operation Michael. Robert Fergusson STRONG will have participated in the subsequent retreat of the 5th Army (the Germans gained a huge amount of ground, captured a lot of men and material, though their objectives ultimately came at a high cost without achieving decisive success).
On 27 March, The 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were in retreat. Under heavy fire they passed through Laviéville to the town of Dernancourt which was "still held by a party of Seaforths". At Dernancourt they were relieved by troops of the 37th Division (Northumberland Fusiliers) and marched to Henencourt Wood and Pont Noyelles (near Amiens) where the battalion was "roughly re-organised". They then marched to Flesselles. On 31 March they marched to Fieffes and then moved by train to Abeele, Belgium. [7th Seaforth's War Diary]
On 11 April, Robert Fergusson STRONG was treated for skin disease at 14 General Hospital, Wimereux, France, and on 13 April at 25th General Hospital, Hardelot, France. He was then sent back to England. On 22 April, he was admitted (sick - skin disease) to the Military Hospital in Bagthorpe, Nottinghamshire. He then returned to Fort George, Scotland. According to his Discharge Document he was also treated at No. 25 General Hospital, Huddersfield, and at 2nd Eastern General Hospital, Brighton. He was seen by various dermatologists, but "the condition did not improve much". [Service Document]
The 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders fought in the Battles of the Lys (7 - 29 April) and the Advance in Flanders, Belgium (18 August - 6 September 1918), capturing the Outtersteene Ridge. They also saw action in the Battle of Courtrai, Belgium (14 - 19 October 1918) and the action of Ooteghem, Belgium. They were resting in billets at the Armistice, Le Francport near Compiègne, France. The 9th (Scottish) Division was selected to be part of the occupation force and on 4 December they crossed into Germany to take up a position at the Cologne bridgehead on the Rhine.
On 11 November, the First World War ended with the defeat of the Central Powers. An estimated twenty million people died.
Black November
The 1918 influenza epidemic caused the death of at least 6000 Europeans within New Zealand and more than 300 soldiers overseas. An estimated 2160 Māori died (death registration for Māori was not compulsory at the time). An estimated 20 million people worldwide died.
On 14 November, Harriet MacVICAR, née WOODWARD, died of influenza and pneumonia, aged 55 years, at Angle Street, Onehunga, New Zealand. Her older sister, Elizabeth Ann SMITH, died of influenza 5 days earlier on 9 November, at "Clifton House", Newton Road, Auckland. Elizabeth's son, William Francis SMITH, died 12 November of influenza. Their nephew, Thomas Henry STOREY died of influenza and pneumonia on 31 October 1918 at the Military Hospital, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England, while on active service.
1919
In late February, the original units of the 7th (Service) Seaforth Highlanders were demobilised, being replaced by others and The Division was renamed the Lowland Division.
On 13 February Robert Fergusson STRONG (Jnr.) transferred to Class "Z" Army Reserve on demobilisation. Awarded for his war service were the 1914-15 Star, and the War Medal, awarded to those who saw service in any theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 and the Victory Medal, issued in bronze to all those who had received the 1914 or 1914/15 stars, and to most of those issued with the British War Medal. It is inscribed on reverse "The Great War for Civilisation 1914-19". [Service Document, Medals Register]
"The late Lieutenant Balfour NIXON, who died on Monday, will be accorded a military funeral today. Lieutenant NIXON, who was in his 28th year, was born in Ponsonby and was an old Ponsonby School and Grammar School boy. He afterwards held a position in the Government Valuation Department at Christchurch, where he took a keen interest in athletics and was well known in football, cricket, and rowing circles. On the outbreak of war he enlisted with the Artillery and went away as a Sergeant with the No. 1 Battery of the Main Body. He gained his commission in France (24 July 1916). In September 1917, he was invalided home as a result of shell shock and trench feet, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. After his return to the Dominion he was appointed accountant in the Government Valuation Department at Auckland". [Obituary. New Zealand Herald, 9 June 1920]
Archibald MACVICAR was bequeathed a generous £500 (equivalent to about NZD $32,000 in 2025) by his employer, Daniel NEILSON, upon Neilson’s death on 21 August 1922 (refer to D. Neilson's Will). Three other employees received £100 each. The larger amount left to MacVicar may reflect his status as the longest-serving employee, having worked at Neilson’s butchery in Onehunga for 40 years.
On 10 August, Robert CARTER was awarded the Long Service Medal after serving 5-years as a fireman at the Newmarket Volunteer Fire Brigade. In April 1927, Mt Roskill Volunteer Fire Brigade began operations.
Among the founding members was Robert CARTER. See also:Local News
1925
On 13 December, two children fell from the top of a timber pile on which they were playing - in the Taupo Timber Company's yard in Newmarket, Auckland. One of the children, Marion CARTER, daughter of Robert and Eva CARTER, née MacVICAR, died shortly afterwards at Auckland Hospital. At the time the CARTER family were living at 10 King Street, Newmarket. Read the story here.
1927
Economic Downturn: An economic downturn hit New Zealand in 1927 and became a full depression from 1929. The country was no longer an attractive destination, and government assistance tailed off before being abandoned in all but name in 1931. The Department of Immigration was shut down in 1932. From that year until 1935, 10,000 more people left New Zealand than arrived. In 1935 there was only one assisted migrant. The doors of New Zealand were essentially closed. [Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]
Queen Street, Auckland.
On 23 January, Robert CARTER made an application for relief to the Auckland Hospital Board. Reason: "Lack of Work". At the time they were resident at 31 Hill Street, Onehunga. Registered No. 9394a. [Refer: YCAB A493/64 or 15247/1a, Page 256 - Auckland Archives]:
Date of Application
Name/Address
Age
Occupation
Names of Relatives Liable to Contribute Towards Support of Applicant
brother J. W. CARTER (50), iron moulder, wife and 4 children, Mt. Eden Road
CARTER, Esther May
13
brother Albert E. CARTER (39), labourer, wife and 3 children, St Heliers Bay
CARTER, Gwendoline
7
brother John J. CARTER (40), cook, wife and 6 children, Hamilton
CARTER, Myrtle June
3
On 18 March, Robert Fergusson STRONG was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal for services to the Duke and Duchess of York during their Royal Tour of New Zealand in February-March 1927. Robert was head waiter attending to the Royals on the Royal Train. (On the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, the Duke and Duchess came to the throne as George VI and Queen Elizabeth). The Royal Victorian Medal was established by Queen Victoria in April 1896 and is conferred upon civilian and non-commissioned military personnel who have performed personal services to the Sovereign or to members of the Royal Family. See: Royal Victorian Medal and Medals.
Photo: Robert Fergusson STRONG standing in front of the carriage.
On 21 October, Luke BESWICK, son of Charles and Harriet BESWICK, died at Manganui Hospital. (Luke married Sarah Ann GIVEN about 1881)
1930
Around 1930, Dr. Johannes Julius (Hanns) Behrends briefly joined the NSDAP (Nazi Party). That same year, as the only Lawyer on the island of Sylt, Germany, he defended a Jewish client, a travelling fir salesman named WARISCH. Local Party officials attacked him for taking the case, and the pressure forced his resignation from the Party. WARISCH later reappears in surviving wartime records as a defendant in a charge of Wehrkraftzersetzung (“undermining the war effort”), an offence that by 1943–44 was almost invariably punished with death, especially in the case of Jewish defendants. No documentation of his release, commutation, or transfer has been found, and his fate must therefore be regarded as highly likely to have ended in execution. [See his biography Here]
On 17 September, at 14 Wanganui Avenue, Herne Bay, Auckland, Margaret NIXON died, aged 82. She was the daughter of Archibald and Christina MacVICAR. Margaret arrived to New Zealand on the Euphemus with her mother in 1857. The funeral was "largely attended, representatives from the old Auckland families being present". Margaret and her husband, Gerard NIXON, a grocer at 27 Norfolk Street, Ponsonby, had a large family. Read Margaret's Obituary Notice. [Obituary. New Zealand Herald, September 1931]
Purewa Cemetery, Auckland
1933
On 9 May, 3-year-old Muriel STRONG went missing from the Kilbirnie play area in Wellington (where the international airport is now). Her 7-year-old sister, Hilda, often took her and her other sisters—Jean and Gladys—to play there, while their mother, Eva Gladys STRONG, stayed with baby Doreen at home, at 24 Aparima Avenue, Miramar. That day, Muriel decided to walk home on her own. When the other children got home, they realised Muriel wasn’t with them. Initially, it was thought she might have fallen into the water. Instead, someone had picked her up and taken her to the police station. She was returned home around 10 pm after recognising her own name being spoken on the radio. The event had a big impact on Hilda — she had her first asthma attack that same day. [Audio: Julianne Pearce with centenarianHilda Strong, 12 Nov 2025]
On 1 May, Heinrich Emil Julius PETERS, his father in law Otto Hermann LÜDEMANN, and his relatives Frieda and Otto BIEGEMANN all submitted applications to join the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Their membership cards show the same application date. After a four year membership freeze (1933–1937), the Nazi Party reopened admissions on 1 May 1937, a symbolic date tied to the regime’s “Day of National Labour.” Local party offices across Germany processed large batches of applications on that day, and many families, workplaces, and social circles appear with identical dates in the records. Read his biography here
On 8 May, Ella Elma ECKHOFF, née LÜDEMANN, arrived in New York City on the Steamship Hamburg with her son, Herbert, aged 4. Ella married Herbert Helmut ECKHOFF in New York on 10 November 1928. Together they established a branch of the family in Appenzell, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Ella is the granddaughter of Joachim Hinrich and Maria Luise LÜDEMANN, née GÜNTHER. Ella and Herbert's grandson, Paul ECKHOFF, with his wife, Kammi Tveitnes ECKHOFF, live in Fort Collins, Colorado. Paul and Silke CARTER, née PETERS, are 3rd cousins. A USA/Germany/New Zealand family connection.
1939
World War Two. On 1 September 1939, World War Two began with the German invasion of Poland and the United Kingdom and France's declaration of war on Germany two days later on 3 September.
On 29 April 1942, on the island of Sylt, Germany, Lawyer Dr. Johannes Julius (Hanns) BEHRENDS represented Ludwig BORSTELMANN before the Sondergericht in Flensburg and secured an acquittal. BORSTELMANN had previously been arrested by the Gestapo on 15 October 1941 for alleged “offenses against the Treachery Act” and refusal to give the Hitler salute. Despite the acquittal he was transferred first to Buchenwald and later to Groß Rosen, where he died in October 1942. A street is named after Borstelmann in Keitum. Read his biography here
In August 1942, while stationed at the SS‑Heidelager training complex near Dębica, Heinrich Emil Julius PETERS was confined to the camp’s disciplinary bunker—a stark, windowless concrete arrest cell. He described the situation to his wife in a letter: “For a mistake I made while voluntarily covering for a comrade who was away for three days, I have been given a punishment of ten days in the bunker. It is certainly not pleasant, but the punishment affects me only outwardly, not inwardly; I know my own worth — or lack of it — too well. My comrades’ opinions confirm this. Since my superior is not here at the moment, and none of the officers who know my earlier work are here either, I was advised not to file a complaint. So I must expect to begin the punishment at any moment, and you may receive no mail from me for ten days. As a disciplinary measure it is not dishonorable, and you can hold your head just as high as always. Still, I know already that I will never forget this incident, and that it will influence how I raise our four boys.” [Read: Karl-Heinz’s Biography.; Letter Nr. 24, Collected Letters of Heinrich Emil Julius PETERS, 1942 — English Translation]
Photo: SS Totenkopfreiter Regiment 2 (1940). Read: The SS Cavalry Brigade and its operations in the Soviet Union, 1941-1942 by Henning Herbert Pieper
1943
On 4 October 1943, Ortwin Freiherr (Baron) von KITTLITZ und Ottendorf was killed-in-action in Russia. Harald PETERS, brother of Heinrich Emil Julius PETERS, served with von KITTLITZ in the mounted artillery. He had promised him, should he be killed, that he would look after his wife and their child, Arne. The widow, Jutta von KITTLITZ, born Gräfin (Countess) Jutta von Luckner and Harald PETERS, married in 1946. They had three children: Katrin. Eric and Holger. Arne Freiherr von KITTLITZ later became a German Diplomat and Ambassador. See: "Klang" by Jens Peters
1944
In March 1944, on the island of Sylt, Germany, two Gestapo officers arrested the Laywer, Dr. Johannes Julius (Hanns) BEHRENDS and detained him in a cell in the cellar of the Westerland town hall. His wife, Gertrud BEHRENDS, travelled to Kiel to see the director of the Gestapo and, after repeated refusals, secured a conditional release on the understanding that he accept work in armaments production and that they take a female worker from an armaments factory into their home so that “she could recover”. This arrangement resulted in forced labour assignments in Suhl (Thuringia) and later Eckernförde rather than prolonged detention. The administrative record shows competing local authorities: the island command argued that Sylt needed its only lawyer and notary, while Party officials pressed for punitive measures. Later that same year, despite his recent arrest and the heightened risk of renewed suspicion, he accepted the defence of the eighteen-year-old naval artilleryman Harald BICKENBACH, who had been charged with Wehrkraftzersetzung (“undermining the war effort”). Because such cases were politically charged and closely monitored, taking on Bickenbach’s defence so soon after his own detention once again exposed him to official suspicion and personal danger.
[See his biography Here]
On 9 April, the German businessman and show jumper, Eduard PULVERMANN, the former employer of Heinrich Emil Julius PETERS, died. The Gestapo arrested PULVERMANN in 1941 accusing him of alleged foreign exchange offences and a violation of the treachery law. The real reason for the persecution was his paternal Jewish grandparents, who made him a "half-Jew" in the ideology of the National Socialists. Pulvermann was sent to the Fuhlsbüttel concentration camp, in Hamburg, Germany, which was officially called the police prison, popularly known as KoLaFu, and was attached to the Neuengamme concentration camp. See: "Klang" by Jens Peters
1945
On 15 March, Albert Ernest CARTER, son of Peter and Ann CARTER, was selling his Baby Austin. Albert was a "Fettler" who lived at 315 Blockhouse Bay Road, Avondale, Auckland.
The War Ended. It is generally accepted that the war ended with the armistice of 15 August 1945 (V-J Day), rather than with the formal surrender of Japan on 2 September 1945, which officially ended the war in Asia. A peace treaty between Japan and the Allies was signed in 1951. A 1990 treaty regarding Germany's future allowed the reunification of East and West Germany to take place and resolved most post-World War II issues. No formal peace treaty between Japan and the Soviet Union was ever signed, although the state of war between the two countries was terminated by the Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration of 1956, which also restored full diplomatic relations between them.
1946
James William CARTER enlisted to serve in the New Zealand Army (2NZEF). He put his age up to 20 to join after consent from his father. He served with the Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan (J-Force) for more than a year, then discharged from the army in New Zealand and took on an apprenticeship as carpenter and joiner. See: J-Force Photo Album and Japanese Invasion Money
1947
Before 1947, the New Zealand Military Forces consisted of a Permanent Staff, to which all regular soldiers belonged, and a Territorial Force. In 1947 the Military Forces were reorganised to become the New Zealand Army consisting of Regular and Territorial Forces. An Infantry Corps was also created which consisted of the then fourteen Territorial infantry regiments and a new regular regiment. The New Zealand Regiment, of which the three battalions then serving in the Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan became the First to Third Battalions. When this Force was withdrawn in 1949, the three battalions were deactivated. [A Short History of the RNZIR in South East Asia]
1948
On 14 February, Private James William CARTER (Army No. 827288) at age 19, is discharged from the New Zealand Military Forces on termination of engagement. He served for a total of 1 year, 347 days - 222 days in New Zealand and 1 year, 125 days "beyond New Zealand" (Japan). See: J-Force Photo Album [Certificate of Discharge No. 70208]
On 30 September, James William CARTER (NZ 12459) at age 20, enlisted to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. He served at HMNZS Tamaki from 30 September to 29 January 1949 then at HMNZS Philomel as Ordinary Seaman until 15 February 1949 when he was discharged "Physically unfit for Naval Service". Conduct: "Very good". [Certificate of Service document].
James William CARTER, after his discharge from the Navy, worked as a taxi operator and carpenter. He built a house at 195 Richardson Road, Mt Albert, Auckland.
Photo: Jim Carter with his Taxi - a 1955 Vauxhall Velox.
1957
On 6 December, at age 29, James William CARTER re-enlisted to serve in the New Zealand Army and was posted to the Auckland Regiment (Service No. T209133). [Certificate of Service].
1st Battalion, RNZIR, was reactivated in 1957 and joined 28 Commonwealth Infantry Brigade on anti-terrorist operations in Perak, Malaya in that year. [A Short History of the RNZIR in South East Asia]
1958
On 6 December, James William CARTER was promoted to Lance-Corporal. [Certificate of Service]
1959
The 2nd Battalion was reactivated and during November 1959 relieved the 1st Battalion in Perak, Malaya. [A Short History of the RNZIR in South East Asia]
On 6 December, James William CARTER was promoted to Corporal. [Certificate of Service]
1960
6 March 1960. Vietnam War: The United States announces that 3,500 American soldiers will be sent to Vietnam.
1 June 1960. New Zealand's first television station begins broadcasting, in Auckland.
On 31 December, while at 3rd Auckland North Battalion, RNZIR, James William CARTER was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for his outstanding contribution to Territorial Force recruitment.
1963
It was announced that a new single regiment of infantry would be formed which would include the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Battalions to become the 1st Battalion Depot, and the 1st Battalion then stationed at Terendak Camp, Malaya, retained its identity. [A Short History of the RNZIR in South East Asia]
On 6 July, James William CARTER was promoted to Sergeant. [Certificate of Service]
On 1 April 1964, the ten regiments of the Infantry Corps became seven battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, the 1st Battalion New Zealand Regiment, becoming the 1st Battalion of the new Regiment. As it is recruited on a national basis and has no provincial links, the 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment claims descent from all previous Territorial infantry regiments as well as the New Zealand Regiment. Except for periods during 1965 and 1966 when it was attached to 19 British and 99 Gurkha Brigade, the 1st Battalion has served with 28 Commonwealth Brigade in Malaysia and Singapore with companies detached for service in South Vietnam between May 1967 and December 1971. When 28 Commonwealth Brigade was disbanded in October 1971 the 1st Battalion came under command of 28 ANZUK Brigade where it remained until 1974 when it became part of NZ Force. [A Short History of the RNZIR in South East Asia]
On 28 September, Robert Fergusson STRONG (Jnr.) died at 12 Valley Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand, aged 78. His ashes are interred in the W. H. Tongue Ash Vault, located under a Magnolia tree in a small triangular shaped lawn on the corner of Parade Row and Mercantile Crescent at Waikumete Cemetery. A Great War Veteran. "Cuidich 'n Righ - Help the King". Lest we forget.
1968
On 29 January, James William CARTER left for active service (Vietnam) on RNZAF flight NSL/51 to Saigon. He served in Vietnam 1968 through to 1969. HQ V FORCE - RNZIR.
1969
On 6 July, James William CARTER (Army Service No. T209133) was promoted to Warrant Officer, Class two. [Certificate of Service]
On 30 December, Doreen CARTER, née STRONG, died at Cook Public Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand, aged 38.
1973
On 22 November, James William CARTER was promoted to Warrant Officer, Class One. [Certificate of Service]
1975
Work commences on the Waldorfschule Stuttgart-Uhlandshöhe "Festsaal" (festivity hall). The School hall was designed by Architekten-gemeinschaft Billing, Peters und Ruff (BPR): Architects Johannes BILLING, Jens PETERS and Nikolaus RUFF. BPR designed not only buildings but also a number of interregional and ICE trains for Deutsche Bahn AG. Jens was a student of the Stuttgart architect and professor Rolf GUTBROD (1910-1999). Jens also worked with the colour designer Fritz FUCHS (1937-2018). Waldorfschule Stuttgart-Uhlandshöhe is the first Waldorf School in the world. It opened in 1919 after anthroposophist Emil MOLT (1876-1936) asked Rudolf STEINER to be pedagogical director of a school for the children of the employees at his factory - the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory. Silke PETERS and her siblings, Malte and Heiko, attended Waldorfschule Stuttgart-Uhlandshöhe. See: "Klang" by Jens Peters
On 30 May, WO1 James William CARTER (Army Service No. T209133) was discharged from the New Zealand Army, "Having satisfactorily completed 22.5 years service and reached retiring age for rank. [Certificate of Service]
1981
On 8 October, Helene PETERS, née LÜDEMANN, died at Pinneberg, Hamburg, Germany, aged 73.
On 30 June, James William CARTER received the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal (PJM). The Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal is awarded to those who served in Malaya / Malaysia for at least 90 days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. Service in Singapore between 31 August 1957 and 9 August 1965 is also recognised by the PJM medal.
Medals awarded to James W. CARTER in order of wear:
1. The British Empire Medal (Military Division)
2. The New Zealand Operational Service Medal
3. The New Zealand Service Medal 1946–1949
4. The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) with clasp 'Malaya 1960–64'
5. The General Service Medal 1962 with clasps "Borneo" and "Malay Peninsula"
6. The Vietnam Medal 1964–1972
7. The New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
8. The New Zealand Defence Service Medal
9. The Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal (PJM)
10. The South Vietnam Campaign Medal (The Vietnam Star)
The Army Service Award was granted to James William CARTER in 1979 for services to sports administration
