My second great grandfather came from Ireland and served in the New Zealand Wars He was a soldier with the 2/14th (Buckinghamshire) regiment of foot known informally as “The Old and Bold”. The 14th was based at Queenstown in Cork, Ireland when in 1860 the battalion embarked on the Robert Lowe for New Zealand, arriving at Auckland on 29th November 1860. I can't be sure where Michael came in this ship or joined from Australia. Upon arrival, one detachment was sent to Napier and another to Wellington. While serving in Napier, Michael was court-martialled on the 23rd July 1864 for an unknown offence. In September 1866, the 14th regiment returned to Auckland before departing to Australia in October. However, between 1861 and 1868, over 60 soldiers from the 14th took their discharge in New Zealand. After their departure from New Zealand in 1866, the 2/14th battalion saw service in several states over the next three years. Michael Leahy was in Company 3, 4 or 7 under Brevet Lieut-Colonel Dwyer on the Siam deployed to Hobart Town. Companies 2, 5 and 10 under Brevet Major Vivian embarked on the Novelty for Adelaide and the headquarters were deployed to Melbourne. In Australia the English regiments were assigned as convict guards, and used to settle uprisings such as Castle Hill, the Eureka Stockade and many smaller riots. They were also responsible for the capture and return of escaped convicts. The regiments on some occasions were set the task of exploration. The last of these regiments did not leave Australian shores until 1913. However Michael’s regiment left on 19th March, 1870 without Michael. The battalion, still under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor, left Melbourne in the ship Walmer Castle for England/Ireland, but not all the rank and file returned. Some swapped with members of the incoming regiment for an additional deployment, while others left the service and some deserted in order to remain in Tasmania and South Australia. What I don't know is where in Ireland he came from and whether he may have joined after arriving in Australia. Would appreciate any assistance
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1842 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 1st Jan 1917 | |
