Charles Heaphy’s sketch of the fight at the 2nd Parapet, Waiari, 11 February 1864. This illustration shows six European soldiers on a small hilltop, repulsing an attack by 13 Māori, several of whom have been killed.
While under intense fire, Heaphy went to the aid of a wounded soldier during fighting at Waiari, near Te Awamutu. After strenuous lobbying, he became the first member of an irregular unit to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Heaphy received his medal at a parade in Auckland on 11 May 1867.
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