Von Tempsky, One Of The British Soldiers During The Taranaki War, 1...

British regulars had shown little aptitude for this type of warfare and consequently were at a disadvantage.

While working as a war correspondent for the Daily Southern Cross, Tempsky accompanied a company of rangers, under Captain William Jackson, on an expedition into the Hunua Range.

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Tempsky's knowledge of guerilla tactics impressed Jackson, who suggested he apply for a commission in the Forest Rangers.

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[a drawing he made showing an 1863 attack by the Waikato Maori on Burtt’s farm, near Pukekohe]

This was granted on condition that Tempsky take out British citizenship, which he did on 24 August 1863.

One of Tempsky's exploits soon after being commissioned ensign was the reconnaissance of the Maori position at Paparata.

He was accompanied by Thomas McDonnell, a fellow subaltern, who was later to command the colonial forces.

They were able to supply information about the strength of the Maori force to Lieutenant General Duncan Cameron, the commander in chief.

This feat earned both officers promotion to captain and Tempsky was given command of No 2 Company of the Forest Rangers.

McDonnell received the New Zealand Cross in 1886 for his part in the reconnaissance but no posthumous award was made to Tempsky.

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Tempsky took part in the actions at Hairini,

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Waiari,

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[This sketch was made by Charles Heaphy, the first soldier of the NZ armed forces to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

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Rangiaowhia,

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Kihikihi

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[A Government monument to Rewi Manoapoto, a chief of the Ngati Maniapoto.
This was erected in the main street on his death in 1894. The Star Hotel was erected in 1882]

and Orakau,

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establishing a reputation as an intrepid leader.

He was a strong disciplinarian who was popular with his men.

When the defenders broke out of the pa at Orakau, he led his men in a ruthless pursuit but strongly disapproved when the British troops killed some of the wounded and women.

He encouraged his men to intervene in order to prevent these atrocities.

Tempsky regarded the Maori defence of Orakau as courageous but foolhardy, and could not understand why the defenders had chosen such an untenable position.

He admired the engineering and fighting skills of the Maori but otherwise did not hold them in high regard.

In his unpublished account of the war, 'Memoranda of the New Zealand campaign, 1863–64', he refers to the need to teach 'those overbearing, headstrong and pampered natives' a lesson, and shows little appreciation of Maori grievances.

For his part at Orakau Tempsky was promoted to major in April 1864.

He next saw action at Wanganui.

He led a successful attack on Kakaramea on 13 May 1865 and was subsequently praised by the premier, Frederick Weld, as 'the great bulwark of the self-reliant policy'.

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However, on 23 September 1865 the defence minister, Harry Atkinson, ordered Tempsky to place himself and his troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Fraser, at Waiapu.

Fraser, a recent arrival in the colony, had been promoted over Tempsky's head.

Understandably Tempsky was incensed and offered his resignation, which was refused.

He was put under arrest for disobeying orders but was cleared by a court of inquiry.

Public sympathy for Tempsky was aroused by this incident.

In late 1865 and early 1866, Tempsky took part in Major General Trevor Chute's march to New Plymouth.

The march is depicted in an evocative watercolour which Tempsky completed later.

Then came a temporary lull in hostilities and he returned to Auckland, where he remained during 1866 and 1867.

In August 1866 he received a grant of land at Harapepe and Pirongia for his services.

While in Auckland he wrote 'Memoranda of the New Zealand campaign', painted watercolours to illustrate events in the war and worked for a time in Governor George Grey's office.

He was prominent in Auckland social life.

Endowed with a fine singing voice, he was much in demand at musical gatherings.

He also helped to establish a gymnastic club.

In January 1868 Tempsky was appointed inspector (the equivalent of major) in the Armed Constabulary and was placed in command of the 5th Division.

After serving in Waikato and Wanganui he was placed under the general command of Thomas McDonnell for the Taranaki campaign against Titokowaru and his followers.

On 7 September 1868 McDonnell's force attacked the Maori position at Te Ngutu-o-te-manu.

His troops were severely mauled and McDonnell ordered a retreat which he left Tempsky to cover.

Soon after, Tempsky was shot in the head.