24 juin 1845 - The British humiliated at Ōhaeawai
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-The pā at Ōhaeawai, belonging to Heke’s ally Pene Taui, was even stronger than the pā, which the British had failed to take six weeks prior. Heke and Kawiti had been working to strengthen the defences, expecting another attack.
-In June 600 soldiers, marines, and volunteers returned to the Bay of Islands under Colonel Despard. Much has been written about the character of Colonel Despard, and almost none of it is flattering.
-The soldiers set up camp at the Waimate mission station, much to the annoyance of the missionaries. The pā was only six miles away from Waimate, but it took some time to transport the artillery, ammunition and supplies.
-It was 24 June by the time Despard and his men arrived at Ōhaeawai. The gun batteries were set up as soon as possible, and Despard opened fire with his brass 6-pounder cannons and 12-pounder carronades. His aims were simple: to breach the palisades and to kill the inhabitants.
- Despard continued to bombard the pā until 9 July, with many failed attempts. When the defenders, tired of the assault, left the pā under cover of darkness. The British forces destroyed the pā, but could hardly claim a victory.
-Meanwhile, Kawiti was starting work on a new pā high on the slopes of the Tapuaeharuru Range. It would be known as Ruapekapeka – the Bat’s Nest.
Ajouté au bande de temps:
The Northern War
The Battle of Ruapekapeka was the last of a series of clashe...
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