New Zealand Medal reverse dated 1860 to 1861 (JOHN CHRISTIAN. O.S. H.M.S. PELORUS)
Ordinary Seaman John Christian was born in Saltash, Cornwall in 1841. He enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1855 and was posted to HMS Pelorus in 1859. He fought in the First Taranaka War (Maori Wars) which commenced on 17 March 1860 and was discharged in 1880 after 21 yrs service.
He is mentioned in the personal diary of Rear Admiral Battiscombe where "Ordinary Seaman Christian is noted for falling asleep on guard duty through drink." Christian was Court Martialled and sentenced to 50 lashes. The incident does, however, prove that Christian was on shore in the midst of the hostilities.
He was a survivor of HMS Bombay which ship, whilst on the South American station, was destroyed by fire on 14 December 1864, where 93 of his comrades perished. Following this disaster the remainder of the ship's crew were repatriated to England whilst the matter was being investigated. Christian is noted as having spent time in the Davenport County Jail on new fewer than three occasions during this period.
He re-attested for service in 1870 and was posted to Thetis in 1873 on Anti-Slavery patrols off the coast of East Africa. He was promoted to Leading Seaman at this point eventually attaining the rank of Petty Officer II before his final discharge.
Medal is in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with a quantity of copied research including the personal diary of Rear Admiral Albert Battiscombe. Pelorus Naval Brigade, New Zealand.
