WILLIAM ODGERS, V.C.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 3, 3 July 1926, Page 16

WILLIAM ODGERS, V.C.

Some weeks ago reference was made in tiiis" column to the Victoria Cross and the winning of the first Cross in New Zealand at the storming of the Gate Pa. Since then I have read an account in the "Taranaki Herald" of the Battle of Waireka, and in this article it is stated that William Odgers, captain's coxswain^* of H.M.S. Niger, was tho first man to gain this coveted distinction in the Maori War of New Zealand. It seems that the captain of H.M.S. Niger offered £10 to whoever captured the rebel flag. Odgers was the first to enter the pa under a heavy fire, and assisted to haul down the enemy's colours. His bravery and coolness contributed very much to the success of the attack. He entered tho Eoyal Navy as a young man, and was awarded tho Baltic Medal, China Medal (with clasps for Hatshan artd Canton, 1557), Now Zealand War Medal, Humane Society's Medal, and Victoria Cross. After leaving New Zealand, Odgers served in succession iv H.M.S. Cambridge, the (jfcast Guard, 'and H.M.S. Kodney and Taniar, until he was pensioned in IS6S. He died on 20th December, 1873; a gallant sailor, and, needless to say, a jolly companion. Apparently he left no family, as in Juno, 1004, at Messrs. Glendenning and Co.'s sale of medals in. London, his Victoria Cross and New Zealand Medal realised £110.