The Story of the Auckland Raid.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 May 1901, Page 618

The Story of the Auckland Raid.

By F. W. Coombes.

Illustrated by the Author

WIPOR some considerable time matters in 1 Will the Far East had been getting into \B> a hopeless tangle. The great Boxer movement, from what appeared at the outset to be but a small beginning, had spread with lightning rapidity throughout all the Chinese provinces, arousing a spirit of fierce fanaticism which nothing but the ruthless slaughter of inoffensive Christians and " foreign devils ' seemed to allay. At all times preferring methods of treachery and duplicity, the Chinese Government of the day professed themselves as willing but powerless to put down the insurrection, to which at the same time they lent secret assistance and afterwards open countenance. The heroic defence of the foreign Legation when attacked by seething hordes of Chinese troops followed, and then came the hurried marshalling of the allied English, French, Russian, American, German, Austrian and Japanese forces. The brilliant march on Pekiu and the subsequent fall of that town, the sacking of the Forbidden City and the subsequent return to Tientsin preceded negotiations which at first, promising great things, ultimately gave rise to more disastrous results. Truly was it a modern instance of the old story of the Tower of Babel, for with so many differeut nationalities gathered together, and the conflicting interests arising therefrom, jealousy was aroused, and it required but a spark to set such a combustible mass furiously blazing. Darker and darker grew the prospect, and although every effort of diplomacy was used to avert so awful a catastrophe, yet the fighting blood of the nations had been

aroused, and the dictates of reason went unheeded.

For years Japan had been preparing for the struggle with Russia, which far-seeing diplomatists had so often foretold, and when a sudden act of needless aggression in Oorea was perpetrated by a Russian general, the two nations were soon in the throes of deadly combat. France, the great ally of Russia, was at once embroiled, while the British Government were strongly urged to espouse the cause of the plucky Japs.

We in New Zealand had watched affairs closely, and had naturally seen the manner in which the great crisis was approaching. Far removed from the scene of operations, the position was viewed with equanimity and confidence. Then one morning, on opening the papers, which in those days were the great means of spreading news, no cablegrams were to be found, «, notice appearing that the cable connecting us with Australia was interrupted. No one attached any special importance to the matter, save those who growled at being debarred from perusing their daily budget of war news. When some days had passed by and still no cables were to hand, people began asking what steps had been taken in the matter. The Premier, in reply to a question put to him in the House, stated that, as owing to the war in the Bast, it was improbable the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company would be able to send any steamer to repair the break, he would take upon himself the responsibility of despatching the Tntanekai ) a statement which was received with cheers.

In the meantime the arrival of the regular weekly steamer from Sydney was keenly

awaited, as it was .expected she would bring much later news of how affairs were progressing. The days rolled by, however, and there was no appearance of any of the intercolonial liners either at Auckland, Wellington or the Bluff.

It is probable that the non-arrival of these steamers was the first thing that aroused a spirit of uneasiness, which rapidly spread throughout all classes of the community. This feeling steadily iucreased in intensity, and ultimately the Government decided to take immediate steps to enrol a militia force, while all volunteers were immediately ordered to go into camp.

Then followed a sensational report from

southward. They are too far distant to distinguish clearly, but at least four appear to be warships."

A scene of the wildest confusion and panic followed. All business in the city was suspended, aud excited groups gathered everywhere to discuss the situation, Since the memorable day of the Tarawera eruption no such sceno had ever taken place in the usually somuoleut streets of Auckland, and even on that famous occasion nothing like the consternation prevailed which now seized on all classes of tho community. Urgent wires were sent to the various centres, aud a Council of Defence hurriedly formed. All the volunteers in camp wero

the signal man at the Manukau Heads, who stated that he had seen an unknown man-of-war, probably a foreigner, lying some distance off the bar, but that she had disappeared in the haze to the westward. Next morning the stranger had again been descried, but considerably to the southward of her former position. From Russell next came a telegram, the publication of which on the notice boards at the newspaper offices, caused the wildest excitement. Public feeling, already much moved by the untoward events of the last few years, was now stirred to its utmost depths by the significant message, which ran as follows : — " Russell reports a large flotilla of steamers as passing

marched into the city, swd us rapidly as possible transferred across to Devonport, being there held in readiness to await eventsFort Cautley and Mt. Victoria were reinforced, while a strong working party was told off to put down mines and torpedoes in the Rangitoto Channel. In the meantime the swiftest vessel available, the Wakatere, was despatched northward to endeavour to locate the approaching fleet, and to find out if possible its nationality, strength, and iutentions.

The Council of Defence had meanwhile appointed certain places in town as recruiting stations, and at each spot were to be found long streams of men pushing forward

to be enrolled. No question of height, chest measurement, or any exact limit of age was entertained, but as each man came forward his name was taken, and he was then told off into one of the various companies to which the rudiments of di'ill were explained. A.s among these applicants was a large percentage of retired army men and ex- volunteers, considerable progress was made in a very short time. Many brought rifles of their own, while to others were served out Martiui-En fields, Martini-Henrys, and even ancient Sniders. It soon became apparent, however, that the number of men offering their services was far in excess of the number of rifles available, and bitter was the indignation of those who thus found themselves by the oversight of the authorities unable to do anything towards helping in the defence of the city.

At the railway station had gathered a great crowd anxious to escape from the impending trouble, but here a notification was posted that none of the regular trains would be run, as all the rolling stock was required to bring in the various country contingents. The timorous section of the population had accoi'dingly to disperse amid the jeers of their stouter-hearted neighbours. A telegram to hand stated that the s.s. Takapuna had sailed from New Plymouth for Onehunga with 200 voluuteers, but later on came the ominous message that she had been obliged to put back, having been chased by a cruiser. Recent events had driven out of mind the fact of the presence of that unknown warship, and it was not till then that it was realized why she was there. Now the reason became immediately obvious, and that was to effectively pi'event any possibility of re-inforcements from the South. Surely never had the advocates of the Great Trunk Railway such a string to their bow as this before, but there was no time to discuss the question now. Many a bitter curse was muttered, however, at the stupidity and apathy shown by former Governments in delaying this long needed want, but for the present it was felt that Auckland must fight her own battle, and a grim determination

was evinced that when the northern city really stood at bay she was a foe by no means to be lightly despised. The return of the p.s. Wakatere was eagerly awaited, and when she rounded North Head at full speed a great cheer went up from the masses of people assembled on the wharf. The news brought by Captain Farquhar was sufficiently alarming, how. ever. He stated that north of' Kawau he had seen a fleet which apparently consisted of two lirge and one small cruiser, a gunboat, four big transports and three colliers. They were at anchor, and were possibly awaiting others of the convoy. Judging by the size of the transports, it seemed probable that a force of at least 5000 trained soldiei's would be landed on our shores. What could we oppose to this formidable invasion? Certainly nothing by sea, or at least practically nothing. True it was that instantly on the receipt of the first news in Wellington had come the laconic message : " H.M S. Porpoise has sailed for Auckland," yet, although no one doubted but that Commander Ravenhill was thirsting to take his share of the coming battle, it was felt that the small third-class cruiser was quite inadequate for the task set before her. As nothing, therefore, could be accomplished by sea, it was accordingly determined to resist any landing to the uttermost. Lieut.-00l Banks therefore sent the Auckland Mounted Rifles under Capt. Holgate and Lient. Wynyard as a scouting party to patrol the coast towards the Wade River, while the settlers to the northward were instructed to instantly report airy movement on the part of the foreigners. A strong Naval Brigade, under Lieut.-Commander Parker, was told off to occupy the ridge at Lake Takapuna, while a large force of Mounted Rifles and armed settlers — the latter forming a goodly array of horsemen — were held in readiness at Northcote. The Devonport Torpedo Corps, under Lieutenants Robinson and Reid, were of course unusually busy laying mines in the Rangitoto Channel. Capt. Walker had a strong detatchment of Engineers throwing up a line of entrench-

ments covering the narrow approach by the Lake Road. At the camp itself, which was shifted from the racecourse to a more sheltered position behind the mountain, the various rifle corps were kept hard at work, many members being told off to explain the rudiments of drill to the large number of citizens, who kept flocking over to the Shore intent only on doing their utmost to repel the invader.

As night drew ou the excitement increased, as it was felt that an attack would then be imminent. More sections of Mounted Rifles came from the country, and these were promptly ferried across the harbour, the Northern Steamship Company placing the whole of its fleet at the disposal of the authorities for this purpose. Multitudinous were the telegrams which came to hand from the South offering assistance and advice, but with both ports blockaded it was impossible to obtain the former, while most of the latter was valueless. The Premier, never the man to absent himself when a fight was on the tapis, was reported to have left for Auckland, but nobody seemed to know how he intended getting through the hostile lines. Word also came that a strong levy of Ngapuhi were making a forced march from the North, while the Waikato natives were also hurriedly raising a fighting force. Some time after midnight Waiwera reported that the fleet was apparently leaving Kawau, and immediately afterwards the signalman at the Tiri Lighthouse wired that the flotilla was in sight coming round the island, but that he would remain at his post. An hour later came another report from the same man, stating that in the dark he had been able to recognise the foreigners, and that he had made them out to be the Russian cruiser Svietlana and sloop Vjestnik, the French cruisers Cassard and Pleurus, and the armed transports La Gascogne, Armand Behic, and Mavechal Bugeard. There were also three steam colliers, but they had apparently coaled the warships when at anchor off Kawau, and had remained outside Tiri Tiri. Still a third and last message

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ijave the fleet as heading in towards Long Bay, but that a boat's crew were coming ashore, and that the light-keeper would probably be captured.

On receipt of this latest intelligence, a strong force of all the possiblo mounted men, together with a half-lmttery, was hurried out with all possible dispatch. The dawn was just breaking as they arrived in the vicinity of Deep Creek. With the first glimpse of light a large flotilla of boats, crowded with men, was seen to leave the transports and head in towards the slmro. This first landing of a hostile force in New Zealand was not to be a bloodless one, how-

ever. A.s the leadingjboats catno round thti islet which lies at tho head of the bay, a warm fire was pourod on them with apparently the most effective results. Many of the settlers, too, practised shots for tho most part, refused to waste ammunition in volley firing, but started to pick off the leaders of the landjng party. For a short time the movement was checkod, and cheers went up from the defenders. Short-lived indeed was the enthusiasm, however, for as the white puffs of smoke accurately disclosed the positions taken up, the Vjestnik and Fleurus, the enemy's two light-draught vessels, steamed in closer to the shore and opened a heavy fire, the former's 6-in. guns fairly driving the horsemen from the fireswept zone. Hurriedly the guns were limbered up, and a retreat made in the direction of the Lake, but not before many

casualities had occured, while it was only the utmost coolness and intrepid daring of the artillerymen that prevented the loss of two of the guns.

Colonel Banks then decided that a stand should be made on the higher land surrounding the Lake, and rough entrenchments were hurriedly thrown up, the Naval Brigade, Victoria Rifles, College Rifles, and 300 picked men from the citizen militia being told off to hold them. The remainder of the forces available were held in reserve. This latter body was being constantly reinforced, fresh arrivals pouring across the harbour. Among the very first to come were heavy drafts of volunteers and miners from the Thames, the Terranora, Waimarie and Taniwha arriving in quick succession, the crowded appearance of their decks causing the utmost enthusiasm.

On the hurried retreat of the mounted Infantry from Deep Creek a landing was effected by the enemy, practically unopposed, and these quickly commenced to form an entrenched camp. More troops were landed, it becoming apparent that the original estimate of 5000 men was, if anything, short of the mark, while a small force of cavalry, apparently Cossacks, was also included.

An anxious night was spent by Aucklanders, for none knew what the day might bring forth. The searchlight at North Head was constantly in use, as it was feared that the foreign cruisers might attempt a dash for the harbour under cover of darkness. Nothing of consequence happened, however, the opposing commander apparently being content to perfect his arrangements for an advance in the morning. With the first tinge of dawn came the report that the enemy was in motion, and rapidly mai'ching on Takapuna, while the JFleurus and Vjestnik were also under weigh, and slowly steaming in towards the Channel, the larger cruisers supporting them, but remaining further out to seaward.

Sections of mounted infantry had, during the night, been sent out to feel the enemy, and, as the sun rose, firing was heard from them as they slowly fell back before the

advance. More and more of these mobile sharpshootei^s were thrown out in support, but their efforts were of little avail, the quick-fiving guns on the cruisers effectively clearing the shelter spots. As the Lake was reached a more desperate resistance was made. The Auckland Rifles, No. 3 Natives, No. 2 Victorias and Newton Rifles were thrown into the fighting line, the field artilleiy also doing excellent work with their nine-pounders. For a time it seemed as if the advance would be checked, and if any cavalry had been available it is possible that the foe would have got no further. As it was, however, a sudden charge by the Cossacks drove in the left flank in confusion, while the cruiser's scathing fire made the position of the right wing untenable. The retreat was therefore sounded, and it was effected in fairly good oi'der, the mounted men fighting stubbornly to protect the infantry as they fell back. Still not a few prisoners wei'e taken at this point, and matters began to look black indeed, while those boasters, who had talked of the ease with which the foe could be hurled back into the sea, were now silent. So far not a siugle shot had been fired by either of the forts, as none of the warships had come within effective range, while it had been impossible to join in the battle of Lake Takapuna for fear of injuring the home forces. It was at this point, when demoralization had commenced to set in among the defenders, that a report was received which put new heart into everyone. The foe had, of course, cut the telegraph wire leading to the north, but a Wade settler managed to evade the lines, and riding furiously in brought the good news. From lonely, far-away Cape Maria Van Dieman it came, and was but a laconic message from the signalman there, yet short as it was, the report was greeted with such an outburst of cheering as must have reached even the wondering foe at the Lake, for the note brought in by the settler was as follows : — Cape Maria reports H.M.S. Eoyal Arthur and two torpedo gunboats passing east. All are evidently proceeding under forced draught."

Here was help indeed, and as one remembered the flagship's nineteen-knot speed, and her even faster consorts, it was felt that such help would be speedily at hand. No doubt at the last moment Rear-Admiral Pearson had got wind of what was afloat, and taking his swiftest vessels had hurried to the rescue. The gunboats could be no other than the Boomerang and the Karakatta, and it was easy to recoguise the grim determination of their crews, which had enabled them, although ill fitted for the task,

6-in. guvs, the Fleurus in the meantime devoting her attention to covering the advance of the troops, which once more were in motion, the evident intention being to capture the forts, and thus havo the town at their mercy. Owing to the rapid movoments of the vessels, the firing from the batteries was by no means .so effective as could have been wished, the want of praetico on the part of the gunners contributing in no small degree to this. The engagement was at its height when, to the defender's

to hang on to the big ship in that flying dash across the Tasman Sea to the help of the beleaguered city.

In the meantime the hostile fleet, entirely unconscious of the danger threatening the rear, closed in for an attack on the forts. The larger cruisers Svietlana and Cassard opened a heavy bombardment, the 5.9-in. Canet guns of the former being particularly well served, while the 6-in. guns of the Frenchman also did considerable execution. The Vjestnik also did her share with her three

astonishment, heavy guns were heard from the direction of Rangitoto Wharf. A. glance in that direction revealed the presence of H.M.S. Porpoise coming up the inside passage at full speed. Knowing the vastly superior naval force opposed to him, Commander Ravenhill had deemed it best to endeavour to support the forts, and taking the risk of the inner channel had arrived in the nick of time.

It was now that a deed of daring was done which will always be looked

back to with pride by the Torpedo Corps. Lying in shelter behind North Head, with steam up, the crew of the Thorneycroft torpedo boat had been impatiently waiting a chance to distinguish themselves. Soon opportunity came their way, and the men were prompt to take advantage of it. Annoyed by the hot fire from the small British cruiser, the Cassard steamed in

vessel had observed her consort's danger when too late. Slowly the Oassard commenced to settle, the crew hurriedly manning the boats, some of which reached the nearest Russian cruiser, while others were picked up by the Porpoise.

In the meantime, with practically no assistance from the forts, the volunteers stood desperately at bay. Many wei'e the

close with a view of silencing her. The Porpoise made no effort to shun the encounter with her much more powerful antagonist, and a fierce duel took place. It was at this moment, when the attention of the Oassard's men was entirely taken up in the efforts to destroy the Britisher, that the torpedo boat darted out of shelter, and dashing past the Frenchman sent a torpedo home, sinking herself a moment later from the effects of a shell from the Fleurus, which

were steaming in towards the channel, their leader rapidly exchanging signals with the Russian Admiral. It was indeed time for them to look to themselves, for looming above the horizon off Tiri Tiri could be seen the Royal Arthur, and from the clouds of smoke pouring from her funnels it was apparent that the firstclass cruiser was using her 10,000 horse power to some effect.

Hurriedly the recall signal was given, and an attempt made to re-embark the troops

heroic deeds that took place during this period of the assault. Over and over again did men essay to bring in their wounded comrades under a hail of bullets, many losing their lives in the effort. Then it was that the men of the Auckland and Ponsonby Navals, under Clemens and Patterson, were completely surrounded, but refused to surrender, fighting gallantly until relieved by a charge of the Waikato Horse. The nai - row strip of ground leading up to the racecourse was the scene of the greatest carnage, the besiegers pressing on in the most determined manner, while every inch of the way was most obstinately contested. Suddenly, however, there came a halt in the proceed-

ings, and every eye was turned instinctively to the seaward. It was at once

seen that the transports

and it must be admitted that they were splendidly handled. Coming in as close as the transport dared, boat's crew after boat's crew were quickly received on boai'd, the remainder the while making a most heroic stand near the water's edge. Time after time the Aucklandei's closed round, but could not break through the cordon. Rnssians and Frenchmen fought grimly side by side, knowing that the cause was lost, and only hoping to cover the retreat of their countrymen. Over and over again did the Cossacks charge furiously, the ever diminishing number of their splendid horsemen telling of many a deed of valour. Very gallant also was the attempt of the Svietlana to hold Admiral Pearson's big ship in check while the transports got their men on board agaiu. The fates, however were against the foreigners, and ultimately the shattered band by the sea shore were obliged to surrender, the transports having to hasten out to sea. With fighting at an end on shore, excited groups eagerly watched the closing battle by water. Directly the transports were under weigh came a signal for them to separate and escape if possible. The Porpoise had been far too roughly mauled to be of any assistance to the British flagship, which was now attacked most determinedly by the Svietlana, Vjestnik and Fleurus. Captain Dickon, however, handled his big ship in the most masterly manner, and a running fight became the order of the day. It soon became apparent, however, that the two smaller ships were getting more than enough of it, more especially as the Boomerang and Karrakatta had now come up. Seeing the position to be hopeless, the Svietlana hoisted the signal to escape if possible, and herself set the example.

Badly crippled as she was, the Vjostnik hud then no option but to haul down her Hag. The Pleurus, however, nmdo a gallant effort, and at one time it seemed that she would get clear. Unfortunately for her, while maintaining a brilliant running light with the Karrakatta and Boomerang, she ran hard and fast on Maloney's Iteof, and was then obliged to haul down her colours. The Royal Arthur had, in the meantime, gone in chase of the remaining cruiser, but fast as is the flagship, she was unable to come up with the Hying Russian, which managed to get away. Admiral Pearson, however, was successful in a measure, inasmuch as the smaller of the transports, the Marechal Bugeard, fell into his hands, together with two colliers. The Arrnand Behic and La Gascogne both gained the open sea, easily repelling, with Iheir 5.5-iii. guns, the attempts at capture; by the gunboats. Thus ended an incident which will live long in New Zealand history. The other main events of the war, such as the occupation of Corea by the Japanese after a decisive naval engagement with the Russian and French fleets, the invasion of England and the attack on the capital, the destruction of the invading flotilla by the Channel Squadron, the wonderful rally to the call of tho Motherland from all parts of the Empire, and eventually the crushing defeat of the invaders and the signing of the Treaty of London. These all created intense interest in their turn, but they pale into comparative insignificance in tho Britain of the South, where the great war of 1902 is remembered far more on account of the raid on Auckland, and the valiant deeds performed on that occasion by friend and foe alike.