Battle of The Sticks
The sacking of Kororareka was the beginning of the Flagstaff War. After this battle the warriors retired to Okaihau north of Kaikohe some 30 kilometres, or two days travel, from the Bay of Islands. When the Colonial forces eventually moved to attack Okaihau they chose to travel by walking track from the Bay of Islands rather than via a cart track that ran from Kerikeri and passed nearby Okaihau, this choice meant that cannon were not taken to this battle.
The battle of Okaihau, in April 1845, was the first test of strength between Māori and Pākehā. The formidable defences of a Māori war pā became apparent to the Colonial forces, as they suffered casualties of 39 wounded and 13 dead; warriors of Heke and Kawiti were also killed.
Read more about this topic: Te Ruki Kawiti
Famous quotes containing the words battle and/or sticks:
“I remember the scenes of battle in which we stood together. I remember especially that broad and deep grave at the foot of the Resaca hill where we left those gallant comrades who fell in that desperate charge. I remember, through it all, the gallantry, devotion and steadfastness, the high-set patriotism you always exhibited.”
—Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)
“Pancakes and fritters,
Say the bells of St. Peter’s.
Two sticks and an apple,
Say the bells of Whitechapel.
Kettles and pans,
Say the bells of St. Ann’s.”
—Unknown. The Bells of London (l. 7–12)