Description
New Zealand, Rev 1863-1865 – 70th regiment.
New Zealand rev, 1863-1865, 1085 Robt Lough, 70th Regt.
Robert Lough was born in Muckamore, Antrim in 1840.
He enlisted on the 2nd January 1858 into the 1st Foot, transferring to the 47th in August 1861, then the 70th in 1863, serving in the Mediterranean , China and then New Zealand. being discharged in 1878, being unfit for further duty.
There is a Robert Lough who died in Lisburn, Co Antrim on 12th April 1899.
Condition – NEF
The 70th (Surrey) Regiment of Foot played a pivotal operational role in the British Imperial forces during the Waikato, Tauranga, and South Taranaki campaigns between 1863 and 1865. Having deployed to New Zealand from India in 1861.
Waikato Campaign (1863–1864)
Supply Line Defense: Under General Duncan Cameron, the 70th secured the Great South Road—the critical military supply vein pushing south from Auckland—constructing redoubts and clearing dense bush to mitigate Māori ambushes.
Koheroa & Cameron Town: In July 1863, elements of the 70th fought in the bayonet charge at Koheroa. In September 1863 at Cameron Town, members of the regiment engaged in intense close-quarters bush fighting while protecting supply transport along the Waikato River.
Rangiriri & Ōrākau: The regiment provided key assault detachments and working parties during the assault on the formidable Rangiriri pā (November 1863) and supported the siege lines around Rewi Maniapoto’s forces at Ōrākau (April 1864).
Tauranga & West Coast Campaigns (1864–1865)
Battle of Te Ranga (June 1864): Following the British defeat at Gate Pā, the 70th—commanded by their own Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Greer—spearheaded the assault on unfinished Māori entrenchments at Te Ranga. Their decisive bayonet charge overran the rifle pits, effectively neutralizing armed resistance in the Bay of Plenty.
South Taranaki Operations (1865): Relocated to the West Coast in early 1865, the regiment engaged in grueling march-and-skirmish operations against Pai Mārire (Hauhau) fighters, establishing coastal redoubts to secure British control along the Wanganui–Taranaki corridor.
