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Photograph of the notice dated 17 August 1870 awarding the New Zealand Cross to Constable Benjamin Biddle for an ‘Act of Bravery.’ It describes ‘his gallant conduct at the siege of Ngatapa, in January, 1869.’
The New Zealand Cross was created because members of New Zealand’s local armed forces were not eligible for the Victoria Cross. Only 23 were ever awarded, making it one of the rarest military honours in the world. Nine men received the New Zealand Cross for bravery during the campaign against Te Kooti.
Credit
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-002633-F
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image.
