The Royal New Zealand Fencibles, a corp of retired soldiers of good character, under 48 years of age (it was later lowered to 41), at least 5ft 5 inches in height and with a minimum of 15 years service, from Britain and Ireland. They arrived in Auckland, New Zealand between 1847-1852 and formed the defence force which protected the early settlers of Auckland. 2500 men and their families arrived aboard the following vessels and settled in Otahuhu, Onehunga, Howick and Panmure. Each were enrolled to serve seven years and were offered free passage for themselves and their families, with pay ranging from 6 pence to 1 shilling and 3 pence a day, in addition to their pensions, an acre of ground and a cottage.
| SHIP | PORT OF DEPARTURE | DATE
OF DEPARTURE |
DATE
OF ARRIVAL |
PASSENGER
LIST |
| Ann |
Gravesend |
5
October 1847 |
16
May 1848 |
Yes |
| Berhampore |
London |
7
March 1849 |
16
June 1849 |
Yes |
| Berwick Castle |
Gravesend |
13
June 1852 |
13
December 1852 |
Yes |
| Clifton |
Gravesend |
18
August 1847 |
23
January 1848 |
Yes |
| Inchinnan |
Gravesend |
14
January 1852 |
27
May 1852 |
Yes |
| Minerva |
Gravesend |
1
July 1847 |
8
October 1847 |
Yes |
| Oriental Queen |
London |
16
May 1849 |
18
September 1849 |
Yes |
| Ramillies |
London |
14
April 1847 |
5
August 1847 |
Yes |
| Sir George Seymour | Gravesend |
12
August 1847 |
26
November 1847 |
Yes |
| Sir Robert Sale |
Gravesend |
13
July 1847 |
11
October 1847 |
Yes |
For more information see the New Zealand Fencible Society Incorporated web site.
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