Note 136 — THE SECOND NEW ZEALAND WAR. 1860–66.

Corporal J. Byrne, V.C., of the 68th., when the order to charge was given, was the first man of his company into the rifle-pits; a Maori, whom he ran through with his bayonet, seized his rifle with one hand, and holding it firm, with the bayonet through his body, tried to cut down the corporal with his tomahawk, but his life was saved by Sergeant Murray, who for his distinguished bravery on the occasion was awarded the Victoria Cross. Sergeant Murray charged a rifle-pit containing from eight to ten of the enemy, and, single-handed, killed or wounded every one of them.