David Bell

Born in Portadown, Ireland, he joined the 40th Regiment in 1857, aged 19 years, and served in New Zealand. He transferred to the 68th Light Infantry in December 1867 and was discharged in 1870.

David Bell was not the ideal soldier and his records show that he was often imprisoned - largely because of drink - and was branded as a deserter.

In January 1864 the 68th Light Infantry, including 200 Crimean War veterans, landed in New Zealand, where the Maoris had gone to war to try to halt the spread of the British settlements on North Island.

In April 1864 British sailors and soldiers attacked Gate Pah (a Maori fort), whilst the Durhams, led by Colonel Greer, waited to prevent any escape. Despite an artillery bombardment the attack failed and the British were driven off with heavy losses. During the night the Maoris slipped away past the Durhams.

In June the British discovered a Maori force building a new pah at Te Ranga and stormed the unfinished defences. In the ferocious hand-to-hand fighting John Murray killed several Maori soldiers and saved John Byrne VC from certain death. Sergeant Murray was later awarded the Victoria Cross. This was the last major battle fought by the Durhams in New Zealand.