Francis Joseph “Frank” Mace NZC

b. 1836 Madeira, Portugal.  d. 07/08/1927 Oakura, New Zealand.

DATE OF NZC ACTION: 06/06/1863 Kaitikara River, 11/03/1864 Kaitake, 20/10/1865 Warea.

Francis J Mace NZC

Awarded the New Zealand Cross for a series of brave actions in the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. At the Battle of Waireka on 28 March 1860, at Kaitikara River in June 1863 and at Kaitake in March 1864 he showed a fearless valour that earned him the respect of his comrades. In 1877 this was recognised officially when he was awarded the NZ Cross. While serving in the military he was promoted to Captain, but when the wars were over he returned to the life of a farmer.

An interesting sidelight is that when he emigrated to New Zealand with his family in 1856 he was accompanied by Antonio de Sardinha, who was a Portuguese servant with the family. They both served in the military during the troubles of the 1860s and they both were awarded the NZ Cross (of which only 23 were given).

 

BURIAL LOCATION: OAKURA CEMETERY, OAKURA, NEW ZEALAND.

Block B, Plot 2

LOCATION OF MEDAL: PUKE ARIKI MUSEUM, NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND.