The end of Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky
A DigitalNZ Story by Janice
Images and articles on Gustavus Von Tempsky's and his end at Te Ngutu-o-te-manu in September 1868.
New Zealand Wars, Gustavus Von Tempsky, Te Ngutu-o-te-manu, Tītokowaru’s war
Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu
Tītokowaru’s village, Te Ngutu-o-te-manu, was attacked on 21 August 1868, with inconclusive results.
A second expedition was launched on 7 September, with a force of 360 constabulary under Lieutenant Colonel Thomas McDonnell marching to within 45 metres of the village before Ngā Ruahine opened fire from concealed positions within the forest. McDonnell called an immediate retreat, but not before 24 of his men, including Major Gustavus von Tempsky, had been killed.
Source: Danny Keenan, 'New Zealand wars - Tītokowaru’s war, 1868–1869', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/new-zealand-wars/page-9 (accessed 12 November 2019)
Von Tempsky was known as Manu Rau ( one hundred birds) to Māori.
Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky
Alexander Turnbull Library
This 1868 drawing from a series of early Lands and Survey maps shows the layout of Te Ngutu o te Manu at the time of the
Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu, 1868
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Where Von Tempsky fell: cross erected at Ngutu-o-te-Manu
Auckland Libraries
Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky
A collection of primary and secondary sources relating to Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky.
Newspaper reports on Von Tempsky's end
The memoir briefly touches on Von Tempsky's life as a soldier, and his part in the New Zealand Wars.
MEMOIR OF VON TEMPSKY. (Colonist, 06 October 1868)
National Library of New Zealand
Who blundered - Von Tempsky or his superior officer? James Shanagan, who was with the major, narrates what happened.
DID VON TEMPSKY BLUNDER? (Taranaki Daily News 21-9-1908)
National Library of New Zealand
Traces Von Tempsky's adventures in Mexico, leader of the Forest Rangers and life as an artist.
VON TEMPSKY. (Taranaki Daily News 22-4-1912)
National Library of New Zealand
HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS OF VON TEMPSKY'S END BY JAMES COWAN
Von Tempskys end - by James Cowan.
VON TEMPSKY'S END. (Wanganui Chronicle, 30 January 1912)
National Library of New Zealand
Taken from the book The Adventures of Kimble Bent by James Cowan.
Chapter XV — A Battle in the Forest; and the Death of Von Tempsky - The Adventures of Kimble Bent
Victoria University of Wellington
Authored by James Cowan.
The Death of Von Tempsky - The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 10 (February 1, 1934)
Victoria University of Wellington