Edward St John DANIEL, VC

Michael Daniels, PhD

Updated: 13^th June 2001

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Following his desertion at Corfu, Daniel somehow made his way back to England. Less than two weeks after the Royal Warrant of forfeiture was issued, Daniel was aboard the Black Ball line American clipper Donald McKay in Cobourg Dock, Liverpool, bound for Melbourne, Australia. The Donald McKay sailed on 16^th September 1861 and arrived in Melbourne on 7^th December 1861.

It is believed that Daniel may have spent his two years in Australia digging in the Gold Fields around Melbourne. In early 1864, the New Zealand Colonial Government was enlisting men in Victoria to serve in the Maori Wars. On 18^th January 1864, one day after his 27^th birthday, Daniel enrolled at Melbourne as Private E. St. J. Daniel, No 428, No. 5 Company of the Taranaki Military Settlers. He gave his height as 5' 8" and his occupation as "Miner". Daniel signed up for three years service, after which time the NZ Government had promised grants of land to the Settlers. Daniel sailed to New Zealand aboard the Gresham, which arrived at New Plymouth, Taranaki Province, North Island on 15^th February 1864. In the following months and years, Daniel's Company took part in many operations against the Maoris in South Taranaki.

On 8^th August 1864, Daniel was sentenced to 168 hours intensive labour for an unspecified offence. He was released on 15^th August but confined again on 30^th August. He was tried by Regimental Court Martial on 2^nd September and released on 13^th October.

On 3^rd October 1866, Daniel made his Last Will and Testament. He gave his domicile as Patea, Taranaki Province. Daniel left everything "including the land to which I am entitled in this Colony for my services as a Military Settler" to his father. In May 1867, the Taranaki Military Settlers were disbanded when a temporary peace occurred in the Maori Wars. It has been reported that Daniel received his land grant, which he sold soon afterwards, but the evidence for this is unclear and ambiguous.

On 26^th November 1867, Daniel enlisted as a Constable in No. 2 Division of the NZ Armed Constabulary, where he later achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. In March 1868, disturbances arose among the Irish Catholic and Protestant communities in the West Canterbury Goldfields, South Island, after news was received that "Fenians" (Irish Catholic supporters) had been sent to the gallows for the murder of police officers in Manchester, England. To quell these disturbances, members of No. 2 Division, including Daniel, were sent to Hokitika, a busy, lawless port on the West Coast and the centre of the riots. The 70-strong force, under Lieut.-Col. Thomas McDonnell, arrived at Hokitika aboard the steamer St Kilda on 4^th April 1868. The danger of insurrection was soon dissipated and, on 21^st April, McDonnell embarked for Patea with half of the force. The remaining detachment, which included Daniel, had little to do other than guard the prisoners and frequent the very large number of local hostelries.

On 16^th May 1868 Daniel, who according to later reports had been ill for some time, was admitted to Hokitika Hospital where he died on 20^th May. He was 31 years of age. His death certificate gives the cause of death as "delirium tremens". The following day Daniel was given a full military funeral.

"The men ... started from the barracks at two o’ clock, and proceeded to the landing stage, Gibson’s Quay, to take charge of the body, and on the coffin being received, the firing party presented arms, and then, reversing arms, moved on in front, the remainder of the force counter-marching inwards. The body having been placed in the hearse, the band took up its position in front, the firing party leading. In this order the mournful cortège proceeded with measured tread up Wharf, Camp, and Revell streets, to the Cemetery, the band playing Handel’s funereal composition, "The Dead March in Saul." Arrived at the burial-ground gate, the firing party halted and faced inwards, resting on their arms reversed. The body was then taken out of the hearse, and borne by four of the deceased’s comrades through the ranks of the firing party, the remaining portion of the procession following, the firing party bringing up the rear. On entering the Cemetery, the body was met by the Rev. Archdeacon Harper, the officiating clergyman, who led the way to the grave. Arrived at the grave, the Archdeacon took up his position at the head, the firing party along one side, resting on their arms reversed, the remainder of the mourners forming round. The assemblage at this point was most solemn and imposing, particularly when the venerable archdeacon, in feeling measured voice, proceeded to read the beautiful and impressive service for the dead appointed by the Church of England. At the conclusion of the funeral service the firing party fired three volleys, the reveille being sounded by the drums and fifes between each volley, and thus was rendered the last military honors to the departed soldier. At the conclusion of the ceremony the men re-formed and returned to barracks. The deceased during his connection with the Armed Constabulary Force was much respected by his comrades, and certainly, on this mournful occasion, everything was done that lay in their power to testify their regard for their now lost friend and comrade." (West Coast Times, 22^nd May 1868)

Edward St John Daniel was buried in Grave No. 851, Block 27, Hokitika Cemetery. Back in England, news of his death was published in the Bristol Times and Mirror on 1^st August 1868. No mention was made of the forfeiture of his VC, nor of his exile in Australia and New Zealand.

Edward St John Daniel's
Last Will and Testament