Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas

The New Zealand War medal awarded to Boatswain’s Mate John Noakes, H.M.S. Miranda, who was very severely wounded while assisting Captain of the Fore Top Samuel Mitchell in the rescue of Commander Hay in the action at Gate Pah, 29 April 1864, for which Mitchell won the Victoria Cross and Noakes was mentioned in despatches

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (J. Noakes, Bos. Mate, H.M.S. Miranda) officially impressed naming, nearly extremely fine £4,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 15 July 1864: ‘Amongst the seamen I would bring to their Lordships’ special notice Samuel Mitchell, Captain of the fore-top of “Harrier” doing duty as Captain’s Coxswain: he entered the pah with Commander Hay, and when that officer was wounded, brought him out, although ordered by Commander Hay to leave him and seek his own safety. I would venture to suggest that this is a fair case for a Victoria Cross.’ This was in due course awarded. ‘John Noakes, Boatswain’s Mate of the “Miranda,” assisted Mitchell in getting Commander Hay out of the work, and was badly wounded (gunshot wound of left shoulder, very severely) while endeavouring to rally the men and prevent their retreating.’

By mid April 1864 about 200 Maoris had constructed a formidable work about three miles from Te Papa, known in history as the Gate Pah, a fortress which should have been easily reduced, since the defenders had neither guns nor access to water. Of the 1695 British men landed, some 429 were naval, but due to disastrous tactics and the quite disgraceful retreat of part of the 43rd Regiment, the losses were high, naval casualties amounting to 11 killed and 22 wounded.

John Noakes was born at Ramsgate, Kent, on 29 July 1830, and joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Heroine on 23 February 1847. Whilst in this ship he advanced through the rates to become Ordinary Seaman in March 1851 and joined Dido in July 1851, advancing to Able Seaman in May 1852 and to Leading Seaman in September 1855. He next joined Impregnable in September 1856, James Watt in November 1856, and Boscawen in April 1857, advancing to 2nd Captain of the Main Top in May 1857, and Captain of the Main Top in December 1857. In that rate he joined Miranda on 15 September 1860, becoming Boatswain’s Mate on 1 January 1865. He left Miranda for Cumberland on 4 June 1865, and was discharged the service on 8 September 1865.