Page "Titokowaru's War" Paragraph 9

The Battle of Te Ngutu o Te Manu, Taranaki, 1868, by J. McDonald. On 21 August McDonnell crossed the flooded Waingongoro River with a column of 350 men to retaliate against Titokowaru.

His force comprised three divisions of Armed Constabulary, Wellington Rangers, Wellington Rifles, Taranaki Volunteer Militia, Patea Yeomanry Cavalry and a number of unenlisted volunteers.

McDonnell marched through dense rata forest to reach Te Ngutu o Te Manu, which he had last visited in May and was surprised to find a new palisade in front of the village.

He split his force into two sections to storm the palisade from the front and circle it from the left to enter near the rear.

The raid was a modest success, with his troops capturing weapons and ammunition and burning part of the village, most of whose inhabitants were out hunting for food.

McDonnell's troops were forced to retreat under heavy fire as Māori returned, regrouped in the bush and pursued them to the Waingongoro River.

McDonnell's casualties were four men killed and eight wounded.