Greer, Henry Harpur, 1821-1886 (Person)

SummaryAn Irish-born British Army officer best known for his role in the New Zealand Wars. Born on 24 February 1821 in Moy, County Tyrone, he joined the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot as an ensign in 1841. Commanded the 68th Regiment at the Battle at Pukehinahina (Gate Pā) in April 1864 during the Tauranga Campaign. Two months later led British forces at the Battle of Te Ranga, earning him appointment as a Companion of the Order of the Bath. The Tauranga suburb of Greerton and Greerton Road were later named in his honour.

After active service ended in 1869, Greer was granted the honorary rank of lieutenant-general in 1881. He died on 27 March 1886 at his family home, “The Grange,” in Moy, County Tyrone.SourcesEarly New Zealand Photographers"Group of soldiers from the 68th Durham Light Infantry, Tauranga, 1864" (Te Papa Museum, reference O.011916)Darryl Lundy, the Peerage, a genealogical survey of the peerage of BritainDurham Light Infantry CollectionWell Done the 68th (historical regimental history) » Te Ao Mārama Tauranga City Library (356.10941 BILC)For Peace with the Ngaiterangi Tribe » Appendix to the Journal of the House of Representatives, 1869, A-18, p. 11-12.Greer, Death Notice » The Times (London), 1 April 1886, p 6

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Supporting PDF

Greer within "Group of soldiers from the 68th Durham Light Infantry, Tauranga, 1864" (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, reference 0.011916)

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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Greer, Henry Harpur, 1821-1886 (Person)

Personal Information

First Name(s)Henry Harpur SurnameGreerDate of Birth24 February 1821Place of BirthMoy, County TyroneDate of Death27 March 1886

Whānau

MotherMary HarpurFatherJoseph Henry GreerChildrenJoseph Henry GreerAgnes Mary GreerEmily Charlotte GreerIsabella Knox Greer

Partner

PartnerAgnes Isabella Knox

Settler Information

Name of ShipSilver EaglePort of ArrivalAuckland

Military Service

Unit68th Durham Light Infantry RegimentConflictNew Zealand Wars, 1845‑1872

Relates To

Start here:Battle at Pukehinahina, 1864 (Event)Battle of Te Ranga, 1864 (Event)