CORBETT, JOHN GLASFURD (1830-89) was a son of Maj-General Sir Stuart Corbett (of the Bengal army), and was educated for the East India service. He came to Taranaki in the late forties, bringing two English farm labourers to assist on his bush farm. After four years there he sold out and went to the Australian diggings, where he was employed bullock-driving, timber-felling, stock-riding and gold digging. He was about to join the expedition of Burke and Wills when the opportunity occurred of bringing a cargo of horses to Otago. While there hostilities broke out in Taranaki, and Corbett hastened there and volunteered. In 1861 he was commissioned as ensign, in 1862 was promoted lieutenant and in 1863 gained his company in the Military Settlers. He was present at Mahoetahi and other engagements. With eighty men he made a night attack on the right flank of the enemy position at Kaitake, which he captured and held throughout the engagement next day (25 Mar 1864). For this service he received the thanks of General Cameron, and was offered a recommendation for a commission in the army. Later, with the same men, he made another night march and turned the enemy's flank at Waikoukou, for which he received the thanks of General Chute. Corbett died on 16 Apr 1889.

Gudgeon (p); Cowan.

Reference: Volume 1, page 105

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