PRATT, SIR THOMAS SIMSON (1797-1879) was the son of a military officer and, after being educated at St Andrew's University, received his commission in the 37th Regiment (1814). He saw service in Holland, China, India, Australia and New Zealand. (Capt., 1825; lieut-col., 1841; maj-general, 1856; C.B., 1841.) He arrived in Taranaki as general officer commanding on 3 Aug 1860, reorganised the defences of New Plymouth and conducted the operations against Hapurona's forces. On 9 Sep he led the largest force that had yet taken the field in New Zealand, and engaged the enemy at the peach grove at Huirangi. On 9 Oct he advanced towards the native position at Te Arei, and two days later commenced the long sap. On 5 Nov at Mahoetahi the allied tribes were defeated in a stubborn engagement in which the Ngati-Haua and other northern tribes displayed unrivalled gallantry. Redoubts were built at suitable positions, but the Maori with great pertinacity came out under cover of darkness and filled in the large sap. Hostilities were suspended for three days (12-14 Mar) at the request of Wiremu Tamihana. British reinforcements arrived from Australia and a heavy siege train was brought into operation, but on 19 Mar hostilities ceased, the Government having agreed to investigate the Waitara purchase.

Pratt left shortly afterwards for Australia. He attained field rank in 1865 and became a full general in 1873. (K.C.B. 1861.) He died on 2 Feb 1879.

D.N.B.; App. H.R., 1861-63; Cowan; Grace; Harrop, England and Maori Wars; The Times and Evening Post, 6 Feb 1879.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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