BRASSEY, WILLOUGHBY (1818-1904) as a young man served in the British navy. Retiring in 1839, he entered the service of the East India Company and was present at the operations in Scinde, Afghanistan and against the Southern Mahrattas. He was acting field engineer at the sieges of Panalla, Powenghur, Managhur, Mansingtosh and Samunghur; was five years adjutant of his regiment and retired on half-pay with the rank of captain. Brassey being in New Zealand in 1865, the Government commissioned him as a major in the Taranaki Military Settlers, and he was sent with a force of 400 to garrison Pipiriki against a Hauhau invasion by the river route. The enemy by a surprise movement took possession of high ground overlooking the position and was only driven out by a resolute assault under Lieutenant Cleary. Some time later a relieving force arrived from Wanganui. Brassey was next sent to Opotiki (Sep 1865) and shortly afterwards retired from the force. He died at Christchurch on 29 Jan 1904.

Cowan ii; Gudgeon (p); Lyttelton Times.

Reference: Volume 1, page 61

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