Samuel Austin | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 8 June 1831 Tandragee, County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 25 January 1903 (aged 71) Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Years of service | 1844–1859 (British Army) 1865–1870 (New Zealand militia) |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Whanganui Native Contingent 65th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles / wars | New Zealand Wars |
Samuel Austin NZC (8 June 1831 – 25 January 1903) was an Irishman who served with the British Army and the New Zealand colonial militia. He was a recipient of one of the world's rarest gallantry decorations, the New Zealand Cross.
Born in County Armagh, Austin joined the British Army in 1844 and was posted to the 65th Regiment of Foot. He served in Ireland, Australia and in New Zealand, where he fought in the Hutt Valley campaign. He lived in Whanganui after his discharge, taking up labouring work to support his family. He was called up for service in militia during the Second Taranaki War and was posted to the Whanganui Native Contingent (WNC) as the unit's quartermaster. He was involved in several engagements during the conflict and on two instances rescued wounded officers while under fire. He was later awarded the New Zealand Cross for these actions. He was part of the WNC's involvement in the pursuits of Tītokowaru and Te Kooti. Returning to civilian life in 1870, he worked as a labourer. He died in January 1903.