James McComish

No 2323 Sergeant James McComish

In 1863 James married Sarah Harrison, daughter of William and Harriet Harrison who had settled in New Plymouth in 1843. They moved to Auckland in 1869 where they remained until Jame's death.

James was born in Northern Ireland in 1836 and enlisted in the 57th West Midland Regiment (Old Die Hards). He came to New Zealand from Poona, India to serve in the New Zealand, or Maori wars in 1861.

During his time in the 57th, he saw active service during the Indian mutiny and the Crimean War. He possed the Crimean Medal and three clasps for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol. He was also awarded the Turkishand New Zealand medals.

During the battle of Balaclava on 25 October 1854 he was witness too the "Charge of the Light Brigade" made famous by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 1854 poem by the same name.

James met with an unfortunate end, falling down the stairs after a performance at the Auckland Opera House. fracturing his skull as a result he died the following day.

ref P.J.McComish (Whakapapa Haritama)

ref Wikipedia (Crimean War)