HMS Tortoise (spar ship) 175th anniversary – Thames-Coromandel

While not during New Zealand Archaeology Week 2017 itself the NZAA believe it is important to include and support events which are of a similar nature and which include archaeological aspects.

To be held at Tairua 6th-7th May – will include lectures, a commemoration and a field trip.  Details still to be confirmed.

Background:

Ships gathering spars for the Royal Navy started to arrive in the Coromandel area within about 10 years of Captain James Cook’s visit in 1769.  These included HM Ships Buffalo and  Tortoise; operating near the Tairua River, over the period 1840-43.  Research has revealed historical sketch maps of the general area the crews were working in; and detailed plans of the main camp at Te Karo beach and a ‘camp in the forest’ (CITF) about a kilometer inland.  At Te Karo, there is also the grave of a sailor, accidentally drowned when a small boat capsized when coming ashore (hence the common name ‘Sailor’s Grave Reserve’).  The 175th anniversary commemoration will include a detailed review of the history of HM Ships Buffalo and Tortoise in the area, an on-site commemoration at the Sailors Grave site, a field trip of the camp site and surrounding area, and the unveiling of an interpretation display at the Sailors Grave Reserve.