Question: Who was the New Zealand Wars Victoria Cross recipient for the Unit that was launched on 18 November 1846 ?

text: List of New Zealand Wars Victoria Cross recipients
Recipients

The Victoria Cross (VC) was awarded to 15 recipients for action during the New Zealand Wars. The VC is a military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy to members of armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals; it may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command. The award was officially constituted when Queen Victoria issued a warrant under the Royal sign-manual on 29 January 1856, which was gazetted on 5 February 1856. The order was backdated to 1854 to recognise acts of valour during the Crimean War. Originally, the VC was not available to colonial troops, even if under British command, but this changed in 1867. The extension was made following a recommendation for gallantry regarding colonial soldier Major Charles Heaphy for action in the land wars in 1864. He was operating under British command and the VC was gazetted in 1867. Later that year, the Government of New Zealand assumed full responsibility for operations but no further recommendations for the Victoria Cross were raised for local troops who distinguished themselves in action. Following gallant actions by three New Zealand soldiers in November 1868 and January 1869 during the land wars, an Order in Council on 10 March 1869 created a Distinctive Decoration for members of the local forces without seeking permission from the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Although the Governor was chided for exceeding his authority, the Order in Council was ratified by the Queen. The title Distinctive Decoration was later replaced by the title New Zealand Cross.
Recipients Unit Campaign Date Location
John Down 057 57th Regiment of Foot Second Taranaki War 1863-10-02 2 October 1863 Poutoko , New Zealand
Charles Heaphy Auckland Militia Invasion of Waikato 1864-02-11 11 February 1864 Paterangi Pa , New Zealand
John Lucas 040 40th Regiment of Foot First Taranaki War 1861-03-18 18 March 1861 Waitara , New Zealand
William Manley Royal Artillery Tauranga Campaign 1864-04-29 29 April 1864 Tauranga , New Zealand
Edward McKenna 065 65th Regiment of Foot Invasion of Waikato 1863-09-07 7 September 1863 Cameron Town , New Zealand
John McNeill 107 107th Bengal Infantry Regiment Invasion of Waikato 1864-03-30 30 March 1864 Ohaupo , New Zealand
Samuel Mitchell HMS Harrier Tauranga Campaign 1864-04-29 29 April 1864 Tauranga , New Zealand
John Murray 068 68th Regiment of Foot Tauranga Campaign 1864-06-21 21 June 1864 Tauranga , New Zealand
William Odgers HMS Niger First Taranaki War 1860-03-28 28 March 1860 Omata , New Zealand
Arthur Pickard Royal Artillery Invasion of Waikato 1863-11-20 20 November 1863 Rangiriri , New Zealand
John Ryan 065 65th Regiment of Foot Invasion of Waikato 1863-09-07 7 September 1863 Cameron Town , New Zealand
Hugh Shaw 018 18th Regiment of Foot Second Taranaki War 1865-01-24 24 January 1865 Nukumaru , New Zealand
Frederick Smith 043 43rd Regiment of Foot Tauranga Campaign 1864-01-21 21 January 1864 Tauranga , New Zealand
Dudley Stagpoole 057 57th Regiment of Foot Second Taranaki War 1863-10-02 2 October 1863 Poutoko , New Zealand
William Temple Royal Artillery Invasion of Waikato 1863-11-20 20 November 1863 Rangiriri , New Zealand