The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Von Tempsky, Major Gustavus F.
Von Tempsky, Major Gustavus F., was a Prussian by birth, and belonged to a family of position. He entered the Prussian army at an early age, and after serving in the Hussars went out to South America in search of adventure. He was an excellent linguist and a man of high literary attainments, his book of travels in South America being widely read. Subsequently he led a wandering life, first on the Californian goldfields and then on those of Victoria, but ultimately proceeded to Central America, whence he went to New Zealand and offered himself for service in the Waikato war of 1863. His offer was accepted, and he was appointed in August of that year ensign of a company of Forest Rangers, raised mainly at his own expense, with the view of carrying on similar operations against the Maoris to those to which Von Tempsky had been accustomed in Central America against the Indians. He subsequently greatly distinguished himself at Paparatio, Patirangi, Orakau, Wanganui, and Kakaramea. At a dinner given in his honour by the Premier, the latter declared that Major von Tempsky had done more to raise the character of the colonial force than any other officer, and that he was the great bulwark of the self-reliant policy; yet the very next day the Major was ordered to proceed to Waiapu and place himself under the command of Lieut.-Col. Fraser, a newly arrived officer from England. Major von Tempsky objected to being subordinated to a junior officer of very recent standing in the colonial force, and sent in his resignation. His men at the same time refused to proceed without him. The Government declined to accept the Major's resignation, and requested him to induce his men to abandon their mutinous attitude. He refused to move in the matter, and was then categorically asked whether he would proceed to Napier and report himself to his commanding officer. This he again refused to do, and pressed for the acceptance of his resignation. He was then deprived of his sword and placed under close arrest. Ultimately the affair was smoothed over, and Major von Tempsky rejoined the service. At the close of the campaign he went to reside in Auckland, and painted a number of pictures of encounters with the Maoris. When the Armed Constabulary was formed, he accepted an inspectorship in the force, and was killed in the ill-fated engagement with the followers of Titokowaru at Nguto-o-te-Manu on Sept. 7th, 1868. The chief command on this fatal occasion was held by a Lieut.-Col. McDonnell, who led one party of Europeans, and Major von Tempsky another. The Maoris planned a successful ambush, and Major von Tempsky was shot dead whilst in the act of encouraging his men.