Duncan Cameron (British Army officer)

Duncan Cameron (1808 – 1 June 1888) was a British Army officer who served with distinction in the Crimean War and later commanded British forces during the New Zealand Wars, specifically the Waikato campaign.

Born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, Cameron entered the British Army as an ensign in 1825. He saw active service during the Crimean War (1854-1856), where he commanded the 42nd Regiment of Foot (the Black Watch). He was wounded at the Battle of Alma, and later commanded a brigade at the Siege of Sevastopol. For his service in the Crimea, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

In 1861, Cameron was appointed commander of British forces in New Zealand, with the local rank of lieutenant-general. He was tasked with suppressing Māori resistance to European settlement, particularly in the Waikato region. He led the British forces during the Waikato campaign (1863-1864), capturing key Māori strongholds such as Rangiriri and Orakau. While he achieved military successes, his cautious approach and perceived slowness drew criticism from some settlers and colonial officials who favoured a more aggressive and rapid conquest.

Cameron's relationship with the Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey, was often strained due to disagreements over strategy and the treatment of Māori. He resigned his command in 1865 and returned to England. Despite the controversies surrounding his command in New Zealand, Cameron was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1866 and general in 1877. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1873. He died in 1888.