15 Facts About Trevor Chute

General Sir Trevor Chute, was an Irish-born officer who served in the British Army during the Victorian era.

Trevor Chute returned to New Zealand in 1865 as a major general and commander of all British forces in the country.

Trevor Chute led a four-week campaign during the Second Taranaki War to destroy Maori resistance in the Taranaki.

Trevor Chute, born at Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland, on 31 July 1816, was the third son of Francis Chute and Mary Ann Chute.

Trevor Chute entered the British Army in 1832 and was posted to the Ceylon Rifles.

In India, the regiment was based at Peshawar with Trevor Chute, having been promoted to lieutenant colonel, as its commander.

Trevor Chute received a further promotion to colonel in 1854.

In March 1863 Trevor Chute was promoted to brigadier-general and posted to Australia where he had been appointed commander of British troops stationed there.

Trevor Chute returned to New Zealand as a major-general in September 1865, replacing General Duncan Cameron as commander of the British forces in the country.

Trevor Chute continued his role as commander of British forces in Australia.

Trevor Chute's task was made more difficult though the gradual withdrawal of British forces as the New Zealand Government took greater responsibility for its own defence.

Trevor Chute's tactics were direct; little reconnaissance was carried out when preparing for attacks on villages and instead his force simply mounted a frontal assault, taking few prisoners.

In October 1870 Trevor Chute followed the last imperial troops stationed in Victoria back to England.

Trevor Chute was made a full general in 1877 and four years later was placed on the retired list.

Trevor Chute died at Binfield, near Reading in Berkshire, on 12 March 1886, aged 69.