Chapter 4 - 18th Royal Irish Regiment Band

When the 2nd Battalion of the 18th Irish Regiment first arrived in Auckland in July 1863, Eduard Bergmann was their Bandmaster. Bergmann was well known in his time for composing a musical piece titled The Waikato Waltz. The Band performed not only for military functions such as marches and ceremonial events but also provided music for social occasions such as balls, fairs and charity concerts. They also provided instrumentalists to enlarge the orchestral forces accompanying choral and ensemble performances.

When Bergmann returned to Great Britain in 1865 he was replaced by the Irishman Michael Quinn, a Kneller Hall trained musician. First stationed in Whanganui he was also a cornet player and composer. It was common practice for the Regimental Band to perform works written by their Bandmaster and records of Whanganui performances include mention of his pieces Minnie Clyde, and Choice Spirits. He performed his trumpet solo piece Prussian air with variations at a concert in Auckland in 1868.

In 1867 the Band was relocated to Auckland where it continued to provide music for a range of military, government and social occasions. Quinn also accompanied touring artists such as the Caradini family and was a keen cricketer, playing for various military teams. Robert William Kirkby  was also keen on cricket and is named

By the second half of 1869, the 2nd 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot were the last remaining regiment in New Zealand, with imminent plans to be withdrawn the following year. During this period, the 18th Regiment Band played a crucial role in maintaining morale and providing entertainment. Their performances were highly regarded and featured prominently in Auckland’s social and military events. According to newspaper reports, the band played at numerous occasions between June 1868 and March 1869, including a complimentary dinner for the officers of H.M.S. 'Rosario' in June 1868, a similar event for the officers of the French ship 'Dorade' in July, and a private subscription ball at the New Music Hall in November of that year. Their presence was also noted at theatrical performances, charity concerts, and promenade concerts where they performed symphonies and operatic selections alongside the Auckland Choral Society. These engagements reflected the band's versatility and significance within both the military and civilian communities in New Zealand.

Despite this period of cultural significance for the band, Robert William Kirkby’s military career took a drastic turn. The muster books between April and June 1869 make no mention of Robert still being with the band, although he was still classified as 'effective.' This suggests that his role within the regiment may have changed or ceased entirely. Whether this loss of position contributed to his ultimate decision is unclear, but on the 23rd of July 1869, Robert William Kirkby was officially marked as a deserter.

He was eventually found on the 2nd of September 1869 and sentenced to 56 days in military prison, including four days in confinement. After serving his sentence, he re-enlisted on the 30th of September 1869 and was later deployed to Taranaki on the 26th of November 1869.

At this time, the withdrawal of the 2nd 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot had already begun, with soldiers boarding transport ships bound for Australia. Many returned to Britain or were reassigned to other colonies. Desertion was a growing issue among British soldiers stationed in New Zealand, particularly during the final year of their withdrawal in 1870. Prolonged service in a distant and often harsh colony, coupled with limited opportunities for advancement, led many soldiers to abandon their posts. Some deserted in search of a better life, integrating into civilian society or finding work in industries such as farming and construction. Others had grown disillusioned with the conflict or even sympathized with Māori resistance, particularly regarding land confiscations. The withdrawal process itself provided an opportunity for desertion, as military structures relaxed and oversight diminished. Many deserters changed their names and remained in the colony, making them difficult to trace.

Desertion was particularly high during this period, reaching unprecedented levels as soldiers sought to escape the rigid constraints of military life. Robert was only months away from completing his 12-year service requirement, which would have made him eligible for an army pension. However, having served only 11 years and 3 months, he may have believed that his withdrawal from New Zealand would force him back to Britain before he could claim it—an outcome he likely wished to avoid. His prior demotions and disciplinary issues may also have played a role in his decision, as they likely affected his standing within the regiment and further diminished his motivation to complete his service honorably.

Insights from accounts such as The Adventures of Kimble Bent provide additional context for why soldiers deserted. Many endured harsh discipline, brutal punishments, and relentless expectations that pushed them to their breaking point. Soldiers faced severe floggings, grueling marches, and limited personal freedoms. For some, desertion was not just about seeking a better life but about escaping the unyielding structure and often unforgiving environment of the British military. Others, particularly those stationed in New Zealand for extended periods, became accustomed to the land and saw greater potential in remaining as settlers rather than facing uncertain futures in Britain or being redeployed elsewhere. The combined strain of military discipline, limited career advancement, and the prospect of a new life in New Zealand likely all contributed to Robert’s decision to desert.

On the 16th of January 1870, Robert William Kirkby once again deserted, this time vanishing without a trace. It would appear to be the last record of him for the next 50 years. Later that year, the final 115 soldiers from the 2nd 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot took their discharge in New Zealand. Their departure symbolized the colony’s increasing autonomy but also underscored the ongoing struggles with land and sovereignty that would continue to shape New Zealand's history for decades to come.