No, it's neither the correct place or date of birth. Normally that's sufficient to sink the enquiry, and would be for any of my other searches - and why I left it for the last few years. But I am unable to find any Charles Cannon born in that town close to that time. We do have a good case he changed his name from his birth name to George to avoid trouble at Old Bailey because of previous charges, and he used to frequently change his age on different documents. He had all the right motives to join the militia - he went to Sandhurst for gold twice from Tasmania (grandmother told me, shipping matches) - and Otago was also known for gold. Plus land grants were offered. He was newly married just before he signed up (if it's him.) My theory is he may have changed identity to avoid questions about his convict background.
I just can't piece together his involvement in Maori wars - and this is the only Cannon I can find and other details matching so closely and no other explanation.
"1st Waikato Militia
CANNON, Charles, No 1094, enlisted 3 Sep 1863, Sandhurst, born Burgah, Suffolk, England,
labourer, 41 years, 5ft 8in tall, Caduceus, married, discharged by sub 20 May 1865.
ABRAHAMS, Abraham, No 1335, enlisted 20 May 1865, Tauranga, born Stafford, England,
apothecary, 33 years, 5ft 9in tall, sub for 1094 C Cannonn. ?from 2 WR "
I just figured this out: Charles Cannon left on 20 May 1865, and Abrahams was a substitute because he left abruptly. Why would he want to leave abruptly?
Gertrude Lily Cannon, born 20 May 1865, Dunedin.
He may have been a ruffian but his two daughters were brought up like ladies - educated, played piano, spoke Latin - one became a missionary and author.