[4][5] The placement of Alexandra Redoubt was to help secure the flank of the invasion route into the Waikato for the army of General Duncan Cameron, commander of the British forces in New Zealand.

[4][6] On 7 September, around a taua (war party) of 100 warriors of the Kīngitanga (Māori Kīng movement) attacked Camerontown, a depot a few kilometres downstream from Alexandra Redoubt.

Coincidentally, five British officials, one the resident magistrate for the Lower Waikato, were present, having arrived ahead of a supply convoy.

The remaining British were led back to the redoubt by Colour Sergeant Edward McKenna, who was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross as was another man, Lance Corporal John Ryan.

A memorial to the soldiers of the British Army and local militia killed at Camerontown and elsewhere in what was known as the Franklin District was unveiled in December 1916.

Usually taking a square or rectangular plan form, they were prepared by excavating a ditch to a depth of around 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) to define the perimeter of the redoubt.

[2] Alexandra Redoubt, around 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) south of modern-day Tuakau, is positioned on a hilltop about 100 metres (330 ft) high overlooking the Waikato River.