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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8366fc9 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55461 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55461) diff --git a/old/55461-0.txt b/old/55461-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2332b4f..0000000 --- a/old/55461-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9690 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of the V.C., by A. L. Haydon - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Book of the V.C. - A record of the deeds of heroism for which the Victoria - Cross has been bestowed, from its institution in 1857 to - the present time - -Author: A. L. Haydon - -Release Date: August 30, 2017 [EBook #55461] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF THE V.C. *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - -THE BOOK OF THE V.C. - - -_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_ - - WITH PIZARRO THE CONQUISTADOR - CANADA: BRITAIN’S LARGEST COLONY - THE EMPIRE ELOCUTIONIST - STORIES OF KING ARTHUR - - - - -[Illustration: HOW LORD ROBERTS WON THE V.C. - -HE OVERTOOK THE PAIR JUST AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO SEEK REFUGE IN A VILLAGE, -AND ENGAGED THEM BOTH AT ONCE.--_Frontispiece._--_See p. 75._] - - - - - THE BOOK - OF THE - V.C. - - _A Record of the Deeds of Heroism for which - the Victoria Cross has been bestowed, from - its Institution in 1857, to the Present Time_ - - COMPILED FROM OFFICIAL PAPERS AND - OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES - - BY - A. L. HAYDON - AUTHOR OF “WITH PIZARRO THE CONQUISTADOR” ETC. ETC. - - _WITH TEN ILLUSTRATIONS_ - - NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY - 31 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET. 1907 - - - - - TO MY SON - ARTHUR CECIL HILLYARD - - (“MAC”) - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAP. PAGE - - I. THE ORIGIN OF THE VICTORIA CROSS AND THE FIRST - PRESENTATION 1 - - II. THE CRIMEA.--THE BATTLE OF THE ALMA 9 - - III. THE CRIMEA.--IN THE BALACLAVA CHARGES 16 - - IV. THE CRIMEA.--THE HEROES OF INKERMAN 27 - - V. THE CRIMEA.--WITH THE SAPPERS AND MINERS.--IN - TRENCH AND RIFLE-PIT 34 - - VI. THE CRIMEAN CROSSES OF THE NAVY 45 - - VII. PERSIA.--HOW THE SQUARE WAS BROKEN 57 - - VIII. INDIA.--THE GALLANT NINE AT DELHI 61 - - IX. INDIA.--WITH SABRE AND GUN AGAINST SEPOY 69 - - X. INDIA.--THE BLOWING UP OF THE CASHMERE GATE 78 - - XI. INDIA.--THE STORY OF KOLAPORE KERR 84 - - XII. INDIA.--THE DEFENCE OF THE DHOOLIES 92 - - XIII. INDIA.--THREE BRAVE CIVILIANS: MANGLES, - McDONELL, AND “LUCKNOW” KAVANAGH 102 - - XIV. INDIA.--SOME OTHER CROSSES OF THE MUTINY 112 - - XV. IN THE SIXTIES.--CHINA, JAPAN, INDIA, WEST AFRICA, - AND CANADA 124 - - XVI. NEW ZEALAND.--FIGHTING THE MAORIS 133 - - XVII. IN ASHANTI BUSH AND MALAY JUNGLE 142 - - XVIII. HOW SOME AFGHAN CROSSES WERE WON 150 - - XIX. MAIWAND.--A GUNNER’S STORY 161 - - XX. ZULULAND.--THE DASH WITH THE COLOURS FROM ISANDHLANA 168 - - XXI. ZULULAND.--HOW THEY HELD THE POST AT RORKE’S DRIFT 178 - - XXII. SOME OTHER ZULU AND SOME OTHER BASUTO CROSSES 189 - - XXIII. SOUTH AFRICA.--AGAINST BOERS AND MATABELE 198 - - XXIV. IN EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN 207 - - XXV. V.C. HEROES OF THE INDIAN FRONTIER 216 - - XXVI. HOW SURGEON-CAPTAIN WHITCHURCH WON FAME 223 - - XXVII. WHEN THE AFRIDIS WERE UP 229 - - XXVIII. SOUTH AFRICA.--THE V.C.’S OF THE SECOND BOER WAR 239 - - XXIX. SOMALILAND--NIGERIA--TIBET 253 - - APPENDICES 263-294 - - APPENDIX A. ROYAL WARRANTS 263 - - ” B. THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C. 269 - - ” C. WARS AND CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH THE - V.C. HAS BEEN WON, FROM 1854 TO 1904 272 - - ” D. COMPLETE ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RECIPIENTS - OF THE V.C. 274 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - PAGE - - HOW LORD ROBERTS WON THE V.C. _Frontispiece_ - - THE VICTORIA CROSS 3 - - THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C., IN HYDE PARK, JUNE - 26, 1857 5 - - “I GOT HIM TO STAND AT THE HORSE’S HEAD WHILST I LIFTED - THE CAPTAIN OFF” 22 - - THE ESCORT CAME SWINGING UP THE ROAD WITHOUT A SUSPICION - OF DANGER 53 - - McMANUS NOW RUSHED OUT, ACCOMPANIED BY PRIVATE JOHN - RYAN … AND CARRIED IN CAPTAIN ARNOLD 98 - - REINING IN HIS HORSE, HE TURNED TO CATCH VOSPER’S … - AND HELPED THE ORDERLY TO REMOUNT 137 - - WITH THE FLAG … FIRMLY GRIPPED IN HIS HAND, MELVILL - SPURRED HIS HORSE FOR THE RIVER 173 - - GRAVE OF MELVILL AND COGHILL 175 - - THE COLONEL HAD TO RIDE BACK … AND, WHILE ASSEGAIS - AND SHOTS SPED PAST HIM, CARRY OFF THE DISMOUNTED - MAN UPON HIS HORSE 193 - - PIPER FINDLATER … PROPPED HIMSELF UP AGAINST A - BOULDER AND CONTINUED TO PLAY HIS PIPES 236 - - THE GUNS WERE REACHED, BUT AT ONCE BOER SHELLS AND - BULLETS BEGAN TO DROP THICKLY AROUND 242 - - - - -PREFACE - - -The celebration this year of the Jubilee of the Victoria Cross may be -offered as sufficient excuse for the appearance of this volume. Such a -notable event deserves to be fittingly commemorated, and it is in the -hope that it will be accepted as a standard work on the subject that the -present book is put forth. My original intention of telling the stories -of _all_ the V.C. exploits was found to be impracticable within the -limit of space prescribed. A selection, therefore, has been made, and -these instances--a very large number--have been narrated more or less at -length. The history of the Decoration has been brought right up to date. - -In such a book as this, accuracy is of course of the first importance, -and in my account of the deeds that won the Cross I have been at -considerable pains to verify the smallest particulars. To this end -the _London Gazette_ and other authentic sources have been consulted, -while in many cases the information has been obtained from the V.C. men -themselves. It is possible, however, that errors have crept in despite -the care exercised, and I shall be grateful if any reader who detects a -misstatement will notify me of the fact, that the correction may be made -in a future edition. - - A. L. H. - -LONDON, _June 1906_. - - - Muscovite metal makes this English Cross, - Won in a rain of blood and wreath of flame; - The guns that thundered for their brave lives’ loss - Are worn hence, for their fame! - - … - - The men of all the army and the fleet, - The very bravest of the very brave, - Linesman and Lord--these fought with equal feet - Firm-planted on the grave. - - The men who, setting light their blood and breath, - So they might win a victor’s haught renown, - Held their steel straight against the face of Death, - And frowned his frowning down. - - … - - And some who climbed the deadly glacis-side, - For all that steel could stay, or savage shell; - And some, whose blood upon the Colours dried - Tells if they bore them well. - - Some, too, who, gentle-hearted even in strife, - Seeing their fellow or their friend go down, - Saved his, at peril of their own dear life, - Winning the Civic Crown. - - Well done for them; and, fair Isle, well for thee! - While that thy bosom beareth sons like those, - “_The little gem set in the silver sea_” - Shall never fear her foes! - - SIR EDWIN ARNOLD. - - - - -THE BOOK OF THE V.C. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE ORIGIN OF THE VICTORIA CROSS AND THE FIRST PRESENTATION. - - -Every nation loves to honour the brave deeds of her sons. We know how in -olden times this was done, how the Romans conferred a “Civic Crown” upon -the hero who saved a citizen’s life, and inscribed his name in letters of -gold upon the marble wall in the Capitol. In these modern days it is the -custom to bestow a medal or similar decoration upon the bravest of the -brave, as a public mark of appreciation of their heroism. - -So Russia has its Order of St. George, which is conferred solely for -exceptional gallantry on the field of battle; Austria its Order of -Maria Theresa (so exclusive that there are not more than twenty living -possessors of its Cross); Prussia its Order “Pour le Mérite”; France its -Legion of Honour and War Medal; and the United States a “Medal of Honour” -which carries no privileges and confers no rank on the bearer, and which, -curiously enough, is sent to the recipient through the post. - -Great Britain’s symbol of the grand democracy of valour is a little -Maltese cross of bronze, insignificant to look at beside many a more -showy medal, and intrinsically worth only fourpence halfpenny, but the -most coveted decoration of all that our soldiers and sailors can aspire -to. - -Somewhat reminiscent of a badge awarded to the 28th Regiment after the -siege of Badajoz in the Peninsular War,--a badge which bore a crown, a -star, and the letters V.S., signifying “Valiant Stormer,”--the Victoria -Cross is adorned with a crown surmounted by a lion, and a scroll bearing -the simple inscription “For Valour.” On the reverse side of the medal -is given the date or dates of the act of bravery for which it has been -awarded, while the name of the recipient is inscribed at the back of the -bar to which it is attached by a V. The Cross, which is cast from cannon -that were taken at Sebastopol, is suspended from its wearer’s left breast -by a piece of ribbon, blue for the Navy and crimson for the Army. - -Such is the world-famed Victoria Cross. What, then, was its origin? For -answer to this we must go back to the days of the Crimean War, fifty -years ago. Up to this time decorations for distinguished services in -the field were very sparsely distributed. The men of Wellington’s day -were thought to be sufficiently honoured if they were “mentioned in -despatches.” But after the Crimean campaign, in which British soldiers -did such prodigies of valour, a feeling arose that some medal should be -struck as a reward for bravery in the face of the enemy. - -Perhaps it was the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava that inspired -the idea, but, however this may be, a certain Captain Scobell, R.N., -sometime M.P. for Bath, set on foot an agitation which at length drew -the attention of the authorities and led in due course to the institution -of the Victoria Cross. The new decoration, which by Queen Victoria’s -special desire bore her own name, was first announced in the _London -Gazette_ on February 5th, 1856. The present year, therefore, celebrates -its jubilee. - -[Illustration: THE VICTORIA CROSS.] - -As stated in the original Royal Warrant, which is given in full in the -Appendix, the Cross entitles all its bearers below commissioned rank -to a pension of £10 a year, with an additional £5 for each extra clasp -or bar,[1] and, by a recent clause, an increase to £50 a year in cases -where the recipient is incapacitated by old age or ill-health. Another -important new alteration in the rules provides that if a man dies in -winning the V.C. the decoration shall be handed to his relatives. - -It is the great distinction of the Victoria Cross that it may be won -by the humblest member of the services. “Linesman and Lord,” private -soldier, common sailor, Field-Marshal and Admiral, are all on a level -on the Roll of Valour. Out of the 522 Crosses which have been bestowed -up to the present time (June 1906), it has been, or is still, worn by -three Field-Marshals, six Admirals, one clergyman, three civilians, and -twenty-five Army doctors. - -Furthermore, how truly democratic is the decoration is shown by the fact -that it has been won by three men of colour--Seaman Hall, a negro serving -in Captain Peel’s Naval Brigade at Lucknow, and Sergeant Gordon and -Private Hodge, both of the West India Regiment. - -Of the different campaigns in which the Cross was won the Indian Mutiny -yielded the greatest number, 182. The Crimean War accounted for 111; -the recent South African War comes third with 78; while the Zulu War -provided 23; and the Afghan War of 1870-80, 16. In the list of V.C. -regiments--excepting the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers, which -have forty-one and twenty-seven Crosses to their credit--the South Wales -Borderers top the list with sixteen. Next in order come the Rifle Brigade -(fourteen), the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, the 9th Lancers, and the Gordon -Highlanders (thirteen each), and the Seaforth Highlanders (eleven). The -Black Watch and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) total ten each. - -It is pleasing to note, too, in this connection how many V.C.’s have -been won by Colonial troopers, for the most part in the late South -African War. No fewer than twenty-five were awarded to South Africans, -Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders, showing of what sterling -metal were these Sons of the Empire who crossed the seas to fight at the -call of the Mother Country. - - * * * * * - -The first presentation of the V.C. took place on June 26th, 1857, the -year after the close of the Crimean War. The scene of the ceremony was -Hyde Park, and on that beautiful summer morning the sun shone down -upon a brilliant spectacle. A large body of troops under the command -of the veteran Sir Colin Campbell, comprised of Life Guards, Dragoons, -Hussars, Royal Engineers, Artillery, and other regiments, together with a -detachment of smart-looking Bluejackets, were drawn up in imposing array, -and a vast number of people of all ranks had assembled to await the -coming of Royalty, for the Queen herself was to pin the Crosses on to the -heroes’ breasts with her own hand. - -Just before ten o’clock, to the booming of a royal salute, her Majesty, -with the Prince Consort, the Crown Prince of Prussia, the Prince of Wales -and his brother Prince Alfred (the late Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha), all -on horseback, rode into the Park and took their places near the dais that -had been prepared. On a small table near by, showing up strongly against -the scarlet cloth with which it was covered, lay the Crosses that were to -be bestowed that morning. The little band of sixty-two heroes, headed by -Lieutenant Knox, of the Rifle Brigade, meanwhile stood at ease a little -distance off, the observed of all observers, until the signal was given, -and then one by one they came forward as Lord Panmure, the then Secretary -for War, read out their names. - -As a complete list of these first recipients of the V.C. is given at the -end of this volume I need not enumerate them here, but there were one -or two, notably Lieutenant (now Rear-Admiral) Lucas, the first man to -be awarded the decoration, Lieutenant Hewett (“Bully Hewett” as he was -popularly known), the gallant Commander (late Rear-Admiral) Bythesea, and -Lieutenant Knox, whose empty sleeve bore eloquent witness to his daring -bravery at the storming of the Redan, who stood out from the rest. And -hardly less conspicuous among those present were Lord Cardigan, at the -head of the 11th Hussars and mounted on the very horse that carried him -through the Balaclava Charge, and Fenwick Williams, the gallant defender -of Kars. - -The presentation, the most historic ceremony that Hyde Park has ever -witnessed, was over in barely more than ten minutes. After the last -Cross had been pinned on Major Bourchier’s breast the little band of -heroes was drawn up in line again, and a review of the troops brought the -proceedings to a close. - - * * * * * - -A truly glorious and inspiring record is that of the V.C. The stories of -how the Cross was won, though they cannot be told as fully as one could -wish, make a Golden Book of Valour that every British boy should be made -familiar with, as the sons of the old Norsemen were made familiar with -the sagas of their heroes. For they tell not merely of physical courage, -which the ancients extolled as the highest of all the virtues, but of -that moral courage which demands even more fully our admiration. - -[Illustration: THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C., IN HYDE PARK, JUNE 26, -1857.--_Page 5._] - -One’s heart warms at the recollection of the giant M’Bean slaying his -eleven sepoys single-handed at Lucknow, but his heroism pales before -that of Kavanagh or of Surgeon Home and the other heroes of “Dhoolie -Square.” Their gallant deeds were not performed in the fierce heat of -battle, when in the excitement of the moment a man may be so lifted out -of himself as to become unconsciously a veritable paladin, but done -quietly, from a high sense of duty and in the name of humanity, in the -face of what looked like certain death. - -There is room only in the succeeding chapters for a recital of a limited -number of the deeds that won the Cross. One would like to tell of all, -making no exceptions, but such a task is beyond the scope of this volume. -The most striking and most notable acts in the annals of the V.C. have -accordingly been selected, and while keeping strictly to fact the -endeavour has been made to present them in a worthily attractive setting. - -And in calling to mind the heroism of the brave men who figure in these -pages let us not forget those who may be said to have equally earned the -distinction but who for some reason or other were passed over. Of such -were Chaplain Smith, who was one of the heroes of Rorke’s Drift; Gumpunt -Rao Deo Ker, the Mahratta sowar who stood by Lieutenant Kerr’s side at -Kolapore, saving his leader’s life more than once in that terrible fight; -and the gallant little bugler boy, Tom Keep, of the Grenadier Guards, -who, while the battle of Inkerman was at its height and bullets were -whistling round him (one actually passed through his jacket), went about -tending the wounded on the field. These are names among many that deserve -to be inscribed high up on the scroll which perpetuates the memory of our -bravest of the brave. - -Out of the 522 winners of the V.C. some 200 are alive at the present -time. Death has been busy of late years in thinning the ranks. Only the -other day, as it seems, we lost Seaman Trewavas, Mr. Ross Lowis Mangles -(one of the few civilians decorated), General Channer, and Baker Pasha. -We have, however, still with us the senior winner of the distinction, -Rear-Admiral Lucas, whose exploit is narrated at length in its proper -place, Field-Marshals Lord Roberts, Sir George White, and Sir Evelyn -Wood, Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon, General Sir Redvers Buller, and many -another hero of high rank. May the day be far distant when their names -have to be erased from the survivors’ roll! - -[1] No such clasp or bar has yet been granted. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE CRIMEA.--THE BATTLE OF THE ALMA. - - -It was in the Crimean War, as noted in the preceding chapter, that the -first Victoria Crosses were won. I do not purpose giving a history of the -war here, for space does not permit of it, nor would it be altogether in -place. But for a proper appreciation of the incidents which I am about -to describe it is necessary to say something about the events which led -up to the war. The reader who wants to obtain a completer grasp of the -campaign, the first great European war that our army had been engaged in -since the war against Napoleon, will of course turn to an authoritative -history for information, not forgetting to keep a map in front of him -while he reads. - -The war in the Crimea originated in the aggressive movements of Russia -against her old enemy the Turk. For centuries the Crimea itself had been -the scene of constant warfare between the two nations, its independence -as a separate state under the rule of its own Khans being at length -secured towards the end of the eighteenth century, in the hope that peace -would come to the troubled district. - -But it was not to be so. Russia could not keep her hands off the desired -province, the possession of which meant a step gained in the direction of -Constantinople and the conquest of the Ottomans. Accordingly the treaty -with the Turks was violated by the Empress Catherine, and the Crimea was -seized again by the Russians. Fortresses of formidable dimensions now -sprang up on the borders, the greatest and most famous of these being the -naval arsenal of Sebastopol, which was built at the southern extremity of -the peninsula, in the Black Sea. - -In due time the Tsar Nicholas I. ascended the throne of Muscovy, and, -believing that the hostility of France towards England needed little -to be fanned into flame, he thought the time propitious to carry out -his ambitious scheme of conquest. With France involved in a war with -this country he had no reason to fear interference with his plans. -Having picked a quarrel with the Sultan, therefore, on a matter of -dispute between the Greek and Roman Catholic Churches, relating to -the guardianship of the Holy Places, especially the Holy Sepulchre in -Palestine, the Tsar flung an army into the provinces of the Danube. - -But he had reckoned without his host. In the face of this common danger -(for the downfall of the Turks meant a Russian menace of the whole of -Europe), England and France sank their differences and joined forces -against the Russians. In obstinate mood, and confident in the strength of -his huge army, the Tsar held on his way, with the result that the Allies -declared war. This was in 1854. - -Contrary to Russian expectations, the war opened in the Crimea. Here the -combined fleets made their appearance in September of the same year, -the troops landing on the western coast. The English army was under the -command of Lord Raglan, the French commander-in-chief being Marshal -St. Arnaud. Marching southward towards Sebastopol, at which a blow was -aimed, the allied army gained its first victories at Alma and Balaclava. -Then commenced the long and memorable siege of Sebastopol, which was not -reduced until September of the following year. - -In the meantime, however, was fought the great battle of Inkerman, “the -soldiers’ battle,” as it has been called, one of the most terrible fights -that Europe has seen. This took place in November 1854. - -The winter, spring, and summer of the following year were taken up -with the siege operations, which progressed but slowly owing to the -severity of the winter and the many natural difficulties to be overcome. -Our troops, too, as is now a matter of history, were scandalously -ill-equipped for the campaign, and when we read of how badly they were -clothed and fed, of what little provision there was for the care of the -wounded, and altogether of the gross mismanagement that characterised the -conduct of the campaign, we feel all the more pride that our men fought -so well and achieved so much success in the face of such tremendous odds. - -The tale of those eleven months, from October 1854 to September 1855, is -one of sorties, of sapping and mining, of desperate deeds done in the -trenches in the dead of night, of the gradual reducing of the Sebastopol -outworks. Great things were done by our men at the attacks on the Mamelon -Tower and the Redan, and by the French at the storming of the Malakoff, -the capture of the last-named giving the command of the fortress. On -the night that the Malakoff fell the Russians evacuated the town, and -Sebastopol was taken possession of by the Allies. - -By the Peace of Paris, which was concluded on March 30th, 1856, the war -came to an end, and our army, sadly reduced in numbers by cholera and -other diseases, more than by the enemy’s shells and bullets, returned -home. - -In giving an outline of the Crimean campaign mention must not be -omitted of the British fleet sent into the Baltic at an early stage in -the hostilities. This fleet was unsuccessful in doing much damage to -the Russian ships which sought refuge behind the strong fortresses of -Cronstadt and Sveaborg, but it stormed and took Bomarsund and the Äland -Islands. In the following year (1855) it renewed the attack, and after a -determined bombardment succeeded in partially destroying Sveaborg. - -It was in this naval campaign, and in the operations in the Black Sea and -Sea of Azov, that our Bluejackets and Marines did such signal service, -and that several of them won the right to put V.C. after their names. - - * * * * * - -Five of the Crosses won at the battle of the Alma were gained in defence -of the colours. - -In the advance on the Russian batteries which were posted on the heights, -the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers formed one of the regiments on the left -wing, the French attacking on the right. It was a perilous climb up -the precipitous rocky slopes, and particularly so for a marked man -like he who bore the colours. Young Lieutenant Anstruther, a mere lad -of eighteen, who proudly carried the Queen’s colours, learnt this to -his cost, for when he was within a few yards of the nearest Russian -earthwork a bullet through the heart laid him low. - -In a moment a private had caught up the silken banner now sadly stained -with blood, but Sergeant Luke O’Connor, a young Irishman of twenty-four, -who had followed close on poor Anstruther’s heels and had been himself -struck down, regained his feet although badly wounded in the breast, and -claimed the flag. “Come on, 23rd!” he shouted. “Follow me!” - -It was in vain that the gallant sergeant was ordered to the rear to have -his wound attended to; he refused to abandon the colours, and right -through that fierce fight he accompanied the Fusiliers, bearing a charmed -life, as was made evident later. When the flag was inspected at the close -of the action it was found to be riddled with bullet holes, having been -hit in at least twenty-six places. - -O’Connor received a commission for his bravery on this occasion in -addition to the Cross for Valour, but he did not exchange from the -regiment. Loyal to the corps he loved, he remained in it, and in time -rose to command it. - -On the same day another Welsh Fusilier, Captain Bell, distinguished -himself by capturing a Russian gun which was limbered up and being -dragged from the redoubt. Leaving his company and dashing after it alone, -he pointed his revolver at the head of the driver, who incontinently -dismounted and bolted. - -A private then coming to his aid, Captain Bell turned the gun team round, -and was returning in triumph to his comrades when Sir George Brown, -his superior officer, angrily ordered him back to his place in the -regiment, reprimanding him for having quitted it without leave. He had -to relinquish the gun forthwith, but some hours later, when he and his -remnant of men marched in, he learnt to his great satisfaction that the -gun was still in the English lines. The captured horses, it is recorded, -were employed in one of our batteries for some time afterwards, while the -gun itself was taken to Woolwich, where I believe it is still to be seen. - -For this action, which had not escaped notice despite his commander’s -rebuke, Captain Bell received the Cross, but had it not been awarded -then he would have undoubtedly won it later at Inkerman, where he -displayed exceptional gallantry. Both O’Connor and Captain Bell became -Major-Generals in after years; the ex-sergeant of the Welsh Fusiliers, -who is still in the land of the living, enjoying the distinction of being -one of the two V.C.’s who have risen to that high grade from the ranks. - -The second of the Crosses bestowed for defending the colours fell to -Lieutenant Lindsay, of the Scots Fusilier Guards, afterwards well known -as Lord Wantage. - -At a critical moment in the battle an order given to the Royal Welsh to -retire was mistaken by the Scots Guards as meant for them, and they began -to retreat in considerable disorder. Lieutenant Lindsay, who carried the -regimental colours, stood his ground with his escort, endeavouring in -vain to rally the broken ranks. The tide of men swept past him to the -rear, however, and the little knot of soldiers round the colours was -isolated. In this perilous position they were fiercely attacked by a body -of Russians, the escort falling almost to a man, and leaving Lindsay -and a fellow-officer to stand back to back and keep off the enemy with -revolvers. - -Help was speedily forthcoming, however. Seeing their officer’s danger, -Sergeants Knox and M’Kechnie, with Private Reynolds, hastened to his side -and successfully held the Russians in check until the regiment re-formed -and advanced again. All three men, it is satisfactory to add, were -similarly decorated. - -Of Sergeant Knox more was heard later, especially at the storming of -the Redan, where he lost an arm. By this time he had been promoted -to a lieutenancy and transferred to the Rifle Brigade, from which he -subsequently retired with the rank of Major. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE CRIMEA.--IN THE BALACLAVA CHARGES. - - -It is not remembered as it should be that there were two brilliant -charges made at Balaclava, on that grey day of October 25th, 1854. -Tennyson’s stirring lines in honour of the Charge of the Light Brigade -have given enduring fame to the “noble Six Hundred,” but the exploit of -the “Three Hundred,” the Heavy Brigade, should make the name of Balaclava -equally thrilling to us. - -The Heavy Brigade was composed of squadrons of the 4th and 5th Dragoon -Guards, Scots Greys, Inniskilling Dragoons, and the 1st Royals, under -the command of Brigadier-General Yorke Scarlett. At an early stage of -the fight Scarlett was proceeding with his brigade to the support of -the “thin red line” which was bearing the brunt of the Russian attack, -when suddenly a huge mass of Russian cavalry, Cossacks and others, 3000 -strong, loomed up on the heights to their left. - -The situation was a perilous one, as the General saw in a glance. The -launching of that great crowd of Russians upon the valley below meant -annihilation for his little force. With a quick command to “wheel into -line,” Scarlett gave orders for the brigade to form up, facing the enemy. -By some blunder, however, the movement was not properly executed, and -when the Russians flung out in a wide-spreading crescent to envelop the -few hundreds of British redcoats below them, two squadrons of the Scots -Greys with one of the 6th Inniskillings were left in front to receive the -first shock of the attack. - -With that menacing horde of grey-coated, black-bearded Russians, poised -like a hawk about to swoop upon its prey, there was no time for pause. -Shrill on the air the “Charge!” rang out, and with Scarlett leading them, -the little advance body of “Heavies”--300 men of the Scots Greys and -Inniskillings--dashed off to meet the foe. - -We have no such details of the fight as were forthcoming after the Charge -of the Light Brigade, but we know that it was a most desperate affair. -For every one of that handful of men, flung into a mass of the enemy that -outnumbered them many times over, it was a hand-to-hand struggle for -life of the most heroic kind. For a few moments they were lost to sight. -Then out of the heaving, surging multitude the black bearskins and brass -helmets of the Scotsmen and Irishmen broke into view here and there, -while their sabres flashed in the sun as they hewed their way through. - -It was a battle of giants. What wonder that the Russians gave for a brief -moment under the fierce onset? - - “There’s fear in their faces; they shrink from the shock; - They will open the door, only loud enough knock; - Keep turning the key, lest we stick in the lock! - Dear England for Ever, Hurrah!” - - “Scarlett’s Three Hundred,” Gerald Massey. - -At this juncture the other squadrons that had been left behind came -galloping to the rescue. Into the swaying mass they plunged, and soon -afterwards “Cossack and Russian,” reeling from the sabre-stroke as they -did again a little later, fell back in confusion. The peril was past, the -day won. - -Of how Brigadier-General Scarlett, Lieutenant Elliot, Captain Williams -and Major Clarke of the Scots Greys, and the other officers who led that -fierce charge, bore themselves, the regimental records tell more than -do the history books. Very few escaped unscathed, and there were many -like Elliot, who had no fewer than fifteen wounds, sword cuts and lance -thrusts. And as with the officers, so was it with the men. There was -not one but proved himself a hero that day. We can well understand how -old Sir Colin Campbell was for once moved to emotion, as bareheaded he -greeted the victors with the words, “Greys, gallant Greys! I am an old -man, but if I were young again I would be proud to ride in your ranks!” - -Where all men are brave it is not easy to single out any for special -distinction. But in that terrible death-ride there were two who merited -honour above their comrades, Sergeant-Major Grieve and Sergeant Ramage. -The former in the heat of the engagement saw an officer in imminent -danger of being cut down. Riding to the rescue, he swept like a whirlwind -upon the Russians, cutting off the head of one at a single blow and -scattering the rest by the fury of his onslaught. For this deed he won a -well-deserved Cross. - -Sergeant Ramage, like Grieve also of the Scots Greys, saved at least -two lives on that day. He rescued first Private MacPherson, whom a body -of Russians had hemmed in and who was fighting against odds that must -have proved too much for him ultimately. Later on, when the “Heavies” -were covering the retreat of the Light Brigade, a private named Gardiner -was seen to be in a terrible plight. His horse was lagging behind the -others, and one of the private’s legs had been shattered by a round-shot. -The first to see Gardiner’s situation, Ramage rushed impetuously to his -help, and although exposed to a cross fire that placed him in momentary -danger for his life, he nobly carried in the wounded soldier to a place -of safety. - -These were the actions that gained the brave sergeant the V.C., but -they do not complete the story of his exploits that day. After the -Charge of the Heavy Brigade, in which he had borne so distinguished a -part, Ramage’s horse, a stubborn brute, would not follow the retreating -Russians. No amount of spurring would induce it to go in any direction -save that of home. Nothing daunted, the sergeant dismounted and, leaving -his charger to find its own way back, actually rushed over on foot to the -nearest Russian lines, collared a man and brought him back prisoner! - -The story of the Charge of the Light Brigade has been told a score of -times. There is nothing to be added to it now, for the voices of its -gallant leaders, of Cardigan, Morris, and Nolan, are hushed in death, and -we shall never know what were the true facts of the case. That “someone -had blundered” is at least certain. It is hard to believe that the order -was actually given for such a brilliant but useless charge. - -Yet so Lord Cardigan interpreted the instructions brought to him by -Captain Nolan, as the Light Brigade, consisting of the 17th Lancers, -the 4th and 13th Dragoons, and two regiments of Hussars, was drawn -up in the North Valley, on the other side of those hills whereon the -Russian cavalry had been routed by Scarlett’s brigade. At the other -end of the valley was a strong force of Russians, formed up behind a -formidable battery of some thirty cannon. The order--wrongly given or -misunderstood--was that the Light Brigade should advance and carry these -guns. - -It was over a mile from the brigade’s position to that of the Russians. -At a trot, then at a gallop, the Six Hundred, led by Cardigan in his -striking hussar uniform, set off on their death-ride. Tennyson’s words, -“Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them, cannon in front of them -volley’d and thunder’d,” are literally true. When the astonished Russians -realised what was happening they opened a terrible fire with their -batteries. Shot and shell hurtled through the ranks again and again, -laying many a brave fellow low; but without wavering the Six Hundred -closed up the gaps and pressed on to their goal. - -In a very few minutes from the time the fatal order was received the -Light Brigade had disappeared in the smoke of the Russian batteries, -riding clean over the guns and sabreing the gunners as they stood -linstock in hand at their posts. Then ensued as terrific a hand-to-hand -combat as has ever been chronicled. - - “Plunged in the battery-smoke - Right thro’ the line they broke; - Cossack and Russian - Reel’d from the sabre-stroke - Shatter’d and sunder’d. - Then they rode back, but not - Not the Six Hundred.” - -It was in that ride back, when a large body of grey-coated lancers rode -down upon their flank, and the Russian artillerymen rallying to their -guns fired indiscriminately into the mass of English and Russians, that -the other Balaclava Crosses were won. - -Major John Berryman, the most distinguished of the seven heroes of the -Charge who were awarded the decoration, has told the story of his exploit -himself, told it modestly and simply as becomes a brave man, but we can -fill in the details of the picture for ourselves as we read. - -At the time of the Charge Berryman was Troop-Sergeant-Major in the 17th -Lancers, well known as “the Duke of Cambridge’s Own” and “the Death or -Glory Boys.” In the last mad leap at the guns, the mare he was riding was -badly hit, and he dismounted, when he found that he too had been wounded -in the leg. As he stood debating in his mind whether or not to shoot the -mare, Captain Webb, on horseback, came up. He also had been struck in -the leg, and to his query as to what he had better do, Berryman replied, -“Keep to your horse, sir, and get back as far as you can.” - -Webb thereupon turned and rode back, while the sergeant-major, catching -a loose horse, attempted to follow suit. But his new steed had its -breastplate driven into its chest, and hardly had he mounted ere it -fell to the ground. Giving up the idea of rejoining his regiment in the -mêlée, he was making his way back on foot when he caught sight of Captain -Webb, who had halted a little distance off, the acute pain of his wound -preventing him riding farther. - -“Lieutenant George Smith, of my own regiment,” says Berryman in his -account, “coming by, I got him to stand at the horse’s head whilst I -lifted the captain off. Having accomplished this, I assisted Smith to -mount Webb’s horse and ride for a stretcher, taking notice where we were. -By this time the Russians had got back to their guns and reopened fire. -I saw six men of my own regiment get together to recount to each other -their escapes. Seeing their danger, I called to them to separate, but too -late, for a shell dropped amongst them, and I don’t think one escaped -alive.” - -Hearing him call to the lancers, Captain Webb asked Berryman what he -thought the Russians would do. Berryman answered that they were sure to -pursue, unless the Heavy Brigade came to the rescue. - -“Then you had better consult your own safety, and leave,” said the -captain. - -Berryman shook his head. “I shall not leave you now, sir,” he replied, -adding that if they were made prisoners they would go together. - -Just at this moment Sergeant Farrell hove in sight, and at Berryman’s -call he came over. The retreat of the Light Brigade from the guns was -already beginning, and the confusion and danger was augmented by the -onslaught of the Russian lancers, who had now ridden down upon the -devoted remnant. - -[Illustration: “I GOT HIM TO STAND AT THE HORSE’S HEAD WHILST I LIFTED -THE CAPTAIN OFF.”--_Page 22._] - -The position of the wounded officer and his helpers was indeed -precarious. Bullets and shells were flying by them, and at any moment a -Cossack lance might have laid them low. But neither Berryman nor Farrell -hesitated or thought of saving his own skin. Making a chair of their -hands, they raised the captain from the ground and carried him in this -way for some two hundred yards, until Webb’s leg again became very -painful. A private of the 13th Dragoons, named Malone, was requisitioned -to support the officer’s legs, and another start was made. - -The rear of the Greys was at last reached in safety, and here the -sergeant-major procured a tourniquet which he screwed on to Webb’s right -thigh (“I could not have done it better myself,” said the regimental -doctor afterwards), together with a stretcher. - -We will let Berryman take up the story himself at this point. - -“I and Farrell now raised the stretcher and carried it for about fifty -yards, and again set it down. I was made aware of an officer of the -Chasseurs d’Afrique being on my left by his placing his hand upon my -shoulder. I turned and saluted. Pointing to Captain Webb, but looking at -me, he said-- - -“‘Your officer?’ - -“‘Yes.’ - -“‘Ah! and you sergeant?’ looking at the stripes on my arm. - -“‘Yes.’ - -“‘Ah! If you were in French service, I would make you an officer on the -spot.’ Then, standing in his stirrups and extending his right hand, he -said, ‘Oh! it was grand, it was _magnifique_, but it is not war, it is -not war!’” - -This French officer was General Morris. - -Resuming their task, Berryman and Farrell got the captain to the doctors, -who discovered that the shin bone of his leg had been shattered. Farrell -turning faint at the sight of the terrible wound, the sergeant-major was -instructed to take him away, and this was the cause of bringing him near -enough to the Duke of Cambridge and Lord Cardigan to hear the former say -as he viewed the remnant that had come “through the jaws of Death, Back -from the mouth of Hell”:-- - -“Is that all of them? You have lost the finest brigade that ever left the -shores of England!” - -And to Captain Godfrey Morgan, now Viscount Tredegar, who had led the -17th Lancers (thirty-four returned out of one hundred and forty), the -Duke could only say, “My poor regiment! My poor regiment!” - -Sergeant Farrell and Private Malone, as was only fitting, also received -the Cross for Valour. - -I have given the account of the brave deed of Berryman and his companions -at some length, because it is, to my mind, one of the most signal acts -of devotion in the chronicles of the V.C. A very large proportion of -those who have won the Cross distinguished themselves in the attempt, -successful or otherwise, to save life, and there is no act that is more -deserving of our fullest admiration. “Greater love hath no man than this, -that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - -There were other lives saved in that death-stricken valley that day -besides Webb’s. Captain Morris, who led a troop of the 17th Lancers, was -taken prisoner by the Russians after a desperate encounter, but managed -to escape in the confusion. Grievously wounded and on foot, for his -second horse had been shot under him, he struggled towards the British -lines, until from sheer exhaustion he fell beside the dead body of his -brother-officer, Captain Nolan. - -It is stated that the two officers, knowing the peril that faced them, -had each left in his friend’s charge a letter to be sent home if he fell -and the other survived. These letters were found in the breasts of the -two as they lay side by side. - -Captain Morris, however, was luckily still alive. To his assistance -promptly came Sergeant-Major Charles Wooden of his own regiment, who -pluckily stood by his body until he saw a surgeon. The latter, who -proved to be Surgeon Mouat of the 6th Dragoon Guards (now Sir James -Mouat, K.C.B.), promptly went over to the wounded man, and despite the -heavy fire that was being kept up, dressed his wounds as coolly as if -he had been in the operating-room. His skill stopped the hemorrhage, -which undoubtedly saved the captain’s life, and for this, as well as for -getting the wounded man back to safety, the brave surgeon in due course -got his V.C. Sergeant-Major Wooden was decorated at the same time. - -One other man of the 17th Lancers who distinguished himself in this -historic charge was the regimental butcher, John Veigh. Hearing that -the dash for the Russian guns was to be made, he left his work in his -bloodstained smock without seeking permission, borrowed a sabre, and rode -through the valley with his comrades. “Butcher Jack” cut down six gunners -and returned unhurt, still smoking the short black pipe which was in his -mouth when he joined in the ride. - -The two remaining Balaclava Crosses were awarded to Private Samuel -Parkes, a Light Dragoon, and Lieutenant Alexander Robert Dunn, of the -11th Hussars. - -Parkes’ exploit was a courageous rescue of Trumpet-Major Crawford, who, -on being thrown helpless to the ground by his horse, was furiously -attacked by a couple of Cossacks. Himself unhorsed, he fearlessly bore -down upon the cowardly Russians, and plied his sword with such vigour -that he sent them flying. The two were attacked again by a larger party -of Cossacks, but Parkes maintained such a sturdy defence that he was only -subdued when a shot struck his sabre out of his hand. He and Crawford -were made prisoners, and not released until a year later. - -Lieutenant Dunn had the distinction of being the only officer of the -Light Brigade to win the V.C. When Sergeant Bentley of his regiment -fell behind in the dash back to safety, and was quickly set on by three -Russians, the lieutenant turned his horse and rode to his comrade’s -aid. Dunn was a less powerful man than Parkes, but he sabred two of the -Cossack lancers clean out of their saddles and put the third to flight. - -Subsequently Lieutenant Dunn rescued a private of the Hussars from -certain death in similar circumstances. He survived the Crimean War and -rose to distinction in the service, but his career was cut short all too -soon by an accident in the Abyssinian campaign. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE CRIMEA.--THE HEROES OF INKERMAN. - - -The fierce battle on the plateau of Inkerman, in the early morning of -November 5th, 1854, was the most desperate engagement of the whole war. -It has, indeed, been described as “the bloodiest struggle ever witnessed -since war cursed the earth.” The sixty thousand Russians who made a -sortie out of Sebastopol were able through the heavy mists that hung over -the field to take the British force of eight thousand men by surprise, -and the fight at once became a hand-to-hand encounter rather than a -pitched battle. - -To call Inkerman the “soldiers’ battle” is to give our brave fellows who -fought that day no more than their due. There was scant time for any plan -of operations to be formed; as the guardsmen--Grenadiers, Coldstreams, -and Scots--turned out of their tents at the warning bugle call it was to -face immediately an enemy already entrenched behind battery and redoubt -which belched forth shell and grape-shot incessantly. With bayonets fixed -they went forward at the charge to silence those terrible flame-mouthed -cannon and drive the Russians from battery and rifle-pit, and once among -the foe British pluck could be relied on to carry the day. - -What deeds of daring were done in the mist-shrouded glades and dells of -Inkerman, in the valley and on the heights that commanded the British -position, can never be fully chronicled. We know, however, how some of -our gallant soldiers bore themselves, for in that titanic struggle acts -of signal bravery were performed that were remembered afterwards and -deemed worthy of recognition. - -Charles McDermond and Thomas Beach, privates, made themselves conspicuous -in saving the lives of two officers who were lying on the ground wounded -and at the mercy of Russians, who never hesitated to kill a disabled man. -So, too, did Sergeant George Walters of the 49th Regiment, who was more -than a match for half a dozen Russians when Brigadier-General Adams got -cut off. All three won their V.C.’s that day. - -Of Lieutenant Mark Walker, of the 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment, a -striking story is told. From out of the fog his men saw a great mass -of Russians, two battalions strong, advancing towards them. They were -ordered to open fire, but their rifles were wet and useless. Seeing this, -Walker called on his men to fix bayonets and follow him, and, running -forward, leaped over the low wall behind which the regiment had been -lying hidden. This was enough for the 30th. With a wild cheer, they -followed his lead, and flinging themselves impetuously against the enemy, -a mere handful as they were, they actually sent the greycoats flying. - -For this dashing feat, which turned what must have been an inevitable -defeat into a victory, the lieutenant was mentioned in despatches and -awarded the Cross. In after years he wrote himself General Sir Mark -Walker, K.C.B. - -But it was at the Sandbag Battery, whence the Russians had directed a -deadly fire upon our troops, that perhaps the most brilliant feat of arms -was performed. The Sandbag had the distinction of being fought for more -than any other battery at Inkerman, changing hands several times, until -at last it was held by the Grenadiers. - -After the seventh fight round its parapet, the Russians succeeded in -driving back their besiegers, and, exulting over their achievement, -danced and sang with joy. This exasperated the guardsmen to fresh fury, -and when Sir Charles Russell, their Captain, called on his men to follow -him, the Grenadiers, followed by some Coldstreams and Fusiliers, sprang -forward to storm the position. This time they were successful, driving -the Russians before them. - -How fierce was the contest will be understood when I mention that the -guardsmen’s ammunition having run short, the men seized hold of stones -and rocks and hurled these at their foes. The Russians responded in like -manner until, as Sir Charles said in a letter home to his mother, “the -air was thick with huge stones.” - -Although the British were once more in the Battery, the worst was not yet -over. Many bold Russians still hung on the parapet wall, or clung to the -embrasures, firing down on those inside. The guardsmen, indeed, found -that they were in a kind of trap, and cries of “Charge them!” arose. Then -a soldier standing by Sir Charles Russell spoke up. - -“If any officer will lead us, we will charge,” he said. - -Up sprang Sir Charles, revolver in hand. “Come on, my lads!” he cried. -“Come on! Who will follow me?” - -The first to respond to their gallant captain’s call were Sergeant Norman -and Privates Palmer and Bailey. Into the face of the opposing Russians -the four dashed. Sir Charles’ revolver missed fire the first time, but -pulling the trigger again he shot his man. At that moment a hand fell on -his shoulder and the private behind him said, “You were nearly done for, -sir.” - -“Oh no,” answered the captain; “he was some way from me.” - -The soldier indicated another Russian who had come up at Russell’s back. -“His bayonet was all but in you when I clouted him over the head,” he -said grimly. - -Sir Charles saw how close he had been to death’s door. “What is your -name?” he asked. - -“Anthony Palmer, sir,” was the reply. - -“Well, if I live through this you shall not be forgotten,” said Sir -Charles; and he duly kept his promise, Palmer being made a corporal the -next morning. He received the Victoria Cross for this act later on, when -the Order was instituted, his name being among the first to be submitted. - -Side by side Sir Charles Russell and Palmer (poor Bailey had already been -killed, and of Norman there is no further mention) fought their way to -a part of the ledge on the right, where they joined a small company of -Grenadiers under Captain Burnaby. Here the fight waged more fiercely than -ever, Burnaby especially distinguishing himself and winning the V.C. time -and time again, though he never received it. The rush of the guardsmen -was not to be withstood, and the Russians were eventually forced back. - -Sir Charles was awarded the V.C. for this exploit at the Sandbag -Battery, receiving it at the hands of his Queen in Hyde Park, three years -later. He might have treasured another souvenir of the fight, also, in -the shape of a long, black-stocked Russian rifle, which he tore from the -hands of a soldier and kept until the end of the day. - -Another officer of the Grenadiers who won similar distinction at the -Sandbag Battery was Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Henry Percy -(afterwards, Lord Percy). A number of his men at one time charged too -far and became surrounded by the enemy. To add to their peril, they -were without ammunition. Colonel Percy, coming to their assistance, -successfully extricated them from this dangerous position and led them to -where they could obtain cartridges. Just before this he had charged alone -into the battery, only being repulsed by a great stone that struck him -senseless to the ground. - -Other eyes than those of his own men were upon him, the Duke of Cambridge -himself noting the action and having some warm words of commendation to -say afterwards. - -There are one or two other Inkerman Crosses the stories of which remain -to be told. - -Lieutenant Henry Hugh Clifford won the right to add V.C. to his name by a -deed of unusual daring. While in charge of a company of the Rifle Brigade -he saw that a strong body of Russians was deploying to take one of our -regiments in the rear. Without waiting to obtain an order to move from -his position, he called to his men to follow him, and charged boldly into -the midst of the Russians. - -Clifford outdistanced his men by several yards, being mounted while they -were on foot, and the consequence was that he found himself alone in the -enemy’s ranks. The fierceness of his onslaught, and the belief on the -Russians’ part that a troop of cavalry was behind him, gave him momentary -advantage. The enemy wavered, and the Rifle Brigade men coming up at the -charge, they soon after surrendered. - -It was cut and thrust for Clifford while he was engaged on all hands at -once, but in the thick of the fight he managed to save the life of a -private in addition to protecting his own. - -The exploit of Lieutenant Miller of the Royal Artillery bears some -resemblance to the foregoing. An advancing body of Russian infantry bore -down upon his gun battery when he was without any support. One last round -was fired, and then bidding his men “Draw swords and charge!” he rode out -under the hail of bullets straight into the enemy’s midst. The gunners -followed to a man; some armed with swords, others with ramrods, and one -of them--a famous boxer--relying only on his fists, with which he was -seen to lay many a Russian low! - -The greycoats got possession of the guns, for desperately as the -artillerymen fought they could not stay the enemy’s advance, but it is -satisfactory to know that the battery was retaken not long after and -fought again by Miller and his gallant men. - -Yet another hard fight at the guns took place at a battery where -Sergeant-Major Henry was in charge. When the Russians were upon them, -he and a private named Taylor drew their swords and made a desperate -defence. Taylor was soon slain, however, together with nearly all the -other gunners, and Henry badly wounded. A bayonet pierced his chest, -another pinned him in the back, and he sank to the ground. - -As was their wont, the Russians continued to strike at the helpless man -as he lay at their mercy, the result being that when some time later -Henry was rescued and found to be alive he had no fewer than twelve -terrible wounds! He lived, however, to wear his Cross for Valour with his -fellow-artilleryman, Miller, and to rise to the rank of captain. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CRIMEA.--WITH THE SAPPERS AND MINERS.--IN TRENCH AND RIFLE-PIT. - - -The battle of Inkerman was the last great battle of the Crimean campaign -fought round Sebastopol. The rest of the story of the long siege is -one that deals with the heroic if unobtrusive work of the “sappers and -miners,” the Royal Engineers, those “handy men” of the Army; with the -tale of the trenches and rifle-pits, wherein men carried their lives in -their hands night after night; with sudden sorties in the dead of night -or the mists of early dawn; and with desperate attempts at storming the -outworks of the great Russian fortress, the Redan, the Mamelon Tower, and -the Malakoff. - -Such a siege would have taxed to the utmost the powers of any army, but -when we remember how its difficulties were added to by the severity of -the Russian winter and the hardships under which our brave soldiers -laboured through sickness and for the want of clothing and other -necessities of life, we must account it a truly marvellous achievement. - -Sir William Russell, who was the _Times_ correspondent in the war, -fearlessly spoke his mind on the scandalous mismanagement that prevailed, -and from his vivid letters we know how too often the stores ran out, -how the hospital accommodation was insufficient, and how but for the -exertions of Florence Nightingale and her band of devoted nurses we -should have lost far more than the 24,000 men who died from cholera and -other diseases, or were killed by the enemy’s bullets. - -Of those days and nights in the trenches Lord Wolseley can speak from -experience, for as a young engineering officer he saw some stirring -service before Sebastopol. The loss of his right eye, and a long scar on -his left cheek, bear witness to one thrilling night’s work in an advance -sap. He was out and about again, however, as soon as possible, for every -man that could stand up was needed. - -It is Lord Wolseley’s boast that, apart from the time he spent in -hospital, he was never absent from the trenches at night except on one -memorable occasion. This was when he and a brother-officer made a hasty -Christmas pudding together, compounding it in a hollowed-out shell, with -a shot for pestle. The “very bad suet” which they got from Balaclava, or -the fact that the pudding had to be devoured ere it was half boiled, may -be accounted sufficient explanation for the young officer’s breakdown. -“At about twelve o’clock,” he says pathetically, “I thought I was going -to expire.” - -In giving the record of the V.C. heroes who won glory in the long months -that elapsed between the battle of Inkerman and the fall of Sebastopol, -we may well begin with the Royal Engineers, the popular “Mudlarks,” whose -proud mottoes are “Ubique” (everywhere) and “Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt” -(where right and glory lead). Eight of the many Crosses to their credit -were gained in the Crimea. Let us see in what manner these were won. - -William J. Lendrim (or Lindrim, for his name is found spelt both ways), -Corporal No. 1078, R.E., had three dates inscribed on his Cross, February -14th, April 11th, and April 20th, 1855. On the first occasion he was sent -to do sapper’s work in a battery that was held by a hundred and fifty -French Chasseurs. A hot fire from the Russian guns had wrought dreadful -havoc among the gabions and raked the trenches, but Lendrim, assuming -command of the Frenchmen, quickly set to work to repair the damage. With -utter disregard for self, he was here, there, and everywhere at once, -replacing a gabion where it had been struck down, digging in the trench -and shovelling up earth round the weak places. Lendrim’s coolness and -plucky example saved that battery from demolition, as the French officer -in charge of the Chasseurs very properly noted in his report. - -His second exploit was to mount the roof of a powder magazine that -had caught fire and, under a perfect hail of bullets, extinguish the -flames. This was a danger to which batteries were particularly liable, -the live shells and fire-balls that dropped among them soon setting the -basket-work of the embrasures and other inflammable parts in a blaze. I -shall have something more to say about the “heroes of the live shell” -before this chapter is ended. - -The third date on our brave sapper’s Cross, April 20th, recalls a very -daring feat on his part. Out among the rifle-pits, in the open, some -Russians had erected a screen of brushwood, barrels, and sailcloth, -behind which they thought themselves well secure. A party of British -sappers who lay all night in a trench thought otherwise. In the darkness, -just before dawn, a dozen of them, prominent among whom was Lendrim, -dashed out and with bayonets fixed charged the rifle-pits and destroyed -the screen. - -We come now to the eventful 18th of June, in the same year, when a -desperate assault was made on the Redan, the while the French stormed -the Malakoff, some distance to the right. With a column of sailors and -soldiers that formed one of the attacking parties were Lieutenant Graham -and Sapper John Perie of his own corps. They had scaling-ladders and -sandbags with them, but these were not wanted after all, for the terrific -fire that poured down on the open ground before the fortress walls made -it impossible for the work to go forward. - -Even then men were found willing, nay anxious to try, and scores of -redcoats dotted the rocky ground between the last trench and the abattis. -But it was a hopeless task--a wanton waste of valuable lives. Very -reluctantly Graham, who had taken command, ordered his men to retire. - -While, in the security of the trench, they waited for the Russian fire -to diminish, the lieutenant once more showed of what stuff he was made. -There was a wounded sailor lying out in front, calling piteously for -help. An officer of the Naval Brigade heard him first, and asked for -another volunteer to assist in bringing the wounded man in. - -“I’m with you,” cried Graham, springing up instantly; “And I too,” added -John Perie. And out they ran on their noble errand of mercy, succeeding -in the task without being hit. - -Both the lieutenant and the sapper were awarded the Cross for their -bravery. The former, as everyone knows who has read the history of the -Egyptian War, became the famous General Sir Gerald Graham, the victor of -El Teb and Tamai. He died in 1899. - -No reference to that disastrous assault on the Redan would be complete -without mention being made of Colour-Sergeant Peter Leitch, V.C., also -of the Engineers. Like his fellow-sapper, Perie, he was attached to a -ladder-party which shared the fate of defeat. At the foot of the fortress -the little party was held in check by the pitiless fire of shot and -shell. Men dropped on all sides, for there was no cover. - -There were the scaling-ladders to be placed, however, and Leitch came -forward to take the lead. Leaping into the ditch, he pulled down gabion -after gabion from the enemy’s parapet until sufficient had been secured -to make a _caponnière_, filling them with earth and placing them to -afford shelter to his comrades. It was a heroic task, and many a wound -did he receive until he was finally disabled, but he had the satisfaction -of knowing that he had done his duty well. - -Nor does this conclude the record of the gallant “Mudlarks.” I might -tell a stirring story of how Lieutenant Howard Crauford Elphinstone -(afterwards a Major-General and a K.C.B.) did great deeds in that same -affair of the Redan, rescuing with the party of volunteers he led no -fewer than twenty wounded men, and winning the French Legion of Honour in -addition to the Cross for Valour. But I have only room now to speak of -one more, John Ross, Corporal No. 997. - -Of the three acts of gallantry of which the dates are graven on his -Cross, two were performed for daring sapping operations in what were -termed the 4th and 5th Parallels. In the darkness of night he and his -men worked like moles, quietly but swiftly, connecting (in the first -instance) the 4th Parallel with a disused Russian rifle-pit, the line of -cover thus formed giving the attacking party a tremendous advantage when -morning broke and the fight was renewed. - -It was highly dangerous work from first to last. Every few minutes shells -and fire-balls from the Russian guns, which kept up a constant cannonade -throughout the night, would fall in their midst, and unless these were -promptly extinguished the havoc wrought was considerable. But through it -all they plied their spades bravely and set their earth-filled gabions in -position, Ross himself doing the greater part of this latter hazardous -work. - -His third notable exploit bears date September 8th, of the same year, -1855. The last assault on the Redan by the allied troops had been made, -but with what results was not known. Ominous loud explosions startled the -still night air every now and then, and the British and French troops -held back uncertainly, waiting for the enemy’s next move. - -The cessation of the Russian cannonade and musketry fire, however, led -many to think that the greycoats had abandoned their position, even if -only temporarily. Among those of this way of thinking was Corporal Ross. -Leaving the trench of the 5th Parallel, where he was working, he set -off alone across the intervening ground to see if his suspicions were -correct. It was ticklish work, he knew, for the flashes of the explosions -in the huge fortress lit up the plain vividly, and his figure showed up -an easy mark for any Russian sharpshooter who remained on the watch. -But he kept on until he reached the abattis, when clambering up to the -nearest embrasure he wormed his way in. - -The place was empty. Only a dismantled gun and the débris caused by a -well-aimed shell greeted his eyes. Having made certain that he had not -been deceived, Ross hastened back to the lines to spread the news. A -party was at once formed to make another inspection of the Redan, Ross -accompanying it and leading the way into the fortress, which was found -absolutely deserted. - -The Redan was forthwith occupied by our men, but the siege was now -practically over. The Russians had retired to the north side of the -harbour, evacuating the town. - -So much for the “Royal Sappers and Miners”; we shall meet them later in -a warmer clime, in India, doing their duty as faithfully and performing -deeds every whit as heroic as any they did in the bleak wastes of the -Crimea. - - * * * * * - -The heroes of the trenches and rifle-pits appeal especially to the -imagination. The long vigil of the sentries as they paced to and fro -while their comrades slept or worked in the trench at their back was -an ordeal well calculated to try the nerves of even seasoned soldiers. -A goodly proportion of the guardsmen, riflemen, and others who were -detailed for this hazardous work were under fire in this campaign for the -first time in their lives, but we never read that they flinched from the -task imposed upon them. - -However worn and weary the sentry might be, after a long day of digging -and hauling sandbags, he knew he had to exert the utmost vigilance while -on guard. Under cover of the darkness it was a favourite pastime with the -Russians to make sorties in little parties of three and four from the -fortress, in the hope of surprising the harassed sappers as they took a -brief and well-earned rest. - -So came three Russians one bitterly cold December night in 1854 to a -small outlying picket of the 7th Royal Fusiliers. Private Norman, on -single sentry-go, caught sight of the grey figures creeping stealthily -towards him. Firing his rifle to sound the alarm, he rushed forward and -leaped boldly into the trench where the enemy had taken cover. Two he -seized and held prisoner, conducting them back to the British lines, but -the third escaped. The plucky Fusilier got the Cross for this action when -the time came to reckon up those who were most worthy of the honour. - -But to narrate the several exploits of the heroes of the trenches is to -tell much the same story over and over again. A score or more of gallant -fellows--Moynihan, Coleman, Alexander, McWheeney (who was never absent -for a single day from his duties throughout the war), and others--braved -the Russian fire to dash out into the open and rescue from certain death -some wounded officer or private who lay exposed on the field. The V.C. -was often earned many times over by these. - -Only a few stand out from the rest by reason of some special feature, -such as Private John Prosser of the 1st Regiment, who, seeing a rascally -soldier wearing the Queen’s scarlet in the act of deserting to the -Russian lines, jumped out of his trench and chasing the fugitive under a -heavy cross fire collared him and brought him back to camp--and, let it -be hoped, swift justice. For this, and for rescuing a wounded comrade -later on, Prosser gained his V.C. - -There were, too, the “heroes of the live shell” to whom I made reference -some pages back. Sergeant Ablett, of the Grenadiers, with Privates -Strong, Lyons, Coffey, McCorrie, and Wheatley, received the decoration -for this act of valour. Plump into the trench in which each delved -dropped a fizzing shell, and without a moment’s hesitation the plucky -fellow lifted it up and flung it over the parapet, to burst more or less -harmlessly outside. - -Sergeant Ablett’s shell fell right among some ammunition cases and powder -barrels, and but for his prompt action a terrible explosion would have -taken place with much loss of life. In Wheatley’s case the stalwart -private attempted first to knock out the burning fuse, but failing to do -this he coolly dropped his rifle and disposed of the unwelcome intruder -with his hands. - -Of the dashing sorties upon the Russian rifle-pits pages might be -written. I have only space to tell of one such. It may well serve as -characteristic of all. Privates Robert Humpston, Joseph Bradshaw, and R. -McGregor of the Rifle Brigade are my heroes. - -Far out on the Woronzoff Road, near some formidable quarries that had -served the Russians well, was a strongly protected rifle-pit whence -sharpshooters directed a deadly fire against a battery in process of -formation by our men. It was essential that this “wasps’ nest” should be -silenced. - -Humpston particularly chafed over the seeming impossibility of doing -this, and at last proposed to two comrades (Bradshaw and McGregor) that -they should “rush” the pit. The two agreed, being much enraged, it is -said, by the recent sniping of a bandsman who was a special favourite. - -Accordingly, without asking for the leave which they knew would be denied -them, the three stole out of camp one morning before daybreak, and crept -unobserved towards the death-dealing pit. When within a few yards of it -they gave a wild cheer and charged straight at the surprised Russians. - -It was bayonet work, stab and thrust wherever a greycoat showed. How many -they killed between them is not recorded, but the rifle-pit was cleared -once for all and its destruction accomplished. - -All three privates were awarded the Victoria Cross, and Humpston, as the -leader, received prompt promotion, together with the sum of £5. - - * * * * * - -Before closing this chapter and passing on to tell of the Crimean naval -Crosses, I cannot refrain from noting just two daring deeds that gained -the V.C. for two gallant gunners during the operations before Sebastopol. -They are written large in the annals of the Order. - -Gunner and Driver Arthur, of the Royal Artillery, was in an advanced -battery at an engagement near the Quarries, when the 7th Fusiliers -fighting near by him ran out of ammunition. Arthur promptly volunteered -to supply them, and although he had to cross repeatedly an open space on -which a hot fire was concentrated, he carried the ammunition stores to -the waiting men. But for his assistance the Fusiliers must have had to -abandon the position they had captured. - -Equally dashing was Captain Dixon’s defence of his battery. The latter -was wrecked by a shell which, bursting in the magazine, blew it up and -destroyed five guns, besides killing nearly all the gunners. It was a -great event for the Russians, who cheered and danced with joy at the -result of the shot. - -But they counted without Dixon. The sixth gun of the battery, although -half buried in earth, was still workable. With some help he got the gun -into position again, loaded and sent an answering shot hurtling into the -enemy’s battery, much to their surprise and discomfiture. - -And it is to Dixon’s lasting glory that he worked that single piece -until darkness ended the duel. The chagrined enemy peppered him without -cessation throughout the rest of that day, but he bore a charmed life. -The artillery captain rose to be a Major-General in after years, with -C.B. after his name besides the letters V.C., while France honoured him -by creating him a Knight of the Legion of Honour. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE CRIMEAN CROSSES OF THE NAVY. - - -The record of our Bluejackets afloat and ashore in the Crimean War is one -of which the senior service has good reason to be proud. While the siege -of Sebastopol was in its early stages a British fleet sailed up to the -Baltic, but without achieving much result, though a second expedition -succeeded (in 1855) in doing considerable damage to the fortress of -Sveaborg. At the same time another fleet harassed the enemy in the Black -Sea and the Sea of Azov. On land the Naval Brigade did yeoman service at -Inkerman, and in the protracted fighting around Sebastopol. - -“Handy Man Jack” has never missed an opportunity of going ashore to have -“some shooting with them redcoats,” in our big and little wars. From the -days of Nelson, when they slung their 24- and 18-pounders on to Diamond -Rock, to the recent Boer War, he has proved himself a rare fighter, quite -as efficient with rifle and bayonet as his brother-in-arms. And the way -he handles his field-guns must be the envy of the artillery. - -In the history of the V.C. the Navy not only figures very prominently but -enjoys the proud distinction of having the first Cross for Valour placed -to its credit. The senior winner of the decoration is Rear-Admiral C. D. -Lucas, R.N., and the scene of his exploit was Bomarsund, in the Baltic. - -While the bombardment of this port of the Äland Islands, which are -situated just off the coast of Finland, was being carried on by our -warships under Admiral Napier’s command, a live shell suddenly dropped on -to the deck of H.M.S. _Hecla_. It was a moment of frightful suspense for -every one on board who watched the grim messenger of death fizzing there -within a few yards of them. But there was one man on deck who saw what to -do. - -Acting-mate Lucas, on duty near one of the guns, promptly ran forward -and with iron nerve picked up the shell, dropping it instantly over the -ship’s side. The burning fuse sputtered out in the water, and the shell -sank harmlessly to the bottom. - -Captain Hall, his commander, brought the plucky deed under the notice of -Admiral Napier, who, in writing to the Admiralty about the young sailor’s -bravery, trusted that “their Lordships would mark their sense of it by -promoting him.” This recommendation was acted upon, Lucas being at once -raised to the rank of lieutenant. When later on the Victoria Cross was -instituted the young officer’s name figured duly in the _Gazette_. - -Two other sailors who gained the V.C. for similar actions were Captain -William Peel, the dashing leader of the Naval Brigade, and Chief Gunner -Israel Harding of H.M.S. _Alexandra_, also a Crimean veteran. - -Whole pages might be written about Captain Peel’s exploits. All the time -the naval men were engaged with the troops round Sebastopol he was ever -to the fore, leading forlorn hopes and fighting shoulder to shoulder -with his soldier comrades whenever opportunity offered. At Inkerman, at -the fierce attack on the Sandbag Battery, he was in the thick of it, and -again at the Redan assault. - -Peel loved danger for danger’s sake. There was no risk that daunted -him. At the attack on the impregnable Shah Nujeef, at Lucknow, in the -Indian Mutiny, two years later, he led his gun detachment right up to -the loopholed walls, which were crowded with rebel sharpshooters. He -behaved, said Sir Colin Campbell, “very much as if he had been laying the -_Shannon_ alongside an enemy’s frigate.” - -It was Peel who first demonstrated the practicability of fighting with -big guns in the skirmishing line. “It is a truth, and not a jest,” he -once wrote home, “that in battle we are with the skirmishers.” The way -in which the sailors handled their great ship’s cannon, 8-inch guns, -24-pounders, and the like, was marvellous. A military officer, in a -letter that was written at the front, gives an interesting reminiscence -of the Naval Brigade. “Sometimes in these early days of October 1854,” he -says, “whilst our soldiery were lying upon the ground, weary, languid, -and silent, there used to be heard a strange uproar of men coming nearer -and nearer. Soon the comers would prove to be Peel of the _Diamond_ with -a number of his sailors, all busy in dragging up to the front one of the -ship’s heavy guns.” - -In a future chapter we shall meet again this intrepid son of Sir Robert -Peel, the great statesman, winning glory and renown under Campbell and -Havelock. For the present I must confine myself to his career in the -Crimea. - -The most notable of the three acts, the dates of which are inscribed -on his Cross, was performed in October 1854, at the Diamond Battery -which some of the Naval Brigade were holding. The battery needing fresh -ammunition, this had to be brought in by volunteers, for the horses of -the waggons refused to approach the earthworks owing to the heavy Russian -fire. - -Case by case it was carried in and stacked in its place, and right into -the midst of it all, like a bolt from the blue, dropped a shell. Peel -jumped for it like a flash. One heave of his shoulders and away went the -“whistle-neck” to burst in impotent fury several yards off--outside the -battery’s parapet. - -The second date on his Cross notes the affair at the Sandbag Battery, -where he joined the Grenadier officers and helped to save the colours -from capture. On the third occasion when his bravery was commended for -recognition he headed a ladder-party in that assault on the Redan in -which Graham and Perie won such distinction. - -In this attack the gallant captain was badly wounded in the head and arm, -a misfortune which was the means of gaining the V.C. for another brave -young sailor. From the beginning of the war Midshipman Edward St. John -Daniels had attached himself to Captain Peel, acting as the latter’s -aide-de-camp at Inkerman. During the battle he was a conspicuous figure, -as, mounted on a pony, he accompanied his leader about the field. - -In the Redan assault he was still by Peel’s side, and caught him as he -fell on the glacis. Then, heedless of the danger to which he was exposed, -he coolly set to work to bandage the wounded man, tying a tourniquet on -his arm, which is said to have saved Peel’s life. This done, he got his -chief to a place of safety. - -Daniels did another plucky action some months earlier, when he -volunteered to bring in ammunition from a waggon that had broken down -outside his battery. The fact that the waggon became immediately the -target for a murderous fire from the Russian guns weighed little with -him. He brought in the cartridges and powder without receiving a scratch, -and the battery cheered to a man as the plucky little chap scrambled over -the parapet with his last armful. - -Along with Peel and Daniels must be named that popular idol William -Nathan Wrighte Hewett, known to his messmates as “Bully Hewett.” He was -nearly as picturesque a character as his commander. - -At Sebastopol, the day following Balaclava fight, Hewett (he was -acting-mate at the time), fought a great long-range Lancaster gun that -had been hauled up from his ship, H.M.S. _Beagle_. The gun drew a -determined attack on its flank from a very large force of Russians, and -orders were sent to Hewett by a military officer to spike the gun and -abandon his battery. The odds were too overwhelming. - -In emphatic language the young sailor declared that he’d take no orders -from anyone but his own captain, and was going to stick to his gun. - -The other “Beagles” were quite of his opinion. In quick time they knocked -down a portion of the parapet that prevented the huge Lancaster bearing -on the flank and slewed the piece round. Then, loading and firing with -sailorly smartness, they poured such a hot fire into the advancing horde -of Russians that the latter beat a retreat. - -They used the big gun with great advantage at Inkerman, but the young -mate’s splendid defence of his battery was enough by itself to win him a -well-deserved V.C. Hewett died eighteen years ago, a Vice-Admiral and a -K.C.B. - -A page or two back I mentioned Israel Harding, chief gunner, as a third -naval hero of the live shell. It was many years after the Crimean War -that his opportunity came, but his exploit may well be noted down here. - -Harding was a gunner on board H.M.S. _Alexandra_, when, in July 1882, Sir -Beauchamp Seymour (afterwards Lord Alcester) with his fleet bombarded -Alexandria. On the first day of the action (the 11th), a big 10-inch -shell from an Egyptian battery struck the ironclad and lodged on the -main deck. The alarm was raised, and at the cry “Live shell above the -hatchway!” Harding rushed up the companion. There was luckily a tub of -water handy, and having wetted the fizzing fuse he dumped the shell into -the tub just in the nick of time. - -As in Lucas’s case, promotion quickly followed with the gunner, while the -V.C. was soon after conferred upon him. The shell, it may be of interest -to note, is now among the treasures of her Majesty the Queen. - -So many naval heroes call for attention that I must hurry on to speak of -Lucas’s comrades in the Baltic who also won the coveted decoration. - -There was Captain of the Mast George Ingouville, serving in the -_Arrogant_. On the 13th of July 1855, the second cutter of his vessel got -into difficulties while the fleet was bombarding the town of Viborg. A -shell having exploded her magazine, she became half swamped and began -to drift quickly to shore. Observing this, Ingouville dived off into the -sea and swam after the runaway. He was handicapped with a wounded arm, -but being a strong swimmer he reached the cutter just as it neared a -battery. With the painter over his shoulder he struck out again for the -_Arrogant_, and towed his prize safely under her lee. - -At about the same time a gallant lieutenant of Marines--now Lieut.-Col. -George Dare Dowell, R.M.A.--did much the same thing. When a rocket-boat -of the _Arrogant_ was disabled he lowered the quarter-boat of his ship -the _Ruby_, and with three volunteers rowed to the other’s aid. Dowell -not only succeeded in saving some of the _Arrogant_ men, but on a second -journey recaptured the boat. - -It was a lieutenant of the _Arrogant_, however, who eclipsed both these -deeds, brave as they were. The exploit of John Bythesea and his ship’s -stoker, William Johnstone, on the Island of Wardo, reads more like -fiction than sober fact. This is the story of it. - -Early in August of 1854 Lieutenant Bythesea learned from a reliable -source that some highly important despatches from the Tsar, intended -for the General in charge of the island, were expected to arrive with -a mail then due. At once he conceived the daring idea of intercepting -the despatch-carrier and securing his valuable documents. His superior -officers thought the project a mad one when he first broached it, but -Bythesea would not be gainsaid. The thing was worth trying, and he and -Johnstone (who had volunteered his services) were the men to carry it -through with success. In the end he had his way, though when the two -plucky fellows quitted the ship on their hazardous errand their shipmates -bade them good-bye with little expectation of ever seeing them again. - -The lieutenant and the stoker had disguised themselves very effectively -in Russian clothes, and managed to get to land safely. Here they learned -from their informant, a Swedish farmer, that the mail had not yet -arrived, but was expected at any hour. When darkness fell, therefore, the -two Englishmen found a good hiding-place down by the shore, and commenced -their vigil. - -This was the evening of the 9th of August. It was not until the 12th that -the long-awaited mail came to land. For three whole days and nights they -had not ventured from their concealment, save once or twice when the -vigilance of Russian patrols had forced them to take to a small boat and -anchor about half a mile off the coast. - -On the morning of the 12th, Johnstone, who spoke Swedish fluently, -learned from the friendly farmer that the mail had arrived, and was to be -sent to the fort that night. Great caution was to be observed, the farmer -added, as it was known to the Russians that someone from the British -fleet had landed. At dark, therefore, the two took up their position at -a convenient spot and awaited the coming of the mail-bags. In due course -they heard the grating of a boat’s keel on the beach. A few Russian words -of command were given, and then sounded the tramp of feet on the road -that led up to the military station. - -[Illustration: THE ESCORT CAME SWINGING UP THE ROAD WITHOUT A SUSPICION -OF DANGER.--_Page 53._] - -The lieutenant and his companion were ready at the instant. A hasty -glance at their weapons satisfied them that these were in order, -and moving a bit nearer to the roadway they waited until the escort -approached. - -In the dim light they perceived that the Russian soldiers in charge of -the bags numbered five. It was heavy odds, but the prize was great. They -could not dream of drawing back. The escort came swinging up the road -without a suspicion of danger, and just as they passed the spot where a -clump of bushes provided secure shelter out leapt the two Englishmen with -cutlass and revolver. - -The cold steel did the work effectively; a pistol shot would have raised -the alarm. Three of the soldiers were cut down in the surprise attack, -while the remaining two yielded themselves prisoners to these redoubtable -assailants. As quickly as possible prisoners and mail-bags were hurried -to the water’s edge, where a boat lay in readiness for them. - -In half an hour’s time the despatches were being examined in the -captain’s cabin on board the _Arrogant_, their contents proving to be -of the utmost importance. Bythesea had captured the details of certain -extensive operations planned against the Baltic fleet of the Allies and -the army in the South. Such a service was worthy of the highest honour, -and both the lieutenant and Stoker Johnstone received the Cross for -Valour for that desperate night’s work. - - * * * * * - -Down in the South, in the Sea of Azov, which the map shows us to lie -just north of the Black Sea, our Bluejackets were doing splendid service -in the latter months of 1855. The towns of Genitchesk and Taganrog were -shelled with great loss to the Russians, but as they moved their stores -farther inland the occasion arose for individual expeditions which aimed -at destroying these. The story of the fleet’s operations in this quarter, -therefore, resolves itself into a relation of the several attempts, -successful and otherwise, to harass the enemy in this way. - -That the task of setting fire to the store buildings was attended with -tremendous risk was proved over and over again. One or two daring -spirits, including a French captain, were caught and shot by Cossack -patrols. But there are always men to be found ready--nay, anxious--to -undertake enterprises of so desperate a nature. - -Wellington had the renowned scout, Major Colquhoun Grant (whose -adventures in the Peninsula teem with romance), doing wonderful -“intelligence” work for him; and to come to more recent times, we may -call to mind Lord Kitchener’s daring journey through the Soudan in -1884, disguised as an Arab, for the purpose of learning what were the -intentions of the various tribes with regard to Egypt. - -In the Crimea such men as Lieutenants Day, Buckley, Burgoyne, and -Commerell acted as the eyes and ears of their commanders, and volunteered -for those little jobs that so infuriated the Russians when the red glow -in the midnight sky showed them where stacks of forage and other stores -blazed merrily. - -Day’s V.C. was awarded him for a most valuable piece of work. His -ship was stationed off Genitchesk (frequently spelt Genitchi), in the -north-eastern corner of the Crimea, and it was deemed necessary to -reconnoitre the enemy’s lines to ascertain the full strength of the -Russians. For this dangerous service the young lieutenant volunteered. - -Accordingly, one night he was landed alone on the Tongue, or Spit, of -Arabat, at the spot he had chosen whence to start. Cossacks, singly or -in small companies, policed the marshy wastes, but Day wriggled his way -between their posts and eventually got close to the Russian gunboats. The -dead silence that prevailed misled him as to the numbers thereon, and -convinced that the vessels were deserted he returned to report the facts -to his captain. - -The next day circumstances induced him to suppose that he had been -mistaken. He decided to make a second journey without loss of time, -and one night very soon afterwards saw him again on the Spit. Day soon -discovered that large reinforcements had arrived on the mainland, and at -once made haste to return to his ship. - -The long detours he was now obliged to make, to avoid contact with the -Cossack sentries, led him through quagmires and over sandy stretches -that severely tried his endurance. When he reached the shore at last, -well-nigh exhausted, nearly ten hours had elapsed since his start, and it -is not surprising that, having heard shots fired, his comrades had given -him up for lost. He got back after a most providential escape, however, -and made his report. But for his discoveries an attempt would certainly -have been made to seize the Russian boats, in which case the result must -have been disastrous. - -Lieutenants Buckley and Burgoyne distinguished themselves by landing near -Genitchesk at night and firing some immense supplies of stones. With -the seaman, Robarts, who accompanied them, they were nearly cut off by -Cossacks on their return, and only a fierce fight enabled them to escape. -All three won the V.C. for this daring piece of work. - -Lieutenant Commerell (afterwards Admiral Sir J. E. Commerell, G.C.B.) -performed a like action later on the same year, which gained the V.C. for -him and one of his two companions, Quartermaster Rickard. - -Their objective was the Crimean shore of the Putrid Sea, on the western -side of the Spit of Arabat. They accomplished their task successfully, -setting fire to 400 tons of Russian corn and forage, but were chased by -Cossacks for a long distance. In the helter-skelter rush back for the -boat, about three miles away, the third man of the party, Able-Seaman -George Milestone, fell exhausted in a swamp, and but for Commerell’s and -Rickard’s herculean exertions must have fallen a victim to the enemy. - -Making what is popularly known as a “bandy-chair”, by clasping each -other’s wrists, the two officers managed to carry their companion a -considerable distance. A party of Cossacks at this juncture had nearly -succeeded in cutting them off, but the sailors in the boat now opened -fire, while Commerell, dropping his burden for a moment, brought down -the leading horseman by a bullet from his revolver. This fortunately -checked the Cossacks, who were only some sixty yards away, and by dint -of half carrying, half dragging Milestone, the plucky lieutenant and -quartermaster eventually got him to the boat, and were soon out of reach -of their pursuers. - -The foregoing deeds of derring-do worthily uphold the finest traditions -of the Royal Navy. How more largely still was the “First Line” to -write its name in the annals of the Victoria Cross will be seen in the -succeeding pages. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -PERSIA.--HOW THE SQUARE WAS BROKEN. - - -Among our little wars of the last century that with Persia must not be -passed over here, inasmuch as it was the means of three distinguished -British officers winning the V.C. These were Captain John Wood, of the -Bombay Native Infantry, and Lieutenants A. T. Moore and J. G. Malcolmson, -of the Bombay Light Cavalry. - -The war originated in the persistent ill-treatment of British residents -at Teheran, and in the insults offered to our Minister at the Persian -Court, Mr. Murray. No apologies being forthcoming, diplomatic relations -were broken off early in 1856. In November of the same year, after -fruitless attempts had been made to patch up the quarrel, Persia revealed -the reason for her hostility by violating her treaty and capturing Herat, -and war was declared. - -Herat from time immemorial had been subject to Afghanistan, and as, from -its position on the high road from India to Persia, it formed the key of -Afghanistan, it was long coveted by the Shah. He laid violent hands upon -it in 1838, but the British Government made him withdraw. This second -insolent defiance of our warnings could not be borne with equanimity; a -force comprising two British and three native regiments was despatched -from India to read the Persian monarch a lesson. Sir James Outram -commanded the expedition. The capture of Bushire was the first success -scored by the British troops, and it was in the attack on this coast town -in the Persian Gulf that Captain Wood gained his Cross. - -At the head of a grenadier company Wood made a rush for the fort. Persian -soldiers were in force behind the parapet, and a hot rifle-fire was -poured into the advancing infantry, but under the inspiration of their -leader they held bravely on. The captain was the first to mount the wall, -where his tall figure instantly became a target for the enemy. A score of -rifles were levelled at him, and some six or seven bullets found their -mark in his body. - -Badly wounded as he was, Wood jumped down into the midst of the enemy, -killing their leader and striking terror into the hearts of the rest. -This desperate charge, completed by his men, who had quickly swarmed up -the parapet after him, carried the day. The fort was surrendered with -little more opposition. - -The feat of arms, however, which led to Lieutenants Moore and Malcolmson -being decorated, was of even greater brilliancy. To Moore belongs the -almost unique distinction of having broken a square. - -It was at Khoosh-ab that his act of heroism took place. Near this -village, some way inland behind Bushire, the Persians were massed about -eight thousand strong. Outram’s little army had made a successful advance -into the interior and routed the Persian troops with considerable loss -on their side, and was now making its way back to the coast. Surprise -attacks at night had been frequent, but this was the first attempt to -make a determined stand against our troops. - -It was by a singular irony of fate that in this war we should have had -to fight against soldiers trained in the art of war by British officers. -But so it was. After Sir John Malcolm’s mission to Persia in 1810, the -Shah set to work to remodel his army among other institutions, and -British officers were borrowed for the purpose of bringing it to a state -of efficiency. The soldiers who gave battle to our troops at Khoosh-ab, -therefore, on February 8th, 1857, were not raw levies. But, for all that, -when it came to a pitched battle the Persians showed great pusillanimity. -At the charges of the Bengal Cavalry their horsemen scattered like chaff -before the wind. - -Most of the infantry, too, fled when Forbes’ turbaned sowars of the 3rd -Bengals and Poonah Horse rode down upon them, as panic-stricken as the -cavalry. But there was one regiment that, to its honour, stood firm. In -proper square formation they awaited the onset of the charge, the front -rank kneeling with fixed bayonets, and those behind firing in volleys. - -With his colonel by his side, Lieutenant Moore led his troop of the -Bengals when the order was given to charge, but Forbes having been hit -the young officer found himself alone. He had doubtless read of Arnold -Winkelried’s brave deed at Sempach, when “in arms the Austrian phalanx -stood,” but whether this was in his mind or not he resolved on a bold -course. He would “break the square.” - -As he neared the front rank of gleaming steel, above which, through the -curls of smoke, appeared the dark bearded faces of the Persians, Moore -pulled his charger’s head straight, drove in his spurs, and leapt sheer -on to the raised bayonets. The splendid animal fell dead within the -square, pinning its rider beneath its body; but the lieutenant was up and -on his feet in an instant, while through the gap he had made the sowars -charged after him. - -In his fall Moore had the misfortune to break his sword, and he was -now called on to defend himself with but a few inches of steel and a -revolver. Seeing his predicament, the Persians closed round him, eager -to avenge their defeat on the man who had broken their square. Against -these odds he must inevitably have gone under had not help been suddenly -forthcoming. - -Luckily for him, his brother-officer, Lieutenant Malcolmson, saw his -danger. Spurring his horse, he dashed through the throng of Persians to -his comrade’s aid, laying a man low with each sweep of his long sword. -Then, bidding Moore grip a stirrup, he clove a way free for both of them -out of the press. What is certainly a remarkable fact is that neither of -the two received so much as a scratch. - -Malcolmson’s plucky rescue was noted for recognition when the proper time -came, and in due course he and Moore received their V.C.’s together. The -former died a few years ago, but Moore is still with us, a Major-General -and a C.B. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -INDIA.--THE GALLANT NINE AT DELHI. - - -The early part of the year 1857 saw the outburst of the Indian Mutiny -which was to startle the world by its unparalleled horrors and shake to -its foundations our rule in India. Never before was a mere handful of -white men called upon to face such a fearful ordeal as fell to the lot of -the 38,000 soldiers who were sprinkled all over the North-West Provinces, -and the record of that splendid struggle for mastery is one that thrills -every Englishman’s heart with pride. - -There are pages in it that one would willingly blot out, for from the -outset some terrible blunders were committed. Inaction, smothered in “the -regulations, Section XVII.,” allowed mutiny to rear its head unchecked -and gain strength, until the time had almost passed when it could be -stamped out. But if there were cowards and worse among the old-school -British officers of that day, there were not wanting those who knew how -to cope with the peril. We are glad to forget Hewitt and those who erred -with him in the memory of Lawrence, Nicholson, Edwardes, Chamberlain, and -the many other heroes who came to the front. - -In every great crisis such as that which shook India in 1857 the -occasion has always found the man. The Sepoy revolt was the means of -bringing into prominence hundreds of men unsuspected of either genius or -heroism, and of giving them a high niche in the temple of fame. Young -subalterns suddenly thrust into positions of command, with the lives -of women and children in their hands, displayed extraordinary courage -and resource, and the annals of the Victoria Cross bear witness to the -magnificent spirit of devotion which animated every breast. - -One hundred and eighty-two Crosses were awarded for acts of valour -performed in the Mutiny, the list of recipients including officers of -the highest, and privates of the humblest, rank; doctors and civilians; -men and beardless boys. In the following pages I shall describe some of -the deeds which won the decoration and which stand out from the rest as -especially notable, beginning with the historic episode of “the Gallant -Nine” at Delhi. - - * * * * * - -The Indian Mutiny was not in its inception the revolution that some -historians have averred it to be. It was a military mutiny arising from -more or less real grievances of the sepoys, to which the affair of the -“greased” cartridges served as the last straw. Moreover, it was confined -to one Presidency, that of Bengal, and it is incorrect to say that the -conspiracy was widespread and that a large number of native princes and -rajahs were at the bottom of it. - -As a matter of fact only two dynastic rulers--the execrable Nana Sahib -and the Ranee of Jhansi--lent it their support. The majority of the -native princes, among them being the powerful Maharajah of Pattiala, -sided with the British from the first, and it was their fidelity, with -their well-trained troops, which enabled us to keep the flag flying -through that awful time. - -“There were sepoys on both sides of the entrenchments at Lucknow,” says -Dr. Fitchett in his _Tale of the Great Mutiny_. “Counting camp followers, -native servants, etc., there were two black faces to every white face -under the British flag which fluttered so proudly over the historic -ridge at Delhi. The ‘protected’ Sikh chiefs kept British authority from -temporary collapse betwixt the Jumna and the Sutlej. They formed what -Sir Richard Temple calls ‘a political breakwater,’ on which the fury -of rebellious Hindustan broke in vain.” Had the Mutiny indeed been a -_national_ uprising, what chances would the 38,000 white soldiers have -had against the millions of natives who comprised India’s population? - -It is important to bear all this in mind while following the course of -events which marked the progress of revolt. We shall not then get such a -distorted picture of the whole as is too frequently presented to us. - -The Mutiny was a military one, as I have said. It began prematurely in -an outbreak at Barrackpore, on March 29, 1857. Here a drunken fanatical -sepoy, named Mungul Pandy, shot two British officers and set light to -the “human powder magazine,” which was all too ready to explode. On the -10th of May following came the tragedy of Meerut, where the 3rd Bengal -Light Cavalry, the 11th and 20th Regiments of Native Infantry rose and -massacred every European not in the British lines, and this despite the -presence there of a strong troop of horse artillery and a regiment of -rifles, 1000 strong! - -After the carnage at Meerut the mutinous sowars poured out unchecked -along the high road to Delhi, to spread the news of their success and -claim in the old, enfeebled pantaloon Mogul king in that city a political -head to their revolt. Delhi received them open-armed. There were no -British troops there, by special treaty, only a few Englishmen in charge -of the great magazine and its stores. - -It is quite clear that the 31st of May (a Sunday) was the day fixed for -the sepoy regiments in Bengal to rise simultaneously. Unforeseen events -had precipitated the catastrophe by a few weeks. In Delhi, which was a -nest of treason and intrigue, arrangements had been perfected for the -outbreak there, one of the first objects to be attained being the seizure -of its arsenal. Hither, then, the mutineers turned at once after their -triumphant entry. - -The magazine of Delhi was a huge building standing about six hundred -yards from the main-guard of the Cashmere Gate. Within its four walls -were guns, shells, powder, rifles, and stores of cartridges in vast -quantities, from which the mutineers had relied upon arming themselves. -And to defend this priceless storehouse there was but a little band of -nine Englishmen, for the score or so of sepoys under their command could -not be depended on. - -The Nine comprised Lieutenant George Willoughby, Captains Forrest and -Raynor, Sergeants Stuart and Edwards, and four Conductors, Buckley, -Shaw, Scully, and Crowe. Willoughby was in charge, a quiet-mannered, -slow-speaking man, but possessed of that moral courage which is perhaps -the highest of human attributes. When the shouting horde from Meerut -swarmed in and began to massacre every white person they met, he called -his assistants inside the courtyard and locked the great gates. At all -costs the magazine must be saved from falling into the hands of the -mutineers. - -There was not a man of the eight but shared his leader’s determination. -With set, grim faces they went about their work, preparing for the -attack which must come sooner or later. There were ten guns to be placed -in position, several gates to be bolted and barred, and, last of all, -the mine to be laid beneath the magazine. Help would surely come--come -along that very road down which the sowars of the 3rd Bengal Cavalry had -galloped with bloodstained swords and tunics. But if it did not, the Nine -knew their duty and would not flinch from doing it. - -With all possible speed the front entrance and other important vulnerable -points were covered with howitzers, loaded with grape-shot. Arms had been -served out to all, including the native employees, but the latter only -waited the opportunity to escape. In the meantime Conductor Buckley saw -to the laying of the mine, connecting it with a long thin line of powder -that ran out to the centre of the courtyard under a little lemon tree. - -Conductor Scully begged for the honour of firing the train when the fatal -moment came, and obtained his desire. A signal (the raising of a cap) was -then arranged to be given, at which he was to apply his port-fire to the -fuse. - -All being at last in readiness, the Nine stood at their several posts -waiting for the enemy to make the first move. They had not to wait long. -Within half an hour came an urgent messenger from the Palace bearing a -written summons to Willoughby to surrender the magazine. The Head of the -Nine tore up the paper and gave his answer. - -Soon after appeared a body of sepoys, men of the Palace Guard and of the -revolted Meerut regiments, with a rabble of city people. - -“Open the gates!” they cried. “In the name of the King of Delhi, open the -gates!” - -Getting the same curt refusal that had greeted the previous summons, some -went off for scaling-ladders, and as they heard these being fixed against -the outer wall the Nine knew the moment for action had come. The sepoy -employees of the Arsenal were in full flight now, but Willoughby let them -go. He had no shot to spare for them. So over the walls they scrambled, -like rats deserting a sinking ship, to join their compatriots without. - -As the last man of them disappeared the rush of the mutineers began. -Swarming up the ladders they lined the walls, whence they fired upon the -brave group of defenders, while the more intrepid among them leapt boldly -down into the yard. The rifles of the Nine rang out sharply; then at the -word “Fire!” the big guns poured their charges of grape into the huddled -mass of rebels. - -By this time a gate had been burst open, and here the 24-pounder was -booming its grim defiance. The sepoys hung back in check for some minutes -before the rain of shot. Behind them, however, was a rapidly increasing -crowd, filling the air with the cry of faith--“Deen! Deen!” and calling -on their brothers in the front to kill, and kill quickly. At this, though -the ground was littered with dead, the rushes became more daring and the -yard began to fill with dusky forms, driving the Englishmen farther back. - -The end was very near now. The sepoys were dangerously close to the guns, -and Willoughby realised that in a few moments he would have to give the -fatal signal. One last quick glance up the white streak of road showed -him no sign of approaching aid. They were helpless--doomed! - -Willoughby threw a last charge into the gun he himself worked. - -“One more round, men,” he said, “and then--we’ve done.” - -The big pieces thundered again in the face of the dark crowd by the -broken gate, and at the groups along the wall. Then, dropping his fuse, -Scully ran swiftly to the lemon tree where the post of honour was his. - -It had been arranged that Buckley should give the signal at a word from -Willoughby, but the brave conductor was bowled over with a ball in his -elbow. It fell to Willoughby himself, therefore, to make the sign. He -raised his cap from his head, as if in salute, and the same moment Scully -bent down with his port-fire over the powder train. - -There was a flash of flame across the yard to the door of the big store -building, a brief instant of suspense, and then, with a deafening roar -which shook Delhi from end to end, the great magazine blew up. - -A dense column of smoke and débris shot high up into the sky, which was -lit with crimson glory by the leaping flames. The smoke hung there for -hours, like a black pall over the city, a sign for all who could read -that the Huzoors, the Masters, had given their first answer of defiance -to Mutiny. - -In that tremendous explosion close on a thousand mutineers perished, -crushed by the falling walls and masonry. Of the devoted Nine five -were never seen again, among them being Conductor Scully. The four -survivors, Willoughby, Buckley, Forrest, and Raynor, smoke-blackened and -unrecognisable, escaped into the country outside the walls, and set off -for Meerut, the nearest British cantonment. - -Forrest and Buckley, both badly wounded, arrived safely there with -Raynor, to tell the story of their deed; but Willoughby, who had -separated from them, was less fortunate. His companions learned of their -brave leader’s fate some time after, when a native brought news of how -some five British officers had been waylaid and cut to pieces near -Koomhera. Willoughby formed one of the doomed party. - -It was a sad ending to a fine career, and throughout India and England -the keenest regret was felt that he had not lived to receive the V.C. -with which, in due course, each of his three comrades was decorated. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -INDIA.--WITH SABRE AND GUN AGAINST SEPOY. - - -The siege of Delhi, which was begun a month after the rebellion had -broken out, ranks with the most historic sieges of modern times. In its -course it yielded many notable Crosses. - -Defended by high bastions and walls of solid masonry, the city proved a -hard nut to crack, and Generals Barnard and Wilson, who conducted the -operations with an army of British, Afghan, Sikh, and Ghurka troops, -spent several months before reducing the stronghold. Even then its -capture was only made possible by the arrival of a siege train under -Brigadier-General John Nicholson. - -To Nicholson belongs a great share of the credit for the fall of Delhi. -By a series of remarkable forced marches he brought a strong force of -artillery and British and Sikh soldiers from the Punjab to the Ridge at -Delhi, which added greatly to the strength of the army there encamped. -And by his impetuosity in council he compelled the wavering General -Wilson to decide on the final assault in September. - -Before I come to this point, however, I have to tell of some gallant -deeds that were performed in the fighting round Delhi. While the army -lay on the Ridge preparing for its leap upon the rebel city, a number -of engagements with the enemy took place. These were mostly of a very -desperate character, and the individual deeds of some who distinguished -themselves therein were fittingly rewarded with the Cross for Valour. - -In one of the sorties made by the sepoys at Delhi in July of that year, -1857, Lieutenant Hills and Major Tombs, of the Bengal Horse Artillery, -had a fierce encounter with the rebels, which gained the V.C. for each of -them. - -With a cavalry picket and two guns, Hills was on outpost duty on the -trunk road, near a piece of high ground called the Mound, when a large -body of sepoy sowars from the city charged upon him. The picket, taken by -surprise, took to flight and left the guns undefended, but Hills remained -at his post. To save his guns and give the gunners a chance of opening -fire was the plucky lieutenant’s first thought, so clapping spurs to his -horse he bore down alone on the enemy. - -In narrating the incident himself he says: “I thought that by charging -them I might make a commotion, and give the guns time to load, so in -I went at the front rank, cut down the first fellow, slashed the next -across the face as hard as I could, when two sowars charged me. Both -their horses crashed into mine at the same moment, and, of course, both -horse and myself were sent flying. We went down at such a pace that I -escaped the cuts made at me, one of them giving my jacket an awful slice -just below the left arm--it only, however, cut the jacket. - -“Well, I lay quite snug until all had passed over me, and then got up and -looked about for my sword. I found it full ten yards off. I had hardly -got hold of it when these fellows returned, two on horseback. The first -I wounded, and dropped him from his horse. The second charged me with his -lance. I put it aside, and caught him an awful gash on the head and face. -I thought I had killed him. Apparently he must have clung to his horse, -for he disappeared. The wounded man then came up, but got his skull -split. Then came on the third man--a young, active fellow. - -“I found myself getting very weak from want of breath, the fall from my -horse having pumped me considerably, and my cloak, somehow or other, had -got tightly fixed round my throat, and was actually choking me. I went, -however, at the fellow and cut him on the shoulder, but some ‘kupra’ -(cloth) on it apparently turned the blow. He managed to seize the hilt of -my sword and twisted it out of my hand, and then we had a hand-to-hand -fight, I punching his head with my fists, and he trying to cut me, but I -was too close to him.” - -At this critical moment Hills slipped on the wet ground and fell. He lay -at the sowar’s mercy, and nothing could have saved him from death had not -Major Tombs come within sight of the scene. The major was some thirty -yards away, and had only his revolver and sword with him. There was no -time to be lost, so resting the former weapon on his arm he took a quick -steady aim and fired. The shot caught the sepoy in the breast, and as his -uplifted arm fell limply to his side he tumbled dead to the ground. - -Thanking Heaven that his aim had been true, Major Tombs hastened to -assist Hills to his feet and help him back to camp. But as they stood -together a rebel sowar rode by with the lieutenant’s pistol in his hand. -In a moment Hills, who had regained his sword, dashed after the man, who -proved no mean adversary. - -They went at it cut and slash for some time; then a smashing blow from -the sowar’s tulwar broke down the lieutenant’s guard and cut him on the -head. Tombs now received the sepoy’s attack, but the major was among the -best swordsmen in the army, and closing with his opponent he speedily ran -him through. - -Both the officers had had their fill of fighting for the day, and -fortunately, perhaps, for them, no more rebels appeared to molest them -on their return to the camp. The lieutenant, I may note in passing, -is now the well-known Lieut.-General Sir J. Hills-Johnes, G.C.B.; his -fellow-hero of the fight died some years ago, a Major-General and a K.C.B. - -Another veteran of the Indian Mutiny still alive, who also won his V.C. -at Delhi, is Colonel Thomas Cadell. A lieutenant in the Bengal European -Fusiliers at the time, Cadell figured in a hot affray between a picket -and an overwhelmingly large body of rebels. In the face of a very severe -fire he gallantly went to the aid of a wounded bugler of his own regiment -and brought him safely in. On the same day, hearing that another wounded -man had been left behind, he made a dash into the open, accompanied by -three men of his regiment, and succeeded in making a second rescue. - -The heroes of Delhi are so many that it is difficult to choose among -them. Place must be found, however, for brief mention of the dashing -exploit of Colour-Sergeant Stephen Garvin of the 60th Rifles. The Rifles, -by the way, now the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, have the goodly number of -thirteen V.C.’s to their credit. - -In June 1857 the British army on the Ridge was greatly harassed by -rebel sharpshooters who took up their position in a building known as -the “Sammy House.” It was essential that this hornet’s nest should -be destroyed, and volunteers were called for. For this service -Colour-Sergeant Garvin promptly stepped forward and, with a small party -of daring spirits, set out on what looked to most like a forlorn hope. - -What the rebels thought of this impudent attempt to oust them from -their stronghold we cannot tell, for but one or two of them escaped to -the city with their lives. Such an onslaught as they received at the -“Sammy House,” when Garvin and his valiant dozen rushed the place, quite -surpassed anything in their experience. The colour-sergeant is described -as hewing and hacking like a paladin of romance, and for his bravery and -the example he set to his followers he well deserved the Cross that later -adorned his breast. - -At Bulandshahr, a little to the south of Delhi, in September of the same -year, there was a gallant action fought by a body of the Bengal Horse -Artillery, which resulted in no fewer than seven V.C.’s being awarded; -but there is, I think, no more heroic act recorded in the annals of this -famous corps than that of brave Gunner Connolly at Jhelum, two months -previously. - -While working his gun early in the action he was wounded in the left -thigh, but he said nothing about his wound, mounting his horse in the -team when the battery limbered up to another position. After some hours’ -hot work at this new post, Connolly was again hit, and so badly that his -superior officer ordered him to the rear. - -“I gave instructions for his removal out of action,” says Lieutenant -Cookes in his report, “but this brave man, hearing the order, staggered -to his feet and said, ‘No, sir, I’ll not go there whilst I can work -here,’ and shortly afterwards he again resumed his post as a spongeman.” - -Throughout the fighting that day Connolly stuck to his gun, though his -wounds caused him great suffering and loss of blood, and it was not until -a third bullet had ploughed its way through his leg that he gave up. Then -he was carried from the field unconscious. That was the stuff that our -gunners in India were made of, and we may give Connolly and his fellows -our unstinted admiration. For sheer pluck and devotion to duty they had -no peers. - -A highly distinguished artilleryman, who won his Cross in a different -way, was a young lieutenant named Frederick Sleigh Roberts, now known -to fame as Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, K.G. The scene of his valour was -Khudaganj, near Fatehgarh, in the Agra district, and the date the 2nd of -January 1858. - -Some five thousand rebels under the Nawab of Farukhabad being in force -in the neighbourhood, Sir Colin Campbell pushed on with his troops to -disperse the enemy. Lieutenant Roberts was attached to Sir Hope Grant’s -staff, and with his leader came into contact with the rebels at the -village of Khudaganj. Here a sharp engagement took place, which resulted -in the Nawab’s army being completely routed. - -At the end of the fight, while the mounted men were following up the -fugitives, the young lieutenant saw a sowar of the Punjab Cavalry (a -loyal native regiment) in danger of being worsted by a sepoy armed -with fixed bayonet. Wheeling his horse in their direction, he quickly -thrust himself between the two and, with a terrific sweep of his sword -across the other’s face, laid the sepoy low. A minute or two later he -caught sight of a couple of rebels making off with a standard. Roberts -determined that this should be captured, so setting spurs to his horse he -galloped after them. - -He overtook the pair just as they were about to seek refuge in a village -close by, and engaged them both at once. The one who clutched the -standard he cut down, wrenching the trophy out of the other’s hands, but -the second sepoy, ere he could turn, placed his musket close to the young -officer’s body and pulled the trigger. Fortunately for him, the musket -missed fire (it was in the days of the old percussion caps), whereupon -the sepoy made off, leaving Roberts to return in triumph. - -In other engagements like those at Bulandshahr and Khudaganj many young -cavalry officers who came to high honour in later years distinguished -themselves by personal bravery. Prominent among these were Captain -Dighton Probyn and Lieutenant John Watson, both of the Punjab Cavalry. -Their exploits are well worth narrating. - -At the battle of Agra Probyn at the head of his squadron charged a body -of rebel infantry, and in the mêlée became separated from his men. Beset -as he was by a crowd of sepoys, he cut his way through them and engaged -in a series of single combats of an Homeric kind. In one instance he rode -down upon a cluster of sepoys, singled out the standard-bearer, killed -him on the spot, and dashed off again with the colours. His gallantry on -this and other occasions was, as Sir Hope Grant said in his despatch, so -marked that he was promptly awarded the V.C. - -Lieutenant Watson had a similar heroic encounter with a rebel on November -14th, 1857, when just outside Lucknow he and his troop of Punjabis came -into contact with a force of rebel cavalry which far outnumbered them. - -As they approached the Ressaldar in command of the rebels rode out in -advance of his men with half a dozen followers. He is described as -having been “a fine specimen of the Hindustani Mussulman,” a stalwart, -black-bearded, fierce-looking man. Here was a foeman worthy of one’s -steel. With all the daring that had already made him beloved by his -sowars and feared by the enemy, Watson accepted the challenge thus -offered, and rode out to give the other combat. - -He had got within a yard or so of his opponent when the Ressaldar fired -his pistol point blank at him, but luckily the shot failed to take -effect. It can only be supposed that the bullet had fallen out in the -process of loading, for the two were too close together for the rebel -leader to have missed his mark. Without hesitating, the lieutenant -charged and dismounted the other, who drew his tulwar and called his -followers to his aid. - -Watson now found himself engaged with seven opponents, and against their -onslaught he had to defend himself like a lion. It is not recorded that -he slew the Ressaldar, though it is to be hoped that he did so, but he -succeeded in keeping them all at bay until his own sowars came to the -rescue with some of Probyn’s Horse who had witnessed the combat. And -when the rebels were put to flight the brave lieutenant’s wounds bore -evidence of the fierce nature of the combat. A hideous slash on the head, -a cut on the left arm, another on the right arm that disabled that limb -for some time afterwards, and a sabre cut on the leg which came near to -permanently laming him, were the chief hurts he had received, while a -bullet hole in his coat showed how nearly a shot had found him. - -There were many tight corners that the young cavalry leader found himself -in before the Mutiny came to an end, and despatches recorded his name -more than once for distinguished services, but if you were to ask General -Sir John Watson (he is a G.C.B. now, like his brother-officer, Sir -Dighton Probyn) to-day, I doubt if he could remember another fight that -was so desperate as that hand-to-hand combat with the mighty Ressaldar. - -And if it should ever come to fade from his memory he has only to look at -a little bronze Maltese cross which hangs among his other medals on his -breast, to remind himself of a time when it was touch-and-go with death. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -INDIA.--THE BLOWING UP OF THE CASHMERE GATE. - - -The final assault of Delhi, the leap of a little army of five thousand -British and native soldiers upon a strongly fortified city held by fifty -thousand rebels, forms one of the most exciting chapters in the history -of the Indian Mutiny, and the blowing up of the Cashmere Gate one of its -most heroic incidents. Once more did the gallant “sappers and miners,” -whom we last saw doing noble work in the trenches at Sebastopol, here -show themselves ready to face any peril at duty’s call. - -The decision to make the attack was come to at that historic council on -September 6th, 1857, to which Nicholson went fully prepared to propose -that General Wilson should be superseded did he hesitate longer. On the -following day the engineers under Baird-Smith and his able lieutenants -set to work to construct the trenching batteries, and by the 13th enough -had been done to warrant the assault. - -We have a very vivid picture drawn for us by several writers of how, on -the night of the 13th, four Engineer subalterns stole out of the camp on -the Ridge and crept cautiously up to the walls of the enemy’s bastions to -see what condition they were in. Greathed, Home, Medley, and Lang were -the names of the four; one of them, Lieutenant Home, was to earn undying -fame the next day at the Cashmere Gate. - -Armed with swords and revolvers, the party--divided into two -sections--slipped into the great ditch, sixteen feet deep, and made for -the top of the breach. But quiet as they were, the sepoy sentries on the -wall above had heard them. Men were heard running from point to point. -“They conversed in a low tone,” writes Medley, who was with Lang under -the Cashmere Bastion, “and presently we heard the ring of their steel -ramrods as they loaded.” - -Huddled into the darkest corner of the ditch, the two officers waited -anxiously for the sepoys to go away, when another attempt might be made; -but the alarmed sentries held their ground. The engineers, however, had -seen that the breach was a good one, “the slope being easy of ascent and -no guns on the flank,” so the four of them jumped up and made a bolt for -home. Directly they were discovered a volley rattled out from behind -them, and the whizzing of balls about their ears quickened their steps -over the rough ground. Luckily not one was hit. - -There was one other man engaged in reconnoitring work that same night of -whom little mention is made in accounts of the siege. This was Bugler -William Sutton, of the 60th Rifles, a very brave fellow, as had been -proved some weeks previously during a sortie from Delhi. On this occasion -he dashed out from cover and threw himself upon the sepoy bugler who was -about to sound the “advance” for the rebels. The call never rang out, for -Bugler Sutton’s aim was quick and true, and the rebels, in some disorder, -were driven back. - -Volunteering for the dangerous service on which the four engineers -above-named had undertaken, Sutton ventured forth alone to spy out the -breach at which his regiment was to be hurled next morning, and succeeded -in obtaining some very valuable information for his superiors. The 60th -Rifles gained no fewer than eight Victoria Crosses during the Mutiny, and -one of them fell to Bugler Sutton, who was elected unanimously for the -honour by his comrades. - -But it is of the Cashmere Gate and what was done there that this chapter -is mainly to tell. According to the plans of the council, four columns -were to make the attack simultaneously at four different points in the -walls. The one under Nicholson was to carry the breach near the Cashmere -Bastion, while another column, under Colonel Campbell, was to blow up the -Cashmere Gate and force its entrance through into the city. The duty of -performing the first part of this operation fell to Lieutenants Home and -Salkeld of the Engineers. - -There was a little delay on the morning of the assault, for it was found -that the sepoys had been hard at it in the night blocking up the holes -in the breaches with sandbags, and otherwise repairing the damage done -by our batteries. But at last everything was in readiness. The signal to -advance was given, and the columns moved eagerly forward. - -At the head of the third column (Campbell’s), well in front of the rest, -ran Home, Salkeld, two sergeants, also of the Bengal Engineers,--let -their names be given, Smith and Carmichael,--Corporal Burgess, and Bugler -Hawthorne of the 52nd Regiment, together with Havildar Pelluck Singh and -eight sappers. Salkeld had a slow match in his hand (not a port-fire, as -is often stated); the sergeants and the other men each carried a 25 lb. -bag of powder. Behind, to cover them, followed close a small firing party. - -It is not difficult to conjure up the scene before our eyes. As the -little company nears the Gate it sees that the bridge which formerly -spanned the ditch has been broken down. Only a single beam stretches -across. Nothing daunted, Lieutenant Home leads the way, stepping lightly -over the shaking beam and dropping his powder bag at the foot of the Gate -ere he leaps down into the ditch. - -Peering through the wicket, the sepoys stare in sheer astonishment at -this handful of mad Englishmen charging at them, and four or five of the -party have got safely across, each depositing his precious bag in its -place, ere the rebel muskets speak out. Then the slender wooden beam -becomes indeed a bridge of death. A sheet of flame flashes from the -wicket of the Gate, and one man after another falls, wounded or killed -outright. Enough bags, however, have been flung down into position, and -Home calls upon Salkeld to finish the job. - -With Sergeants Smith and Carmichael, and the corporal by his side, -Salkeld, who has been in waiting, dashes for the frail bridge. He gains -it and is over, as a volley rattles out from the Gate, but before he can -light the fuse he falls, shot through leg and arm. - -“Here you are, Burgess!” he cries, holding out the slow match. “Quick, -man!” - -The corporal takes the slow match in turn and bends low over the powder, -only to fall back the next instant mortally wounded. We have it on Lord -Roberts’ authority that Burgess actually succeeded in lighting the fuse, -but opinions are at variance on this point. It seems probable, however, -that he did perform his task, for when Sergeant Smith, seizing the slow -match in his turn, now goes forward to ignite the powder, he sees that -the fuse is fizzling. - -A leap into the ditch, where he lands beside Home and Bugler Hawthorne, -saves him just in time. A moment later and there is a loud explosion, a -cloud of smoke, and stones, pieces of wood, and other débris raining down -all around. In the noise of the firing and the confusion that prevails, -the bugler is meanwhile sounding the “advance,” not once but thrice, -though it is extremely doubtful if it is heard at all. - -Colonel Campbell has seen the explosion, however, and the storming party, -straining like hounds in leash, are no more to be held back. With a wild -cheer they spring forward, to find--not the big Gate itself destroyed, -but the little wicket, which was all that had been blown in. One by -one they creep through, stepping over the scorched bodies of the sepoy -wardens within, and form up in the open space by Skinner’s Church, where -all are to meet. - -But what of the survivors of the explosion left behind in the ditch? Home -is alive, and so are Hawthorne, Smith, Burgess, and Salkeld, though the -two last are grievously wounded. Carmichael and several others lie still -for ever on the damp ground. - -With some assistance, brave John Smith and Bugler Hawthorne get -Lieutenant Salkeld into the doctor’s hands, though it is evident nothing -can be done for him. Burgess, too, has a mortal wound, and he is dead -before friendly hands have carried him a score of yards. Of the wounded -only the havildar, who had fallen with Carmichael before the deadly rain -of bullets, has any hope of recovery. - - * * * * * - -There is not much more to be said. Lieutenant Philip Salkeld died a few -days later, but not before he knew that the Cross for Valour had been -conferred upon him. Sergeant Smith and the bugler were the only two -destined to wear the coveted decoration in memory of that day’s desperate -deed. - -Lieutenant Duncan Home figures in the list of V.C. heroes with his -brother-lieutenant by reason of the Cross having been provisionally -bestowed upon him by General Wilson. His end, which came scarcely three -weeks later, was a dramatic one. - -In the attack on Fort Malagarh it was expedient to lay a mine and make a -breach in the wall. Home superintended this operation, and lit the slow -match himself. The fuse appearing to have gone out, he went forward to -examine it and relight it if necessary, but at the moment he stooped the -light reached the powder and the mine blew up. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -INDIA.--THE STORY OF KOLAPORE KERR. - - -The scene of the incident which I am about to narrate was Kolapore (or -Kolhapur, as the modern spelling has it), an important town in the Bombay -Presidency. Even before the Mutiny broke out there had been no little -disaffection among the people in that quarter of India, and when the news -of the revolt at Meerut and Delhi reached the Presidency grave fears were -entertained lest the native troops there should join the rebels. - -It was characteristic of most English officers attached to native -regiments in those days that they firmly believed in the loyalty of their -men. Only at the last moment, when the soldiers they had drilled and -taught broke into open mutiny, could they grasp the truth, and then it -was often too late. But in Bombay there was one officer whose trust was -not belied. This was Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr, of the Southern -Mahratta Irregular Horse. - -“I know my men,” he would say, when the question of loyalty was raised, -“and I know they are true. I’ll answer for _my_ troopers at any time.” - -Rather short men were these Mahrattas, but sturdy, stocky fellows with -somewhat flat features, long jet black hair, and bronze faces, out -of which small fiery black eyes gleamed at one. They were excellent -fighters, as many a hill fight had proved, and there were not a few -officers in India who would as soon have had a company of wild Mahratta -warriors at their back as Sikhs or Punjabis, when it came to a tussle. - -Lieutenant Kerr certainly held this opinion. Long service with them had -made him acquainted with their courage and faithfulness. - -“The Bombay Infantry may rise, but not my Mahrattas,” he affirmed. “There -isn’t a man among them who wouldn’t follow me to the ends of the earth!” - -He was stating this fact for the hundredth time at a memorable council -that was held in the officers’ mess at Satara on the night of July 8th, -1857, when the startling news was flashed over the wires that the 27th -Bombay Native Infantry had revolted at Kolapore. The message ran that -nearly all their English officers had been killed, only a few escaping to -find uncertain refuge in the Residency. Help was needed urgently. - -What was to be done? The officer commanding at Satara faced his staff -with a grave face. Here was confirmation of their worst fears. The looks -that met his were full of foreboding; all, that is, save Kerr’s. - -Rising to his feet, the young lieutenant turned quickly to his superior. - -“Give me leave, sir,” he said, “and I’ll undertake with a company of our -sowars to clear every mutineer out of Kolapore.” - -It was the chance he longed for, the chance to prove the loyalty of his -troopers. - -The colonel pondered some moments, for the little force at Satara was not -over strong. - -“I can give you fifty men,” he said at last; “a troop of fifty, no more. -Can you manage with that?” - -“I can and I will,” answered Kerr tersely. And half an hour later saw him -spurring fast southward with his Mahrattas behind him, in all the glory -of their gold-braided green coats and scarlet turbans. - -Kolapore lay seventy-five miles due south, as the crow flies, but their -way led through unfrequented roads and jungle paths, with swollen rivers -and flooded nullahs to swim across, for the rains had been heavy of -late and the fords were gone. Swamps impeded their progress, clutching -at the feet of the wiry hill horses to drag them down, but they were -clear at last, and galloped breathless into Kolapore in rather less than -six-and-twenty hours from their start. - -The mutineers of the revolted 27th Regiment had entrenched themselves -in a strongly built stone fort on the outskirts of the town. The main -entrance to this was a massive wooden door which would need to be forced -open, for inside there were heavy bolts and bars to secure it. So Kerr, -choosing the quickest way, borrowed a couple of antique cannon from the -Rajah of the place and pounded away to break the outer wall; but the guns -turned out to be worthless and had to be abandoned. - -There now remained the door to be broken open. That offered the best, -indeed the only, means of effecting an entrance. Night was fast drawing -nigh, and the lieutenant was determined to take action at once. It would -not do to give the rebels breathing space. - -Halting his Mahrattas some distance from the fort, Kerr picked seventeen -of his most trusted men and bade them dismount and follow him to the -attack. For himself and a trooper whose name, strangely enough, was -Gumpunt Rao Deo Ker, he had obtained two stout iron crowbars with which -to force open the door, and at a signal from him the little party dashed -eagerly forward. - -From their loopholes and from the top of the wall the sepoys poured -an irregular fire upon the besiegers below. But Kerr and Gumpunt Rao, -working away desperately with their bars, very soon made a hole in the -door near the ground. A few more blows enlarged it sufficiently to allow -one man to crawl through on his hands and knees. - -That was enough for Kerr. - -“In we go, men,” he cried; “after me! Have your swords ready!” And the -little fierce-eyed men grinned with delight as they saw their leader -wriggle like a snake through the hole with the faithful Gumpunt at his -heels. What a fight there was going to be! - -They guessed truly. The instant Kerr showed himself inside the courtyard -he was greeted with a volley of musketry, but the sepoys aimed too high, -and every bullet crashed harmlessly into the woodwork over his head. -Springing to his feet, the lieutenant made a rush at his assailants -that sent them flying before him. And then, the scarlet turbans having -followed safely through the aperture one after another, the mutineers -were slowly driven back, leaving several heaps of dead and wounded in -their wake. - -The fighting blood of the wild Mahrattas was up now. A battalion of -rebels could not have stayed them. Before their fierce onslaught the -mutineers fled to the refuge of a house that covered the second entrance -to the fort, but the building was set on fire, and off they scampered -again for dear life, though a few perished in the flames. - -Their next retreat was behind a gateway which led to the inner portion of -the fort. Here the shaken remnant was joined by the men of the garrison, -who had been spectators of the affray. This reinforcement gave them -renewed confidence, and they opened a fresh fire upon Kerr and his little -band. The Mahrattas needed no call from their valiant leader. Two or -three of them bit the dust under the hail of bullets, but the rest leapt -to the gate where Lieutenant Kerr was already at work with his crowbar. -Again a hole was made, and again the plucky officer--always first--crept -through with his followers. - -In the terrible hand-to-hand fight that ensued within Kerr had the chain -of his helmet cut by a bullet, while another ball struck his sword. A -sepoy, too, thrust his musket almost into the lieutenant’s face, the -discharge blinding him for an instant, but Kerr ran his sword through the -man’s body ere he could reload. - -The thrust was a mighty one, and the effort to withdraw his weapon was so -great that it gave time for a watching rebel to deal him a stunning blow -on the head with the butt end of a musket. Down went Kerr like a felled -log, and but for Gumpunt Rao he would have been shot where he lay. Just -in the nick of time the Mahratta sprang between them and sent the sepoy -to his last account. - -Kerr’s storming party was sadly reduced in numbers by this time, and of -those who had survived not one had escaped being wounded. But as soon as -their leader had come to his senses, they went forward once more, cutting -down the mutineers with their keen-edged curved swords, and striking -terror into the hearts of those who yet again fled before them. - -In their extremity the rebels made for an empty disused temple, hastily -barricading its door with stones and anything that would help to keep -those dreaded greencoats at a safe distance. They still had a good supply -of cartridges left, and with these did such execution that several more -of the Mahratta warriors were laid low. - -But they had to reckon with a man who was bent on teaching them such a -lesson as they and every mutineer in the Presidency should never forget. -Seven sowars alone were left to Kerr for his last attack, seven out of -the chosen seventeen who had followed him through that first hole in the -outer door. Yet he did not wait to be reinforced. With this mere handful -of men he flung himself on the temple door, which at once rang under the -quick blows of his iron bar. - -The entrance to the building, however, was made of stouter material than -the other doors had been. Neither he nor Gumpunt Rao could burst through -the wood. The lieutenant glanced round for another weapon, and now to his -delight saw a heap of hay lying by a side wall. Here was the very thing -he wanted. - -“Quick, Gumpunt!” he shouted. “Bring that hay over here. We’ll burn the -door down an’ finish ’em!” - -And finish them they did. As the flames crackled up and the door fell in, -Kerr, Gumpunt Rao, and the other six leapt inside. A grim-looking band -they must have appeared, with their smoke-blackened faces, their slashed -and bloodstained tunics, and doubly so to the panic-stricken mutineers -who cowered in the dark corners of the temple. - -“No quarter!” the wild Mahrattas had begged of their “sahib,” while they -waited for the fire to do its work. “Death to every rat caught in the -hole!” But Kerr would not grant them their wish. All who would yield were -to be taken prisoners; he had a different fate in store for them. - -So when the eight emerged again from the now silent building, more -bloodstained than ever, for a few of the rats at bay had shown their -teeth, they brought with them a bare dozen of trembling sepoys, all that -remained of the mutinous garrison of Kolapore Fort. And with these in -their midst the little swarthy hill-men in the green coats some hours -later rode triumphantly back to Satara, with Kerr at their head, to tell -of that grim night’s work. - -The sparks of mutiny that might so easily have burst into a flame in -Bombay may be said to have been stamped out by Lieutenant Kerr’s prompt -and vigorous action. Subsequent attempts were made to create a rising, -but they were fitful and half-hearted. The lesson of Kolapore had been a -stern one. - -For his dashing exploit Lieutenant Kerr received the V.C., a decoration -which, I am glad to say, he is still alive to wear. The brave Mahratta, -Gumpunt Rao Deo Ker, though he deserved to share the same honour, was -rewarded in a different fashion. - -That is the story of Kolapore Kerr. It is, to my mind, a theme every -whit as inspiring to a poet’s pen as the stand of the Guides at Cabul or -Gillespie’s ride to “false Vellore.” Perhaps some day a poet will arise -who will commemorate for us in stirring verse Kerr’s gallant deed, and -tell how once and for all the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse proved -their loyalty to the British Raj. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -INDIA.--THE DEFENCE OF THE DHOOLIES. - - -In the preceding chapters I have told of many heroes who have won -imperishable glory at the cannon’s mouth, “i’ the imminent deadly -breach”; at the head of charging squadrons; or in Homeric personal -combat. Valiant men were they all, and worthy of high admiration; -but I come now to speak of other brave men, whose deeds though less -ostentatious should appeal to our imagination no less forcibly--the -devoted surgeons of our Army. - -In the bead-roll of Britain’s heroes there are no more honoured names -than theirs, and very high up among them I would place those of Surgeons -Jee, McMaster, Home, and Bradshaw. Their work was not to lead storming -parties or join in the press of battle, but to follow in the wake of the -fight, to relieve the sufferings of the wounded, to bind up shattered -limbs and bandage the ghastly hurts that round-shot, sabre, and musket -had inflicted in the swirl of evil human passions thus let loose. - -It was work that demanded devotion and courage of the highest order, -for it was carried on mostly under fire, when bullets rained pitilessly -around, and the very hand that one moment eased a sufferer’s pain might -the next itself be stilled in death. Let the tale of what was done in -Lucknow streets on that historic September day in 1857 when Havelock and -Outram fought their way into the besieged city, testify to the pluck and -noble self-sacrifice of which our Army doctors are capable at duty’s call. - -Surgeon Joseph Jee was attached to the 78th Highlanders, the old -“Ross-shire Buffs,” now known (with the 72nd Foot) as the Seaforth -Highlanders. He had followed his regiment to Cawnpore to avenge Nana -Sahib’s ghastly massacre, and thence to Lucknow, which, under the gallant -Henry Lawrence, was holding out until relief came. - -From the Alumbagh, the pleasure-house that was built by a Begum of the -ex-King of Oudh about two miles out of the city, and was now garrisoned -by some 12,000 sepoys, the relieving force, as is well known, fought -their way steadily across the Charbagh Bridge, and so on to the Chutter -Munzil Palace and the Bailey Guard Gate, and eventually gained the -Residency itself. - -It was on the morning of the 25th of September that Lucknow was actually -reached. At the Charbagh Palace, near the bridge, the 78th Highlanders -were left to hold that position, while the main body threaded its way -through the narrow, tortuous lanes leading to the Residency, and here -Surgeon Jee and Assistant-Surgeon McMaster quickly found work for their -hands. All the streets and houses in the vicinity were strongly occupied -by mutineers. Desperate charges had to be made to carry the rebel guns -which poured a devastating fire upon our troops, and though the cannon -were captured and toppled over into the canal, the casualties were -exceedingly heavy. - -While the wounded remained to receive attention from the busy doctors, -the regiment, following up its last attack, disappeared round the bend of -the canal, and Jee and his assistants found themselves suddenly exposed -to the enemy’s fire. Having obtained some men to act as bearers, the -surgeon got his patients lifted up and carried to where a few dhoolies -were. These were filled in no time, one of them by Captain Havelock, son -of the General, who was badly hit in the arm; the rest of the wounded -were placed in carts drawn by bullocks. The latter, however, met with a -heartrending fate ere they had gone far; for the sick train coming to a -standstill in the road where it was blocked, all the occupants of the -carts were massacred by sepoys before their comrades’ eyes. - -The regiment was caught up at last, and a company under Captain -Halliburton detailed to guard the dhoolies. But misfortune dogged the -little party’s steps. They lost their way in the city, were led by a -blundering guide right into an enemy’s battery, which shelled them -mercilessly, and wandered about for hours continually under fire, until -they took refuge in the Moti-Mahal (the Pearl Palace). Here was a square -courtyard having sheds all round it and two gateway entrances. As it was -already packed with soldiers, camp followers and camels, the surgeons -were hard put to it to find accommodation for their wounded. - -Of the horrors of that night Surgeon Jee has told us in his own words. -The firing was deafening, gongs were sounding the hours, while there -was a hubbub of shouting through which the groans of the wounded could -nevertheless be heard. An alarming rumour came that all the 78th had been -killed, and, what added to the terrors of the situation, no one knew how -far off the Residency was. But Jee stuck to his post, and many a poor -fellow lived through that inferno to bless the brave, tender-hearted -doctor to whom he owed his life. - -At daylight some tea was made (they had had neither food nor drink since -leaving the Alumbagh the morning before), and then preparations were made -to defend the place. Loopholes had to be pierced in the walls, and the -best marksmen stationed there to pick off the sepoys who raked the square -from house and gateway. Jee himself had many a narrow escape as he dodged -about dressing the wounds both of the artillery and his own men, and he -recounts how Brigadier Cooper was shot through a loophole close to where -he was standing. - -In this extremity Jee boldly volunteered to attempt to get his wounded -into the Residency by taking them along the river bank, leaving Captain -Halliburton to hold the Moti-Mahal. Nothing could dissuade him from this -course once his mind was made up, so with his dhoolies he set out to run -the gauntlet. - -What the little company of dhoolies passed through ere it reached its -destination we do not know, but we can picture to ourselves that terrible -journey through the winding tangled streets in which nearly every house -contained sepoy riflemen. There was, too, a stream to be crossed, and -at this spot they were exposed to the fire of the rebel guns at the -Kaiserbagh Palace. - -They reached the Residency at length, after much going astray, and -reached it sadly depleted in numbers. As elsewhere in Lucknow that same -night, the cowardly sepoys made a special mark of the dhoolies, shooting -the defenceless wounded in cold blood. On their arrival General Havelock -warmly congratulated the plucky surgeon on his success in getting -through, for he had heard that Jee had been killed. - -Honour was slower in coming to the brave Army doctors than to many -others who distinguished themselves in the Mutiny, for it was not until -three years later that Jee was gazetted V.C. But such services as his -could not be overlooked, and there was universal satisfaction when his -name was added to the Roll of Valour. He died some years ago, a Deputy -Inspector-General and a C.B. - - * * * * * - -On the night of the same day that Jee was conveying his wounded to the -Residency, a somewhat similar scene was being enacted in another quarter -of Lucknow. By the Moti Munzil Palace lay a number of wounded officers -and men of the 90th and other regiments in the charge of Doctors Home -and Bradshaw of the 90th. Left behind by the relieving force as it held -straight on to its goal, the dhoolies had to rely for protection on a -small escort of a hundred and fifty men. By great good fortune they -escaped the notice of the mutineers during the first part of the night, -but ere dawn had broken a fierce attack was made upon them. Off they -started, then, on a slow, laborious journey, which was to cost many -valuable lives before its end. - -“To the Residency!” was the cry, a young civilian named Thornhill having -undertaken to guide them thither. But between them and Havelock’s house -was a network of streets and lanes that had to be threaded, and these -were still overrun with sepoys. It was a true _via dolorosa_ that lay -before them. - -The order having been given, the dhoolies were picked up by very -reluctant native bearers, the surgeons closed in round their charges, -and they started off, while the escort covered their progress as best -they could. After a terrible hour’s journeying, with sepoys hanging on -flank and rear, the little company eventually reached the Martinière -(a building erected by a French soldier of fortune in the eighteenth -century). Their stay here was short, however, for a well-directed -cannonade drove them once more afield. A flooded nullah was next crossed, -and beyond this seemed to lie safety, but a fatal blunder on the part of -their guide led them into a veritable death-trap. - -The street into which they filed appeared to be deserted. As a matter of -fact it was full of sepoys, who were concealed in the houses on either -side. This was the narrow street leading to the Bailey Guard Gate, the -entrance to the Residency; along its three-quarters of a mile, some -hours previously, the 78th Highlanders and Brasyer’s Sikhs had won their -way through a perfect tempest of shot. A similar reception awaited the -dhoolies. - -As the ill-fated train passed through and gained the square at the -farther end, the storm of musketry broke into full blast over their -heads. In a moment the panic-stricken bearers dropped the dhoolies and -fled for dear life, leaving the wounded men in the middle of the square -exposed to every sepoy marksman. The fire of close on a thousand muskets -must have been concentrated on that small enclosure, but Surgeon Home -managed, with nine men of the escort, to get half a dozen of the wounded -within the shelter of a building before which was a covered archway. - -Surgeon Bradshaw, meanwhile, who had been in the rear of the train, had -collected his dhoolies as soon as the nature of the trap was disclosed, -and turned hastily back to seek the turning that their guide ought to -have taken. The luckless Thornhill had been killed, having been one of -the first to be shot down. It is satisfactory to add that Bradshaw was -successful in bringing his dhoolies to safe quarters without further -mishap. - -Would that such had been the case with Surgeon Home! He and his party -had gained shelter for the time, but none could say how long it would -be before the horde of sepoys would storm it. The most daring of the -mutineers had already ventured out into the square to kill those of the -wounded whom they could reach and to fire through the windows of the -house. - -The heroes of what became known afterwards as Dhoolie Square were, -besides Home, Privates McManus, Ward, Ryan, and Hollowell. These gallant -fellows, but for whom the whole company must have been massacred, formed -part of the military escort. Patrick McManus, who was an Irishman of -the Northumberland Fusiliers, was a noted shot. Taking up a position -immediately behind one of the pillars of the archway, he coolly fired -shot after shot until a number of sepoys had fallen victims to his -unerring aim. The rest of the rebels retreated before his rifle and -sought shelter within the houses. - -[Illustration: McMANUS NOW RUSHED OUT, ACCOMPANIED BY PRIVATE JOHN RYAN … -AND CARRIED IN CAPTAIN ARNOLD.--_Page 98._] - -This pause afforded an opportunity for rescuing those of the wounded who -lay within reach. With his deadly rifle in his hand, McManus now rushed -out, accompanied by Private John Ryan (a Madras European Fusilier), and -carried in Captain Arnold, who had been shot in both legs. A second time -they ventured out, and in the rain of bullets they drew upon themselves -succeeded in dragging another poor fellow from the slender security -of his dhoolie to more certain safety. But their errand of mercy was -in vain: though neither of the rescuers was hit, Arnold and the other -wounded man (a private) were struck again and again, both dying soon -after. - -Private Ward, a 78th Highlander but a Norfolk man by birth, had a little -previously saved the life of Lieutenant Havelock. The dhoolie in which -the young officer lay would have been abandoned had not Ward, by force of -blows, compelled the native bearers to carry it behind the pillars of the -arch. - -Inside the house that sheltered Home and the others the surgeon was hard -at work attending to his wounded, most of whom were in worse case than -when they started on their journey. If he stopped in his task it was only -to snatch up a rifle and take a shot at some sepoy who was within sight. -With consummate daring the rebels braved McManus and crept up to the -window of Home’s room. One man, whom he shot with his revolver, was no -more than three yards away from him at the time. - -So some hours wore away. Then the sepoys, furious at their ineffectual -attempts to get at their prey, brought up a large screen on wheels, with -thick planks in front, and with this shut off what was apparently the -little garrison’s only exit. It was their intention to fire the roof and -burn the Englishmen in their trap. - -There was another door at the side of the house, however, and while the -flames crackled and the choking smoke filled the rooms, Home and all the -able men with him seized hold of the wounded and made a dash through this -across the square to a small shed that appeared to be empty. They reached -it, but only half a dozen were in a condition to handle their rifles. -The remnant that had struggled through with them could hardly raise -themselves from the floor. - -The shed being loopholed, McManus and his comrades Ward and Ryan, -together with another 78th man, named Hollowell, were able to keep the -sepoys at a distance. They could not prevent, however, the ghastly murder -of the wounded, who still lay in the dhoolies at the farther end of the -square. One after another the unfortunate men were shot or bayoneted as -they lay, only one (an officer of the 90th), it is recorded, escaping by -a miracle. - -All the rest of that fearful day, and throughout the night, the brave -surgeon and his handful of men held their fort against the swarms of -mutineers who surged again and again to the attack. In the darkness they -heard the sepoys tramping about on the roof, but a few well-aimed shots -put these daring spirits to flight. The lack of water was now keenly -felt, some of the wounded suffering terribly for want of it. Moved -to desperation by their piteous cries, and hoping to secure a safer -position, Home and a private at last stole out into the square and made -their way to a mosque some yards distant. They obtained some water, but a -vigilant sepoy espied their movements, and the plucky pair only just got -back to the shed in time. - -“The terrors of that awful night,” says Dr. Home in his account of his -experiences, “were almost maddening: raging thirst, uncertainty as to -where the sepoys would next make an attack; together with the exhaustion -produced by want of food, heat, and anxiety.” - -But morning saw them still alive, and with the daylight came the welcome -sound of rifle volleys, unmistakably British. Ryan, who was acting -as sentry at a loophole, sprang excitedly to his feet and roused his -comrades with the shout, “Oh, boys, them’s our own chaps!” - -And a few minutes later into the corpse-strewn square swept a column of -redcoats, driving the sepoys before them in wild confusion. With Home -leading them, the heroes of Dhoolie Square gave as loud a cheer as their -feeble voices could raise, and flinging open the door of their refuge, -rushed out to greet their rescuers. - -Surgeon Home (he is now Sir Anthony Dickson Home, K.C.B.), and Privates -McManus, Ward, Ryan, and Hollowell, all received the Cross for Valour for -their splendid devotion and bravery; and never, surely, did men deserve -the honour more. To have held something like a thousand rebels in check -for a day and a night, and to have protected as many of their wounded as -they did, was a feat that they might well be proud of. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -INDIA.--THREE BRAVE CIVILIANS: MANGLES, MCDONELL, AND “LUCKNOW” KAVANAGH. - - -On the 8th of July 1859 an interesting announcement appeared in the -_London Gazette_ to the effect that her Majesty the Queen had been -pleased to declare that Non-Military Persons who, as Volunteers, had -borne arms against the Mutineers, both at Lucknow and elsewhere, during -the late operations in India, should be considered as eligible to -receive the decoration of the Victoria Cross, subject to the rules and -ordinances, etc. etc. - -Under this new clause Mr. Ross Lowis Mangles, of the Bengal Civil -Service, Assistant-Magistrate at Patna; Mr. William Fraser McDonell, -Magistrate of the Saran District; and Mr. Thomas Henry Kavanagh, -Assistant-Commissioner in Oudh, were gazetted, for distinguished services -rendered at Arrah and Lucknow. - -The defence of Arrah, a town in the Shahabad District of Bengal, about -thirty-six miles from Patna, was one of the most thrilling incidents of -the Indian Mutiny. Here for a whole week a dozen Englishmen and a small -body of Sikhs, shut up in a two-storeyed house, successfully kept off -over two thousand sepoys until a relief force came to their rescue. One -young lieutenant of the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse, with a few -sowars at his back, might storm a seemingly impregnable fort strongly -garrisoned by mutineers, and kill or capture every man of them, but -reverse the positions and a very different story was told. The history of -the Great Mutiny contains many instances of a mere handful of Englishmen -holding their own against tremendous odds, as was done at Arrah. - -When news came of the outbreak at Arrah and the predicament of the white -residents there, a relief expedition was hastily organised at Dinapur -under the command of Captain Dunbar. It was destined to fail in its -mission, but it was a gallant and notable attempt. The force comprised -four hundred men, drawn from the 10th and 37th Regiments, with a -sprinkling of volunteers. Among the latter were Messrs. Ross Mangles and -McDonell, whose intimate knowledge of the district made them invaluable -as guides. - -All went well with the expedition in its journey up the Ganges and, on -landing, it marched several miles without serious molestation. But when -within a few miles of Arrah it was obliged to pass through a thick piece -of jungle in which the sepoys had laid an ambuscade. Darkness had fallen -as the soldiers pushed their way through the maze of trees and dense -undergrowth, and the murderous fire that suddenly broke out threw them -into confusion. - -All through the night the unequal fight went on, but the loss on the -British side was so heavy that when morning dawned the surviving officers -saw it would be impossible, or at least unwise, to continue the advance. -Captain Dunbar, unfortunately, had been among the first to fall. Very -reluctantly, therefore, the order to retreat was given, and the little -force, still firing on its foes, slowly fell back. Other sepoys had -arrived on the scene in the meantime, and the exhausted soldiers now -found themselves compelled to run the gauntlet between two lines of fire. -In these conditions something like a panic at last set in; the ranks -broke up in disorder. - -“But, disastrous as was the retreat,” says one account, “it was not -all disgraceful. There will always be acts of individual heroism when -Englishmen go out to battle. It may be a soldier or it may be a civilian, -in whom the irrepressible warrior instinct manifests itself in some -act of conspicuous gallantry and devotion, but it is sure never to be -wanting.” - -In this instance it was the civilian who rose to the occasion. Early in -the engagement Mr. Mangles had been hit by a musket ball, but the shot -had luckily only stunned him. Quickly recovering, he lent a hand in -helping the wounded, and on the retreat commencing he played an active -part in beating off the sepoys. With a number of men round him to reload -and supply him with muskets, he shot sepoy after sepoy, the sure eye and -hand which had made him a noted tiger shot not failing him in this hour -of need. - -The especial act for which he was awarded the Cross, however, was the -gallant rescue of a wounded private of the Hampshires (the 37th Foot). At -the man’s piteous appeal to his comrades not to leave him there helpless -to be hacked to pieces by the sepoys, Mangles nobly rushed to his side, -bound up his wounds, and then lifted him on to his back. With this heavy -burden the brave civilian trudged on among the others. - -It was rough going for the greater part of the six miles to the river, -the ground being very swampy, and overhead was a broiling July sun. -Despite these disadvantages, and the fact that he had not slept for -forty-eight hours, Mangles bore the helpless private the whole of the -way, only stopping now and then to place his charge on the ground and -take a pot-shot at the pursuing rebels. “I really never felt so strong in -my life,” he used to say afterwards in referring to this incident. When -the waters of the Ganges were reached he plunged in and swam out to the -boats with his now unconscious burden. Then, when all the survivors were -aboard, the flotilla started on its sad return journey. - -Mr. McDonell all this time had been ever to the front, assisting -the officers to keep the men together. An excellent shot, like his -fellow-magistrate, he accounted for many a rebel ere the river-side was -reached, but he did not escape unscathed. A musket shot had lodged in his -arm. - -In the wild rush for the half-dozen country boats moored close to the -river bank, McDonell gave no thought to himself. There were several men -very badly hit, and it was not until he had seen these safely over the -thwarts that he jumped in and cast the mooring adrift. He was the last -man aboard his boat, which was crowded with thirty-five soldiers. - -Out into the stream they floated, but now a fresh danger faced them. The -rebels had removed the oars from the boat and lashed the rudder tightly, -so that the little craft was helpless. To their horror it began to drift -back again to the southern bank, on which the sepoys were clustered in -joyful expectation of emptying their muskets into the boatload of sahibs. -Something had to be done at once, or they were doomed. - -To show his face above the gunwale was to court instant death, but -McDonell took the risk. With a knife in his hand, he climbed outside -on to the canvas roof, worked his way to the stern and with a few deft -slashes cut the ropes that held the tiller fast. Bullets pattered all -round him as he lay outstretched there, and one passed clean through his -helmet, but he was otherwise untouched. Having regained his seat safely, -he steered the boat and its precious freight to the opposite bank, where -they landed--three men short. The sepoys’ fire had not been all in vain. - -While, as I have said, both Mangles and McDonell received the V.C. for -their bravery on this occasion, it is a remarkable fact that the former’s -exploit would have passed unnoticed by the authorities but for a happy -chance. The private whose life he had saved and who had passed some -months in Dinapur Hospital before being invalided home, had told the -story of his rescue to a surgeon. This worthy noted it down at the time -in his journal, and just twelve months later made the true facts public. - -It was only in March of last year that Mr. Ross Lowis Mangles died at his -home in Surrey, where, after long service in India, he had settled down -to spend the remaining years of his life. - - * * * * * - -Of the three civilians who have won the V.C. “Lucknow” Kavanagh is the -most famous. The story of his daring journey in disguise through the -rebel lines in order to act as guide to Sir Colin Campbell’s relief force -has been told over and over again, but one can never tire of hearing it. -It thrills our pulses now as much as ever it did. - -Thomas Henry Kavanagh was an Irishman in the Indian Civil Service. At -the time the Mutiny broke out he held the post of Superintendent of the -office of the Chief Commissioner of Oudh, and took up his residence in -Lucknow. Here with his wife he played no mean part in these fateful -months before and after Havelock and Outram had fought their way to the -aid of the Residency garrison, taking his share of work in the trenches -or at the guns as required. - -Early in November 1857, Sir Colin Campbell, marching with a large army to -the relief of Lucknow, got as far as the Alumbagh. To save the General -from having to make the perilous passage through the narrow streets and -lanes which had cost him so many men two months earlier, Outram by means -of a native spy sent plans of the city and its approaches to Campbell, -and suggested the best route to be followed. There was still the danger, -however, of some dreadful blunder being committed, and Outram expressed a -wish that he were able to send a competent guide. - -This coming to Kavanagh’s ears, he promptly went to Outram’s Chief of -Staff, Colonel Robert Napier,[2] and volunteered his services in this -capacity. The colonel stared at him in blank astonishment, as well he -might, for of all men in Lucknow Kavanagh looked to be the one least -suited to play the rôle of spy. He was a tall, big-limbed man, with fair -complexion, “aggressively red hair and beard, and uncompromisingly blue -eyes.” To transform this healthy specimen of an Irishman into a native -seemed an utter impossibility. - -But Kavanagh persisted that he could get through to the British lines. He -would be disguised, of course and his knowledge of Hindustani and local -dialects was perfect. He persisted more strenuously still when, on his -being ushered into Outram’s presence, the General refused point blank to -consent to his going. After much arguing, he at length persuaded Outram -to listen to his plan, and extorted a half-hearted permission to make the -attempt. It remained for him to convince his chief of the impenetrability -of his disguise. - -Kavanagh has told us in his own account of the adventure, how the same -evening (Nov. 9th), with face, neck, and arms blackened with lamp-black, -his red hair hidden beneath a cream-coloured turban, and the rest of -his person disguised in the silk trousers, yellow _koortah_, or jacket, -white cummerbund, and chintz mantle of an irregular native soldier, he -sauntered with sword and shield into Napier’s quarters. - -The experiment was an immense success. Seeing what was evidently a -_budmash_ (a worthless fellow) thus insolently thrusting himself upon -them, the officers present bade him begone, and a very pretty squabble in -low-class Hindustani ensued. In the midst of it Sir James Outram entered -the room, and having sufficiently tested his disguise Kavanagh made -himself known. To his joy, no opposition was now raised to his plan. - -Half an hour later, with the native spy Kunoujee Lal, who was returning -to the Alumbagh with a letter from Outram, he bade good-bye to his -friends, forded the river Goomtee, and started on his perilous mission. - -“My courage failed me,” he confesses, “while in the water, and if my -guide had been within my reach I should perhaps have pulled him back and -abandoned the enterprise. But he waded quickly through the stream, and, -reaching the opposite bank, went crouching up a ditch for three hundred -yards to a grove of low trees on the edge of a pond, where we stopped to -dress.” - -His confidence having returned, Kavanagh went boldly forward, tulwar on -shoulder, and even dared to accost a matchlock man near a hut with a -remark that the night was cold. A little farther on they were pulled up -by the officer of a native picket, and Kunoujee Lal, acting as spokesman, -explained that they had come from Mundeon (“our old cantonment”) and were -making their way to their homes in the city. This satisfied the sepoy -officer, and they passed on with no little relief. - -Recrossing the river by the iron bridge, they safely negotiated the -streets of Lucknow, though the place swarmed with sentries and armed men, -and issuing at last from the city on the other side, breathed more freely. - -“I was in great spirits when we reached the green fields, into which I -had not been for five months,” says Kavanagh. “Everything around us smelt -sweet, and a carrot I took from the roadside was the most delicious I had -ever tasted.” - -A wrong turning now led them astray into the Dilkusha Park, where the -rebels had a battery. Much against his companion’s will, the daring -Irishman insisted on inspecting these guns, and Kunoujee Lal was in -considerable trepidation until after two hours’ weary tramping across -paddy fields and canal cuttings they regained the right road. - -At two o’clock in the morning, after several alarms from suspicious -villagers who chased them some distance, they stumbled upon a picket of -twenty-five sepoys on the outskirts of the city. Kavanagh was for the -bold course of going up and questioning the men, but Kunoujee Lal lost -heart and threw away the letter entrusted to him for Sir Colin Campbell. -Kavanagh kept his still concealed in his turban. - -The picket was in some alarm at their approach, but it proved to be fear -lest the pair were Englishmen from the Alumbagh camp, only a mile or -two in advance of them! With this cheering news, the two spies pushed -on, a friendly sepoy having put them on the right road on hearing that -they were “walking to the village of Umroula on a sad errand, namely, -to inform a friend that his brother had been killed by a ball from the -British entrenchments at Lucknow.” - -A nasty tumble into a swamp, which washed the black from Kavanagh’s -hands, was their next most serious _contretemps_. For some time they -waded through it waist-deep, having gone too far to recede before they -discovered it was a swamp. An hour afterwards they stole unobserved -through two pickets of sepoys and gained the shelter of a grove of trees, -where Kavanagh insisted on having a good sleep. Kunoujee Lal, by no means -assured that they were out of danger, kept a fearful watch, but nobody -came near them save some flying natives, who stated that they had been -pursued by British soldiers. - -Kavanagh having been roused, the two went on once more. Another mile or -so was traversed, and then (it being about four o’clock in the morning of -the 10th) the welcome challenge “Who goes there?” rang on their ears. It -was a mounted patrol of Sikhs. They had reached the British outposts. - -Two men of the patrol guided Kavanagh and his companion to the camp, -where they were immediately conducted into the presence of Sir Colin -Campbell. When he learned that Kavanagh had come through the rebel -lines, the Commander-in-Chief could not find enough words to express his -admiration. “I consider his escape,” he wrote in his despatch, “at a time -when the entrenchment was closely invested by a large army, one of the -most daring feats ever attempted.” - -For his part, Kavanagh paid a generous tribute to his fellow-spy, -Kunoujee Lal, who had displayed wonderful courage and intelligence in -their trying journey. When they were questioned, it was the native who -did most of the speaking, and he always had a ready answer for the most -searching interrogation. - -The news of Kavanagh’s arrival was signalled to Lucknow by means of -a flag from the summit of the Alumbagh, and Outram’s mind was set at -ease. In due course the plucky Irishman guided Sir Colin into the city, -being present through all the fierce fighting at the Secunderabagh and -the Moti-Mahal, and further distinguishing himself by saving a wounded -soldier’s life. Nor does this close the tale of his adventures, for he -passed through many exciting experiences in rebel-hunting ere the Mutiny -was suppressed. - -Kavanagh lived to wear the Victoria Cross for twenty-three years, dying -in 1882 at Gibraltar. His Cross was presented by his son to the N.W.P. -and Oudh Provincial Museum at Lucknow, while the tulwar, shield and -pistol he bore on his journey, together with other articles of his -disguise, are preserved in the Dublin Museum. - -[2] Afterwards Lord Napier of Magdala. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -INDIA.--SOME OTHER CROSSES OF THE MUTINY. - - -The full tale of the Crosses of the Mutiny (do they not number one -hundred and eighty-two in all?) is a long one, and cannot be told here. -But before bringing this chapter of V.C. history to a close I must tell -of yet a few more and the manner of their winning, for they call to mind -deeds which we ought not willingly to let fade from our memories. - -I would like much to dwell, did space permit, on Lawrence’s heroic stand -at the Lucknow Residency; to tell of Lieutenant Robert Aitken of the -Bailey Guard “Post,” who won the V.C. many times over in that six-months’ -siege; of brave Commissioner Gubbins; and of Captain Fulton, the garrison -engineer, who had a countermine for every mine that the rebels drove -under the British defences, and to whom the dangerous game of sepoy -hunting above and below earth was “great fun and excitement.” They -were gallant fellows all, and the record of their exploits is truly an -inspiring one; but I must hurry on to the taking of Lucknow, and to the -story of the V.C.’s gained in that last desperate struggle for supremacy. - -When Sir Colin Campbell started on his march to the relief of Havelock -and Outram he had an army of only some 4700 men, but in this force were -picked regiments such as the 93rd Highlanders, the 9th Lancers, Hodson’s -Horse, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and the 53rd Foot (the “Shropshires”), -together with some squadrons of Sikh cavalry and two regiments of Punjab -infantry. The famous 93rd were Sir Colin’s special favourites. They had -been with him in the Crimea, and had formed the “thin red line” which -had so successfully routed the Russian cavalry. “You are my own lads, -Ninety-third!” he said, addressing them at the parade at Buntera, “and -I rely on you to do the work;” to which the stern-faced Highlanders, -mindful of what had been done at Cawnpore, responded with a mighty shout. - -How well the 93rd acquitted themselves is to be read in any history; what -is of particular interest here is that they gained no fewer than seven -Crosses in the Lucknow fighting. - -Four of these belong to the fierce assault on the Secunderabagh, the -first and most formidable rebel position to be attacked. When the -artillery had made a breach in the face of the fortress wall there was a -race between Sikhs and Highlanders to be the first in. Accounts differ as -to the result; some say a Sikh won the honour, being shot dead instantly; -others a Highlander, who suffered the same fate. However that may be, -it is pretty certain that Lance-Corporal Dunley of the 93rd (Archibald -Forbes writes him down an Irishman) was the first man of his regiment to -reach the goal and get through alive. - -Behind him streamed Highlanders and Sikhs, tumbling in with bayonets -fixed, before which the sepoys fell in scores. There were upwards of 2000 -rebels in the Secunderabagh, and but three or four, says Lord Roberts, -dropped over the wall on the city side and escaped. Every other man of -them was killed. The carnage that took place within the courtyard almost -passes description. - -In the first terrible rush, which resolved itself into a series of -personal combats, Private P. Grant and Colour-Sergeant J. Munro -distinguished themselves by saving the lives of two officers. Grant saw -his officer in difficulties with a crowd of sepoys whose colour he had -captured, and rushing up cut down five of the rebels. That was not the -only sepoy ensign taken that day, for Private D. Mackay secured one after -a fierce contest and bore it triumphantly away. - -Dunley, Grant, Munro, and Mackay were elected by their comrades as -most worthy to be decorated when their regiment was singled out for -distinction, and each duly received the V.C. - -There was a Punjabi Mahommedan, by the way, Mukarrab Khan by name, who -in this same Secunderabagh fight earned the V.C. as much as did any man. -Lord Roberts, who was an eye-witness, tells the story of his bravery. The -enemy, he says, having been driven out of the earthwork, made for the -gateway, which they nearly succeeded in shutting behind them. But just -as the doors were closing Mukarrab Khan pushed his left arm, on which he -bore a shield, between them. A sword-cut slashed his hand, whereupon the -dauntless Mahommedan, withdrawing his left arm, thrust in his right, and -had his other hand all but severed at the wrist. He gained his object, -however, for he kept the doors from being closed until his comrades -rushed to his help and forced them open. - -It was an act of heroic devotion, and it is satisfactory to know that -Mukarrab Khan was awarded the Order of Merit, which is the Indian -equivalent of the V.C., and carries with it an increase of pay. - -At the taking of the Shah Nujeef, on the same day, the 16th of November -1857, Sergeant John Paton, of the 93rd, did a daring thing, which added -another V.C. to the regimental record. - -The Shah Nujeef was a mosque built over the tomb of an old king of Oudh, -a massively built structure with loopholed walls, and the guns of the -Naval Brigade, under Captain Peel, were unable to make a breach. As night -was fast coming on, Sir Colin Campbell determined to make a bold effort -to carry the place by storm, and called on the Highlanders to follow him. -That the 93rd would have scaled the walls of the mosque though half of -them fell in the task need not be doubted, but fortunately they were not -called on to do so. - -Soon after the order to advance had been given, Sergeant Paton came -tearing down the ravine with the news that he had discovered a breach in -the north-east corner of the rampart, close by the river Goomtee. “It -appears,” says Forbes-Mitchell of the 93rd, who records the incident, -“that our shot and shell had gone over the first breach, and had blown -out the wall on the other side in this particular spot. Paton told how he -had climbed up to the top of the ramparts without difficulty, and seen -right inside the place, as the whole defending force had been called -forward to repulse the assault in front.” - -A detachment was promptly sent round to this point with the sergeant as -guide, and an entrance to the position effected. But the sepoys, finding -themselves thus taken in the rear, gave up the fight and fled with all -speed. - -The other two V.C. heroes of the Highlanders were Captain Stewart, who -headed a splendid charge against the rebel guns at the position known as -the Mess-house; and Lieutenant and Adjutant William M’Bean, who at the -onslaught on the Begumbagh Palace bore himself like a paladin of old, and -was seen to slay eleven sepoys single-handed. M’Bean was a mighty figure -in a corps wherein every man was a doughty fighter, and the tale of his -exploits is a notable one. An Inverness ploughman before he enlisted, he -rose to command the regiment which he had entered as a private, and died -a Major-General. - -I have mentioned the Naval Brigade in connection with the attack on the -Shah Nujeef. Peel’s gallant bluejackets, whom we last met doing great -things at Sebastopol, had been hurried to India from their station at -Hong Kong, immediately news arrived of the outbreak of the Mutiny; and -after smelling powder at Cawnpore and other places they accompanied the -relief army to Lucknow. - -Right up under the frowning walls of the mosque did they run their useful -24-pounders, as coolly as if “laying alongside an enemy’s frigate,” to -use Sir Colin’s own words. But the guns were not powerful enough to -break down the masonry. Despite the obvious hopelessness of the task, -however, Lieutenant Young and Seaman William Hall (a negro, be it noted) -fearlessly stood by their gun, reloading and pounding away at the wall -under a most deadly fire, and only desisting when the order eventually -came to fall back. They both got the V.C. for that gallant action. - -The other Crosses that fell to the Naval men in the same fight were won -by a young lieutenant whose name still figures on the Active List as -Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon, G.C.B., and Boatswain’s Mate John Harrison. -These two pluckily volunteered to climb trees that overlooked the mosque -walls and reconnoitre the rebel position, at the same time picking off -the sepoys with their rifles. A mark at once for the rebel sharpshooters, -who quickly espied them, both men drew upon themselves a heavy fire, -but though they were wounded they accounted for several mutineers ere -clambering down from their perches, and secured valuable information for -their commander. - -In the taking of Lucknow young Lieutenant Henry Havelock, son of the -famous General, played a prominent part, leading a storming party that -captured a palace close to the rebel citadel, the Kaisarbagh. But he had -won his V.C. before this, at Cawnpore, where he captured a rebel gun in -the face of an appalling fire; and at the Charbagh Bridge, Lucknow, while -serving under his father. - -His action at the latter place was characteristic of his impulsive -bravery. Neill, who held a position by the bridge, would not move to -“rush” the sepoys and their guns without orders from Outram. Wheeling -his horse, it is said, young Havelock rode off in the direction of the -General and his staff, but soon after turning the bend in the road he -galloped hastily back to trick Neill into taking action. Giving a salute, -he said, “You are to carry the bridge at once, sir!” - -Taking this to be an order from the General, Neill gave the word to -advance, and Arnold of the Madras Fusiliers led his men forward in a -gallant charge, being shot down almost immediately. A storm of grape -swept the bridge clear, and Havelock found himself the only officer--and -almost the only man--standing there alive. With a wave of his sword and -a shout to the rest of the Fusiliers whom the guns had checked, he led a -second charge, and this time the bridge was won. - -Young Havelock’s gallantry in the Indian Mutiny marked him out for a -distinguished career, and he did not disappoint those who prophesied -thus concerning him. As is well known, he became in after years -Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, Bart., K.C.B. - -Among the many other pictures of the Mutiny that present themselves -vividly to my mind is one of a young Fusilier officer swimming the river -Goomtee in plain sight of any sepoys who might be upon the farther -bank, and audaciously climbing up the parapet of a rebel battery. It -had been shelled by our troops, but with what success was not known. He -stands there on the wall signalling to his impatient comrades that it is -abandoned, but it is some time ere their officers will let them follow -where he has led. The Highlanders and Sikhs get across the river at last, -however, and with a laugh at the discomfited sepoys who have been vainly -trying to “pot” him from an adjacent battery, the young officer--Butler -by name--hands over his captured position to the new-comers, and swims -back to his own regiment. - -That was a V.C. exploit, and it holds the imagination as much as does -that which won the decoration for Ensign Patrick Roddy of the Bengal -Army. The scene of Roddy’s achievement was Kuthirga, and the date -September 27, 1858. At the close of an action with a rebel force at this -place some of the cavalry were kept at bay for some time by a determined -sepoy subadar of a revolted regiment, a tall, powerful fellow. This man -knelt alone in the middle of the road and with musket at shoulder covered -his enemies. - -While his sowars hung back, afraid to face that gleaming barrel, young -Roddy did not hesitate. Spurring his horse, he charged straight upon the -rebel subadar, who firing at close range brought down the ensign’s horse. -Roddy had some difficulty in freeing himself from the stirrups as he lay -on the ground, but ere the sepoy could get really to grips with him he -managed to draw his sword, and in the tussle ran the fellow through the -body. Sir Hope Grant had had occasion previously to remark on the young -ensign’s conspicuous bravery, and he took care that this special feat was -fittingly rewarded. - -Mention of Roddy’s hand-to-hand combat reminds me of the great fight -between Sapper Sam Shaw, of the Rifle Brigade, and a white muslin-clad -Ghazi, at Nawabgunge. It was after the sharp action at that place in June -1858 that the fanatic was seen to enter a grove of trees. A dozen men -hastened in pursuit, but Shaw was easily the first, and coming up with -his man he engaged him with the short sword that sappers carry. - -A Ghazi at best is a dangerous fellow to tackle, and a Ghazi wounded -and at bay, as this one was, might well have made Sam Shaw hesitate -before venturing to attack him alone. But the sapper was not a man to -think twice of danger, and in he went, sword against tulwar, until after -several minutes’ fierce hacking and thrusting he saw his chance to close, -and finished the affair with a mighty lunge. - -It was a great fight, as I have said, and Sapper Shaw well earned the -V.C. he got for it. But against his decoration he had to put a terrible -slashing cut on the head from that keen-edged tulwar, a wound that came -very near to ending his career then and there. - -Last on my list of Mutiny V.C.’s come Lance-Corporal William Goate, of -the 9th Lancers, and that popular hero, Sir Evelyn Wood, whose names -still figure in the list of surviving recipients of the Cross for Valour. - -Goate had just been three years and a half in the Lancers when the -Mutiny broke out. His regiment was stationed at Umballa at the time, and -proceeded at once to Delhi. After the fall of the old Punjab capital -he was at the second captures of Cawnpore and Lucknow, taking part in -some of the fiercest engagements of the campaign, and it was here--at -Lucknow--that he performed the deed of valour which won him the Cross. - -On the 6th of March--a blazing hot day, it is recorded--there was a bold -sortie from the rebel lines which a British brigade was sent to repulse. -The 9th Lancers was one of the regiments ordered to charge, and away they -went, neck and neck with the 2nd Dragoons, for the enemy who had taken up -their position on the racecourse. The sepoys broke before the onset of -the cavalrymen, but the latter at length had to retire owing to a heavy -fire from artillery and battery. - -In the ride back Major Percy Smith, of the Dragoons, was shot through the -body and fell from his horse. Corporal Goate was close by, and springing -to the ground he quickly lifted the major on to his shoulder and ran with -him thus alongside his horse. The major was a heavy weight, however; -Goate found himself lagging behind with several of the enemy close upon -him. Clearly he couldn’t get away with his burden, so he determined to do -what he could for himself and the major. Placing the wounded officer on -the ground, he sprang into his saddle and rode at his foes. - -“I shot the first sepoy who charged,” he says in his account of the -incident, “and with my empty pistol felled another. This gave me time to -draw my sword, my lance having been left on the field. The sepoys were -now round me cutting and hacking, but I managed to parry every slash and -deliver many a fatal thrust. It was parry and thrust, thrust and parry -all through, and I cannot tell you how many saddles I must have emptied. -The enemy didn’t seem to know how to parry.” - -So our brave corporal (he was only a little more than twenty, mind you) -“settled accounts with a jolly lot,” and was still hard at it when some -of his comrades came to his assistance. In the fight his horse had -carried him some distance from where the major lay, and when the rebels -had been forced back he went out again to look for him. Poor Major Smith -was found after a long search, but it was a mutilated corpse that was -brought sadly and reverently back to the camp. - -Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hope Grant had seen Goate’s gallant attempt at -rescue, and after the action there was a cordial handshake for him from -both the veterans, with many compliments upon his pluck that filled the -corporal with just pride. - -The scene of Sir Evelyn Wood’s principal exploit was the wilds of -Sindhora, near Gwalior. It was at the close of the Mutiny, when the -rebels had been split up and only kept the fires of rebellion burning in -detached districts. After a fatiguing pursuit of some mutineers one day, -news came to the young officer’s ears (he was a lieutenant in the 17th -Lancers then) that a potail--a loyal native named Chemmum Singh--had been -carried off by a band of these marauders. With a duffadar, two or three -sowars of Beatson’s Horse, and half a dozen sepoys of the Bareilly Levy, -he started off promptly in pursuit. - -The mutineers were discovered at night in the jungle, twelve miles away, -preparing to hang their captive. Creeping up unseen, Lieutenant Wood and -his few followers sprang upon them from several points at once, firing a -volley and shouting as if they had a whole company behind them. This was -enough for the rebels. They took to their heels incontinently, and before -they could rally and discover the numbers of their assailants Wood and -his men were riding swiftly back with the released potail. - -That daring adventure, together with a very notable rout of rebel cavalry -at Sindwaho a little earlier, was sufficient recommendation for the V.C., -and the honour, though slow in coming, was eventually bestowed upon him. - -It is curious to note how persistently the authorities refused to -recognise Evelyn Wood’s valour. In the Crimea, where as a middy he -served with the Naval Brigade, he was singled out for distinction for -his bravery at the Redan assault; but his claim was ignored, despite the -strong protests of his commander, Captain Lushington. - -His subsequent career, after he had abandoned the Navy for the Army, -should be well known to every British boy. There has not been a war since -the Mutiny in which he has not played a leading part,--witness the -Ashanti, Zulu, Transvaal, and Egyptian campaigns,--and to-day there is -no finer soldier in the service than the ex-Sirdar of the Egyptian army, -Field-Marshal Sir Henry Evelyn Wood, G.C.B. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -IN THE SIXTIES.--CHINA, JAPAN, INDIA, WEST AFRICA, AND CANADA. - - -The principal war in which we were engaged in the sixties was that waged -against the Maoris in New Zealand, but that demands a chapter to itself. -For the present I will confine myself to some of the smaller campaigns of -the same period which yielded several notable V.C.’s. - -Towards the end of 1859 trouble broke out afresh with China, immediately -after the conclusion of what is known as the Second Chinese War. Sir F. -Bruce, the British Commissioner, while sailing up the Pei-ho to Pekin -to ratify the treaty just made with the Emperor, was fired upon by the -Taku Forts at the mouth of the river. No apologies being forthcoming, an -expedition under General Sir James Hope Grant was despatched to teach the -Chinese a salutary lesson. - -The expedition, which was strengthened by a French force, was ready to -begin operations against the Taku Forts by July 1860, but owing to the -swampy nature of the country around them a halt had to be called while -the engineers set to work to make roads. These were completed by the -middle of August, and then the attack commenced in real earnest. - -Under a heavy fire from the Chinese gunners English and French vied with -each other to be the first to cross the ditches in front of the forts. -Scaling-ladders and pontoon bridges were requisitioned, but the delay in -placing these in position galled a number of our men to such an extent -that privates and officers alike plunged boldly into the water and swam -across. The first to reach the walls were Lieutenant Robert Rogers, of -the 44th Regiment, two Lieutenants of the 67th, E. H. Lenon and Nathaniel -Burslem, with Privates John M’Dougall and Thomas Lane. Up through the -embrasures they all clambered, Burslem and Lane being specially noticed -as they knocked away a portion of the wall and enlarged the opening -sufficiently to enable them to scramble through, just as did Dunley at -the Secunderabagh fight. - -Where they showed the way their comrades quickly followed, the while -some of the French with ladders vainly attempted to climb the walls. -At the head of the 67th Regiment came Ensign Chaplin, bearing proudly -the colour which he was determined to plant first upon the fort. He had -hardly gained the ditch, however, when a bullet struck him in the arm, -making him drop the standard. There was a brief pause while he bound a -handkerchief tightly round his wound, then on he went again, colours -raised aloft. - -A French regiment of infantry was pressing forward at the same time, and -Chaplin playfully called to their colour-bearer to race him to the fort. -The challenge was promptly taken up. As soon as the breach was clear the -ensign dashed for it, and by strenuous effort forced his way inside. -Before him were Chinese riflemen and pikemen, but he cut his way through -them with his sword, and hurried on to his goal. - -Suddenly a second bullet caught him, making him stagger, at which a -private clutched at the swaying standard pole. - -“Hands off!” cried Chaplin vehemently, for he saw that the French -colour-bearer was now close behind him. And, pulling himself together -gamely, he made a last spurt for the summit, which he reached well in -advance of all others. In a moment the flag was planted, amid a ringing -British cheer; then the brave young ensign was seen to fall. A shot in -the leg had brought him down at last. - -Seeing him prone on the ground at their mercy, the Chinese made a rush -for him, but they were luckily too late. The 67th swarmed up the hill, -and Chaplin was rescued to survive that engagement and many others, and -wear on his breast the Cross for Valour in token of his gallantry. At -the same time that he was gazetted the names of Rogers, Lenon, Burslem, -M’Dougall, and Lane also appeared, the V.C. having been bestowed upon -them for that bold dash at the breach. - -The obvious similarity of the incidents makes it unnecessary for me to -more than just refer here to the deed for which Midshipman D. G. Boyes -and Captain of the After-Guard Thomas Pride, of H.M.S. _Euryalus_, won -the Cross. Their vessel formed one of the fleet under Vice-Admiral Kuper -which was sent to Japan in 1863 to demand reparation from the Mikado’s -Government for certain outrages committed. At the attack on Shimonoseki -Boyes carried the colour of the leading regiment, with Pride as one of -his colour-sergeants (the other fell mortally wounded in the thick of the -fight), and was almost the first to get inside the enemy’s stockade. That -the middy ran a terrible risk is evident from the fact that the colour -he carried was pierced no fewer than six times by musket balls. - -Out in the Indian state of Bhotan in 1865 an act of remarkable daring -was performed, which brought the V.C. to two distinguished engineer -officers, Captain (now Major-General) William Spottiswoode Trevor and -Lieutenant James Dundas. In that year war broke out with the independent -Bhotias, originating in a quarrel over frontier territories in Assam, and -a British force under Major-General Sir Harry Tombs, V.C., the hero of -a little outpost skirmish at Delhi, already recorded, was despatched to -restore order. - -On the 30th of April a sharp engagement at Dewangiri, down in the -south-east corner of the little hill-state, resulted in the Bhotias being -driven out of their position; but a remnant of them, some two hundred in -all, obstinately barricaded themselves in a strongly-built, loopholed -blockhouse. This little fortress, standing at the summit of a rocky path, -was the key to the position, and it was essential that it should not be -held to serve as a rallying-point for the routed enemy. - -Turning to his Sikhs, General Tombs asked them to make a dash for the -walls and carry the place by storm, but, courageous fighters though they -were, they looked at the rows of deadly loopholes and stood still. They -only waited for a leader, however. With an “officer sahib” at their head, -the big, black-bearded Punjabis were ready for the most forlorn of hopes. -And they followed with alacrity when, at Tombs’ call, Captain Trevor and -Lieutenant Dundas showed them the way. - -Taking the path at a rush, the two officers gained the wall of the -blockhouse unscathed, and though from every loophole came the crackle of -a rifle they began to scramble up the wall. The latter was fourteen feet -high, no mean obstacle to surmount; but they got up at last, the captain -leading, and found themselves on a level with the roof of the blockhouse. -Between the top of the wall and the roof was an opening not more than two -feet wide. Through this was their only chance of getting inside, and they -took it. - -Head foremost they wriggled in through the narrow hole, one after the -other, and dropped like snakes from the thatch into the midst of the -surprised garrison. At the first discharge of muskets both of the -intrepid officers were wounded, but the Sikhs thronging in behind them -quickly finished the business. Within a few minutes the blockhouse was -swept clear. - -The following year, 1866, saw us involved in trouble with a West African -tribe in the Gambia district. A punitive expedition having been organised -under the command of Colonel D’Arcy, the Governor of Gambia, the kingdom -of Barra, in which the turbulent tribe resided, was invaded. One of the -first actions in this campaign was the assault on the stockaded town -of Tubabecolong, and here Private Samuel Hodge, of the 4th West India -Regiment, behaved with such gallantry that he became the second man of -colour to receive the V.C. - -When the little force reached the town, Colonel D’Arcy called for -volunteers to break down the stockade with axes. Hodge and another -pioneer, who was afterwards killed, answered the call, and plied their -axes bravely in the face of the negroes’ fire until a breach had been -made. Through this the regiment struggled, but the negroes had been -reinforced, and so strongly that they were able to beat the besiegers off -for a time. - -Colonel D’Arcy relates that he found himself left alone in the breach -with only Hodge by him. Here he kept firing at the negroes, while the -big West Indian, standing coolly at his side, conspicuous in his scarlet -uniform with white facings, supplied him with loaded muskets. After a -little time the rest of the men re-formed and came once more to the -attack, whereupon Hodge went ahead again, breaking a way for them through -the bush-work defences. - -To give his comrades a better chance of storming the place, he at last -ran round to the principal entrance, drove off such of the negroes as -thrust themselves in his path, and forced open the two great gates which -had been barricaded from within. Through these the West Indian Regiment -charged with their bayonets, and when they emerged at the other side of -the smoke-enveloped village they left some hundreds of negroes dead and -dying in their wake. - -Colonel D’Arcy had done great deeds of valour that day, deeds which were -suitably recognised later by the merchants of Bathurst, who presented him -with a sword of honour, but he modestly disclaimed the praise due to him. -To Private Hodge, he said, belonged the chief honours of the attack, and -at the close of the action, before the whole regiment, he saluted the -proud pioneer as “the bravest man in the corps.” - -By a curious coincidence it was in the same quarter of Africa that, -twenty-six years later, the third coloured man to be decorated won his -V.C. This was Corporal William James Gordon, also of the West Indian -Regiment. His act of special gallantry was to save his officer (Major -Madden) from certain death at the storming of the town of Toniataba, on -the Gambia. Gordon thrust himself between the major and the enemy’s rifle -barrels as they were suddenly poked out of the loopholes at the officer’s -back, receiving a bullet through his lungs that went within an ace of -killing him. - -The other notable Crosses of the sixties were awarded for deeds of -bravery that necessitated the issue of an additional Royal Warrant to -cover deeds performed not in action but “under circumstances of extreme -danger, such as the occurrence of a fire on board ship, or of the -foundering of a vessel at sea, or under any other circumstances in which, -through the courage and devotion displayed, life or public property may -be saved.” By this special provision a brave Irishman, Timothy O’Hea by -name, a private in the Rifle Brigade, was awarded the V.C., together with -Dr. Campbell Douglas, and four privates of the South Wales Borderers, -then styled the 24th Regiment. - -O’Hea’s exploit was performed at a railway siding between Quebec and -Montreal in June 1866, while he was acting as one of an escort in charge -of an ammunition van. To everybody’s alarm a fire broke out, enveloping -the car in flames and smoke. Inside were kegs of powder and cases of -ammunition, which, did they ignite, would cause a most terrible explosion. - -While the others hesitated O’Hea snatched the keys from the sergeant’s -hand, opened the door of the van and called for volunteers to bring him -water and a ladder. The latter was quickly procured, and standing on this -the plucky private emptied bucketful after bucketful upon the burning -wood. It was a touch-and-go business, as the tongues of flame shot out -every now and then, coming dangerously near to the powder kegs, but O’Hea -stuck to his post and he fought the fire under. - -Though the Rifle Brigade has fourteen Crosses to its credit, won in the -Crimea, in India, and in South Africa, I rather fancy that not one of -them was gained in circumstances of more deadly peril, and his comrades -were well pleased when Private Timothy O’Hea’s name went to swell the -proud list of V.C. heroes. O’Hea, it may be added, met with a sad fate in -after years. He was lost in the Australian bush, and never heard of again. - -Dr. Douglas and the four men of the 24th Regiment referred to--Privates -Murphy, Cooper, Bell, and Griffiths--earned their distinction at the -Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, in May of 1869. - -A small expedition had been sent thither to ascertain the fate of the -captain and crew of the _Assam Valley_, who, it had been reported, had -fallen victims to the natives. The graves of the unfortunate men were -found on the Little Andaman, but when the search party returned to the -shore they found themselves cut off from their ship by a tremendous -high-running surf. - -Their predicament having been observed, Dr. Douglas with the four -privates named manned a gig and pulled in to their rescue. The first -attempt to get through the breakers half swamped the boat, but a second -attempt enabled them to save five men. On the third and last trip the -remaining twelve members of the party were safely got off. - -To read the bare official account of the affair is to gain but a poor -impression of the bravery displayed by Dr. Douglas and his helpers. For a -proper understanding of the daring nature of the deed one must have seen -the immense surf rollers thundering on to the beach, and have appreciated -the very slender chances of living through the boiling waters that a man -would have if capsized from a boat. It was no ordinary rescue, and all -five nobly earned their Crosses. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -NEW ZEALAND.--FIGHTING THE MAORIS. - - -The years 1860 to 1865 witnessed a very stubborn war in New Zealand -between the British and the Maoris, the original natives of the country. -Many causes combined to make this war unduly long. In the first place -the importance of the outbreak was underestimated, and the small force -already in the islands was considered strong enough to cope with it; -secondly, it was forgotten, or overlooked, that the Maoris, although -incorrigibly lazy in times of peace, were a race of born fighters, to -whom war was almost the chief end of existence; and thirdly, there was -the difficult nature of the country itself, with its many forests and -swamps, and miles on miles of dense, tangled bush. The odds were all in -the Maoris’ favour at the outset. - -For many years we had been at peace with the natives, a treaty having -been signed by which we bound ourselves to respect the chiefs territorial -rights. By 1860, however, a good deal of friction had arisen over -purchases of land by the colonists, it being claimed by the Maoris that -some of these transactions took place without the full consent of all the -parties interested. - -Especially was this the case in the transfer of a piece of land at -Taranaki, in the Northern Island. It was only a small plot that was -in dispute, but the Waikato tribe who claimed possession would not be -pacified, and made a desperate resistance when an attempt was made to -oust them. Their success in repulsing the few British troops sent against -them incited the tribe and their friends to proceed still further. Old -feuds were now revived, and the insurrection at Taranaki quickly spread -into a general movement against the colonists, which in turn resolved -itself into a wholesale rebellion of the Maori race. - -In the fighting that ensued twelve Victoria Crosses were gained, mostly -for gallant rescues of wounded men struck down in the bush or in the -pahs, the native palisade-fortified villages. The Maoris have always been -exceptionally cruel to their prisoners in war, and the knowledge that a -fallen foe would receive no mercy at their hands spurred our soldiers to -make every effort to save a wounded comrade. - -One of the first Crosses to be won fell to Colour-Sergeant John Lucas, -of the 40th Regiment (the South Lancashires). Early in 1861 he was -fighting up in the Taranaki district, near to the Huirangi Bush. During -one afternoon, while out skirmishing, he and his party were suddenly -subjected to a terribly fierce fire from a hidden enemy. Men began to -drop quickly as the bullets pinged across the ravine, and Lieutenant Rees -fell badly wounded. - -The officer having been carried to the rear, Lucas stood guard over the -other wounded, towards whom the Maoris, breaking cover for the first -time, made an ugly rush. The colour-sergeant had several rifles at hand, -and adopting savage tactics, he got behind a tree, only showing himself -to neatly “pot” an enemy. It was one man against a hundred; but, like -Private McManus in “Dhoolie Square,” he made himself properly respected -by the natives, and he held his position until a reinforcement arrived to -relieve him of his charge. - -A more exciting experience fell to the lot of a sergeant of the York and -Lancaster Regiment (the old 65th) two years later. While in action with -a large body of Maoris both his superior officers, Captain Swift and -Lieutenant Butler, were wounded, and the duty of withdrawing the little -force devolved upon him. - -Sergeant Edward McKenna, who had a strong strain of Irish blood in him, -showed himself the man for the occasion. The district was a broken and -rugged piece of country near Camerontown, and swarmed with Maoris. If he -wished to save his officers’ lives and the lives of the whole detachment, -he had to act boldly. - -Accordingly, leaving Corporal Ryan and three or four men to protect the -wounded captain and lieutenant, and relying on the main body of the -troops soon finding them, he went slap-dash at the Maoris on the hill in -front of him. The charge scattered the natives to a safe distance. Then, -night coming on, McKenna and his party camped in a convenient spot in the -bush. Very soon, however, this position became unsafe. So back along the -bush path they trailed, firing at their invisible enemy as they went, and -having some other wounded now thrown on their hands. - -Owing to the darkness and the intricacies of the bush, the sergeant -eventually lost his way, and, as he said afterwards, there was nothing to -do but to sit down and wait for daylight. So all through the night they -squatted on the ground, McKenna mounting guard with ears alert for the -faintest sound of an enemy; but fortunately none came. And in the morning -he had the satisfaction of leading his party back to camp to report that -only one was killed and two were missing out of the thirty-eight men he -had manœuvred so skilfully. - -Sergeant McKenna received a warm word of commendation in the despatches -from General Cameron, the Commander-in-Chief, for that piece of business, -together with the Victoria Cross, the same honour falling to Corporal -Ryan, whose devotion to Captain Swift, however, failed to save that -gallant officer’s life. Several of the others who figured prominently in -the affair were rewarded with the Distinguished Conduct Medal. - -Two very brilliant individual exploits that I may note here won the V.C. -for Major C. Heaphy of the Auckland Militia, and Lieutenant-Colonel -(afterwards Major-General Sir) John Carstairs McNeill, of the 107th -Regiment. - -Major Heaphy was engaged in a skirmish with Maoris on the banks of the -Mangapiko River, Auckland, when a wounded private tumbled into the -midst of a party of natives concealed in a hollow. Without a moment’s -hesitation the major leaped down after him. Though wounded himself, with -a dozen shot-holes in his clothes and cap, he stuck by his man, and in -time got him safely away. - -[Illustration: REINING IN HIS HORSE, HE TURNED TO CATCH VOSPER’S … AND -HELPED THE ORDERLY TO REMOUNT.--_Page 137._] - -The story of Colonel McNeill’s rescue is the story of a ride for life -which finds a close parallel in the deed for which Lord William -Beresford gained the V.C. in Zululand, as will be told hereafter. The -colonel was returning from Te Awamuta, whither he had been sent on -special duty, with two orderlies, Privates Gibson and Vosper, both of -the Colonial Defence Force, when a body of the enemy was descried some -distance ahead. Despatching Gibson to the nearest camp (at Ohanpu) for -assistance, he rode a little way up the road to the summit of a hill to -reconnoitre. - -As McNeill, with Vosper by his side, trotted on, unsuspecting any ambush, -keen eyes watched them from the thick ferns that bordered the road, and -presently some fifty Maoris sprang out to intercept them. The moment the -natives appeared the two horsemen wheeled and galloped back down the -hill. They got a flying start, but an unlucky step into a hole brought -Vosper’s horse to his knees, sending his rider head over heels into the -ferns. - -Then the colonel did a plucky thing. Reining in his horse, he turned -to catch Vosper’s, which was galloping in the opposite direction, and -leading it back helped the orderly to remount. He was just in the nick of -time. A few seconds later, and the Maoris would have been on them. As it -was, only a mad gallop at top speed carried them clear out of range of -the bullets that whistled round them. - -Vosper spoke nothing but the plain truth when he said that he owed his -life entirely to his colonel; for he could not have caught his horse, on -foot as he was, and the Maoris would have made short work of him. - -The New Zealand War was brought to a close in 1864 by General Sir Trevor -Chute, who broke the Maori power and stamped out the rebellion. Four or -five years later there were renewed disturbances, massacres of settlers -and raids upon outlying farms, but these were isolated cases. Since 1870 -the natives have been content to live peaceably under the British rule. - -In 1864, a few months before the Maori chiefs gave in their submission, -a memorable fight took place near Tauranga, Auckland, memorable for the -disgrace which it brought upon a British regiment, and for the act of -heroism which gained the V.C. for an Army surgeon and a bluejacket. The -story of it is as follows. - -On the peninsula of Te Papa, in the Poverty Bay district of East -Auckland, the Maoris had entrenched themselves in a very strong position. -They had built a long stockade along the narrow strip of land connecting -the peninsula with the coast, at Tauranga, with rifle-pits extending -almost the whole length. This formidable fort was known as the Gate Pah, -because it commanded the entrance to that region. - -The natives chose the place for their stronghold wisely. The Gate Pah -was guarded by great swamps on both sides, which rendered a flank attack -impossible. The assault must come either from the front or rear. Fully -alive to the difficulties of the task, General Cameron proceeded to -attack this position on April 28th with a force of infantry (the 68th and -43rd Regiments) and two hundred seamen from the warships off the coast. - -While some of the Naval Brigade and the 68th Regiment (the Durham Light -Infantry) stole round at night to the rear of the stockade, the artillery -the next morning opened fire in front, pouring shot and shell unceasingly -for eight and a half hours into the pah. The Maoris responded at -first with a brisk rifle-fire, but after a time this stopped. Dead -silence reigned over the stockade, as if most of its inmates had been -killed. Believing this to be the case, the 43rd Foot (the Oxfordshire -Light Infantry, known popularly as “the Light Bobs” and “the Fighting -Forty-third”) moved forward with a number of bluejackets to carry the -place by storm. - -That the fight was practically over seemed evident from the ease with -which the troops drove out the few Maoris remaining in the pah. But -the wily natives had laid a subtle ambush, to the success of which a -regrettable accident contributed. As the Oxfordshires and the naval -men followed up the pursuit in the gathering darkness, the detachment -sent previously to the rear began firing into the medley of Maoris and -British. Considerable confusion was caused, and both the 43rd and the -sailors were ordered to retire. - -This was done promptly, the troops regaining the shelter of the stockade. -Here they had no fear of danger, for the place was apparently deserted, -and only the fugitive Maoris, who had rallied, menaced them. They -wandered about the pah in careless disorder, some even laying aside their -rifles, when suddenly from the ground beneath them a whole host of native -warriors appeared, rising like apparitions in their midst. In cunningly -concealed holes and rifle-pits, covered over with branches and pieces of -turf, the Maoris had awaited the coming of the _pakehas_. - -Before this mysterious ghostly enemy, who fell upon them with rifle and -war-club, the soldiers and sailors fled in wild confusion. A perfect -panic set in, and every man sought to save his own skin. - -It is difficult to locate the blame in instances of this kind. British -troops and British officers have been seized with panic before under -the stress of great excitement, and the same thing will probably happen -again. Human courage is, after all, an uncertain quantity; an admittedly -brave man has more than once failed at a critical moment through lack -of nerve or some less explicable reason and turned coward. Was there -not the well-known case of a lieutenant-colonel (his name is charitably -concealed) in the Indian Mutiny, whose conduct Sir Colin Campbell -characterised in a vigorous despatch as “pusillanimous and imbecile to -the last degree,” before dismissing him from the service? This officer -had a distinguished record, but a momentary weakness led him to surrender -an important position without cause and blasted his whole career. - -In the panic that set in when the hideous tattooed faces of the Maoris -rose up so uncannily from the depths of the earth the slaughter of our -men was terrific. Officers and privates alike fell easy victims to the -well-armed natives. Then it was that Assistant-Surgeon William G. N. -Manley, R.A., and Samuel Mitchell, captain of the foretop of H.M.S. -_Harrier_, won glory for themselves by a gallant rescue. - -Commander Hay, of the Naval Brigade, fell badly wounded at the first -discharge, and lay groaning in the middle of the pah. All were in full -flight, but seeing his officer helpless on the ground Mitchell ran to his -side, picked him up in his strong arms and bore him outside the stockade. -Here he found Dr. Manley, who oblivious to the bullets that fell thickly -around, bound up the commander’s wounds. That done, he and Mitchell -conveyed the dying man back to camp. - -Not content with having done that duty, the brave surgeon returned -voluntarily to the pah and coolly set about tending the wounded. They lay -there in heaps, alas! and he had all his work to do to get them removed -to a place of safety. The fire which swept the stockade is said to have -been terrible, yet not a scratch did he receive the whole time, and he -was the last to leave the pah. Both Dr. Manley and Mitchell were awarded -the Cross for Valour some months later, for the heroism that in part -redeemed the Gate Pah disaster. - -As for the Fighting Forty-third, whose colours bore the names of Corunna, -Badajoz, Vittoria, and many another famous fight of the Peninsular War, -the memory of that night of panic rankled deep in their minds. They swore -a solemn vow that the next time they came to grips with the Maoris the -enemy should remember it. It was at Tuaranga that they got their chance, -on June 21st of the same year, and on this day one of their officers, -Captain Frederick Augustus Smith, won the Cross for leaping into a -rifle-pit and routing a number of the Maoris single-handed. - -This made the second V.C. that the 43rd won, by the way, the first having -been given in 1859 to Private Addison for saving the life of an officer -in India. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -IN ASHANTI BUSH AND MALAY JUNGLE. - - -It is a big leap from Maoriland to West Africa, but it is there, to -Ashanti, that we must go to see how the next Crosses on the roll were won. - -Ashanti, as the map shows, is in the Upper Guinea district, immediately -inland of the Gold Coast. Seventy thousand square miles in extent, it -is thickly covered with forests of mahogany, ebony, and other valuable -hardwood trees, except where it is given up to vast mangrove swamps -that are no good to anybody. Its people are pure negroes, thick-lipped, -flat-nosed, with woolly hair and projecting jaws. They are a savage, -cruel race, fetish-worshippers like most of the tribes in West Africa, -who have been notorious for the revolting form of their religious rites. - -Until the custom of making human sacrifices was put down with a strong -hand by Great Britain, Coomassie, the capital, was as much a City of -Blood as was the ill-famed Benin, a very different place from the town of -to-day, with its wide, regular streets and stuccoed houses painted red -and white. - -With this country of Ashanti we have come repeatedly into conflict from -the early days of last century, when trading stations became established -on the coast. The Dutch, too, found their way thither with the same -object in view, and out of the rivalry between them and us trouble arose -that came to a head in 1872. In that year the Dutch traders who had -established themselves on the Gold Coast were bought out by us, their -possessions being transferred to this country in return for some land -concessions in the island of Sumatra. To this arrangement King Coffee of -Ashanti took exception, as he lost thereby certain annual tributes which -the Dutch had hitherto paid him, and by way of showing his resentment he -carried off several missionaries and attacked our allies the Fantis. - -It was necessary to bring King Coffee and his turbulent subjects to -reason, so in September 1873 Sir Garnet Wolseley was sent out to Ashanti -with an expedition. The task was no easy one, for before Coomassie was -reached the troops had to fight their way through the bush, and the -African bush is not to be treated lightly, with its tangled masses of -vegetation, dark belts of forest, rivers and morasses. Moreover, the -campaign had to be completed before the hot season came on, when the -terrors of pestilence and fever would have to be faced. - -That Sir Garnet Wolseley did accomplish the task set him is a matter of -history. By February of the following year King Coffee was forced to make -peace, one of the terms being that he should discontinue human sacrifices. - -In this five months’ campaign four Victoria Crosses were won, and of -these the first two fell to Lieutenant the Hon. Edric Gifford (the -present Lord Gifford) and Lance-Sergeant Samuel McGaw of the 42nd -Regiment. The latter earned his distinction at the battle of Amoaful, -the first victory of any consequence, when the Ashantis were completely -routed. At that engagement McGaw led his company through the dense -bush in splendid style, himself fighting all through the day, although -suffering from a very severe wound received at the commencement of the -battle. - -Lord Gifford’s Cross was won for a long series of useful services -rendered to his commander, though more particularly for his exceptional -bravery at the taking of the town of Becquah on February 1st, 1874. At -the beginning of the campaign (his first taste of active service, by the -way) he organised a body of scouts, loyal natives who knew the country -well and could be relied on. With this little band he ranged ahead of -the army, hanging upon the enemy’s skirts, so to speak, and ferreting -out their intentions by means of his spies. It was dangerous, highly -dangerous, work, for it meant thrusting himself almost into the very arms -of a foe who showed no mercy in war. - -“It is no exaggeration,” says the official account, “to say that since -the Adansi Hills were passed he daily carried his life in his hands in -the performance of his most hazardous duty.” With no other white man by -him, Lieutenant Gifford captured many prisoners, and the information he -was able to procure for his chief was naturally of the utmost value. - -If he carried his life in his hand while out scouting there is no doubt -that he did the same at the taking of Becquah. Gifford and his scouts -were through the stockade and into the town some time before the troops -stormed it, and were in the thick of the fighting throughout. Of that -day’s work, as well as of the scouting in the bush, Sir Garnet took full -note when sending his despatches, and the young lieutenant of the South -Wales Borderers saw himself duly gazetted. - -Major Reginald Sartorius (now a Major-General) is another V.C. man who -gained his decoration in far-off Ashanti. At the attack on Abogoo he -bravely risked his life to save a wounded Haussa sergeant-major who had -fallen under a heavy fire; and he is also famous for a most plucky ride -through the heart of the enemy’s country to establish connection between -the main body and Captain Glover’s column. - -The name of Sartorius, it may be mentioned, is like that of Gough in -figuring twice in the honoured list of V.C.’s, and in each case it is two -brothers who have thus won double distinction. Major-General Euston Henry -Sartorius received his Cross for an exploit in Afghanistan, mention of -which will be found in the next chapter. - -Next on my list of Ashanti heroes comes Colonel Mark Sever Bell, a -distinguished Engineer officer of many campaigns. The battle at Ordahsu -in January of 1874 saw him in the very fore-front of the British line -alone with a working gang of Fantis, digging a trench. A severe fire from -both front and rear played upon them, and--what is said to be an almost -unparalleled incident in warfare--they were not protected by a covering -party. - -The Fantis, to whose qualities Miss Kingsley has paid high tribute, -are not warriors of the first order, however faithful they may be as -servants; and that Lieutenant Bell (to give him the rank he then bore) -got them to work in such circumstances was due solely to his fearless and -courageous bearing. When he came in from the trench it was to receive -the generous compliments of his chief, Colonel Sir John McLeod, who had -considered his chances of getting back alive extremely slight. The V.C. -followed at the latter officer’s recommendation. - -Although it is not strictly in chronological order, I may note here that -in 1900 there was again trouble in Ashanti, which resulted in two more -V.C.’s being won. Of these one went to Captain Melliss, of the Indian -Staff Corps, and the other to Sergeant (now Captain) John Mackenzie, of -the Seaforths. - -Mackenzie’s gallantry was most marked. At the attack on Dompoassi in -June he found the fight progressing too slowly for him. He had been -working two Maxim guns under a hot fire (being wounded while doing so), -but the enemy held their position as obstinately as ever. So to “finish -the business” the sergeant volunteered to clear the stockades, and at -the head of a body of Haussas he charged boldly upon them. The blacks -followed his lead with spirit; before their headlong rush the Ashantis -fled into the bush, and shortly after Dompoassi was ours. - - * * * * * - -Just a year after the Ashanti trouble there was an outbreak in the Malay -Peninsula which called for a punitive expedition. The little brown men -of Perak, own brothers to the head-hunting Dyaks of Borneo, had to be -taught the lesson that Great Britain will not tolerate outrages upon her -subjects. - -With the column that marched up through the jungle upon the Malay -strongholds was Major George Nicholas Channer, of the Bengal Staff -Corps, who had joined the Indian Army just too late to take part in the -suppression of the Mutiny, but in time to see service in the Umbeyla -campaign of 1863. Both here and in the Looshai country a few years later -he showed himself a dashing leader of native troops, and the 1st Ghurkas -were by no means ill-pleased when they learned that he was attached to -them for the Perak expedition. Major Channer, for his part, was glad of -the chance of seeing another fight, though he little guessed that it was -to afford him an opportunity of winning the V.C. and covering himself -with glory. Yet such proved to be the case. - -On its way northwards the force eventually reached the Bukit Putus Pass, -the most difficult part of the journey to be traversed. All around was -dense jungle and impenetrable forest, in which a host of Malays lay in -wait to harass the troops. How numerous were the enemy could not be -ascertained, nor how strong were their defences, and it was important -that information on these points should be obtained or the column might -blunder into an ambush. Major Channer was selected as the officer best -fitted to procure this intelligence, and with a small party of his wiry -little Ghurkas he struck off one day into the wilds. - -Making a long detour, he worked his way round to the rear of the enemy’s -position without any mishap. Here he found that the Malays were strongly -posted in a solid log-fort, loopholed on every side and surrounded by a -formidable bamboo palisade. As he peered at it through the trees a number -of black forms flitted busily to and fro, showing that the fort was well -garrisoned. - -Channer had learned enough to see that the troops would have considerable -difficulty in carrying the position, and might well have returned to make -his report. But he was not content with merely having done so much. He -determined to make a closer inspection to discover, if possible, where -was the weakest spot in the defences. - -At night, therefore, leaving his men hidden within call in the jungle, -he crept stealthily up through the long grass to the outer stockade. All -was still, for the Malays had mounted no guard on that side of the fort. -Raising himself cautiously to his knees, he peeped between the bamboo -poles and saw that the garrison was all intent on cooking its supper. At -once a daring idea came into his head. Quickly dropping back into the -long grass, the major wormed his way towards the spot where his faithful -Ghurkas were waiting and beckoned them to join him. Then he explained -that he intended to take the Malays by surprise and rush the fort. - -The Ghurkas were gleefully ready for a job like this, and at the word -followed him noiselessly to the point in the palisade whence he had -observed the unsuspecting Malays. A quick scramble over and the whole -party were inside. The first man who offered resistance Major Channer -shot dead with his revolver. The rest stood aghast at the unexpected -spectacle of a white officer in their midst, and before they could -recover from their astonishment the Ghurkas in their neat green uniforms -and little round caps were among them, using their keen _kukris_ with -deadly effect. The surprise was complete. The Malays, ignorant of the -numbers of their assailants, abandoned the fort and fled precipitately -into the jungle. - -A message to the main body soon brought up the troops, when the fort was -destroyed, leaving the way clear for the march to be continued. But for -Major Channer’s bold attack the fort would have had to be carried by -a bayonet charge, as it was secure from the big guns, and much loss of -life must have been caused. His act, therefore, was one of the greatest -service to the expedition. - -The gallant major, who got his Cross a few months later, afterwards -served with considerable distinction under Lord Roberts in Afghanistan, -and commanded a brigade in the Black Mountain (Hazara) expedition of -1888. He died at his home in North Devon only at the end of last year, a -General and a C.B. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -HOW SOME AFGHAN CROSSES WERE WON. - - -The war which broke out in Afghanistan in 1878 and lasted two years was -of a far more serious nature than the campaign in Ashanti which I have -just dealt with. It was at bottom a struggle to assert our supremacy on -the Indian frontier, where Russia was beginning to menace us, and on its -result hung the fortunes of a large part of Asia. Before I tell of how -several notable V.C.’s were gained in the hill-fighting round Candahar -and Cabul it is necessary to say a few words about the war itself, in -order that we may properly understand the situation. - -Trouble over Afghanistan began very early in the nineteenth century, but -Great Britain maintained a firm hold over the country and its Amir until -the advent to the throne of Shere Ali Khan. This turbulent ruler was a -very go-ahead monarch indeed. He organised a splendid army, well-drilled -and well-equipped with modern arms, and spent some years in military -preparations which could have had only one object--the ultimate overthrow -of British influence in that part of the world. - -That Russia and Russian money was behind all this has been made very -clear. The go-ahead Shere Ali went ahead so far that he made overtures to -the Muscovite Government and received a Russian mission at Cabul. When -Lord Roberts reached the capital after his victorious march he found, he -says, “Afghan Sirdars and officers arrayed in Russian pattern uniforms, -Russian money in the treasury, Russian wares sold in the bazaars; and, -although the roads leading to Central Asia were certainly no better than -those leading to India, Russia had taken more advantage of them than we -had to carry on commercial dealings with Afghanistan.” - -Our first move was to establish a British mission at Cabul, but this met -with failure. Then Shere Ali, after abdicating in favour of his son, -Yakoub Khan, conveniently died, and our prospects improved. A mission, at -the head of which was Sir Louis Cavagnari, was received at the capital, -and all seemed to be going well when the civilised world was startled by -the news that Cavagnari and all with him had been massacred. - -Without any loss of time, Lord Roberts (then Major-General Frederick -Sleigh Roberts) started from India with an army to avenge this atrocity. -After some stiff fighting, he reached Cabul and deposed the Amir. There -were left, however, a number of minor chiefs who continued to stir up -trouble. Of these the leading spirit was the ex-Amir’s brother, Ayoub -Khan, who inflicted a defeat upon us at the battle of Maiwand and -proceeded to invest Candahar. - -Upon this followed Roberts’ historic march from Cabul to Candahar which -won him a baronetcy and a G.C.B. In this descent upon Ayoub Khan he -utterly routed the Afghan leader and quieted the country. A new Amir, -Abdur Rahman (nephew of Shere Ali) was now installed, with the necessary -proviso that Afghanistan should have no foreign relations with any power -except the Government of India, and the British army was withdrawn. - - * * * * * - -The first V.C. of the campaign was gained by Captain John Cook, of the -Bengal Staff Corps, for a singularly gallant rescue of a brother-officer. -It was during the month of December 1878, while General Roberts was on -his way to Cabul, whither he was escorting Cavagnari’s mission. There -had been several encounters with the Afghans, for the latter had shown -themselves hostile all along the line of route, and a decisive engagement -was fought at the Peiwar Kotal, in the Kuram district. (A “kotal,” it may -be explained, is the highest point in a mountain pass.) - -At this fight a slender column was detached from the main body and -sent round to force a position in the Spingawi Kotal, where the enemy -had entrenched themselves. The attack was made at night, and although, -through the treachery of some Pathans with the column, the alarm was -given, the Afghans were driven out. - -Side by side Highlanders and Ghurkas, who had been good friends -ever since they fought together in the Mutiny, charged up the steep -rocky hillside, through a forest of pines, and carried one stockade -after another. As the enemy broke before them, Major Galbraith, -Assistant-Adjutant-General to the force, was suddenly attacked by a -powerful Afghan. The major’s revolver missed fire when he aimed, and it -is more than probable that he would have been shot down at once had not -Captain Cook rushed to his rescue. - -A blow from his sword having diverted the Afghan’s attention, Cook threw -himself bodily upon the man and closed with him. They struggled together -thus for some little time, locked in a deadly embrace, the Afghan -endeavouring vainly to use his bayonet and the captain his sword. Then, -gripping his opponent by the throat, Cook fell with him to the ground, -only to have his sword-arm seized by the Afghan’s strong teeth. Another -roll over gave the latter a slight advantage, but only for a moment. At -this critical juncture a little Ghurka ran up and shot the fellow through -the head. - -Captain Cook was decorated for this exploit on the Queen’s Birthday in -the May following, at a grand parade at Kuram, but he did not live long -to wear his Cross. He died of a severe wound twelve months later. - -In March of 1879 a gallant little action was fought near Maidanah of -which scant mention is made outside official records. It may be fittingly -recorded here, as it was the means of bringing distinction to a young -captain of Engineers who now writes himself Lieut.-General Edward -Pemberton Leach, V.C., C.B. - -Leach was out on survey duty in the Maidanah district with an escort -of Rattray’s Sikhs under the command of Lieutenant Barclay. While thus -engaged a body of Afghans appeared in close proximity and endeavoured -to cut them off. The Sikhs having fallen slowly back, under orders, the -Afghans became more bold, and in still larger numbers pressed nearer. -Then there was a sudden rush, a volley, and Lieutenant Barclay fell shot -in the breast. - -To get the wounded officer back to camp in safety was Leach’s first -thought. The Afghans must be kept at a safe distance. With all the -Sikhs, therefore, save the two or three needed to attend to Barclay, he -formed up and charged with bayonets fixed straight into the oncoming -enemy. - -They were a score or so against a hundred, but desperate men take -desperate risks. Leach himself was immediately attacked by four Afghans, -two of whom he shot in quick succession. The third grappled with him, -but another shot from the unerring revolver settled him, and the captain -turned to meet his fourth assailant. He was not a moment too soon. The -Afghan had slipped round to attack him from the rear, and as Leach’s left -arm went up in defence it received on it the blow from an Afghan knife -that was aimed at his back. - -A slash from his sword laid the Pathan low. Then wounded as he was, with -blood streaming fast from his arm, the captain dashed on into the mêlée, -and gathering his men together for another fierce charge sent the enemy -tumbling backwards in confusion. But the little company was not even then -out of danger. The retreat led them along a narrow rocky road, from the -sides of which the Afghans continued to pepper them, and a last charge -was necessary to scatter them. Fortunately, just after this a cavalry -troop, attracted by the noise of firing, came up and relieved them. - -Captain Leach was promptly awarded the Cross for Valour for his -bravery, but though he had succeeded in saving the party from certain -annihilation, his satisfaction was clouded over by one great sorrow. Poor -Lieutenant Barclay died soon afterwards from his wound. - -The next V.C., the story of which I have to tell, is that of Lieutenant -Hamilton,--“Hamilton of the Guides,”--whose brilliant career was cut all -too short at Cabul in the massacre of Cavagnari’s ill-fated mission. -Having joined Brigadier-General Gough’s force, which was keeping clear -the line of communication between Jellalabad and Cabul, Lieutenant -Hamilton saw plenty of fighting with the hill-tribes in the vicinity. At -Futtehabad, in April 1879, there was an engagement with a considerable -body of Afghans, and in this fight he made himself conspicuous. - -At the moment that the scale of victory was turning in our favour, the -Guides, led by their beloved commander, Major Wigram Battye, charged into -the Afghan ranks. Battye fell shot through the heart at the first volley, -and the leadership devolved on Hamilton, who led them on, more fierce -than ever. In the mêlée that now ensued Dowlut Ram, a sowar riding by the -lieutenant’s side, was bowled over and instantly threatened with death -from three Afghan knives. Wheeling his horse, Hamilton cut his way to the -fallen man’s side, dragged him from beneath his dead horse, and carried -him off right under the enemy’s nose. - -For this act he was recommended for the Cross, but to everyone’s -disappointment it was not awarded him. Only after he had fallen beneath -Afghan swords at Cabul, five months later, was his heroism acknowledged. -Then followed the tardy announcement that had he lived her Majesty would -have been pleased to confer the honour of the Victoria Cross upon him. - -Hamilton’s end was an heroic one. Early one September morning in 1879 -the Residency at Cabul in which Sir Louis Cavagnari and his staff had -taken up their quarters was attacked and fired by the Afghans. The -only defenders of the place were the Guides, a mere handful of men -under Lieutenant Hamilton’s command. Soon the building was stormed, and -Cavagnari with his suite brutally massacred. Hamilton alone remained, the -last Englishman left alive in Cabul. - -Driven from room to room, he and his men at last reached the courtyard to -make their last stand. In vain did the Afghans call on the Guides to join -them, saying they had no quarrel with men of their own race. The Guides -were loyal to the oath they had sworn. As one man they formed up behind -their gallant leader, dressed their ranks, and flung wide - - “The doors not all their valour could longer keep.” - -Then with a cheer out they dashed at the horde before them, in the mad -endeavour to cut their way through. It was a forlorn hope. The enemy -closed round them like a dark sea, - - “And with never a foot lagging or head bent, - To the clash and clamour and dust of death they went.” - - “The Guides at Cabul,” Henry Newbolt. - -How Hamilton himself fell was learned afterwards from the Afghans, who -could appreciate such dauntless courage as his. They said he fought like -a lion at bay, sweeping a space clear around him with his sword; and it -was only by the reckless sacrifice of a few of their number, who threw -themselves upon him and were shot or sabred, that the rest were able to -pull him down. Then a dozen knives buried themselves in his body, and all -was over. - -The record of the Afghan War teems with heroic exploits, but only a few -more can be touched on here. There was, for instance, the gallant rescue -of a wounded Bengal Lancer at Dakka, by Lieutenant Reginald Clare Hart -(now a Lieut.-General and K.C.B.). “I am going for the V.C. to-day!” he -said to his brother-officers on the morning of the engagement; and he won -it, after running some twelve hundred yards under the Afghan fire to pull -the disabled sowar out of a river bed. - -At about the same time Captain O’Moor Creagh with a detachment of one -hundred and fifty men held off fifteen thousand Afghans who attacked him -near the village of Ram Dakka; a brilliant feat that was only equalled by -Captain Vousden, of the 5th Punjab Cavalry, who some time later charged -into a body of four hundred of the enemy with simply _twelve_ sowars at -his back, and dispersed them! - -There were Crosses for both these brave captains, just as there was one -for Captain E. H. Sartorius (brother of the Ashanti hero) for a dashing -charge which cleared a strong force of the enemy from the Shah Juy hill -at Tazi. - -Mention of Sartorius recalls the somewhat similar deeds which gained a -V.C. for a distinguished major of the 92nd Highlanders, who is now the -popular Field-Marshal Sir George Stewart White, G.C.B., etc. On his Cross -two dates figure, October 6, 1879, and September 1, 1880. The first -denotes the action at Charasiah, where the Afghans were defeated, much to -the chagrin of the treacherous Amir Yakoub Khan, who had laid plans for -the complete annihilation of the British army. - -There was a hill to be taken, on which the enemy had mustered in large -numbers, and at the word of command two companies of the “Gay Gordons,” -with Major White at their head, breasted the slope and raced up. The -major was easily first. Leaving the rest to follow, he tore ahead and -bearded the Afghans single-handed, shooting their leader dead with his -revolver. This act brought him high praise from General Roberts, who went -over the ground with him next day and noted the difficulties that had to -be encountered. - -On the second occasion Major White was with his Gordons at Candahar, -assisting in the rout of Ayoub Khan. At an important stage of the battle -a desperate stand was made by the Afghans at the Baba Wali Kotal, and it -became necessary to storm the position, or the wavering enemy would have -time to rally. - -“Now, 92nd,” cried their leader, “just one charge more to close the -business!” The Gordons answered with a shout, and accompanied by the 2nd -Ghurkas and 23rd Pioneers they streamed up the hill to carry it with -bayonets. As always, Major White was well in front. He was the first to -reach the guns, the next man being Sepoy Inderbir Lama, who placed his -rifle on one of them and exclaimed proudly, “Captured in the name of the -2nd Ghurkas!” - -That charge did “close the business.” The Afghans broke and fled, and the -troops went on to capture Ayoub Khan’s enormous camp with his artillery, -thirty-two pieces in all, among them being found two of our Horse -Artillery guns that had been taken at Maiwand in July. - -I cannot close this chapter without telling how Padre Adams won his -V.C. The only clergyman to have received the decoration, he stands in -a unique position, although, as I have said already, at least one other -Army chaplain deserved it. - -The Rev. James William Adams, B.A. (to give him his full title), was -attached to the Cabul Field Force and marched up to the Amir’s capital -with the troops when they went to avenge Cavagnari’s death. Liking to -be always at the front when any fighting was going on, he acted as -aide-de-camp to General Roberts on several occasions, making himself very -useful. It was in this capacity that he was accompanying Roberts when, -on December 11th, 1879, the main body of the force encountered Mahommed -Jan’s army near Sherpur and, owing to a miscarriage of plans, was obliged -to beat a temporary retreat. - -In the retiring movement some of the guns were in danger of falling into -the Afghans’ hands, so a troop of the 9th Lancers, with a few of the -14th Bengal Lancers, made a gallant attempt to hold the enemy in check. -The charge was brilliant but disastrous. Men and horses went down like -ninepins, many of them falling into a deep ditch, or nullah, in which one -or two of the guns had already come to grief. - -Seeing a wounded, dismounted man of the 9th staggering towards him, Adams -jumped off his charger and tried to lift the poor fellow into the saddle, -but the animal, a very valuable mare, took fright and bolted. Still -supporting the lancer, the chaplain helped him on his way to the rear, -where some of his comrades took him in charge. - -Returning at once to the front, Adams observed two more men of the 9th in -the ditch who were in difficulties. Their horses had rolled over on to -them, and they were struggling vainly to get free. The advancing Afghans -were now pretty close, and General Roberts called out to the chaplain to -look after himself; but the “fighting parson,” as his men called him, was -a true hero. Leaping down into the ditch without a moment’s hesitation, -he splashed his way through the mud and water to the lancers’ rescue. A -few strong pulls of his brawny arms (he was an unusually powerful man) -quickly released the imprisoned men, and he had them safe on the top of -the bank ere the first of the Afghans had reached the nullah. - -Padre Adams had long been the idol of the men to whom he ministered, -and there was general rejoicing in the Army when his name in due course -appeared in the _Gazette_. There was keen regret, too, some years later -when he bade farewell to the service he loved, and returned home to -settle down in a peaceful Norfolk rectory. - -It seems only the other day that his tall well-built figure was to be met -striding along the lanes round Stow Bardolph and Downham Market, and it -is hard to realise that nearly three years have now passed since death -took “the V.C. parson” from our midst. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -MAIWAND.--A GUNNER’S STORY. - - -The one disaster of the Afghan campaign of 1878-80 was the defeat of -General Burrows’ force at Maiwand by an army of 25,000 men under the -leadership of Ayoub Khan himself. It had been expected that the Amir -would follow a certain route on his way to Ghazni and Candahar, and -Burrows had been warned to be on the look-out. That the British general -failed to stay the Amir’s progress when the two armies came into conflict -at Maiwand was due to the smallness of his force, which numbered less -than 3000 men; to the desertion of a large number of native levies; and -to the fact that the native portion of the brigade got out of hand soon -after the fight had started, and impeded the British troops. - -Continuing his march after this signal victory, Ayoub Khan proceeded -to Candahar and commenced the siege of that city. How he was speedily -followed by General Roberts and in turn defeated has been already told. - - * * * * * - -The battle of Maiwand was fought on July 27th, 1880. Early on the morning -of that day Burrows’ brigade, including the 66th Regiment, “the Green -Howards,” and some Royal Horse Artillery, and encumbered with a large -number of camels, baggage waggons, camp followers, etc., moved out -from the camp at Khushk-i-Nakhud. This position was about forty miles -from Candahar. The Afghan army was to be intercepted at the village of -Maiwand, eleven miles away. - -Riding with the guns of the Horse Artillery that summer morning were two -men, Sergeant Patrick Mullane and Gunner James Collis, who were destined -to win no little glory in the somewhat inglorious fight. They were by no -means the only heroes of Maiwand, for many stirring deeds were done that -day; but the slaughter was terrific, and of all who earned the honour of -the V.C. only these two survived. - -As an example of the courage displayed by the British troops the story -may be told of how, when our native infantry broke and fled before the -Afghan attack, the 66th Regiment was left alone to receive the onset of -the enemy. Such a small body of men could do nothing, however valiantly -they fought, and very reluctantly they obeyed the order to fall back. -Following up their advantage, the Afghans now pressed them more closely. -In among the doomed soldiers leapt the white-robed Pathans, stabbing and -slashing with their long knives until they succeeded in breaking up the -men into small parties, who could be more easily cut down. - -Towards the end of the day a little company of the 66th, officers -and men, gathered together for a last stand in a little village some -distance from Maiwand. Surrounded by a yelling horde, they fired volley -after volley, but the return fire of the enemy gradually thinned their -ranks. At length, so it is recorded, ten privates and one officer alone -remained. Back to back stood the brave eleven, determined never to give -in, for the honour of the regiment and their country. And one by one they -dropped where they stood, until, it is related, but one man remained -erect, facing his foes undaunted. One man against some hundreds. Then the -Afghan rifles spoke out once more, and the last of that stricken remnant -fell with a bullet through his heart. - -But it is of Mullane and Collis that I propose to speak here, and of -how they won their V.C.’s. After the fortune of the battle was decided -and the stricken British brigade commenced its retreat to Candahar the -Royal Horse Artillery made many gallant attempts to beat off the pursuing -Afghans. Indeed, but for the masterly way in which they worked their -guns, the losses on our side must have been considerably greater than -they were. - -Sergeant Mullane stood by his gun on one of these occasions, and after -a round or two had been fired helped to limber up smartly to follow -the force. As the gun moved on a driver was seen to fall. The Afghans -were tearing after the fugitives at full speed, and the wounded man lay -directly in their path. - -Only a daring man would have ventured to turn and face that fierce -oncoming crowd; but “Paddy” Mullane was that man. Racing back to where -the driver lay, he lifted him up in his arms and, being a big strong -fellow, quickly carried him out of the enemy’s reach. It was a narrow -squeak, however; as he turned with his burden to make for his comrades, -the nearest Afghans were within a few yards of him, and one or two wild -shots whizzed by his ears. - -The next day, while the retreat continued, Mullane performed another -gallant action, which was duly noted on his Cross. Most of the troops, -and particularly the wounded, suffered terribly from thirst in the glare -of the sun, and it was impossible to obtain drink from the hostile -villages they passed through. - -At last Sergeant Mullane could stand the cries of distress no longer. -“I’m off to get some water,” he announced briefly to his comrades, when -they neared another village. And, doubling to the nearest houses, he -managed to procure a good supply, with which he ran hastily back, while -the infuriated villagers peppered him hotly. Fortunately for him their -marksmanship was none too good, and not a shot struck him, though several -went so close as to make him realise the risk he had run. - - * * * * * - -Of how Gunner Collis bore himself in that retreat from Maiwand we have -been told in his own words, and I cannot do better than follow the -account he gives. He was limber gunner, he says, in his battery, and when -an Afghan shell killed four of the gunners and Sergeant Wood, only three -were left to work the piece. Taking the sergeant’s place, he went on -firing, but was soon almost borne down by panic-stricken fugitives, who -threw themselves both under and on the gun. - -On the native infantry and cavalry breaking up in confusion the guns -limbered up and fell back at a gallop for some two thousand yards. Here -another two rounds were fired, but again the order came to retire, for -the enemy were advancing rapidly. A mounted Afghan even caught up with -the gun on which Collis sat and slashed at him fiercely as he passed. -The sword cut the gunner over the left eyebrow. As the Afghan wheeled and -rode at him again Collis raised his carbine, and at about five yards’ -range let drive. The shot struck the sowar on the chest, causing him to -fall from his horse. In doing so some money rattled out of his turban, -and Collis relates that Trumpeter Jones, R.H.A., jumped off his horse and -picked it up. - -Dusk now came fast upon the fugitives, and having stepped aside at a -village to try and secure some water, Collis lost his gun. He accordingly -attached himself to No. 2, sticking to it all the way to Candahar. - -By the wayside, as they went along, lay many wounded. As many of these as -he could the gallant gunner picked up and placed on his gun. He collected -ten altogether, every one a 66th man, except a colonel whom he did not -know. Presently the wounded began to beg for water, and like Mullane, -Collis could not bear to hear their cries without making an effort to -satisfy them. - -At a village near Kokeran, the next day, he made a dash for some water, -which he was successful in obtaining. Here, he records, he saw Lieutenant -Maclaine, of the Royal Horse Artillery, and he was almost the last man to -see him alive. The lieutenant was captured immediately afterwards, kept a -close prisoner by Ayoub Khan, and eventually found lying with his throat -cut outside the Amir’s tent at Candahar, after the Afghan leader’s flight. - -A second journey for water becoming necessary, Collis set off again for -the village. He was returning with a fresh supply when he beheld some ten -or twelve of the enemy’s cavalry approaching the gun. The gun went off, -and, throwing himself down in a little nullah, Collis waited until it -passed by. Then, with a rifle which he had obtained from a 66th private, -he opened fire upon the Afghans, in order to draw them from the gun and -the wounded. - -Not knowing how many were concealed in the nullah, the Afghans halted and -answered his fire. They fortunately failed to hit the plucky gunner, but -from his vantage he scored heavily against them, killing two men and a -horse. From a distance of three hundred yards, however, they came pretty -close to him, and he must have been discovered had not General Nuttall -arrived on the scene with some native cavalry and made them turn tail. - -“You’re a gallant young man,” said the General. “What is your name?” - -“Gunner Collis, sir, of E. of B., R.H.A.,” answered the gunner in -business-like fashion, and the details were promptly noted in the -General’s pocket-book. - -Then Collis hastened after his gun, which he caught up with after a five -hundred yards’ chase, and after running the gauntlet of the enemy’s fire -for several miles farther, went safely in with it into Candahar. He -arrived there at seven in the evening, having been marching for a whole -night and day since the battle. - -There is yet another brave act to be recorded of Gunner Collis, which -contributed to gain him his well-earned Cross for Valour. While the -garrison under General Primrose were besieged in Candahar, anxiously -awaiting the arrival of General Roberts’ relief column, various sorties -were made upon the enemy. On one of these occasions, in the middle of -August, Collis was standing by his gun on the rampart of the fort when -Generals Primrose and Nuttall passed in earnest conversation with Colonel -Burnet. - -Hearing one of the former say that he wished he could send a message to -General Dewberry, who was fighting away out in the village, the gunner -stepped up to Colonel Burnet and touched him on the arm. - -“I think I can take the message, sir,” he said, giving a salute. - -The officers were doubtful about allowing him to go on so dangerous an -errand, but after a little hesitation General Primrose wrote a note which -Collis slipped into his pocket. Then, a rope having been brought, the -gunner was lowered over the parapet into the ditch, about forty feet -below. He was fired at by the enemy’s matchlock men as he slid down, but -luckily they were too far off to aim accurately. - -Reaching the village safely, he delivered his message to General -Dewberry, and, dodging the enemy, returned to clamber up the rope. While -half way up the Afghans tried to “pot” him again, and this time a bullet -came close enough to cut off the heel of his left boot. - -At the instance of General Nuttall and Colonel Burnet, General Roberts -recommended the brave gunner for the V.C., and much to Collis’s surprise -it was presented to him on July 28th, 1881. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -ZULULAND.--THE DASH WITH THE COLOURS FROM ISANDHLANA. - - -At the same time that the war in Afghanistan was being carried to a -successful issue serious trouble was brewing in South Africa. The Zulus -under Cetewayo, who had long been restless, now threatened to overrun -Natal and the Transvaal, and precipitate a general revolt of the black -races against the white. - -To go into the whole history of the quarrel would take too long, but it -may be said that the grievances of the natives arose out of long-standing -feuds between them and the Boers over the seizure of land. The immediate -cause of the war was a dispute over a strip of territory extending along -the left bank of the Tugela River into Zululand. To this piece of land -the Zulus obstinately asserted their right, and their claim was upheld by -a Commission which was appointed to inquire into the matter. - -After the annexation of the Transvaal by Great Britain in 1877 Sir -Bartle Frere had been sent out to South Africa as High Commissioner, -and unfortunately for everyone concerned he now strongly opposed the -arbitrators’ award. Regarding Cetewayo as a dangerous enemy, as a cruel, -savage monarch whose power it was necessary to curb, he withheld the -award for several months, in the course of which time the Zulu king -nursed an ever-growing resentment towards the British. - -In this interval Cetewayo, who set himself to follow in the steps of his -uncle, the famous chief Dingaan, perpetrated many atrocities which showed -him to be a bloodthirsty tyrant. When he was remonstrated with for his -cruelties he insolently answered that the killing he had done was nothing -to the killing he intended to do, a reply which was taken as a warning -that the Zulus looked forward to “washing their spears” in the blood of -white men. - -A raid into Natal to recapture some native women who had fled thither -for protection, and the subsequent murder of the captives, increased Sir -Bartle Frere’s determination to take strong measures against Cetewayo. -Accordingly, when the award was announced to the king it was accompanied -with an ultimatum that the vast Zulu army must be disbanded and certain -objectionable practices discontinued. - -Cetewayo, looking over his impis, which numbered some 50,000 -warriors--all well drilled and well armed--laughed at the proposal. -His army had measured itself against the white men already and with no -little success. So the thirty days of grace allowed him passed unheeded, -and, war having been declared, a British force crossed the Tugela into -Zululand. - -Lord Chelmsford, who commanded the troops, divided his little army into -three main columns. One marched to an important station in the Transvaal; -another to a position near the mouth of the Tugela; and the third--the -invading force--to Rorke’s Drift, on the banks of the Buffalo River, -thence to cross over into Zululand. It was to this last column that the -great defeat at Isandhlana befell, a disaster which filled all England -with consternation when the news of it arrived. And to it belongs the -story of how Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill made that desperate dash to -escape with the regimental colours of the 24th that won them everlasting -fame. - - * * * * * - -How the disaster occurred is soon told. Although advised by Boer veterans -well versed in Zulu warfare as to the necessity of laagering his waggons -every evening and of throwing out scouts well in advance, Lord Chelmsford -preferred to adopt his own tactics. He was an experienced and brave -officer, whose record of active service included the Crimean, Indian -Mutiny, and Abyssinian campaigns, but he now made the fatal mistake of -despising the enemy before him. - -After one or two successful skirmishes with the Zulus, the little force -of about 1300 men marched up through the country, crossed the Buffalo -River, and encamped at the foot of a hill known to the natives as -Isandhlana, “the lion’s hill.” Here the tents were pitched but no laager -formed; no proper precautions taken to guard against an attack. - -This was negligence enough, but worse was to follow. Two small -reconnoitring parties who were sent out on January 21st were alarmed -by the sight of a large body of Zulus not far away. In some haste they -sent to the camp for reinforcements. On receipt of this intelligence -Lord Chelmsford got together several companies of the 24th, some mounted -infantry and a few guns, and at a very early hour the next morning -started out to meet, as he confidently supposed, Cetewayo’s main army. -A body of Zulus was encountered and repulsed, but they did not form the -larger portion of Cetewayo’s impis. While the British commander-in-chief -was thus decoyed from his base, an army of 20,000 Zulus was hastening -fleet-footed round the hills, to swoop down upon the doomed camp. - -At Isandhlana only eight hundred men had been left. These comprised -a handful of Mounted Infantry and Volunteers, seventy of the Royal -Artillery with two guns, and some companies of the 24th Regiment and -the Natal Carabineers. This puny force was under the command of Colonel -Durnford, R.E., who had been hastily summoned thither from Rorke’s Drift. - -Lord Chelmsford marched out at about four in the morning. Five hours -later the advancing Zulu impis were sighted by the watchers at -Isandhlana, and an urgent message was despatched to the front. This -message the General disregarded, his aide-de-camp’s telescope having -assured him that the camp was unmolested. - -Not everyone, however, shared this optimistic opinion, for Colonel -Harness and Major Black, believing the messenger’s story to be true, -started back to Isandhlana on their own account, taking four companies -with them. But, to their grief, they were peremptorily recalled. Had they -continued their journey they would have been in time to witness the end -of the death struggle which was even then in progress at the camp; though -it is doubtful if they could have done anything to save their comrades. - -Eight hundred against twenty thousand. What chance had they? - -By noon the crescent of the Zulu army had enveloped the camp. Drawing -closer and still closer in, the ringed warriors, the cream of Cetewayo’s -fighting men, armed with assegai, knobkerry, and rifle, burst upon -Durnford’s little company as they hastily tried to form a laager with -the waggons. Durnford himself was in the thick of it, encouraging the -troopers, placing a gun here and ordering a charge there. But it was all -in vain. - -Before the fierce fire of thousands of Zulu rifles, and before the host -of assegais that hurtled through the air, the redcoats and the Basutos -of the Native Contingent went down like corn under the sickle. They -fought well, as desperate men will when driven to bay; but while they -fired and reloaded and fired again behind them came the right horn of the -overlapping Zulu army to strike at them in the rear. _That_, and not a -panic-stricken flight, accounted for the many assegai wounds which were -afterwards observed in the fallen men’s backs. - -There were numerous deeds of valour performed that day, of which some -account has come down to us from the Zulus themselves. The 24th, the -South Wales Borderers, a regiment with a famous record, knew how to die, -and officers and men accounted for many a dusky foe ere they themselves -were borne down. - -[Illustration: WITH THE FLAG … FIRMLY GRIPPED IN HIS HAND, MELVILL -SPURRED HIS HORSE FOR THE RIVER.--_Page 173._] - -We have a picture of little parties of them found lying with their fifty -or sixty rounds of spent cartridges beside their dead bodies, to give -colour to the Zulus’ story that they “could not make way against the -soldiers until they ceased firing.” Then, and then only, could the -deadly assegais finish their work, as the warriors leapt in with the -fierce death-hiss. - -And we have another picture given us of Captain Younghusband, of the same -regiment, standing erect in an empty waggon with three privates, and -keeping a crowd of the enemy at bay. The others fall at last, shot or -assegaied by the Zulus who clamber up the sides, but the tall, soldierly -figure holds the warriors off. Then, his last cartridge gone, he leaps -down, sword in hand, to cut his way through to liberty if it be possible. - -It was not possible. But he died fighting like a lion. Said a Zulu who -took part in the attack, “All those who tried to stab him were knocked -over at once. He kept his ground for a long time, until someone shot him.” - -Very few escaped alive from that camp of death. Of the gallant eight -hundred all but six lay stretched lifeless around the waggons and -overturned tents, or on the rough ground to the rear, where a line of -corpses marked the path to the river. - -Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill, Adjutant of the 1st Battalion of the 24th -Regiment, was among those who got away when all hope of rescue was given -up. To him Colonel Pulleine confided the Queen’s colours, telling him to -make the best of his way back to safety. For himself, and those with him, -said the colonel, their duty was plain. There was no thought of flight. -“Men, we are here, and here we must stop!” was his brief address to the -remnant of the 1st Battalion; and stop they did, till they and their -brave colonel had fallen. - -Meanwhile, with the flag rolled and cased and firmly gripped in his -hand, Melvill spurred his horse through the press and dashed for the -river. After him panted a score or more of Zulus, pausing only in their -pursuit to stab any of the other fugitives whom they passed. - -For six miles the adjutant galloped on his ride for life, gradually -leaving the Zulus behind, though their shots continued to follow him. -He had now been joined by Lieutenant Nevill Aylmer Coghill, of his own -regiment, who had cut his way through the circle of Zulus. Then the -tossing waters of the Buffalo came in view, and how the fugitives’ hearts -must have risen at the sight. For on the other side of the river lay -Natal and safety. - -A last desperate spurt and the bank was gained. Down the steep slope -scrambled horses and riders, and plunged into the swirling stream. The -Buffalo runs swiftly between its high banks, the water being broken up by -large rocks, dotted here and there. Exhausted after its flight, Melvill’s -horse failed to make headway against the swift current, and in its -struggles the adjutant was swept out of his saddle. - -Not far away from him, on another rock, was an officer of the Native -Contingent, named Higginson. - -“Catch hold of the pole!” cried the adjutant; and the other, leaning -over, made a grab at it as the colours came within reach. But he, too, -was carried away. - -By this time the foremost of the Zulus had come up, and they at once -opened fire upon the helpless men in the river. Lieutenant Coghill, -meanwhile, had swum his horse across the stream and gained the opposite -bank in safety. Reining up on the top of the slope, he looked back and -saw Melvill struggling in the water below. - -There was a chance of life for him. His horse was still fresh, and the -road to Helpmakaar stretched away behind him. But Coghill gave no thought -to himself, or if he did he banished it instantly from his mind. Riding -down the bank again, he plunged into the river with a cheery call to -Melvill to “hold on.” - -[Illustration: GRAVE OF MELVILL AND COGHILL.] - -Then, just as he reached the other two, his horse was shot. The current -carried it swiftly down the stream, as a few moments later it bore the -colours which it had wrenched from Melvill’s grasp. - -The three were now still more at the Zulus’ mercy. Bullets splashed -the water round them, and several of the warriors were scrambling down -the bank towards them. By making great efforts, however, Coghill being -hampered by an injured knee, they reached the Natal side. Here, before -they had gone far, the Zulus caught them up, and the two lieutenants -turned to make a fight for it. - -I need not dwell on the last sad scene. Higginson--and we may think no -shame of him for doing so--had gone on alone. He had no revolver or -weapon of any kind with which to defend himself. Coghill and Melvill had -their revolvers. - -Standing in front of an enormous rock, the two officers faced their foes, -to sell their lives as dearly as possible. And when their bodies were -discovered days later the stiffened corpses of a dozen Zulus lying almost -in a circle round them bore eloquent witness to the gallant stand for -life that they had made. They were buried side by side on the spot where -they had fallen, while a simple granite cross was raised to mark their -grave and tell to future generations the story of how Lieutenants Melvill -and Coghill died to save the colours of their regiment. - -The flag itself, it may be added, was found by a search party some -distance down the river. It was brought back to England at the close of -the war and presented to her Majesty the Queen, who tenderly placed upon -it a wreath of immortelles in remembrance of the gallant pair whose lives -had been given for it. - -At about the same time an announcement appeared in the _London Gazette_ -to the effect that had Melvill and Coghill lived they would have received -the V.C. And so their names, too, are added to the glorious roll of -honour. - - * * * * * - -On the same day that Merrill and Coghill won fame, Samuel Wassall, a -private of the 80th Regiment who had been serving with the Mounted -Infantry, earned the third Cross that is associated with Isandhlana. -Having escaped from the Zulus, he too turned his horse towards the -Buffalo River. He was pursued, but managed to outdistance his enemies, -and gained the river unharmed at a point farther east than the ford. - -Just as he was about to enter the water Wassall saw another -soldier--Private Westwood--battling vainly with the current and evidently -on the point of being drowned. To jump from his horse was the work of a -moment. Then, throwing himself into the stream, he swam to the sinking -man’s rescue, brought him out, got himself and the exhausted Westwood on -to the horse, and plunged once more into the river. - -Some Zulus had appeared on the rocks above him as he was in the act of -mounting, and their bullets came perilously close, but neither he nor his -burden was hit. The horse needed no urging to get across the stream, and -ere long Wassall was out of reach of his discomfited pursuers. - -The Staffordshire private takes an honoured place among the wearers of -the Cross for Valour, for his courage in turning to the rescue of his -drowning comrade stamps him a true hero. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -ZULULAND.--HOW THEY HELD THE POST AT RORKE’S DRIFT. - - -The story of Rorke’s Drift is the story of one of the most heroic -defences in our military annals. At this small post on the Buffalo River -one hundred and thirty-nine men of the 24th (South Wales Borderers) -Regiment, Durnford’s Horse, and the Natal Mounted Police, kept off a -huge army of three thousand Zulus all through the afternoon and night -following the disaster at Isandhlana. - -Modern history, I believe, contains no parallel to this brilliant feat of -arms, which stands for all time as an example of the splendid courage and -devotion of which Englishmen are capable when duty calls. - - * * * * * - -At three o’clock in the afternoon of that fateful January 22nd an officer -of the Royal Engineers was down at the drift watching the working of some -pontoons. This was Lieutenant John Rouse Merriott Chard, now on active -service for the first time after seven years spent at various dockyard -stations. He had reason enough to be thoughtful, as he paced slowly -along the bank, for the drift was a position of extreme importance. At -this spot, where the river was most easily fordable, the Zulus might be -expected to cross if they attempted the invasion of Natal. And to stay -them if they came was only a small garrison of less than a hundred and -fifty men. - -The post itself was about a quarter of a mile distant, an old Swedish -mission-station converted into a commissariat depôt and hospital for the -use of Lord Chelmsford’s force. From where he stood Lieutenant Chard -could see the two low buildings of which it consisted, with a small -cluster of trees in front and at one side, and behind the white tents -where the soldiers were. It looked a poor means of defence indeed. - -From the mission-station his thoughts wandered to the little force which -had crossed by that same ford eleven days previously and disappeared into -the Zulu country. What had been happening behind those distant hills? He -was not to be left long in doubt. Suddenly two horsemen appeared in sight -on the other side of the river, spurring furiously towards the ford. As -they dashed up, the pontoon was pulled across and the two were ferried -over to the Natal bank. - -The new-comers were Lieutenant Adendorff, of Lonsdale’s corps, and a -carabineer who had escaped with him from the Zulus. The lieutenant was in -his shirt-sleeves and hatless, his only weapon being a revolver strapped -round his breast. As soon as he reached Chard’s side he poured out his -breathless tale of horror, the tale of the Isandhlana massacre. He -himself had come straight from the camp of death to tell the news of the -disaster and to warn the little garrison at the drift that a large body -of Zulus was advancing upon it. - -Sending the carabineer on to Helpmakaar, twelve miles away, where -Major Spalding, the commandant of the post, had gone to fetch another -company of the 24th Regiment, Chard proceeded with Adendorff to the -mission-station. Here he found his brother-officer, Lieutenant Gonville -Bromhead, who commanded the company of the 24th, then encamped close -by, already engaged in putting the mission-house, or store-building as -it may more properly be called, and the hospital in a state of defence. -Barricades were being prepared, and loopholes made in the walls. Bromhead -had a few minutes before received a similar message of alarm. - -As quickly as possible the tents were struck, and all who were able were -set to work to build up a wall of mealie-bags, about four feet high, -from one corner of the stone cattle-kraal to the wall of the hospital -building. This afforded a protection to the front of the post. The -waggons, which all the morning had been unloading the stores they had -brought from Helpmakaar, were called into requisition and made to form a -barricade between the two buildings. - -Everything that was possible was done to render the position safe against -attack, but the proximity of a high hill (the Oscarberg), and a large -patch of bushes which there was no time to cut down, gave an enemy a -decided advantage. - -Having seen that his directions were being carried out, Chard, who -succeeded to the command in Major Spalding’s absence, went back to -the drift to bring up the pontoon guard. To the honour of these brave -fellows, a sergeant and six men, it is said that they offered to moor the -boats in the stream and defend the ford as long as they could; but the -lieutenant would not permit such a sacrifice. So the party went up the -bank together to the station. - -Half an hour had now elapsed. The next thing to be done was to send out -scouts to watch for the Zulus, and some of Durnford’s Horse rode out on -this duty. Their officer dashed back hastily soon after four to report -that an impi was marching rapidly towards the drift, and further that his -men were bolting along the road to Helpmakaar. - -With the cowards went a detachment of the Natal Native Contingent, their -“gallant” officer, Captain Stevenson, flying with them. This desertion so -enraged the others that they fired a round after them, killing a European -non-commissioned officer of the Native Contingent. The garrison was now -sadly reduced, but there were no more desertions. Every man at the post -was prepared to stand by it to the last. - -The line of defence appearing to Chard to be too extended for his few -defenders, he constructed an inner breastwork of--biscuit boxes! “We soon -had completed,” he says in his brief report, “a wall of about two boxes -high.” Behind this frail barrier was to be fought as fierce a fight as -history has ever recorded. - -At about twenty minutes past four the leading files of the Zulus hove -in sight, and the garrison of Rorke’s Drift flew to their several -stations. Some went to the rampart of mealie-bags, others to the windows -of the store-building, and others to the hospital where there had been -forty-five men when the alarm first came, but where only twenty-three -now remained. Among those told off to guard the wounded were Privates -Henry Hook, Robert Jones, William Jones, and John Williams, of whom more -hereafter. - -Following the few hundred Zulus who came leaping and dancing round the -base of the hill came a host more, their ox-hide shields in different -colours marking the regiments to which they belonged. In true Zulu -fashion they tried to “rush” the place at once, but a heavy volley drove -them back. Then they began to take up positions on the hillside, where -many rocky ledges and caves afforded them vantage-points, while others -dropped behind ant-hills and bushes, or sought cover in the two little -outhouses of the hospital. - -“From my loophole,” says Hook, “I saw the Zulus approaching in thousands. -They began to fire, yelling as they did so, when they were five hundred -or six hundred yards off. More than half of them had muskets or rifles. I -began to fire when they were six hundred yards distant. I managed to clip -several of them, for I had an excellent rifle, and was a ‘marksman.’” - -Hook in his account recollects particularly one Zulu whom he “clipped” -at four hundred yards while running from one ant-hill to another. The -warrior made a complete somersault and fell dead. Another Zulu who -sheltered himself behind an ant-hill gave Hook some trouble, for the -Gloucester man had to sight his rifle three times ere he got his enemy’s -range. The Zulu never showed his head round the heap again, and when Hook -went round to look at him after the fight was over he found the warrior -lying there with a bullet hole in his skull. - -The hospital was the first building to receive the attack, but at -the outer wall of defence a fierce hand-to-hand struggle soon ensued. -Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead were fighting hard at the front, the -latter being conspicuous in many a bayonet charge at the dark-skinned -figures that climbed again and again over the mealie-bags. Prominent, -too, in repelling the Zulus at this position was one Corporal Schiess, -a Swiss, who left the hospital to join in the fight, and distinguished -himself by creeping along a wall to shoot a Zulu who was firing from the -end. - -At last it was recognised that the defenders could not hope to hold this -rampart long. They fell back accordingly behind the inner defence of -biscuit boxes, after two hours of fighting. - -We may leave them there for a little time while we take note of what -is happening at the hospital. Here the gallant six defenders have been -quickly reduced to four, two of the number having been killed out on the -verandah. Four men to get the patients safely out of the building which -the Zulus have rendered untenable by firing the thatch! - -Hook and John Williams come to the front first with William and Robert -Jones (the last two not being related, by the way). As the Zulus burst in -the outer doors the two Jones guard these entrances with their bayonets, -their cartridges being expended. It is quick work; stabbing and thrusting -until the pile of corpses in the doorway itself helps to check the rush. -This gives time for Hook and Williams to carry the patients from the -first room to an inner one. - -There are four apartments to be gone through before the sick men can be -carried out to the shelter of the barricade, for the inner rooms do not -communicate directly with the outside. Holes have to be made in the -partitions, and the poor sufferers passed through these in turn. - -Driven back and back, Hook finds himself suddenly in a room where -there are several patients. Then a wounded man comes in with a bullet -hole in his arm which has to be bound up. A minute later John Williams -appears--John Williams who has just seen his brother Joseph hauled out -and assegaied before his eyes, and who is now a still more dangerous man -to deal with. - -Williams breaks a hole in the partition with his bayonet, and whilst -he does this Hook takes his stand at the door. A few moments later the -rush comes. There is a fierce hammering at the door, it gives way, and -the sturdy Gloucester private drops the first man to enter. Shooting and -lunging with his bayonet, he soon accounts for four or five. Assegais fly -past, but only one touches him, inflicting a scalp wound. One Zulu seizes -his rifle and tries to drag it away, but while they are tussling Hook -slips in a cartridge, pulls the trigger, and another body is added to the -heap at his feet. - -Every now and then a Zulu makes a rush to get through, for the narrow -entrance admits one man only at a time; but none pass the grim figure on -guard there. And when all the patients have been got out save one who has -a broken leg, Hook makes a jump for the hole himself, and gets through, -dragging the last wounded man after him--“in doing which,” he says, “I -broke his leg again!” - -From this last room a window opens out on to the biscuit-box defences. -The patients are quickly passed out to willing hands below, the while -Hook with his reddened bayonet stands by the hole in the wall to see -that no Zulu follows. Then, still sticking to his particular charge, he -drags him out and takes up a position behind the barricade to do some -more useful work there before the morning dawns. Of the twenty-three -wounded who were in the hospital twenty have been saved. The remaining -three are believed to have wandered back, delirious from fever, into the -rooms that had been cleared. - -Although Hook and Williams have escaped injury of any serious nature, the -gallant Welshman, Robert Jones, has not been so fortunate. Three assegais -have struck him in the body. He and his namesake William, as I have said, -have been most busy in the front of the building, and how many Zulus they -have put to their account is not known, but the number is large judging -from the heaps of dead warriors whose bodies are found in the ruins of -the building next day. - -In this last stage of the rescue of the wounded William Allen and -Frederick Hitch, fellow-soldiers of the 24th Regiment (to which, by -the way, the four brave privates above-named belong), make good their -claim to glory. Taking up an exposed position on some steps leading to a -granary, these two men keep the ground clear between the burning hospital -and the barricade, their accurate fire making it certain death for a Zulu -to venture near. - -By their courageous stand, for which they pay dearly, every one of the -rescued twenty is brought into safety. And even when incapacitated by -their wounds from taking part in the fighting, the two brave fellows -stand by all night to serve out ammunition to their comrades. - -At the rampart of biscuit boxes were several vacant places ere the -first beams of light showed in the sky. Where Hook knelt three men had -previously been shot. But under the cool direction of Chard, Bromhead, -and Assistant-Commissary Dalton, another of the garrison, the line of -defenders kept up a deadly fire against the Zulus which stayed the rushes -time and time again, and drove back the picked warriors of Cetewayo’s -army to the shelter of their rocks and ant-heaps. Thirteen hours in all -the fight lasted, until the Zulus drew off, baffled, beaten. - -Several times they had seemed to be retiring, but after renewed -war-dances and that stamping of the earth peculiar to Zulu warriors, -accompanied with much shouting and waving of assegais, they came on -again with a fierce yell of “Usutu!” which is a far more fearsome cry to -hear in battle than the war-whoop of the painted Sioux. At last, just -after four a.m., there was a long pause, and then the impis were seen to -sullenly roll back out of sight behind the Oscarberg. - -The grim, smoke-blackened defenders peered wonderingly after them from -behind the barricade, hardly believing that the host was actually in -retreat. But such was the case. After some time, those who went out to -reconnoitre and look for the wounded saw no signs of the enemy. The Zulus -had gone, leaving some 350 dead behind them. On our side the losses were -but fifteen, though two of the wounded died afterwards. - -With the fear of a renewed attack later on, the weary soldiers laid their -rifles aside, and at once began to strengthen the defences where they had -been broken down. Lest the store-building itself should be threatened -with fire, they set to work to remove the thatch from its roof, and while -engaged in doing so the watchers announced that another large body of -Zulus were in sight some distance to the south-west. Immediately the -men flew to their stations, but the alarm fortunately turned out to -be a false one. The enemy, after advancing a little way, swung round -and disappeared behind the hills. They had seen the column under Lord -Chelmsford marching towards the drift, and had had their stomachful of -fighting. - -A little later the British force, which had seen the flames of the -burning hospital as far off as Isandhlana and had marched from the -fatal camp to relieve their comrades at Rorke’s Drift, came round the -Oscarberg, to be greeted with wild cheers and waving of helmets. - -“Men,” said the General, as he surveyed the group before him and heard -the story of their great stand, “I thank you all for your gallant -defence.” - -It was not a moment for fine speeches. The hearts of all present were -too full to find utterance in words. But every man knew what was in Lord -Chelmsford’s heart as he thanked them simply for himself and for his -country. - -For that defence, gallant indeed, eleven Crosses were awarded, to -Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, to Assistant-Commissary Dalton, Corporals -Allen and Schiess, Privates Hook, Williams, Hitch, and W. and R. Jones, -and to Surgeon-Major Reynolds, whom I have not mentioned in my account, -but who showed great devotion to the wounded under fire. - -Private Henry Hook, one of the principal heroes of the defence, was -called up at once before Lord Chelmsford, just as he was, in shirt -sleeves and with his braces hanging down behind, to receive the -General’s praise for his conduct. He was the only one of the eleven to -receive his V.C. at Rorke’s Drift, on the very scene of his gallantry, -Sir Garnet Wolseley pinning the little bronze Cross on to Hook’s breast -with his own hands on the following 3rd of August. - -Until a few years ago Hook was a familiar figure to frequenters of the -British Museum Reading Room, where, on retiring from the service, he -obtained an appointment. - -Of the rest, Lieutenant Bromhead died in 1891, and Lieutenant (afterwards -Colonel) Chard in 1897. I find only the names of Brigadier-Surgeon -Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. Reynolds, and Privates J. Williams, F. Hitch, -and W. Jones, in the list of surviving recipients. To those who have -the opportunity I would say, seek out these heroes while they are still -in the land of the living and hear from their lips, if they can be led -to speak, the full story of Rorke’s Drift, which I feel I have told but -baldly here. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -SOME OTHER ZULU AND SOME BASUTO CROSSES. - - -The progress of the Zulu campaign was marked by many ups and downs before -reinforcements arrived to strengthen Lord Chelmsford’s force and a -crushing defeat could be inflicted upon the enemy at Cetewayo’s capital, -Ulundi. But, though our troops sometimes found themselves in a tight -corner, the disaster of Isandhlana was fortunately not repeated. The -lesson of that fatal blunder had been learned. - -Of the columns besides that which Lord Chelmsford himself led into -Zululand, the one commanded by Colonel Pearson had met with some success. -This officer had been despatched to a post near the mouth of the Tugela, -in the south-east corner of Zululand. Marching into the country, he -fought a decisive action by the Inyezani River, and occupied Eshowe. - -The remaining column under Colonel Evelyn Wood, marching to a station on -the Upper Blood River, established its base on the Kambula Hill. From -this force a small garrison was provided for the town of Luneberg, and it -was in connection with this post that another V.C. was pluckily won on -the 12th of March. - -News coming of a convoy of supplies being on its way to Luneberg, Captain -Moriarty went out to meet it with a detachment of the 80th (2nd Batt. S. -Staffordshire) Regiment. The convoy, or rather the first part of it, was -met by the Intombi River. Here a laager was formed, and the escort was -divided into two sections, one on each side of the river. Seventy-one men -were on the left bank with Captain Moriarty, while on the opposite bank -were thirty-five under Lieutenant Harward. - -During the night of the 11th of March, while both of the little camps -were sleeping soundly in their tents, a thick fog rolled up, and with it -came a Zulu impi. Soon after daybreak a sentry in Moriarty’s camp gave -the alarm. Orders were promptly given for the soldiers to stand to their -arms, but ere this could be done the Zulus were upon them. Nearly all the -men on the left bank were massacred as they came flying from their tents, -their captain being almost the first to fall. - -On the other side of the river the soldiers had had time to arm, and -they quickly opened fire upon the enemy. A number of the Zulus now swam -across the river, although it was much swollen by the rains, and seeing -this Lieutenant Harward did what has always been characterised as a very -cowardly thing. He left his men to take care of themselves, and galloped -off to Luneberg. His defence at the court-martial which was subsequently -held upon him was that he rode away for help, and on some technicality he -was acquitted. Lord Chelmsford, however, plainly showed that he disagreed -with the Court’s decision. - -In the meantime, while their officer took to his heels, Sergeant Booth -rallied the men and assumed command. For three miles the sergeant fell -back slowly with his little company, fighting the enemy all the time -and keeping them at a respectful distance. And he brought the whole of -the thirty-five safe into Luneberg, not a single man of them having been -killed! For this conspicuous action Booth was soon afterwards decorated -with the Cross for Valour. - -At the storming of the Inhlobane Mountain near Kambula, a fortnight after -the above event, several more V.C.’s were won in an exceptionally gallant -manner. Colonel Wood, as has been said, had his camp on the Kambula -Hill. Anticipating an attack from the Zulus, who were on the Inhlobane, -he decided to strike first, and despatched a little force under Colonel -Redvers Buller with instructions to surprise the enemy and dislodge them. -The attack was delivered on the night of the 27th and the morning of the -28th of March. - -Leading his men, who were mostly colonials of the Frontier Light Horse, -and loyal natives, Buller climbed up the steep side of the mountain in -the mist, and with a brilliant rush drove the Zulus from their little -stone forts. The stronghold was captured, but the flying warriors took -refuge in the numerous caves with which the place abounded, and great -difficulty was experienced in routing them out of these. - -One party, whose fire caused some havoc among the troops, had found a -particularly well-sheltered position. It was clear that they would have -to be dislodged. Certain orders, it is said, were given for this cave -to be stormed, but, chafing at the delay that occurred, Captain the -Hon. Robert Campbell of the Coldstreams, with Lieutenant Henry Lysons -of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and Private Edmond Fowler, of the -Perthshire Light Infantry, dashed forward to undertake the difficult -task. Many fallen boulders and thick clumps of bushes impeded their path, -and, to add to the hazard of the attempt, the approach to the cave led -between two walls of rock where the passage was so narrow that they had -to walk in single file. - -Campbell took the post of honour at the head of the dauntless three and -was shot at the mouth of the cave. Leaping over his lifeless body, the -Lieutenant and Fowler sprang into the gloomy cavern, killing several -Zulus with their first shots. A number of subterranean passages opened -out from the entrance, and through these the majority of the cave’s -occupants escaped to a chasm below. Here they found themselves exposed to -the fire of the two marksmen above, and in quick time retreated down the -hill. - -Their mission accomplished, Lysons and Fowler returned to their comrades -to be congratulated on their success and recommended for the V.C., which -was in due course bestowed upon them. - -While these clearing operations were being performed, however, the Zulus -had received large reinforcements, and Colonel Buller saw that he was in -danger of being trapped on the mountain top. So he ordered his force to -return down the hillside to rejoin the main body. - -[Illustration: THE COLONEL HAD TO RIDE BACK… AND, WHILE ASSEGAIS AND -SHOTS SPED PAST HIM, CARRY OFF THE DISMOUNTED MAN UPON HIS HORSE.--_Page -193._] - -But for their colonel’s exertions and noble disregard of self, the -retreat might soon have become a rout. As the soldiers fell back, the -Zulus swarmed up and over the top of the mountain and threw themselves -desperately upon the handful of white men in the endeavour to cut them -off. Many deeds of valour were now performed, Buller himself saving -no fewer than six lives, among those he rescued being Captain D’Arcy -of the Frontier Light Horse, Lieutenant Everitt, and a trooper of the -same company. For each of these three the brave colonel had to ride back -towards the advancing Zulus, and, while assegais and shots sped past him, -carry off the dismounted man upon his horse. - -Redvers Buller is “Sir Henry” now, a General and a G.C.B. among other -distinctions, but I think he is prouder of none of his honours more than -the bronze Maltese Cross which he wears on his breast for his bravery -that day at Inhlobane Mountain. And seldom, indeed, has the V.C. been -better deserved. - -At the same time Lieutenant E. S. Browne (a South Wales Borderer) and -Major William Leet, of the Somersets, gained the decoration for acts of -heroism of a similar nature, Browne having two lives placed to his credit. - -The seventh of the Zulu Crosses which I have space to note in this -chapter was awarded to that truly gallant soldier the late Lord William -de la Poer Beresford. Wherever there was fighting going on Beresford of -the 9th Lancers was bound to be in it. Only eight months previously, -during the Afghan campaign, he had joined Sir Samuel Browne (another V.C. -hero) in the famous march through the Khyber Pass, having obtained a -month’s leave from the Viceroy, on whose staff he served as aide-de-camp. - -How he won his Cross in Zululand was characteristic of Lord William’s -impetuous courage. With a scouting party he had ventured across the -White Umvolosi River to discover what the enemy’s movements were in the -neighbourhood of Ulundi. They made their way safely for some distance -through the long grass when suddenly a number of Zulus, who had been -lying in ambush, sprang to their feet and poured a deadly volley into the -party. - -Two of the troopers were killed instantly, but a third man who fell -(Sergeant Fitzmaurice) was seen to raise himself up from the ground where -he lay by the side of his dead horse. Of the retreating scouts Lord -William Beresford was the nearest to the Zulus, and without a moment’s -hesitation he turned his horse and galloped back to the fallen man. - -The story goes--and there is no reason whatever to disbelieve it--that -Beresford flung himself from his horse and bade Fitzmaurice mount. The -sergeant refused to do so, telling his would-be rescuer to save himself. -Then the plucky Irishman seized Fitzmaurice by the shoulder and swore -that he would punch the other’s head if he didn’t do as he was told; -whereupon with some difficulty the sergeant was hoisted up into the -saddle, Beresford mounting after him. - -During the altercation the Zulus had come within a few yards of the -couple, and Beresford’s horse only just managed to get away in time. Even -as it was, it is possible that they would both have been assegaied had -not Sergeant O’Toole, another Irishman, ridden out towards them and with -his revolver checked the Zulus’ rush. - -When Lord William heard that the V.C. was to be awarded him for that -exploit he asked whether the sergeant had been recommended for the -distinction, and on learning that this was not the case refused to -accept the honour unless it was also given to the other. This made due -impression at headquarters, and soon after O’Toole’s name appeared in -the _Gazette_ together with that of Beresford. - -Lord William met with a sad end to his career. As may be remembered, -he died in 1900 from the effects of an accident received in the -hunting-field. - - * * * * * - -With the V.C.’s won in Zululand I may well couple those which were gained -in the brief Basuto rebellion of 1879. The Basutos, an offshoot of the -Bechuanas and a very warlike race, believed themselves to be threatened -with a British invasion from Natal, and took up arms. A punitive force -from the colony had therefore to restore them to order. - -One or two encounters with the rebels taught the latter a severe lesson, -but retreating to the hills they made a determined stand upon a mountain -called after their chief, Moirosi. This stronghold the Basutos made -almost impregnable by a long series of stockades on the one side of the -mountain that was accessible. On the other three sides it was perfectly -perpendicular. - -After several vain attempts this stronghold was successfully stormed, -Moirosi himself being shot and large numbers of Basutos captured. What a -terrible task the Colonials had in fighting their way up the steep slope -will be understood when I say that the troops had to storm some twelve -or fourteen of the high stone walls, or stockades, which the Basutos had -erected, the walls being loopholed for rifles. - -In the ascent Trooper P. Brown and Sergeant Robert Scott, both of the -Cape Mounted Rifles, did deeds of daring which singled them out from -their comrades for distinction. The former left his cover under a most -heavy fire to carry his water bottle to some wounded men who were crying -piteously for water. He was wounded twice as he was in the act of -stooping over the sufferers, one of the enemy’s bullets shattering his -right arm and rendering it permanently useless. - -Sergeant Scott was a no less brave man, though his exploit was of a -different kind. At one barricade that the troops reached the fire was -so merciless that it seemed impossible to advance against it. But -the sergeant thought of a way out of the difficulty. The enemy must -be dislodged from their position by fuse shells. Volunteering for -the dangerous work, he took some shells and ran swiftly towards the -barricade. As has happened often before when one desperate man takes his -life thus in his hands and braves a hundred, he escaped being hit. Then, -crouching under the wall, he tried to throw a shell over into the midst -of the Basutos. - -The first attempt failed, but the second succeeded. Taking a third shell, -he flung this after the others, but owing to some faulty adjustment -of the fuse it burst almost immediately after leaving his hands. The -explosion was terrible. One hand of the sergeant--his right one--was -completely shattered, and he received a severe wound in his right leg. -Fortunately for his comrades, he had ordered his party to retire under -cover, a precaution which undoubtedly saved many lives. - -The sergeant’s daring feat enabled the troops to drive the Basutos from -the position without much further difficulty, and when he recovered from -his wounds the V.C. was awarded him. - -With Scott and Trooper Brown must be bracketed a third V.C. hero of that -attack on Moirosi’s Mountain--brave Surgeon-Major Edmund Baron Hartley, -of the same corps. His Cross was won for particular gallantry in tending -the wounded under fire, and in going out in the open to bring in Corporal -Jones, who, poor fellow, was lying badly hit only a few yards from the -Basutos’ stockade. Surgeon Hartley worthily upholds the traditions of -that noble brotherhood we have already seen doing their duty in the -Crimea, in India, and elsewhere. All honour to the brave Army doctors! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -SOUTH AFRICA.--AGAINST BOERS AND MATABELE. - - -The first Boer War of 1881 reflected little credit on the British arms, -with its disastrous reverses at Laing’s Nek and Majuba; but it added some -names to the roll of V.C. heroes which call for special mention. - -I do not propose to enter into the history of the war here or discuss its -justness. Briefly, it arose from the refusal of the Boers to surrender -the Transvaal as a part of the projected South African Federation. Far -from being reconciled to British rule, the Boers were united in wishing -to maintain their independence, and at the end of 1880 they resorted to -arms, proclaiming a Republic. - -The command of the British force which was sent into the field was given -to General Sir George Pomeroy Colley, a veteran of many wars. On January -28th, 1881, a large force of Boers invaded Natal, and were encountered -at Laing’s Nek, a frontier mountain pass some twenty-four miles from -Newcastle, with the result that General Colley was repulsed with heavy -loss. - -Laing’s Nek, which takes its name from a deserted farm on the heights -above the upper stream of the Buffalo, forms a most important position, -a large tableland at the summit giving the command of the plains below. -It was to this particular point that the British general advanced. But -the Boers had taken advantage of the mountain spurs and the low hills -which flanked the steep winding road leading to the summit, and were able -to concentrate a murderous fire upon our troops. Every effort was made -to continue the advance, Major Brownlow leading a splendid charge of the -Mounted Squadron, in which he had his horse shot under him, but it was in -vain. Very slowly, for the Boers pressed hard upon them, the troops fell -back. - -Then it was that Lieutenant Alan Hill won his V.C. for a gallant action. -Out in the open ground, knocked over by a Boer bullet, lay Lieutenant -Baillie of his own regiment (the 58th). Running to the wounded man, Hill -tried to lift him into his saddle, but finding this too difficult a feat -he carried him in his arms along the narrow road, until another bullet -put Baillie out of his misery. A little later the lieutenant turned -to face the heavy fire of the Boers again, and this time succeeded in -bringing back two wounded privates to safety, himself escaping as if by a -miracle. - -Very cool and brave, too, was Private John Doogan of the 1st Dragoon -Guards. Servant to Major Brownlow, he rode close to that officer in the -charge of the Mounted Squadron. When the major was dismounted and almost -surrounded by Boers, Doogan rode up and jumped off his horse. - -“Take my horse, sir,” he said, “and ride off while there’s time.” - -The major refused, and with still more determination when Doogan was -wounded as he stood urging his master to mount; but although the enemy -were close on them both men escaped capture. For that act of devotion -Private Doogan was decorated in due course. - -Just a month later occurred the fight on Majuba Hill. Colley’s object in -occupying this position was to render the Boers’ occupation of Laing’s -Nek untenable, but he was again unsuccessful, losing his own life in the -attempt. The story of his night march up the hill and the death-trap into -which he fell need not be retold. It is a disaster one does not care to -dwell upon. - -Against the gloom, however, one or two isolated acts of bravery shine -out prominently. That gallant soldier Hector Macdonald, then a sergeant -in the 92nd Highlanders, won a commission through his prowess there, and -Lance-Corporal Farmer, of the Hospital Corps, a V.C. - -When Surgeon Arthur Landon stopped behind the retreating soldiers to -dress the wounds of the fallen men around him, Corporal Farmer and -another man stood by his side to assist. To their shame, be it said, the -Boers fired upon the little group, hitting the surgeon, the wounded man, -and Farmer’s comrade. - -Thinking to stop the cowards, the corporal waved a bandage in the air to -show that he was engaged in an act of mercy. But it had no effect. Their -rifles cracked again, and the bandage fell as Farmer’s right wrist was -struck. - -“I’ve got another arm!” he shouted, stooping to pick up the bandage with -his left hand and raising it on high. But the Boers shot at him yet once -more and with deadly effect, shattering the elbow joint of his arm. -After which the brave fellow gave up trying to teach humanity to such -savages. - - * * * * * - -There were other Crosses gained in that brief but inglorious campaign -against the Transvaal Boers--at Elandsfontein and at Wesselstroom; but I -must pass on to tell of some acts of valour performed in another South -African war of rather later date. In 1896 a serious rebellion broke out -among the Matabele, who had been living peaceably under the rule of the -Chartered Company for three years, and but for the prompt action of the -Colonials in Rhodesia the consequences might have been far more terrible -than they were. - -The causes of that rebellion are not hard to seek. Generally speaking, -it is said to have originated in the stringent measures enforced -against the cattle plague, the rinderpest, which was sweeping through -the country; but there were other and deeper reasons why the Matabele -rose. Since their subjection in 1893, after Lo Bengula was defeated, the -natives had been compelled to perform a certain amount of labour--paid -labour--annually, and had had to pay a very large fine in cattle. All -this bore heavily upon them. They chafed under the disgrace of being a -conquered people, they who had been a great warlike nation; and only -awaited a favourable opportunity to throw off the yoke. - -The opportunity came in 1896, after Dr. Jameson, starting on his famous -Raid, had withdrawn the police force of Rhodesia, with most of the big -guns and munitions of war. Believing the white settlers to be at their -mercy now, the Matabele chiefs, who had been maturing their plans, gave -the signal to rise, and immediately the civilised world was horrified by -a series of terrible massacres, far exceeding any that had taken place in -the 1893 rebellion. Within the short space of a week not a white person -was left alive in the outlying districts of Matabeleland. Men, women, and -children, whole families in some instances, were wiped out. - -Prompt action was necessary to deal with the rising. As quickly as -possible a strong laager was formed at Bulawayo, the chief town, and a -corps of mounted men enlisted. The nucleus of this force was a little -company of twenty-three Rhodesians, got together by Captain Grey and -known throughout the war as Grey’s Scouts. The rest of the body comprised -troopers from the Africander Corps and various Rhodesia Horse Volunteers. - -Fine fellows were these; hard as nails, and the best riders and best -shots in the colony. For three months, until the arrival of imperial -troops, they harried the Matabele without mercy, holding their own -against tremendous odds. In this campaign the fighting was very different -from that experienced in the former war. The natives had learned the -futility of attacking fortified places, and the engagements were fought -out in the bush. - -Many a tale is told of gallant rescues of isolated settlers who were -in danger of being annihilated at this time, and many an instance is -recorded of splendid devotion shown to each other by the Colonials. -“Never desert your comrade,” was the motto of the troopers, and -faithfully did they live up to it. Witness the story of Trooper Henderson. - -Hearing that a party of whites at Inyati, about forty miles from -Bulawayo, were in peril, Captain Pittendrigh rode out with a few men to -the rescue, but on their way they learned that their errand was vain; -the party had been massacred. A body of Matabele having been encountered -during the journey, and news coming of a large impi being in front, the -little force halted at a store by the Impembisi River near the Shiloh -hills. Here they fortified themselves against attack while two daring -despatch riders hastened back to Bulawayo for reinforcements. - -The much-needed help came. Early the next morning thirty men of the -Bulawayo Field Force galloped up. They had to report passing through a -number of Matabele at Queen’s Reef, in the vicinity, and further that two -members of their party were missing, Troopers Celliers and Henderson. The -mystery of their disappearance was not cleared up until three days later, -when both men came into Bulawayo, Celliers wounded, on horseback, and -Henderson, much travel-stained, on foot. - -Celliers told the story of their adventures. In the affray with the -Matabele at Queen’s Reef his horse had been shot in five places and he -himself badly wounded in the knee. Becoming separated from their comrades -in the darkness, the two men had hidden in the bush. Then, Celliers’ -horse having dropped dead and his wound making it impossible for them to -think of following the others, Henderson placed his comrade on his horse -and set off with him for Bulawayo. - -Their way led through a difficult piece of country which was known to be -overrun with Matabele, and Henderson had to exercise the greatest caution -in proceeding. Long detours had to be made; now and then, as natives were -sighted, they had to conceal themselves among the hills. But though some -parties of Matabele warriors passed unpleasantly close, the two men -escaped discovery. For three whole days they wandered thus, without food, -save a few sour plums, Celliers’ wound all the time causing him great -agony; and never was sight more welcome than when the white buildings of -Bulawayo greeted their eyes. - -That plucky rescue brought a well-deserved Victoria Cross to Trooper -Herbert J. Henderson, making him the eighth Colonial to receive the -decoration. Celliers, it is sad to record, died from the effects of the -amputation of his injured leg. - -This affair of the Shiloh patrol occurred in March. In April there was a -brisk action fought on the Umguza River by Bisset’s Patrol, among whom -were twenty of Grey’s Scouts. Mr. F. C. Selous, who accompanied this -force and had a narrow escape of being killed by the Matabele, tells the -story of how Trooper Frank Baxter, of the Scouts, here won the V.C., -though he lost his life in doing so. - -The enemy had been driven from their position with considerable loss, -and the troops were retiring from the Umguza, when a party of Matabele -warriors who had been lying in ambush to the left of the line of retreat -suddenly opened a brisk fire upon them. The foremost of the Scouts -galloped past, while Captain Grey and a few of those in the rear halted -to return the fire. Trooper Wise was the first to be hit, a bullet -striking him in the back as he was in the act of mounting. His horse then -stumbled, and breaking away galloped back to town, leaving Wise on the -ground. - -Seeing the other’s peril, Baxter immediately reined in his horse, sprang -down and lifted the wounded man into the saddle. Captain Grey and -Lieutenant Hook now went to his assistance, and got Baxter along as fast -as they could; but the Matabele came leaping through the bush and closed -in upon them. - -Firing at close range, they wounded the lieutenant and almost did for -Grey, the captain being half stunned by a bullet. As Baxter, left -unprotected for the moment, ran on, another Scout, with the picturesque -name of “Texas” Long, went to his assistance, bidding him hold on to the -stirrup leather. In this fashion Baxter was making good progress towards -safety when a bullet struck him in the side, and as he fell to the ground -the savages pounced out upon him with their assegais. He was killed -before Long or any other could have saved him. - -If to lay down one’s life for a friend is the test of true heroism, then -Trooper Frank Baxter has surely won a high place in the roll of our -honoured dead. - -At this same fight on the Umguza other deeds of valour were performed of -which no official recognition was taken, but they are enshrined in the -memory of the colonists. John Grootboom, a loyal Xosa Kafir and a very -famous character, did wonders; and Lieutenant Fred Crewe saved the life -of Lieutenant Hook in a gallant manner. - -Hook’s horse was shot and its rider thrown to the ground, causing him to -lose his rifle. - -“Why don’t you pick it up?” asked Crewe, as the other came hobbling -towards him. - -“I can’t; I’m badly wounded,” was the answer. - -“Are you wounded, old chap?” said Crewe. “Then take my horse, and I’ll -try and get out of it on foot.” - -And, having got the lieutenant up into the saddle, Crewe slowly won his -way back through the Matabele, keeping them off with his revolver, and -being hit only by a knobkerry which caught him in the back. - -The third V.C. of the campaign was won by Captain R. C. Nesbitt, during -the fighting in Mashonaland. A party of miners in the Mazoe Valley -having been attacked by the natives, a patrol rode to their relief from -Salisbury, but was unable to bring them away. On the 19th of June Captain -Nesbitt was out with a patrol of thirteen men when he met a runner from -the leader of the refugees, with a note which stated that they were in -laager and urgently in need of help. A relief force of a hundred men and -a Maxim gun was asked for. The captain read the message out to his men -and proposed that they should try and rescue the party, to which the -troopers readily agreed. Sending the runner on to Salisbury, the patrol -at once turned their horses in the direction of the Mazoe Valley, and -fought their way through the cordon of Mashonas to the laager. Then, with -the three women of the party in an armoured waggon, they started on the -return journey, and after some desperate fighting brought them all safely -in to Salisbury, with a loss of only three men. - -Of such sons as these, Henderson, Baxter, Crewe, and Captain Nesbitt, -Rhodesia is deservedly proud. And we “who sit at home at ease” while -these outposts of Empire are being won for us, may well be proud too, -remembering that they are of our own blood, Britons in that Greater -Britain across the seas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -IN EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN. - - -Arabi Pasha’s rebellion in Egypt in 1882, which was quelled by the -British army under Sir Garnet (afterwards Lord) Wolseley, was notable -chiefly for the bombardment of Alexandria and the battle of Tel-el-Kebir. -At Alexandria, as has been noted in a previous chapter, Gunner Israel -Harding won the Cross for picking up a live shell and immersing it in -water. At Tel-el-Kebir and at Kafrdour the two other V.C.’s of the -campaign were earned in no less gallant style. - -The Kafrdour hero was Private Frederick Corbett, of the King’s Royal -Rifle Corps. During the reconnaissance upon this village the leader of -his company, Lieutenant Howard-Vyse, was mortally wounded, and Corbett -obtained leave to remain by the officer’s side while the others went on. -The Egyptians were keeping up a pretty vigorous fire the while, but the -plucky private calmly sat down and bound up the lieutenant’s wounds as -best he could, afterwards carrying him off the field. - -Lieutenant W. M. M. Edwards’ exploit at Tel-el-Kebir, where he captured -a battery almost single-handed, is worthy of being related at some -length. It was, perhaps, the most dashing thing done in the war. At -this hard-fought battle four miles of earthworks which the Egyptians -had thrown up in front of their position had to be carried at point of -bayonet. To the Highland Light Infantry and the Royal Irish Fusiliers -was given the post of honour, and as the word of command rang out both -regiments dashed forward at the charge. - -Determined not to let the “Faugh-a-Ballagh Boys” be the first in, -Lieutenant Edwards of the Highlanders raced ahead with his storming party -towards the nearest redoubt. He reached the parapet well in advance of -the others, and pulled himself to the top. Then, jumping down among the -Egyptian gunners, revolver in one hand and sword in the other, he shot -the first who attacked him, an officer, through the head. - -Another grappled with him, and this man, too, he shot; but while engaged -in this struggle a third Egyptian ran up and knocked him down with -a rammer. Three Highlanders leapt into the battery at this critical -moment, and Edwards was soon upon his feet to lead his men in a charge -upon the guns. His scabbard had been shot away in the fight, and his -claymore broken in two, so after emptying his revolver the lieutenant -took the sword of the artillery officer he had killed and carried on the -fight with that. And in less time than it takes to tell the battery was -captured with its four Krupp guns, all the Egyptian gunners being slain. - -After which achievement Edwards sat down on the parapet to bind up the -scalp wound he had received with a towel, in Indian “puggaree” fashion, -afterwards marching to Tel-el-Kebir station, two and a half miles off, -with this decoration on his head. A few months later he wore another -decoration, the Victoria Cross having been bestowed upon him for his -gallantry. - -Although it is not a V.C. exploit, I am tempted to include a remarkable -feat performed at Tel-el-Kebir by Major Dalbiac, of the Royal Artillery, -that Dalbiac who fell at Senekal twenty years later. - -During the battle the battery which he commanded ran short of ammunition -and no more was to be had. In this dilemma the major resolved that at -all events his guns should not stand idle, so, with a touch of humour -characteristic of him, he ordered them to be limbered up, and took them -forward at a gallop. One can imagine the surprise of the “Gyppies” when -the entire battery came racing up one side of the earthworks and down the -other into their midst, putting them fairly to rout! - -In 1883 broke out the Mahdi’s rebellion in the Soudan, which was to give -us endless trouble and to cost the life of Gordon. After Hicks Pasha -had perished miserably at Shekan, and Colonel Valentine Baker with his -Egyptians had been routed at Tokar, Gordon was sent out from England to -conquer the Soudan, and with him went Sir Gerald Graham, who defeated -Osman Digna, the Mahdi’s right-hand man, at El Teb and Tamai. - -In the first of these battles, fought on February 29th, 1884, two V.C.’s -were earned; one by a quartermaster-sergeant of the 19th Hussars, who -saved his colonel’s life; and the other by a naval captain who is now the -well-known Admiral Sir Arthur Knyvet Wilson, K.C.B. The latter won his -Cross for conspicuous bravery, which his chief, the gallant Sir William -Hewett, V.C., knew well how to appreciate. - -The Naval Brigade contributed to form a huge square which moved steadily -down upon the massed Arabs, to whom this was a novel form of fighting. As -the troops approached closer little parties of the enemy dashed out to -fling themselves bravely but vainly upon the bayonets of the front ranks -or be shot down ere they could get so far. The principal Arab attack was -directed against the side on which the sailors were with their Gardner -guns and here Captain Wilson found his opportunity to distinguish himself. - -So impetuous was the Arabs’ rush at one time that a slight gap was made -in the square. Seeing this, a fresh party dashed up to break through the -opening, but they had to reckon with Wilson. In a flash he recognised -the danger, and, springing out to meet the enemy, he engaged them -single-handed. - -The first Arab he ran through with his sword, but with such vigour that -the blade broke off at the hilt. Nothing daunted at being thus left -weaponless, the stalwart captain clenched his fists and, as the other -Arabs ran in upon him brandishing their spears, let drive right and left -at them in true British style. One after another in quick succession the -sons of the desert were sent rolling over on the ground, and then, some -of the Yorks and Lancasters coming to his assistance, the enemy were -dispersed. - -Wonderful as it may appear, Captain Wilson received only a few slight -wounds in this extraordinary pugilistic encounter. In all probability the -surprising nature of his attack so disconcerted the Arabs that they were -at a loss to know how to act. - -At Tamai, which was fought on the 13th of the following month, there were -likewise two V.C.’s gained. The first of these fell to the 60th Rifles. -A private of the Royal Sussex having been badly hit, Lieutenant Percival -Marling of the Rifles took him up on his horse, but the poor fellow fell -off almost immediately. Dismounting, the lieutenant nobly gave up his -horse for the purpose of carrying the wounded man off the field, and -although it was a critical moment fought his way to safety on foot. - -Private Thomas Edwards, the second hero of the fight, was a “Black Watch” -Highlander who was on transport service with the Naval men, having in his -charge two mules loaded with ammunition. His gun of the battery was under -the command of Lieutenant Almack, R.N., “one of the bravest officers on -the field that morning,” to use Edwards’ own words. - -In a sudden rush of the enemy the gun--a Gatling--was surrounded, and of -the three standing by it one, a sailor, was instantly speared. Two of the -“Fuzzy-Wuzzies” then made for Edwards, who put his bayonet through both -of them. The lieutenant, however, was less lucky. Attacked by several -Soudanees, he succeeded in disposing of one with his sword, but before -he had time to recover another nearly sliced his right arm off with a -slashing cut. - -In a twinkling Edwards shot the Soudanee dead. There then ran up, he -says in his own account of the incident, three more Soudanees, who threw -themselves upon the helpless officer as he leant against the gun-carriage -and ran their spears through his body. Seeing that Almack was killed and -that he could do nothing more, the brave Highlander, who, by the way, -received a wound on the back of his right hand, took his two mules and -retired, keeping up a fire upon the enemy as he fell back. - -Yet another V.C. hero of the Soudan was Gunner Albert Smith, of the -Royal Artillery, the scene of his gallantry being Abu Klea. - -The story of this fierce battle makes exciting reading. Late in December -of 1884, Sir Herbert Stewart with a “flying column” of 1500 men was -marching across the Bayuda Desert to Metemmeh, on his way to relieve -Khartoum and Gordon. He had under him a picked fighting force, including -some of the Guards, and they started out from Korti with high hopes of a -speedy march to their goal. They little dreamt of what lay before them. - -The water-bottles of the men were soon emptied, and when it was necessary -to refill them it was found that the wily Mahdi had dried up the wells -along the line of route. Only after a toilsome journey of eighty miles -was water reached, though even then it was hardly worth the name. Such as -it was, however, it was priceless to the Tommies, who were half mad with -thirst, and every available receptacle was filled with water. - -Another march of a hundred and twenty miles brought the column in sight -of the wells at Abu Klea, and in sight, too, of a strong force of the -enemy. All through the weary night the men waited impatiently by their -arms until morning came to give them a chance of getting at the wells. -Then, in the form of a hollow square, the column advanced, “like some -huge machine, slow, regular, and compact, despite the hail of bullets -pouring in from front, right, and left, and ultimately from the rear.” - -Altogether there were over ten thousand Arabs opposed to the little -force, hemming them in all round. There was no avenue of retreat; the -column had to go forward and cut its way through. - -Then it was that for the first time in history a British square was -broken. With the utmost fury the Soudanees swept down upon a corner -of the phalanx and by sheer weight of numbers forced a way inside. It -was indeed a critical moment. Colonel Fred Burnaby, of the Royal Horse -Guards, was among the first to be killed, though not before he had slain -several of his assailants; and as more spearsmen poured in, the slaughter -was terrible. But in time the troops rallied. The square was re-formed, -and not one of those daring black-skinned foemen who got inside escaped -to boast of his valour. - -It was in this desperate struggle of bayonet versus spear and sword that -Gunner Smith saw his officer, Lieutenant Guthrie, prone on the ground and -at the mercy of the enemy. The gunner had only a handspike for weapon, -but with this he rushed forward, hurling himself like a thunderbolt upon -the Soudanees. He was in the nick of time. One of the warriors was in the -very act of plunging his spear into Guthrie’s breast when the handspike -crashed upon his head and stretched him lifeless. - -Standing over the fallen lieutenant’s body, Smith kept the enemy at bay, -and he was still at his post when the ranks had recovered from the shock -of the onset and filled up the gap in the square. Then he was relieved of -his charge, but unfortunately his gallantry had not availed to save the -lieutenant’s life. Guthrie had been mortally wounded when he fell. - - * * * * * - -Taking a leap of several years, I may fittingly tell here of how some -more recent V.C.’s of the Soudan were won. At Omdurman, where on -September 2nd, 1898, the Khalifa was finally routed, the 21st Lancers -covered themselves with glory through a famous charge, and three of their -number inscribed their names on the Roll of Valour. - -It was after the Khalifa’s futile attempt to storm the zereba where the -British troops lay strongly entrenched that the Lancers’ opportunity to -distinguish themselves came. While the main body of the army marched -steadily forward in the direction of Omdurman, the 21st, under Colonel -R. H. Martin, were sent to Jebel Surgham to see if any of the enemy were -in hiding there and to prevent any attempt on their part to occupy that -position. - -Away down the bank of the Nile rode the four squadrons, A, B, C, and D, -meeting with scattered parties of dervishes who fired fitfully at them. -Just south of Surgham, behind the hills, some seven hundred or more -Soudanese cavalry and infantry were suddenly espied hiding in a khor, or -hollow, and Colonel Martin passed the word that these were to be cleared -out. - -Forming in line, the Lancers galloped forward. As they neared the khor -a sharp musketry fire broke out, which emptied a few saddles, and then -to their dismay they saw that instead of only a few hundred of the enemy -there were nearly three thousand Mahdists concealed there. There was no -time for hesitation. Go forward they must. So, rising in his stirrups, -with sword on high, the colonel cried “Charge!” and, closing in, the -squadrons dashed into their foes. - -They went down a drop of three or four feet, plunging into the thick -of the Mahdists. Cutting and thrusting fiercely, they forged their way -through, and with pennons proudly flying at last gained the steep ascent -beyond. Many men, however, were left behind, and but for the devotion of -some like Private Thomas Byrne the number must have been still larger. -Byrne saw four dervishes pursuing Lieutenant Molyneux, who was wounded -and on foot, and although he was himself crippled with a bullet in his -right arm he rode back to the rescue. He tried to use his sword, but -there was no strength in his arm; the weapon dropped from his limp grasp, -and he received a spear wound in the chest. By this time Lieutenant -Molyneux was out of danger, so Byrne galloped off to his troop, which he -regained without further injury. The brave Irish private got the Cross -for his pluck, and, as Mr. Winston Churchill comments in his account of -the deed,[3] Byrne’s wearing it will rather enhance the value of the -Order. - -One of the officers to fall in the charge was Lieutenant Robert Grenfell. -To save him, or at least recover his body, Captain P. A. Kenna and -Lieutenant de Montmorency, accompanied by Corporal Swarbrick, dashed back -into the midst of the enemy. They were unsuccessful, De Montmorency’s -horse bolting as they tried to lift poor Grenfell on to it; but the -attempt was a courageous one, and both officers were gazetted V.C. a -little later, Corporal Swarbrick being awarded the Distinguished Service -Medal. Just before this gallant action, I may mention, Captain Kenna had -distinguished himself by saving the life of Major Crole Wyndham, whose -horse had been shot under him, an act which alone entitled him to the -distinction. - -[3] _The River War_, vol. ii. p. 141. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -V.C. HEROES OF THE INDIAN FRONTIER. - - -The closing years of the eighties and the opening years of the nineties -saw a good deal of fighting at different places on our Indian frontier. -Through internal dissensions or the interference of some foreign power, -some of the turbulent hill tribes were in a state of continual ferment, -and order had to be restored within their boundaries by force of arms. - -In 1888 there was trouble in Upper Burmah. The Karen-ni, or Red Karens, -who form a group of semi-independent tribes down by the Siamese border, -took to dacoiting again in a bold manner. An expedition was accordingly -sent into their district, with the result that the disturbances were -quickly quelled. This “little war” comes within the scope of this book -for a notable display of devotion on the part of an Army doctor which -gained him a V.C. - -With the Indian troops that went into action against the Karens near -Lwekaw on New Year’s Day, in 1889, was Surgeon (now Lieutenant-Colonel) -John Crimmin, of the Bombay Medical Service. He soon had an opportunity -for putting his skill to some use, for several of the Bombay infantrymen -were bowled over by the dacoits. Regardless of his own danger, the -surgeon proceeded to kneel by the fallen men’s sides and dress their -wounds. - -In the bamboo clumps very near to him the Karens were being chased and -cut down by the troops, but now and then a red-turbaned, red-robed figure -would peep out of a patch and take a flying shot at the doctor. Luckily -for him and his patients, they were poor marksmen. - -Having joined the firing line again, Crimmin made himself useful with his -revolver. Not for long, however; the Red Karens are savage fighters, and -our sepoys had to pay for their victory dearly. The surgeon was very soon -busy once more, bandaging shot wounds and knife cuts. - -A mounted sepoy had been told off to stand by him, but he was slight -protection. At one time the surgeon was set upon by nearly a dozen of -the enemy, who leapt out of the bamboos upon his right with wild yells. -Dropping his lint and bandages, Crimmin whipped out his sword, ran the -first man through, and was hard at work with another while the sepoy -dropped a third. This warm reception disheartened the Karens, and with a -parting shot or two they disappeared as quickly as they came. Then the -surgeon coolly went on with his work, the wounded men murmuring many a -“God bless you, doctor sahib,” as he bent over them. - -The winter of 1891 is memorable for the brilliant little Hunza-Nagar -campaign, which was brought about by Russian intrigues with the rulers of -some petty states on the northern frontier of Cashmere. In the storming -of the mountain strongholds in Hunza and Nagar three V.C.’s were won, by -Lieutenant Guy Boisragon, Lieutenant John Manners Smith, and Captain -Fenton John Aylmer, while many more were earned. - -The most striking event in Indian history of that year, however, was -the revolt in Manipur, where the British Resident, Mr. Frank St. Clair -Grimwood, and other Europeans in the capital were brutally murdered. -In connection with this tragedy a young officer attached to the 2nd -Burmah Battalion of the Punjab Infantry, Lieutenant Charles J. W. Grant, -performed a dashing deed which made him talked of far and wide as “the -hero of Manipur,” and added his name to the list of those decorated “for -Valour.” - -The state of Manipur lies up among the hills between India and Burma. It -is semi-independent, like many of its neighbours, the Maharajah being -subjected to the control of a British Resident. In 1890 a family quarrel -in the Maharajah’s own household led to his deposition, his brother the -Senaputty (commander-in-chief of the army) placing another brother on the -throne as Regent. - -This turn of affairs was tacitly acquiesced in by the Indian Government, -who recognised that the change was for the better, but on the late -Maharajah, Soor Chandra Singh, complaining to the authorities of the -bad treatment he had received (and deserved, by the way), some notice -of it had to be taken. So Mr. Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam, was -despatched to Manipur with instructions to arrest the head and front of -the offending, the Senaputty. - -This gentleman, however, firmly declined to comply with the request that -he should surrender himself. An attempt was then made to seize him in -the palace, but without success, and diplomacy was again resorted to. A -meeting was arranged for the discussion of the matter, and one evening -Quinton, Grimwood, and several of the British officers had an interview -with the Regent and the Senaputty. Not one of them was ever seen again -alive. On their refusal to accept the terms proposed by the Manipuri -chiefs they were all massacred. - -Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood, who was one of those who escaped from the -besieged Residency immediately after the tragedy, has given us a graphic -account of her experiences. She was ignorant of the real facts when -forced to flee by her companions, the first news being that her husband -had been taken prisoner with the others. Only at the end of her journey -did she learn the awful truth. - -Down in the cellar of the house Mrs. Grimwood, like the brave lady she -was, carefully tended the wounded amid the crackle of musketry and the -crash of bursting shells. She was hit in the arm, though fortunately not -seriously, and only desisted from her task when it became evident that -they must all leave the place. The rebels had set the Residency on fire. - -With the wounded and an escort of sepoys, Mrs. Grimwood and the officers -who had survived made a dash for the road, reaching it in safety. “I had -not even a hat,” she remarks, “and only very thin house-shoes on. One of -these dropped off in the river, where I got wet up to the shoulders. We -were fired at all the way. I lay down in a ditch about twenty times that -night while they were firing, to try and escape bullets.” - -After ten days’ marching through the jungle-covered country, fording -rivers and scrambling through swamps, not to mention a sharp encounter -with their enemies, the little party reached British territory. They had -just two cartridges left by that time; one of them being reserved, it is -noted, to save Mrs. Grimwood from falling alive into the hands of the -Manipuris! - -One is tempted to dwell at greater length on the story of that dramatic -flight from the Residency, but it is with Lieutenant Grant that we are -mainly concerned. - -Grant was at Tammu, a Burma village station some distance to the south, -when word arrived of the outbreak in Manipur. No details of the massacre -or the escape were known, but in the hope of being able to effect a -rescue the young officer obtained permission to lead a small force up to -Manipur. He took with him eighty men in all, Punjabis and Ghurkas, with -three elephants as carriers. - -Through the teak forests they marched steadily though slowly towards -their goal, having to constantly beat off the Manipuris as they -approached nearer. At Palel a sharp engagement took place, in which the -gallant eighty dispersed a large number of the enemy. From prisoners that -were captured here Grant learned for the first time of how Quinton and -Grimwood had been murdered. - -Believing still that Mrs. Grimwood and several others were besieged in -the Residency, he pushed on with all speed, and at last reached the town -of Thobal, about half-way between Tammu and the capital. At this place -the Manipuris, a thousand or more strong, offered a stout resistance to -his progress, but a furious charge at the head of his followers cleared -the entrenchments by the river-side, leaving them free to be occupied by -him. - -These trenches the lieutenant at once strengthened, building up the walls -with mud, rice-baskets, ration-sacks and everything that would answer the -purpose, even using his own pillow-case as a sandbag. Provisions were -fortunately to be had with little difficulty, for behind them, on the -other side of the river, were some paddy fields. - -The siege of his fortified position soon began, and the enemy’s guns -threw shell after shell into the trenches before the Ghurkas could drive -them off. A brief halt was made in the hostilities while Grant, as he -records, had a lively correspondence with the Regent and the Senaputty -anent certain prisoners whom they threatened to murder unless he retired. -Negotiations fell through eventually, and the attack was renewed. - -In all the fighting Grant played a heroic part, making sallies with a few -of his Ghurkas, and striking terror into the hearts of the Manipuris. -“Found myself in a bit of a hole,” he writes at one place in his journal; -“for thirty or forty were in a corner behind a wall, six feet high, over -which they were firing at us.” This wall had to be cleared, so Grant and -seven men charged down on it headlong, and had “the hottest three minutes -on record.” - -The Ghurkas had a very proper appreciation of their leader’s bravery. -“How could we be beaten under Grant Sahib?” they asked, when questioned -about this and similar exploits. “He is a tiger in fight!” - -The struggle at Thobal lasted a week. At the end of that time, just as -Grant was noting with dismay that ammunition was running very short, a -summons came to him from Burma to retire. - -The little force, without any further interference from the enemy, who -had suffered pretty severely, left their entrenchments one evening during -a terrible thunderstorm, and set off on their return journey. An advance -party of a hundred and eighty men met them near Palel, at which place -some hours later they fought another brisk action with the Manipuris. - -In all this fighting Grant had escaped unhurt, but a few weeks -afterwards, while again under fire at Palel, he had a very narrow shave, -a bullet passing through the back of his neck. As he said himself, his -luck all through was marvellous: “Everything turned up all right.” - -At the same time, making full allowance for the element of luck, there -is much, very much, to be placed to his credit on the score of pluck and -skill. The difficulties before him when he set out for Manipur on his -gallant attempt at rescue were tremendous, and only his undaunted courage -and resourcefulness carried him successfully through. - -The young lieutenant is now Major Grant, V.C., having been gazetted two -months after his dashing exploit; and it is pleasing to note that every -one of his men who survived the march were also decorated, receiving the -Indian Order of Merit for their devotion and heroism. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -HOW SURGEON-CAPTAIN WHITCHURCH WON FAME. - - -There was some consternation in the quaint-looking, five-towered fort at -Chitral on the evening of the 3rd of March 1895. Sher Afzul, the usurping -chief of the little mountainous state in the north-west of India, was -approaching with a large force, and some two hundred of the 4th Cashmere -Rifles had gone out under Captain Townshend to try conclusions with the -rebels. After several hours’ brisk fighting in the villages nestling at -the foot of the hills, the troops had withdrawn to the fort, but some men -of one section still remained to be accounted for. - -Captain Baird, with about a dozen Ghurkhas, had not returned. He -was lying somewhere out in the darkness, on the hillside, where the -white-robed Chitralis were still firing. And with him was Surgeon-Captain -Whitchurch, who had bravely hastened to his assistance on hearing that -the captain was wounded. - -“Where is Whitchurch? Where is Baird?” Captain Gurdon and the other -members of the little garrison asked the question of each other anxiously -from time to time, hoping that the missing men had found their way into -the fort. The surgeon especially was needed, for Captain Townshend’s -reconnoitring party had brought many wounded back with them. But the -answer still came, with an ominous shake of the head, “Not in yet.” - -In the meantime, while the occupants of the fort set about preparing for -the expected siege, the few stars that were beginning to peep out of the -clouded sky looked down upon a strange scene in a little orchard nearly -two miles away from the fort. There, under the trees, a wounded officer -was being bandaged by the skilful hands of another who bent over him, a -dozen sepoys and four stretcher-bearers standing patiently by. - -The operation finished, the sufferer was lifted tenderly into a dhoolie. -Then two bearers raised it from the ground, the escort ranged itself -alongside, and the little party started out for the road leading to the -fort. - -“Feel any easier now, old chap?” asked the surgeon, who was striding by -the dhoolie. - -“Yes, thanks, Whitchurch; much easier,” replied Captain Baird, -suppressing a groan as one of the bearers stumbled over a stone. - -Contrary to the general opinion expressed at the fort, neither of the -two missing men had been killed or captured by the enemy. When Baird had -fallen with a bullet in his side, his men had carried him quickly to the -shelter of an orchard close at hand, and here they had escaped notice. -All around them, however, lurked the Chitralis, on the look-out to cut -off any stragglers from the retreating force. - -In a few minutes Whitchurch’s party had filed down the hillside and -reached the road, but a cry of warning from the native officer in front -pulled them up short. - -“We’re cut off, sahib,” he exclaimed, as the surgeon hastened to his -side. “The enemy have got in front of us!” - -It was, alas! too true. Although he could see nothing through the gloom, -the shouts and occasional shots that reached his ears told Whitchurch -plainly that the Chitralis were on the road ahead. What was to be done? - -A sudden thought occurred to him. “Isn’t there a way round to the fort by -the river, Bidrina Singh?” he asked of the officer. - -The other nodded affirmatively. There was a track along the river bank, -he said, but it would take them a mile out of their way and across some -very difficult ground. - -“Never mind,” said the surgeon briskly. “We’ve got to get to the fort -to-night. So pull your men together, Bidrina Singh, and make for the -river at once.” - -From his dhoolie Captain Baird called Whitchurch over to him, and begged -that he would consider his own safety first. “I’m badly hit, old chap,” -he said; “I know I’m done for----” But Whitchurch shut him up quickly. -While there was breath in his body he meant to stick to his comrade; -there was to be no talk of running away. So, picking up the wounded man -again, the native bearers took their place in the middle of the escort, -the latter closed up, and on they moved across the polo ground towards -the river on their left. - -Thanks to the dense darkness, they made good progress on their way for a -quarter of an hour or so. Then a scouting party of Sher Afzul’s followers -suddenly appeared in front, and with a joyful shout gathered round them. -At Whitchurch’s quick word of command the sturdy little Ghurkas closed in -and fired a volley into the midst of their foes. There were yells of pain -which told that some of the shots had taken effect, but the yells drew -other Chitralis who were prowling near, and the answering shots of the -enemy became more frequent. - -Whitchurch’s revolver spoke more than once with good effect, and his -“Steady, men! Aim low,” rang out encouragingly above the din. The -Chitralis, thank goodness, were firing somewhat at random, not knowing -the strength of those opposed to them; but one bullet at last found its -mark. A bearer dropped his end of the stretcher with a cry, and tumbled -over backwards, dead. The jolt of the fall wrung a groan from poor Baird, -in spite of his iron nerve. Then another stretcher-bearer stepped forward -and lifted the dhoolie, and on the little party pressed again. - -Firing steadily in volleys, the gallant Ghurkas gradually cleared the -way before them. The Chitralis had no wish to stand in the way of those -deadly levelled barrels, preferring to circle round their prey and drop -in a shot as opportunity offered. Two more bearers were killed, together -with two or three sepoys, and the surgeon now took one end of the dhoolie -himself. - -They had gone nearly half the distance when the enemy rallied in stronger -force and barred the track ahead. Things were beginning to look serious. -“Fix bayonets!” Whitchurch called out, and there was a rattle of steel in -the sockets. “Charge!” And with a cheer the Ghurkas dashed at the cluster -of white-robed figures, sending them scattering right and left, while a -few lay writhing on the ground. - -That charge taught the Chitralis to keep at a more respectful distance, -but a little later some daring spirits ventured nearer, and the last -of the bearers fell shot through the body. Whitchurch put the dhoolie -down and lifted up the wounded man in his strong arms. The Ghurkas were -wanted, every man of them, to protect Baird with their rifles; not one -could be spared for bearer-work. - -Again, it is said, the captain implored Whitchurch to leave him and make -a run for it to the fort. Perhaps he felt already that his wound was -mortal. But again the brave surgeon refused to hear a word. With Baird in -his embrace, he struggled gamely after the sepoys. - -Along the rough, rock-strewn path the party stumbled, working their way -ever nearer and nearer to the fort. A low wall confronted them thrice, a -wall behind which the enemy were quick to post themselves. But jumping -over with the surgeon to lead them, the nimble Ghurkas swept the way -clear each time, and Whitchurch, having returned to pick up Baird, half -carried and half dragged his weighty burden to the more open ground. - -At last, after another fifteen minutes’ struggle, a dark mass of trees -loomed up ahead. It was the grove of cedars by the eastern wall of the -fort. They were within sight of safety now. Still the Chitralis hovered -round, however, and a chance shot hit Baird as he hung limp in the -surgeon’s arms. - -“Make for the garden entrance!” cried Whitchurch; and the Ghurkas turned -to pass through the grove. On their right, by the main gates, was a -confused sound of shouting and firing. The enemy had already gathered in -force there. - -As they neared the entrance in the garden and gave a ringing cheer, the -sentries saw them. In a minute the gate was unbolted, and the little -party scrambled through, but not before Baird was yet a third time -hit--on this occasion in the face, as his head rested on Whitchurch’s -shoulder. How often has it happened in similar rescues, that the wounded -has been the target for the enemy’s bullets, while the rescuer has -escaped scot free! It was the story of “Dhoolie Square” repeated again, -the story of McManus, Ryan, and Captain Arnold. - -Inside the fort enclosure the officers gathered quickly round Whitchurch -as the glad cry went up, “They’ve brought Baird in!” And tenderly, very -tenderly, for he was suffering greatly from his hurts, the wounded -officer was carried to the hospital, where without any loss of time the -surgeon followed to save, if possible, the life that was so dear to them -all. - -I should much like to add that he was successful; but fate willed -otherwise. Captain Baird lived only a few hours, and the fort that he had -helped to defend so gallantly served as his grave. - -Chitral was relieved about the middle of April, when a British column -succeeded in fighting its way to the fort through the mountain -passes. Three months later the _London Gazette_ contained the welcome -announcement that the Victoria Cross had been awarded to Surgeon-Captain -Harry Frederick Whitchurch, of the Indian Medical Service. - -Her Majesty Queen Victoria herself pinned the Cross on the brave -surgeon’s breast at Osborne, with warm words of praise that were echoed -by every one who had heard the story of that plucky night-rescue in -far-off Chitral. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -WHEN THE AFRIDIS WERE UP. - - -One hundred and forty miles south of Chitral, as the crow flies, is the -border city of Peshawar, standing like a sentinel on the north-western -frontier of India. It is, indeed, the guardian of the gate, for before it -winds westward the famous Khyber Pass, which links Afghanistan with our -great Eastern Empire. - -Peshawar stands almost in the heart of the Afridi country, surrounded -with the hill tribes of Mohmunds, Swats, Buners, Khels, Afridis and -Orakzais. Fierce warlike races are these, with whom from the beginning of -things we have had trouble. At one time we thought we had tamed them, and -we gave them the rifles they had hitherto stolen, put them into khaki, -and made them wardens of the passes. But the wild tribesmen cannot live -without fighting; disputes over boundaries arose, and these eventually -culminated in a rising that threatened to weaken our grip on these -frontier posts. Whence came the Malakand, Swat, and Tirah campaigns of -1897-98. - -When in 1897 Sir William Lockhart, Commander-in-Chief in India, moved -towards the rebellious tribes with an army numbering 35,000 men, it was -evident that there was a powerful combination between the Mohammedan -clans in the hills north, west, and south of Peshawar, against British -rule. It was, in a sense, a Holy War, with Mad Mullahs as instigators, -though behind them was the sinister influence of the Amir of Afghanistan. - -The campaigns were comparatively brief, but they must ever rank as among -the most difficult in modern history. The fighting was never in the open. -Our soldiers--Highlanders, Dorsets, and Ghurkas alike--had to scale -precipitous cliffs, worm their way up tortuous hillside paths, and storm -the stone “sangars” behind which their enemies were strongly posted. - -In the tangle of hills in which the engagements took place the agile -Afridis and their brother-clansmen were perfectly at home. Rocks, caves, -and bushes afforded them ample shelter, and from the heights that lined -the passes they poured a deadly fire upon the British troops. The work of -dislodging them, of driving them from their strongholds, taxed the powers -of our men to the utmost. - -Of the several V.C.’s won in this arduous mountain warfare the first fell -to Lieutenant Edward Costello, of the Indian Staff Corps, for a gallant -rescue of a native lance-havildar at Malakand. The wounded havildar lay -out in the open, exposed to the enemy’s fire, when the lieutenant saw -him, on a piece of ground, too, that was overrun with swordsmen. But the -young officer with a couple of sepoys ran out to his assistance, and -brought him into the hospital. - -A month later, in the Swat valley beyond the Malakand Pass, three Crosses -were earned for a very brilliant action. At Landikai, on August 17th, -1897, the advance guard of Sir Bindon Blood’s brigade shelled the enemy -from their position and drove them out into the plain. Across this the -Swatis retreated at top speed, making for the shelter of the hills on the -other side. - -In pursuit of the flying tribesmen went Colonel Robert Bellew Adams, -Captain Palmer, Lieutenant Greaves, and Viscount Fincastle, the latter -being present in the capacity of _Times_ correspondent. Palmer’s horse -was soon hit, its rider being saved by some of his men who galloped -after him. Greaves’ horse, becoming restive under the din of the firing, -suddenly bolted, and away went the lieutenant careering among the enemy. - -Seeing him alone among the Swatis, Colonel Adams and Viscount Fincastle -spurred hastily to his rescue, but before they could reach him the -hapless lieutenant had been struck down by a swordsman. In the hope that -he was not killed they pushed on, and with a furious charge swept the -ground clear around his body. - -A well-aimed shot now brought down Fincastle’s horse, leaving the young -war-correspondent to meet his enemies on foot. He at once endeavoured to -raise Greaves on to Adams’ saddle, but the wounded man slipped off again, -and a rush of Ghazis prevented a second attempt for the time. Standing -over the lieutenant’s body, Fincastle bravely kept the enemy at bay, -being well aided by Colonel Adams. Then two sowars rode up to them, and -another attempt was made to lift Greaves to the saddle. They succeeded in -their object, but another bullet hit the poor fellow again as they raised -him and killed him. - -By this time Lieutenant MacLean of the same squadron had led the rest of -the troopers to the cover of some trees. Leaving them here, he dashed -out with three sowars to the others’ help. Shots fell thickly among -them from the Ghazis on the hillside, but together they managed to get -Greaves’ body on to a trooper’s horse, and at once made off for shelter. -Fincastle and MacLean were on foot, the latter’s horse having also been -shot; and as they went along the young lieutenant was hit in both thighs -and mortally wounded. Colonel Adams escaped with a sword-cut in his right -hand. - -Both Adams and Fincastle received the V.C. for their brave attempt -to rescue Greaves, while Lieutenant Hector Lachlan Stewart MacLean -was gazetted at the same time as one who would have been awarded the -decoration had he lived. - - * * * * * - -There was a sharp piece of fighting in the Mamund Valley some weeks -later, where two young Engineer officers, Lieutenants Watson and Colvin, -distinguished themselves in driving the enemy from the burning village -of Bilot, and added V.C. to their names. But I must pass on to tell of -the famous storming of the heights of Dargai and of how the “gay Gordons” -there covered themselves with fresh glory. - -In the advance of the British troops from Shinwari towards Karappa a -large portion of the division under Major-General Yeatman-Biggs was -ordered to take the route through the Chagru Kotal. As soon as this -movement was commenced, however, the Afridis posted themselves in great -force in the Samana Hills along the Khanki Valley, giving them the -command of the track along which the army must necessarily pass. - -The working parties on the Chagru Kotal were so harassed by the Afridi -sharpshooters that it became important that the Dargai and other hills -in the vicinity should be cleared. On October 18th, Sir Power Palmer, -who was entrusted with the conduct of the operations in place of General -Yeatman-Biggs, who had fallen ill, made a sweeping attack on the Dargai -position. The 3rd Ghurkas, led by Lieutenant Beynon with a revolver in -one hand and an alpenstock in the other, led the dash up the cliff-side, -and successfully dislodged the enemy. - -Unfortunately, for several reasons, the heights could not be held. The -water-supply was difficult of access, and to have placed a detachment -alone on Dargai while the Afridis were masters of the Khanki Valley -would have been to risk a serious disaster. Under orders from the -Commander-in-Chief, the troops therefore retired from the position. - -As soon as this retreat was accomplished, the enemy, who had been greatly -reinforced, reoccupied the heights and set about constructing stone -“sangars,” in anticipation of another assault. This followed two days -later, after fresh preparations had been made. General Yeatman-Biggs -had proposed another route avoiding the Chagru defile, but Sir William -Lockhart determined to adhere to his original plan, viz. to force the -passage of the Chagru Kotal. - -On Wednesday, October 20th, in the early morning, the troops, -strengthened by the addition of two battalions and a battery from the -first division, left the Shinwari camp. The honour of carrying the -Dargai heights, which had to be stormed immediately the Chagru Kotal -was reached, was given to the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Ghurkas, with -the Dorset and Derbyshire Regiments in the second and third lines -respectively. Behind these came the 1st Battalion of the Gordon -Highlanders (the old 75th). - -To understand properly the difficult nature of the task set them, -something must be said about Dargai itself. I cannot do better than quote -the description given by Captain Shadwell in his excellent book on the -campaign. - -“The village of Dargai lies on the northern side of a small plateau. -The eastern edge of this tableland breaks off, at first, in an almost -abrupt cliff; but some distance lower down the ground, though very steep, -shelves away less precipitously. This slope is thrown out from the bottom -of the cliff in the form of a narrow and razor-like spur, with the path -or track lying along its northern side, well within view and range of -the cliff-head. But by climbing along the southern side of this spur, -troops can move from Chagru Kotal, or certainly from Mama Khan, a village -half-way between the former place and the plateau, unseen by the enemy. - -“Connecting the crest of the spur, however, and the foot of the cliff, -there is a narrow neck or saddle one hundred yards long by thirty broad, -whose sides are far too precipitous to allow of any movement along -them. Though devoid of all cover and completely exposed to the heights -above, this ridge had to be crossed, so as to reach the path ascending -to the summit; and here it was that the casualties in the attack by -Brigadier-General Westmacott’s Brigade (on the 18th) and the heavier -losses of the 20th occurred.” - -This, then, was the dangerous passage to be “rushed” by our troops. In -addition to its exposure to the enemy’s fire, it may be added that the -ground was thickly strewn with rocks and boulders which greatly impeded -progress. - -As on the first assault, the post of honour was allotted to those game -little fighters, the Ghurkas. The 1st Battalion of the 2nd Ghurkas, -with a party of specially trained scouts from the 3rd, under Lieutenant -Tillard, swarmed up the slope at the word of command and dashed headlong -across the zone of fire. In the rush through the pitiless rain of bullets -that at once descended two officers fell, one shot dead and the other -mortally wounded, while thirty men bit the dust, never to rise again; but -the rest reached cover on the opposite side. - -After the brave Ghurkas, the Dorsets and the Derbys tried time and time -again to follow, only to be mowed down in heaps. All that succeeded in -crossing the ridge were a few who made a dash for it singly or in small -parties. How deadly was the marksmanship of the Afridis is shown by the -fact that when Lieutenant Hewett, of the Dorsetshire Regiment, led a -section forward, he was _the only one_ to reach the crouching Ghurkas. -Every one of the men following him was killed. - -It was in a pause at this juncture that Private Vickery, of the same -regiment, made himself conspicuous by running out repeatedly and at last -succeeding in dragging back to shelter a wounded comrade who was lying -out in the open; this and several other acts of bravery gaining him a -V.C. in due course. - -For a time it seemed a sheer impossibility that the position could be -carried, though the artillery was playing upon the enemy’s sangars -continually. Noon came, and still the three companies of Ghurkas were -waiting under the cover of the rocks until their comrades should join -them for the final dash up the heights. - -At last General Yeatman-Biggs ordered that the position must be taken -at all costs. Brigadier-General Kempster, in command of the brigade, -now brought forward the 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders and the -3rd Sikhs, and told them they were to make the assault. Far up on the -hillside the jubilant Afridis were shouting defiance, amid the waving -of standards and beating of drums, confident that their stronghold was -impregnable. They rejoiced too soon. - -Drawing up his men, Colonel Mathias, of the Gordons, said: “Highlanders! -the General says the position must be taken at all costs. The Gordons -will take it!” - -With their Colonel, Major Forbes Macbean, and Lieutenant Gordon at their -head, and their pipers, Findlater and Milne, playing the familiar “Cock -o’ the North,” the Gordons dashed over the fiery zone, with the Derbys, -the Dorsets, and the Sikhs pressing close behind them. - -Almost the first to be hit were Major Macbean, who cheered on his men -as he lay on the ground, and the two pipers. Milne was shot through the -lung and fell senseless, but Piper “Jock” Findlater, who was shot in both -ankles, propped himself up against a boulder and continued to play his -pipes with unabated energy. And to the inspiriting strains of the old -regimental air, the Highlanders and the others got across. - -[Illustration: PIPER FINDLATER … PROPPED HIMSELF UP AGAINST A BOULDER AND -CONTINUED TO PLAY HIS PIPES.--_Page 236._] - -It was perhaps owing to the suddenness of the rush after the long wait, -and to the renewed artillery fire, that the Gordons accomplished the task -with fewer losses than had attended the previous attempts; yet for all -that the casualties were heavy. In the charge up the steep slope, where -some of the Afridis were already turning tail, more men were to fall ere -the heights were won; but won they were, the enemy being sent flying in -all directions. - -It was a grand dash, worthy of the splendid reputation of the Gordons, -and well did they deserve the burst of cheers with which the other -regiments spontaneously greeted them as they returned. Sir William -Lockhart, too, at a parade two days afterwards, had a word or two to say -about that exploit which filled the Highlanders with pride. - -For his gallantry in continuing to play his pipes while wounded “Jock” -Findlater in time was awarded the Victoria Cross. There were many who -considered that Piper Milne also merited the honour, but the authorities -thought differently, and his claim was passed over. - -Two other Crosses on the same day were gained by Private Lawson, of the -Gordons, for rescuing Lieutenant Dingwall and a fellow-private under a -most severe fire; and by Lieutenant H. S. Pennell, of the Derbyshires, -for a brave endeavour to save Captain Smith of the same regiment. Only -after a second attempt, when he discovered that the wounded officer was -dead, did Lieutenant Pennell desist from his efforts. - -What other gallant deeds were performed equally deserving of reward it -is impossible to say. In the fierce swirl of the fight many must have -passed unnoticed, and many heroes must have fallen at the moment of their -self-sacrifice. But we do know that it was not only British officers and -men who distinguished themselves in that memorable fight. For the record -speaks of one Kirpa Ram Thapa, a native officer of the 2nd Ghurkas, who -though badly wounded in two places refused to fall out, and insisted on -leading his company to the very end. - -One other story that I may note has a humorous touch about it, and is -characteristic of the good terms on which officers and men are in the -Highland regiments. As the Gordons streamed up the ascent to the summit -of Dargai, after their bold dash, Colonel Mathias, who was not quite the -man he was in his younger days, showed signs of being winded. - -“Stiff climb, eh, Mackie?” he said, turning to his colour-sergeant, who -was by him; “I’m--not--so young--as I--was, you know.” - -“Never mind, sir!” the sergeant is said to have answered, slapping his -colonel encouragingly on the back and nearly knocking the remaining -breath out of him. “_Ye’re gaun verra strong for an auld man!_” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -SOUTH AFRICA.--THE V.C.’S OF THE SECOND BOER WAR. - - -The late war in South Africa, when--for the last time, it is to be -hoped--Briton and Boer strove for supremacy, is too recent to need -even an outline of its history being given here. It was a war of many -blunders and disasters, and its record does not make altogether pleasant -reading; yet against the gloom of it there is not a little to be set of -which we may be proud. After the war had entered upon its second phase -good generalship asserted itself; victory followed victory in swift -succession, and there was no more looking back. - -Many reputations were lost, while others were gained, in this difficult -campaign, but there was one person whose prestige from the first suffered -no loss. That was the British soldier. In the face of a foe remarkable -for “slimness” and marksmanship, Tommy Atkins once more showed himself -the splendid fighter that he always has been. We have only to remember -the fierce battles on the Tugela River, at Colenso, at Magersfontein, -at Paardeberg, and elsewhere, to assure ourselves on this point. Under -the most terrible fusillade--and how terrible it was at times can hardly -be conveyed in words--our gunners and our infantry never hesitated or -winced. Throughout the ranks they fought with an indomitable courage that -compelled the admiration of the Boers, and in the pride we feel at their -bravery and devotion we are glad to forget the incompetency displayed by -many of their leaders. - -Of the acts of individual heroism that were performed pages and pages -might be written without exhausting the subject. In the leading of -forlorn hopes, and in the succouring of wounded comrades under fire, -officers and privates alike were ever ready to risk their lives; and the -fact that no fewer than seventy-eight Victoria Crosses were won in the -war speaks for itself. How some of these rewards for valour were gained -it is my purpose to relate in the present chapter. - -Among the first to be decorated was an Army surgeon, a worthy successor -to Jee, Home, and those others of whom mention has been made. At the -battle of Colenso, in December 1899, Major William Babtie, of the Royal -Army Medical Corps, received word that a number of wounded artillerymen -were in need of assistance. They lay in a donga, or hollow, close by the -guns of their batteries (the 14th and 15th), sheltered from the Boer -marksmen, but suffering considerable agony from their wounds. - -Without loss of time, and quite alone, Major Babtie rode out to them. He -knew full well that the instant he appeared in the open he would become -a target for the enemy’s rifles, and few of those who watched him go on -his errand of mercy expected to see him alive again. But although his -horse was struck three times, he himself by good fortune escaped being -hit. Reaching the donga, he found a score of poor fellows badly needing -attention, and with wonderful coolness he set about dressing their -injuries. The Boers, who had no scruples about firing upon the wounded, -made repeated attempts to get within range of the intrepid surgeon and -his patients, but with ill-success. Babtie seemed to bear a charmed life, -and he was able to save many a gunner who but for his prompt help must -have died on the field. - -The Royal Army Medical Corps, it may be mentioned, won three more -Crosses in South Africa, making the total placed to their credit seven. -Lieutenants Douglas, Nickerson, and Inkson were the other heroes, the -last-named being conspicuous for carrying a wounded comrade for over -three hundred yards under heavy fire to a place of safety. - -It was at Colenso that the magnificent attempt to save the guns was made -which resulted in the sad death of Lieutenant the Hon. F. H. S. Roberts, -the only son of Lord Roberts, then Commander-in-Chief. Colonel Long, with -the 14th and 66th Batteries of the Royal Field Artillery, had pressed -forward to drive the Boers from their trenches along the bank of the -Tugela, expecting to be supported by reinforcements. But under the deadly -fire directed upon him he was obliged to retire, leaving many dead and -wounded behind him, and leaving, too, twelve guns standing ready for use, -with their breech-blocks still in them. - -For a long time the guns stood deserted thus, while the battle raged to -right and left of them. Then, as General Hildyard’s infantry, including -the Devons, the Queen’s, and the Scots Fusiliers, made their dashing -advance upon the Boer positions, a trio of staff officers who were with -Generals Buller and Clery volunteered to save the guns if possible. -These three were Captains Schofield and Congreve, and Lieutenant Roberts. - -Other volunteers were soon forthcoming when it was known that the attempt -was to be made, and corporals, linesmen, and some drivers of ammunition -waggons, with two or three spare teams, galloped out after their leaders. -The guns were reached, but at once Boer shells and bullets began to drop -thickly around. Captain Congreve was almost the first to be hit, being -wounded in the leg. Then young Roberts was struck, at the same time that -a shell burst under his horse, inflicting severe wounds upon him. “He was -looking over his shoulder at Schofield,” says an eye-witness, “laughing -and working his stick with a circular motion, like a jockey, to encourage -his horse,” when his first bullet found him, and he fell mortally -wounded. In the meantime the gallant gunners and drivers were limbering -up with all speed, and thanks to Captain Schofield’s exertions, two of -the guns were hauled back in safety. - -Later on, Captain Reed of the 7th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, made -another and partially successful effort to rescue some of the remaining -ten guns, receiving a bad wound in his thigh in the attempt; but almost -all of them had to be abandoned. For their gallantry, however, Captains -Schofield, Congreve, and Reed, with Lieutenant Roberts, were all -recommended for the V.C., the three first-named alone surviving to -receive the decoration. Poor Lieutenant Roberts, as will be remembered, -died at Chievely, two days later. - -[Illustration: THE GUNS WERE REACHED, BUT AT ONCE BOER SHELLS AND BULLETS -BEGAN TO DROP THICKLY AROUND.--_Page 242._] - -As to the bravery of the men who helped them to save the guns, both -Captain Schofield and Captain Reed have borne eloquent tribute. “Bosh!” -said Reed, when he was complimented on his exploit; “it was all the -drivers.” And if you ask Captain Schofield, you will find he will make -much the same answer. While the rain of bullets poured on them the -drivers limbered up in a calm, business-like fashion, as if there wasn’t -a Boer within a dozen miles of them. - -“Just to show you what cool chaps those drivers were,” says Captain -Schofield, “when I was hooking on one of the guns, one of them said, -‘Elevate the muzzle a little more, sir.’ That’s a precaution for -galloping in rough country, but I shouldn’t have thought of it--not just -then, at any rate. Pretty cool, wasn’t it?” - -They were gallant men those drivers without doubt, as gallant as Colonel -Long’s gunners, who fell one by one by their guns until only two were -left, two who continued the unequal battle alone, and when the ordinary -ammunition was exhausted fired their last shot, the emergency rounds of -case; after which they stood at attention and waited for the end that -came swiftly. All could not be decorated, however, though all deserved -equal honour, and so Corporal G. E. Nurse, of the Royal Field Artillery, -was elected to receive the V.C. as the most fitting representative. - -The next heroes on the list are two brave men of the Protectorate -Regiment, Sergeant H. R. Martineau and Trooper (now Lieutenant) H. E. -Ramsden. During a sortie from besieged Mafeking Sergeant Martineau’s -attention was called to Corporal Le Camp, who had been struck down by a -Boer bullet. The latter was lying in the open less than a dozen yards -from the enemy’s trenches and bleeding profusely from his wound. Not far -away were some bushes which offered ample shelter, so making a dash for -the corporal, the sergeant carried and dragged him thither as best he -could. Then, kneeling by the wounded man’s side, he carefully bandaged -the gaping shot-hole and stanched the flow of blood. - -Despite the shelter of the bushes, Martineau did not escape being hit. He -was shot in the side as he stooped over the corporal, and he was struck -yet twice more when, at the order to retire, he picked up Le Camp and -carried him after his comrades, who were falling back upon the town. That -plucky rescue cost the sergeant an arm, but it won him--though small -compensation, perhaps--a V.C. - -The same honour fell to Trooper H. E. Ramsden in this fight, for -carrying his brother out of danger in very similar circumstances. The -list of those who figured in gallant actions of this kind, indeed, is -a long one. There was Second-Lieutenant John Norwood (now a captain), -of the 5th Dragoon Guards, who while in charge of a small patrol party -outside Ladysmith, in October 1899, was nearly cornered by the Boers. In -retiring one of the troopers fell, whereupon the lieutenant, galloping -back, dismounted, lifted the wounded man on to his shoulder, and with -his horse’s bridle over his arm walked back to rejoin his comrades. And -there was Lieutenant Sir John Milbanke of the 10th Hussars, who saved -the life of one of his men while out on a reconnaissance near Colesberg. -The lieutenant himself was badly wounded with a ball in his thigh, but -disregarding this, he went to the aid of the wounded man, who was exposed -to the Boer fire, and successfully brought him out of range. - -Both these heroes gained the V.C., as, too, did Private Bisdee and -Lieutenant Wylly, of the Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, for gallantry of a -like order. Having run into an ambuscade, the scouting party of which -the Tasmanians were members had to get out of it as best they could. The -Boers from their cover kept up a hot fire, and men and horses dropped -quickly. Out of the eight in the party all but two were hit, and one of -the officers had his horse shot beneath him. Seeing his predicament, -Private Bisdee offered him a stirrup leather to hold on to, but the other -was more badly wounded than he had supposed. Jumping off his horse, -therefore, he put his officer into the saddle, and mounting behind him, -galloped out of action. Lieutenant Wylly in his turn gave up his horse -to a wounded private, afterwards taking up a position behind a rock, and -using his rifle to good purpose to cover the retreat of the little party. - -It does one good to read of heroism such as this, for it helps to keep -alive our faith in those fine qualities which have made Englishmen what -they are. If we still find something inspiring in the records of the old -sea-dogs, such as Benbow, who was carried on deck in a basket after he -had lost his leg, so that he might continue to direct the fight, we may -treasure in our memories with no less reverence the deeds of many humbler -heroes. There is about them, too, often enough, a truly British touch of -dare-devilry, cheek, pluck--call it what you will--that cannot but strike -one’s imagination. - -Take the story of Sergeant T. Lawrence of the 17th Lancers, the “Death -or Glory Boys.” He was in charge of a patrol in the neighbourhood of -Lindley, in August 1900, while the Lancer Brigade was chasing De Wet. -Suddenly attacked by a body of fourteen Boers, the patrol was obliged to -retire. In the gallop for safety Private Hayman’s horse was bowled over, -and down came its rider to the ground with a dislocated shoulder and -broken collar-bone. In a twinkling the sergeant saw what had happened. -The Boers were hard upon their heels, but taking his chance, Lawrence -rode back to Hayman’s assistance. The private’s horse being useless, -Lawrence dismounted and raised the wounded man on to his own steed, a -dun pony, it is recorded. Then, setting the animal’s head for the picket -and bidding Hayman hold on for his life, the sergeant gave the pony a -vigorous kick and started him off. This done, Lawrence made his way back -on foot, keeping up a warm fire with his carbine; and for _two_ miles he -retired thus, successfully holding off the Boers, until a party which had -ridden out in search of him brought the plucky fellow into our lines. - -There is a true British ring about Sergeant Lawrence’s action which -is unmistakable, and few South African heroes more deserved the V.C. -which was eventually bestowed upon him. He, thanks to his skill with -the carbine, and perhaps owing something to luck, escaped without a -scratch, but not all were so fortunate. Writing of Lawrence reminds me of -another hero, Lieutenant and Adjutant G. H. B. Coulson, of the King’s Own -Scottish Borderers, who won glory and death at the same time. - -It was during the rearguard action near Lambrecht Fontein, in May 1901. -A corporal of the Mounted Infantry was wounded and helpless, so the -lieutenant pulled him up on to his own horse. As they rode along the -animal was itself struck, and it became evident that a double burden -was more than it could carry. There was only one thing to be done. -Slipping off the horse, Coulson told the corporal to “hang on” and save -himself; then, revolver in hand, he stayed behind, in the faint hope -that he might win back to safety on foot. It was a vain hope. The Boers -rode down upon him, and--one man against a hundred--he fell riddled with -bullets. Afterwards, when the corporal had told his story, they gazetted -Lieutenant and Adjutant Coulson V.C., as one to whom the decoration would -have been awarded had he lived. - -Among other dead heroes of the South African War, place must be found for -Lieutenant Parsons of the Essex Regiment and Sergeant Atkinson of the -Yorkshires. At Paardeberg, where a fierce battle was fought in February -1900, many poor wounded fellows lay in the sweltering heat suffering for -want of water. Water there was within reach, in the river that wound -round by the enemy’s trenches, but the task of fetching it was attended -with considerable danger. Some four or five men made the attempt, only -to fall under the hail of Boer bullets. Nothing daunted, however, both -Parsons and Atkinson made several dashes for the precious water, the -former venturing twice, and rendering much-needed relief to those wounded -near him. - -Atkinson, who had distinguished himself in the fight by rescuing -Lieutenant Hammick of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, went down to -the river no fewer than seven times, being under fire all the while. -At the seventh venture his fate found him. A bullet struck him in the -head, and the brave Yorkshireman fell mortally wounded. He was a son of -Farrier-Major James Atkinson, of the Royal Artillery, who is stated to -have been one of the party who captured the original Sebastopol cannon -from which the Victoria Crosses are now cast. Although Lieutenant Parsons -survived Paardeberg, he never lived to receive his Cross, being killed -later at Driefontein. - -For bravery that distinguishes itself in the storming of apparently -impregnable positions and in the leading of forlorn hopes, the Highland -regiments perhaps bear the palm. One remembers their deeds in the Mutiny -days and, more recently, at Dargai. In South Africa they wrote their -names large, at Magersfontein, Paardeberg, and in many a minor action. - -One of their most dashing exploits was the capture of Thaba Mountain, in -April 1900, by the Gordons. In this engagement Captain E. B. Towse, with -but a dozen men at his back, charged in the face of a hundred and fifty -Boers, who had climbed the hill from the opposite side, and routed them. -The position was won and held, for the Highlanders--and especially the -Gordons--are men who like to have their own way, but their brave leader -paid dearly for his victory. During the brief but fierce encounter he -was shot through both eyes and blinded for life. This action at Thaba -Mountain, together with his well-remembered gallantry at Magersfontein, -where in the very fore-front of the battle he was seen helping Colonel -Downman, who was mortally wounded, gained Captain Towse the V.C. Little -wonder is it that as she pinned it on the hero’s breast Queen Victoria -was moved to tears of sympathy and pity. - -There were several V.C.’s gained in and around Ladysmith during the -memorable siege of that town which well deserve mention. Listen to the -story of how Privates Scott and Pitts of the Manchester Regiment won -the coveted decoration. In one of the Boer assaults early in 1900 the -Manchesters were given the task of holding Cæsar’s Camp, a position in -the long ridge of hills to the north-east of the town. Here they erected -circular stone sangars, in each of which a few men were posted with a -plentiful supply of ammunition. - -When the attack was delivered, Cæsar’s Camp and Waggon Hill in the -vicinity received the brunt of it. Before the Boer fire the Manchester -Regiment in particular suffered great loss, many of their sangars being -captured and occupied by the enemy; but there was one spot in the -defences that the Boers failed to carry. In the little sangar where they -had been stationed Privates Scott and Pitts swore an oath that they would -never give up while breath was left in their bodies, and for fifteen -long hours their deadly rifle fire kept the Boers at bay. In the end, -as we know, the enemy were compelled to withdraw baffled, whereupon the -two plucky privates who had “held the fort” so manfully returned to camp -smoke-blackened and--in Scott’s case--wounded, to receive the due reward -of their heroism. - -Yet another brave man of Ladysmith fame was Private J. Barry of the -Royal Irish. In the night attack on Monument Hill in January 1901, he -was helping to work a Maxim when the Boers surrounded the little party. -His comrades having been all shot down, Private Barry was called on to -surrender, but this word was not in his vocabulary. He neither intended -surrendering nor yielding his gun to the enemy, so hurling a defiance at -the latter, he proceeded to smash the breech of the Maxim and render it -useless. A few quick blows were sufficient for the purpose, and the work -was done ere the infuriated Boers raised their rifles and shot him dead. - -A distinguished fellow-soldier of Barry’s was Colour-Sergeant (now -Captain) Masterson, the hero of Waggon Hill. In the furious hand-to-hand -fight on the hill he was a conspicuous figure, only being overborne at -last by sheer force of numbers, and falling with ten wounds in his body -and limbs. None of his injuries were mortal, however, and he survived to -receive the V.C. and a commission. - -Captain Masterson’s name and rank, by the way, vividly recall to one’s -mind the exploit of a Royal Irish Fusilier of earlier days, Sergeant -Masterton, the hero of Barossa. Masterton was known as “the Eagle Taker,” -for the dashing capture of a French Eagle standard after a charge up a -hill much in the fashion of the Fusiliers at Waggon Hill, and he too was -rewarded by promotion. - -With another story of the gallant gunners I must bring this chapter to -a close. The scene is Korn Spruit, on the road between Thaban’chu and -Bloemfontein. On March 31st, 1900, two batteries of the Royal Horse -Artillery were making their way to the Orange Free State capital, when -they fell into a Boer ambush. Before the alarm could be raised five guns -of the leading battery and a large section of the baggage train had been -captured. - -Q Battery, under the command of Major Phipps-Hornby, meanwhile was some -three hundred yards away from the spruit when the Boers opened fire, and -had time to wheel about into position. The enemy’s force far outnumbered -the British column, but Major Phipps-Hornby and his gunners had no idea -of deserting their comrades. Having gained the shelter of some railway -buildings near at hand, the battery--minus one gun which had had to be -abandoned--re-formed and at full gallop came again into action. Within -close range of the Boers they unlimbered and opened fire, while the teams -of horses were taken back to the rear of the buildings for safety. - -For a long time the gunners served their pieces in splendid style, but -the order came at last to retire. Realising how difficult it would be -to hook the teams on to the guns under the terrible fusillade that the -Boers were maintaining, Major Phipps-Hornby decided to do without them. -Under his direction the men put their shoulders to the wheels literally, -helped by some officers and privates of the Mounted Infantry, and by much -pushing and hauling they eventually got four of the five guns round to -the back of the buildings under cover, saving some of the limbers at the -same time. - -To rejoin the main body now entailed the crossing of a couple more -spruits and a donga which lay within easy range of the Boer guns, a -veritable zone of fire. But the gunners had faced danger like this -before, and at the call for volunteers many drivers stepped forward. As -quickly as possible the horses were put into the traces, the guns hooked -on, and off they set, one at a time, on their perilous journey. It was a -wild dash for safety, but they got home--all, that is, save one gun and -one limber, which after several attempts had to be left behind, all the -horses belonging to it being shot down. - -It was a V.C. business, this saving of the guns, but when it came to a -question of making the award a difficulty arose. Every man of the battery -might be said to have an equal claim to be decorated. As a few Crosses -only could be awarded, however, Rule 13 of the original Warrant had -to be enforced, under which the honour was conferred upon the battery -as a whole, one officer, one non-commissioned officer, one gunner and -one driver being elected by their comrades as recipients. Of the two -officers, Major Phipps-Hornby and Captain Humphreys, who had taken the -leading part in the affair, each had displayed conspicuous gallantry, -and each with characteristic generosity nominated the other for the -decoration. One would like to have seen both of them gazetted, but the -rule had to be adhered to, and, as senior officer, the V.C. was presented -to Major Phipps-Hornby. Sergeant Parker, Gunner Lodge, and Driver Glasock -hold the other three Crosses of the corps for this notable action. - -Yet another hero of Korn Spruit is Lieutenant (now Lieut.-Col.) F. A. -Maxwell, of the Indian Army, then attached to Roberts’ Light Horse. -When the Boer fire was concentrated on Q Battery, he volunteered his -assistance and faced the blizzard of lead five times, helping to save -two guns and three limbers. It was he, too, who aided in the gallant -but futile attempt to bring in the fifth gun, remaining exposed to shot -and shell until the last moment. For his bravery Lieutenant Maxwell was -awarded the V.C., and it is worthy of note that in announcing the fact the -_Gazette_ refers to his gallantry during the Chitral campaign, when he -recovered the body of Lieut.-Col. F. D. Battye, of the “Guides,” under a -heavy fire from the enemy. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -SOMALILAND--NIGERIA--TIBET. - - -Within the last four years we have seen three campaigns of some -importance which have added several V.C.’s to the roll. In 1902-3 was -the punitive expedition against the Mad Mullah in Somaliland, bringing -distinction to Captain Cobbe and others; in 1903 the rising in Nigeria, -where, at Sokoto, Captain Wallace Wright (of the Royal West Surrey -Regiment), with only one officer and forty men, made a gallant stand for -two hours against the repeated charges of 1000 of the enemy’s cavalry and -2000 infantry, eventually putting this large force to rout; and in 1904 -the Sikkim-Tibet Mission, which yielded a V.C. to a young lieutenant of -Ghurkas named Grant. Of these campaigns that in Somaliland heads the list -with six Crosses, and the story of how they were won well deserves to be -told at length. - -The first act of distinction was performed by Captain (now -Lieutenant-Colonel) A. S. Cobbe, D.S.O., at Erego, on October 6th, 1902. -In the fight at this place some of the companies were ordered to retire, -and Captain Cobbe suddenly found himself left alone in the firing line -with a Maxim. He saved the gun from capture by the enemy, and bringing -it back worked it single-handed with such good effect that he may be -said to have turned the fortunes of the day at a critical moment in the -action. Later on he went to the rescue of an orderly who had fallen under -the Somalis’ bullets, exposing himself not only to the enemy’s fire but -to that of his own men, who were replying vigorously. For his gallantry -Captain Cobbe was gazetted V.C., receiving the decoration from the hands -of General Manning at Obbia, some four months later. - -With the fighting at Jidballi two V.C.’s are associated. One is proudly -worn by Lieutenant Herbert Carter for saving the life of Private Jai -Singh in the face of a determined rush of dervishes; and the other -by Lieutenant Clement Leslie Smith, of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light -Infantry. The latter was serving with the 5th Somali Mounted Infantry -at the time. In an onslaught made by the enemy from the bush our men -got broken up, and the combat resolved itself into a hand-to-hand -affair. Fighting desperately to recover themselves, the Mounted Infantry -rallied bravely to their leader’s call, but little could be done to -stave off defeat. The loyal Somalis were driven back, leaving many dead -and wounded on the ground, among the latter being one Rahamat Ali, a -Hospital-Assistant. Observing this man’s plight, Lieutenant Smith and Dr. -Welland of the R.A.M.C. made a desperate attempt to save him. - -They had almost succeeded in getting the wounded man on to a horse when -one of the many bullets that rained upon them found him, and he was -killed. The Somalis now hemmed in the two officers on all sides, so the -lieutenant sought to bring out Dr. Welland, hastily helping him to mount -again. The doctor’s horse was shot, however, as was a mule which was next -seized, and immediately after there was a rush, and Welland was speared. -Smith stood by him to the end, endeavouring to keep off the enemy with -his revolver, but he had done all that mortal man could do, and it was -time to think of his own safety. At that time the dervishes were swarming -round him, and, as the _Gazette_ notes, it was marvellous indeed that he -escaped with his life. - -But, notable as were these acts of bravery, it is for the heroic attempt -to rescue poor Captain Bruce that the Somaliland campaign will perhaps be -best remembered. In that drama of savage warfare, which brings home to us -most vividly the difficulties and dangers of bush fighting, three Crosses -were gained, inscribing the names of Rolland, Walker, and Gough upon the -roll of glory. This is the story of it. - -On April 22nd, 1903, Major Gough’s flying column, which had been -operating in the Daratoleh district, began to fall back upon Danop, -owing to shortness in ammunition and the large number of wounded on -its hands. All around the little force, in the dense bush, the enemy -swarmed thickly, maintaining a harassing fire upon the troops. During the -afternoon the rearguard became cut off from the main body, and dropped -considerably into the rear. With this section were Captain Bruce, R.A., -Major Gough’s staff officer, and Captains Rolland and Walker of the -Intelligence Department, and when in a little time Bruce fell badly -wounded, the look-out for the little party seemed bad indeed. - -Having fired at and killed a savage whom he believed to have aimed the -fatal shot, Captain Rolland ran to his comrade’s assistance and dragged -him to one side of the forest path, where he would be less exposed to -the enemy’s fire. It was very evident that the wound was mortal, but -Rolland--who, by the way, was an old Harrow boy, like Bruce--determined -to make every effort to save his friend’s body if he could not save -his life. While he attended to him two Yaos (men of the King’s African -Rifles), a Sikh and a loyal Somali of the Camel Corps, bravely stood by -them, covering them with their rifles and holding the enemy in check, the -latter shouting to each other in joyful anticipation of a speedy victory. - -Captain Bruce was a very heavy man, of nearly fourteen stone, and Captain -Rolland, who turned the scale at nine and a half, found he could not -lift the other. None of the four men could stop firing to help him, or -the Somalis would have made a rush, so the despairing officer shouted to -the disappearing column in front to halt. But the winding path soon hid -it from sight, and Rolland saw that he was left to his fate. The enemy, -becoming enboldened, now pressed closer in, and the captain had to leave -the wounded man’s side and use his carbine and revolver to drive the -Somalis back into the bush again. It was hot work, for the natives were -in strong force and armed with rifles in addition to their broad-bladed -throwing spears. - -Suddenly Bruce got to his feet, and Rolland rushed to hold him up; but it -was the last flicker of life. The wounded man lurched forward again and -fell on his face, dragging Rolland down with him. As the latter turned -him over on to his back, Bruce opened his eyes and spoke for the last -time. “They’ve done for me this time, old man!” he said, and a moment or -two afterwards relapsed into unconsciousness. - -To Rolland’s great relief, he looked up from his friend’s body to see -Captain Walker “trekking” towards him. His shout had been heard, after -all. Together the two tried to carry poor Bruce between them, but it was -no use; so Rolland decided to make a dash for the rearguard to get help. -It was a terribly long run, and he thought he must get hit every moment, -as the bullets pinged about him. He got through safely, however, and -seized a Bikanir camel. As he was leading this back he met Major Gough, -who asked what was the matter, and on being told at once hastened to -Bruce’s aid. - -Rolland’s camel was desperately frightened at the firing and shouting, -and the captain had another bad quarter of an hour as he coaxed it and -urged it along the bush path, but he reached the others without mishap. -With Gough and Walker he now lifted Captain Bruce on to the kneeling -camel, and as they did so a third Somali bullet struck the wounded man, -almost immediately after which he died. At the same time the Sikh, who -had done his duty nobly in protecting his officers, had his arm smashed -by a fourth bullet. - -The little party were not left alone until 5.30 p.m., when, after some -scattering shots, the enemy at last drew off. “It was the hardest day -of my life,” adds Captain Rolland, in his account of the affair, and we -may well believe him. “I fired and fired in that fight till my rifle was -boiling hot; even the woodwork felt on fire. Up to 3 a.m. a few biscuits -and cocoa, then a 25-mile ride, a seven hours’ fight, and 25 miles back -to camp; _i.e._ 50 miles that day; 25 hours without food of any kind, -from the 3 a.m. biscuits and cocoa on the 22nd to the 4 a.m. dinner on -the 23rd. Oh, the thirst of that day! I had two water-bottles on my -camel, and drained them both. Hunger I did not feel.” - -They buried Captain Bruce the next morning, side by side with another -officer who had been killed, Captain Godfrey, laying them to rest just as -they were, in their stained khaki uniforms. The silent African bush has -many such graves in its keeping. - -It was not until some time later that the part Major Gough had played in -the rescue of Captain Bruce’s body was brought to light. He had promptly -reported the heroic conduct of Captains Rolland and Walker, but modestly -omitted all mention of his own share in the incident. And when the late -Mr. W. T. Maud, the artist-correspondent of the _Graphic_, attempted to -send home to his paper a full account of the affair, the Major rigidly -censored the despatch so that his name did not occur therein. His -heroism, however, could not be overlooked, and as soon as he was free -from Major Gough’s censorship Mr. Maud made public the true story of the -action, whereupon the V.C. was bestowed upon the Major as well as upon -Captains Rolland and Walker. - -It is interesting to note that Major John Edmond Gough (now -Lieutenant-Colonel) is a son of General Sir C. J. S. Gough, V.C., and a -nephew of that other distinguished Indian veteran, General Sir H. H. -Gough, V.C. He thus establishes a record, for no other family has ever -yet possessed three members entitled to wear the decoration. - - * * * * * - -To Lieutenant John Duncan Grant, of the 8th Ghurka Rifles, belongs the -distinction of winning the last Cross that has been awarded. The scene -of his exploit was Tibet, and the date July 6th, 1904. On that day -the storming of the Gyantse-jong, the most formidable of the Tibetan -strongholds, was successfully carried out, the Ghurkas, as on many a -previous occasion, being called on to perform the most ticklish part of -the business. - -The jong, or fort, at Gyantse is perched high up on a hill, the approach -being rendered difficult for an enemy by the bare and almost precipitous -nature of the rock-face. There is scarcely any cover available, and an -attacking party is exposed to the fire from the curtain and the flanking -towers on both sides. All day the artillery had been thundering at the -walls with little success, but at last a small breach was made in the -curtain, and it became possible for a storming party to force its way -through. It became possible, I say, but the task was a truly hazardous -one. So little room was there that only one man could go up at a time, -crawling on his hands and knees to the hole in the curtain. - -Lieutenant Grant, however, with his brave little Ghurkas, was not to -be daunted by such heavy odds. Leaving the cover of the village at the -foot of the hill, he led the advance up the steep slope. Immediately -behind him came Havildar Karbir Pun, as eager to come to close quarters -with the enemy as was his leader. Up the slippery face of the cliff -they scrambled, while a shower of rocks and stones poured down on them -from the Tibetans above, to say nothing of occasional volleys of jingal -bullets; and as they neared the top the lieutenant fell back wounded. Nor -did the havildar escape, being hurled back down the rock for thirty feet -or more. - -Despite their injuries the intrepid couple made another attempt after -a brief pause. Covered by the fire of their men, they dashed for the -breach, and this time succeeded in their purpose. Grant was the first -through, with the faithful Karbir Pun at his heels, their rifles clearing -a path for them as they scrambled inside the jong. Then the rest of the -Ghurkas quickly poured in, and the issue of the assault was no longer in -doubt. - -Lieutenant Grant was gazetted in January of the year following. Havildar -Karbir Pun--the sepoys of our Indian army not being eligible for the -V.C.--received the Indian Order of Merit, which is its equivalent, being -conferred for conspicuous bravery in the field. - - * * * * * - -And so this record of the Victoria Cross and its heroes comes to a close. -It is a brave record, indeed, from Lucas down to Grant, and we may well -be proud of the gallant fellows, soldiers and sailors, British and -Colonials, whose names figure therein. Of late years there has been some -complaint that the decoration is in danger of being cheapened by a too -liberal distribution, but I cannot think that such is the case. The right -to wear the coveted Cross is most jealously guarded; only for acts of -conspicuous bravery is it granted; and he would be a bold man who dared -to place his finger on any one of the 522 names in the list and say, -“That man was not worthy.” How jealously the recipients guard the honour -of the decoration for their part is shown by the fact that Rule 15 of the -original Warrant has never had to be enforced. No wearer of the V.C. has -been struck off the roll for “treason, cowardice, felony, or any infamous -crime.” And if at times we read of a Victoria Cross being sold (almost -invariably for a large amount) to some collector, we may be sure that -another V.C. hero has joined the great majority. The instances in which a -recipient of the Cross has parted with his decoration in his lifetime are -very rare, and this despite the most tempting offers for the same that -are known to have been made. For no medal that can be won by the officers -and men of either Service is so highly prized when gained as the little -bronze Maltese cross bearing the golden words, “FOR VALOUR.” - - - - -APPENDICES - - - - -APPENDIX A. - -ROYAL WARRANTS. - - -The following are the principal Royal Warrants that have been issued in -connection with the Victoria Cross. - - WAR DEPARTMENT, _February 5th, 1856._ - - The Queen has been pleased, by an instrument under her Royal Sign - Manual, of which the following is a copy, to institute and create - a new Naval and Military decoration, to be styled and designated - “The Victoria Cross,” and to make the rules and regulations - therein set forth under which the said decoration shall be - conferred. - - VICTORIA, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great - Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, etc., to all - to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. - - Whereas, We, taking into Our Royal Consideration, that there - exists no means of adequately rewarding the individual gallant - services, either of officers of the lower grades in Our Naval - and Military Service, or of warrant and petty officers, seamen - and marines in Our Navy, and non-commissioned officers in Our - Army. And, whereas, the third class of Our Most Honourable Order - of the Bath is limited, except in very rare cases, to the higher - ranks of both services, and the granting of Medals, both in Our - Navy and Army, is only awarded for long service or meritorious - conduct, rather than for bravery in action or distinction before - an enemy, such cases alone excepted where a general medal is - granted for a particular action or campaign, or a clasp added to - the medal for some especial engagement, in both of which cases - all share equally in the boon, and those who, by their valour, - have particularly signalised themselves, remain undistinguished - from their comrades. Now, for the purpose of attaining an end so - desirable as that of rewarding individual instances of merit and - valour, We have instituted and created, and by these presents for - Us, our Heirs and Successors, institute and create a new Naval - and Military Decoration, which We are desirous should be highly - prized and eagerly sought after by the officers and men of Our - Naval and Military Services, and are graciously pleased to make, - ordain and establish the following rules and ordinances for the - government of the same, which shall from henceforth be inviolably - observed and kept. - - _Firstly._ It is ordained that the distinction shall be styled - and designated “The Victoria Cross,” and shall consist of a - Maltese cross of Bronze, with Our Royal Crest in the centre, and - underneath with an escroll bearing the inscription “For Valour.” - - _Secondly._ It is ordained that the Cross shall be suspended - from the left breast by a blue riband for the Navy, and by a red - riband for the Army. - - _Thirdly._ It is ordained that the names of those upon whom We - may be pleased to confer the Decoration shall be published in the - _London Gazette_, and a registry thereof kept in the Office of - Our Secretary of State for War. - - _Fourthly._ It is ordained that anyone who, after having received - the Cross, shall again perform an act of bravery, which, if he - had not received such Cross, would have entitled him to it, such - further act shall be recorded by a bar attached to the riband by - which the Cross is suspended, and for every additional act of - bravery an additional bar may be added. - - _Fifthly._ It is ordained that the Cross shall only be awarded to - those officers and men who have served Us in the presence of the - enemy, and shall have then performed some signal act of valour or - devotion to their country. - - _Sixthly._ It is ordained, with a view to placing all persons - on a perfectly equal footing in relation to eligibility for the - Decoration, that neither rank, nor long service, nor wounds, nor - any other circumstance or condition whatsoever, save the merit - of conspicuous bravery, shall be held to establish a sufficient - claim to the honour. - - _Seventhly_. It is ordained that the Decoration may be - conferred on the spot where the act to be rewarded by the grant - of such Decoration has been performed, under the following - circumstances:--1. When the fleet or army in which such act has - been performed is under the eye and command of an admiral or - general officer commanding the forces. 2. Where the Naval or - Military force is under the eye and command of an admiral or - commodore commanding a squadron or detached Naval force, or of a - general commanding a corps or division or brigade on a distinct - and detached service, when such admiral or general officer shall - have the power of conferring the Decoration on the spot, subject - to confirmation by Us. - - _Eighthly._ It is ordained where such act shall not have been - performed in sight of a commanding officer as aforesaid, then the - claimant for the honour shall prove the act to the satisfaction - of the captain or officer commanding his ship, or to the officer - commanding the regiment to which the claimant belongs, and such - captain, or such commanding officer, shall report the same - through the usual channel to the admiral or commodore commanding - the force employed in the service, or to the officer commanding - the forces in the field who shall call for such description and - attestation of the act as he may think requisite, and on approval - shall recommend the grant of the Decoration. - - _Ninthly._ It is ordained that every person selected for the - Cross, under Rule 7, shall be publicly decorated before the Naval - or Military force or body to which he belongs, and with which the - act of bravery for which he is to be rewarded shall have been - performed, and his name shall be recorded in a general order - together with the cause of his especial distinction. - - _Tenthly._ It is ordained that every person selected under Rule - 8 shall receive his Decoration as soon as possible, and his name - shall likewise appear in a general order as above required, such - general order to be issued by the Naval or Military commander of - the forces employed on the Service. - - _Eleventhly._ It is ordained that the general orders above - referred to shall from time to time be transmitted to Our - Secretary of State for War, to be laid before Us, and shall be by - him registered. - - _Twelfthly._ It is ordained that, as cases may arise not falling - within the rules above specified, or in which a claim, though - well founded, may not have been established on the spot, We will, - on the joint submission of Our Secretary of State for War and of - Our Commander-in-Chief of Our Army, or on that of Our Lord High - Admiral, or Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in the case of - the Navy, confer the Decoration, but never without conclusive - proofs of the performance of the act of bravery for which the - claim is made. - - _Thirteenthly._ It is ordained that in the event of a gallant and - daring act having been performed by a squadron, ship’s company, - or detached body of seamen and marines not under fifty in number, - or by a brigade, regiment, troop or company in which the admiral, - general, or other officer commanding such forces may deem that - all are equally brave and distinguished, and that no special - selection can be made by them, then in such case the admiral, - general, or other officer commanding, may direct that for any - such body of seamen or marines, or for every troop or company of - soldiers, one officer shall be selected by the officers engaged - for the Decoration, and in like manner one petty officer or - non-commissioned officer shall be selected by the petty officers - and non-commissioned officers engaged, and two seamen or private - soldiers or marines shall be selected by the seamen, or private - soldiers, or marines engaged, respectively for the Decoration, - and the names of those selected shall be transmitted by the - senior officers in command of the Naval force, brigade, regiment, - troop, or company, to the admiral or general officer commanding, - who shall in due manner confer the Decoration as if the acts were - done under his own eye. - - _Fourteenthly._ It is ordained that every warrant officer, - petty officer, seaman or marine, or non-commissioned officer, - or soldier who shall have received the Cross, shall, from the - date of the act by which the Decoration has been gained be - entitled to a special pension of £10 a year, and each additional - bar conferred under Rule 4 on such warrant or petty officers, - or non-commissioned officers or men, shall carry with it an - additional pension of £5 per annum. - - _Fifteenthly._ In order to make such additional provision as - shall effectually preserve pure this most honourable distinction, - it is ordained that, if any person be convicted of treason, - cowardice, felony, or of any infamous crime, or if he be - accused of any such offence, and doth not after a reasonable - time surrender himself to be tried for the same, his name shall - forthwith be erased from the registry of individuals upon whom - the said Decoration shall have been conferred, by an especial - Warrant under Our Royal Sign Manual, and the pension conferred - under Rule 14 shall cease and determine from the date of such - Warrant. It is hereby further declared, that We, Our Heirs - and Successors, shall be the all judges of the circumstances - requiring such expulsion; moreover, We shall at all times have - power to restore such persons as may at any time have been - expelled, both to the enjoyment of the Decoration and Pension. - - Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace, this twenty-ninth day of - January, in the nineteenth year of Our Reign, and in the Year of - Our Lord, 1856. - - By Her Majesty’s command, - - (Signed) PANMURE. - - _To Our Principal Secretary of State for War._ - -On August 10, 1858, the _London Gazette_ announced that by a Warrant -under her Royal Sign Manual, her Majesty was pleased to direct that the -Victoria Cross should be conferred, “subject to the rules and ordinances -already made, on Officers and Men of Her Majesty’s Naval and Military -Services, who may perform acts of conspicuous courage and bravery under -circumstances of extreme danger, such as the occurrence of a fire on -board ship, or of the foundering of a vessel at sea, or under any other -circumstances in which, through the courage and devotion displayed, life -or public property may be saved.” - -As noted in chapter 15, it was under this clause that Private O’Hea, Dr. -Douglas, and several others were gazetted. - - * * * * * - -Provision for the award of the V.C. to Messrs. Kavanagh, Mangles, and -McDonell, who were civilians, was made by a supplemental Warrant, which -was announced in the _Gazette_ on 8th July, 1859, in the following -terms:-- - - The Queen having been graciously pleased by a Warrant under her - Royal Sign Manual, bearing date 13th December 1858, to declare - that Non-Military Persons who, as Volunteers, have borne arms - against the Mutineers, both at Lucknow and elsewhere, during - the late operations in India, shall be considered as eligible - to receive the decoration of the Victoria Cross, subject to the - rules and ordinances, etc. etc. … provided that it be established - in any case that the person was serving under the orders of a - General or other Officer in Command of Troops in the Field; her - Majesty has accordingly been pleased to signify her intention to - confer this high distinction on the undermentioned gentlemen, - etc. etc. - -The Warrant given below, which was issued in 1881, speaks for itself. -It merely restates in plain, unmistakable language the purport of the -original Warrant of 1856. - - _Royal Warrant.--Qualification required for the Decoration of the - Victoria Cross._ - - (This Warrant applies also to the Auxiliary and Reserve Forces.) - - VICTORIA R. - - Whereas doubts have arisen as to the qualification required for - the decoration of the Victoria Cross, and whereas the description - of such qualification in Our Warrant of 29th January, 1856, is - not uniform. Our will and pleasure is that the qualification - shall be “conspicuous bravery or devotion to the country in the - presence of the enemy,” and that Our Warrant of 29th January, - 1856, shall be read and interpreted accordingly. - - It is Our further will and pleasure that Officers and Men of - Our Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (Naval and Military) shall be - eligible for the decoration of the Victoria Cross under the - conditions of Our said Warrant, as amended by this Our Warrant. - - Given at Our Court at Osborne, this 23rd day of April, 1881, in - the forty-fourth year of Our Reign. - - By Her Majesty’s Command, - - HUGH C. E. CHILDERS. - -In the same year, 1881, appeared another Warrant which included as -eligible for the Decoration members of the Indian Ecclesiastical -Establishment, provided that they were serving under a general or other -officer in command of troops in the field. By this provision the Rev. J. -W. Adams was gazetted V.C. - - * * * * * - -Under a later Warrant, dated July 18, 1898, authority was given to -increase the Victoria Cross pension from £10 to £50 a year, the condition -to be satisfied in such cases being inability to earn a livelihood, -in consequence of age or infirmity occasioned by causes beyond an -Annuitant’s control. - -The last Royal Warrant to be issued bears date August 8, 1902, and runs -as follows:-- - -The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the Decoration of -the Victoria Cross being delivered to the _representatives_ of the -undermentioned officers, non-commissioned officers and men who fell -during the recent operations in South Africa, in the performance of -acts of valour which would, in the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief -of the Forces in the Field, have entitled them to be recommended for -that distinction had they survived:--(Here follow the names of Captain -Younger, Lieut. Digby-Jones, and others.) - - - - -APPENDIX B. - -THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C. - - -The names of those who received the Victoria Cross at the first -distribution in Hyde Park, on Friday, June 26th, 1857, are given below, -in the order in which they were presented to her Majesty. - - -THE NAVY. - - RABY, H. J. Commander. - BYTHESEA, J. Commander. - BURGOYNE, H. T. Commander. - LUCAS, C. D. Lieutenant. - HEWETT, W. N. W. Lieutenant. - ROBARTS, J. Gunner. - KELLAWAY, J. Boatswain. - COOPER, H. Boatswain. - TREWAVAS, J. Seaman. - REEVES, T. Seaman. - CURTIS, H. Boatswain’s Mate. - INGOUVILLE, G. Captain of Mast. - - -THE ROYAL MARINES. - - DOWELL, G. D. Lieutenant. - WILKINSON, T. Bombardier. - - -THE ARMY. - - GRIEVE, J. Sergeant-Major 2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys). - PARKES, S. Private 4th Light Dragoons (Queen’s - Own). - DUNN, A. R. Lieutenant 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s - Own). - BERRYMAN, J. Troop Sergt.-Maj. 17th Lancers. - DICKSON, C. Colonel Royal Artillery. - HENRY, A. Captain Royal Artillery. - DAVIS, G. Captain Royal Artillery. - CAMBRIDGE, D. Sergeant Royal Artillery. - ARTHUR, T. Gunner and Driver Royal Artillery. - GRAHAM, G. Lieutenant Royal Engineers. - ROSS, J. Corporal Royal Engineers. - LENDRIM, W. J. Corporal Royal Engineers. - PERIE, J. Sapper Royal Engineers. - PERCY, Hon. H. H. M. Colonel Grenadier Guards. - RUSSELL, Sir C., Bart. Brevet-Major Grenadier Guards. - ABLETT, A. Sergeant Grenadier Guards. - PALMER, A. Private Grenadier Guards. - GOODLAKE, G. L. Brevet-Major Coldstream Guards. - CONOLLY, J. A. Brevet-Major Coldstream Guards (late 49th). - STRONG, G. Private Coldstream Guards. - LINDSAY, R. J. Brevet-Major Scots Fusilier Guards. - MCKECHNIE, J. Sergeant Scots Fusilier Guards. - REYNOLDS, W. Private Scots Fusilier Guards. - GRADY, T. Private 4th (King’s Own) Foot. - HOPE, W. Lieutenant 7th Royal Fusiliers. - HALE, T. E. Assist.-Surg. 7th Royal Fusiliers. - HUGHES, M. Private 7th Royal Fusiliers. - NORMAN, W. Private 7th Royal Fusiliers. - MOYNIHAN, A. Ensign 8th (The King’s) Foot. - EVANS, S. Private 19th (1st Yorkshire North - Riding). - LYONS, J. Private 19th (1st Yorkshire North - Riding). - O’CONNOR, L. Lieutenant 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers. - SHIELDS, R. Corporal 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers. - COFFEY, W. Private 34th (Cumberland) Foot. - SIMS, J. J. Private 34th (Cumberland) Foot. - MCWHEENEY W. Sergeant 44th (East Essex) Foot. - WALTERS, G. Sergeant 49th (Herts, Princess - Charlotte of Wales’s). - OWENS, J. Corporal 49th (Herts, Princess - Charlotte of Wales’s). - LUMLEY, C. H. Brevet-Major 97th (The Earl of Ulster’s) - Foot. - COLEMAN, J. Sergeant 97th (The Earl of Ulster’s) - Foot. - CLIFFORD, Hon. H. H. Brevet-Major Rifle Brigade. - WHEATLEY, F. Private Rifle Brigade. - CUNINGHAME, W. J. M. Captain Rifle Brigade. - KNOX, J. S. Lieutenant Rifle Brigade (late Sergeant - Scots Fusilier Guards). - MCGREGOR, R. Private Rifle Brigade. - HUMPSTON, R. Private Rifle Brigade. - BRADSHAW, J. Private Rifle Brigade. - BOURCHIER, C. T. Brevet-Major Rifle Brigade. - - - - -APPENDIX C. - -WARS AND CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH THE VICTORIA CROSS HAS BEEN WON, FROM 1854 TO -1904. - - - No. of - Crosses - gained. - - Crimea and Baltic 1854-5 111 - Persia 1856-7 3 - Indian Mutiny 1857-9 182 - China (including the Taiping Rebellion) 1860-2; 1900 10 - New Zealand 1860-1; 1863-6 15 - India (Umbeyla) 1863 2 - Japan 1864 3 - India (Bhotan) 1864-5 2 - * Canada 1866 1 - West Africa (Gambia) 1866; 1892 2 - * Andaman Islands 1867 5 - Abyssinia 1867-8 2 - India (Looshai) 1871-2 1 - Ashanti 1873-4; 1900 6 - Perak 1875-6 1 - Quetta (Beloochistan) 1877 1 - South Africa (Kaffir War) 1877-8 1 - Afghanistan 1878-80 16 - Zululand 1879 23 - Basutoland 1879 and 1881 6 - India (Naga Hills) 1879-80 1 - South Africa (First Boer War) 1880-1 6 - Egypt and Soudan 1882; 1884-5 8 - Burma 1889; 1893 3 - Manipur (N.E. India) 1891 1 - India (Hunza-Nagar) 1891 3 - Chitral 1895 1 - Matabeleland 1896 3 - India (Punjab Frontier) 1897-8 11 - Soudan (Khartoum) 1898 5 - Crete 1898 1 - South Africa (Second Boer War) 1899-1902 78 - Somaliland 1902-4 6 - Nigeria 1903 1 - Tibet 1904 1 - ---- - Total 522 - ==== - -* Not gained in action. - - - - -APPENDIX D. - -COMPLETE ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RECIPIENTS OF THE V.C. - - -[The date given in each instance denotes when the act of bravery was -performed for which the decoration was awarded. The names printed in -_italics_ are those of recipients who are still living. To assist -identification, former, as well as present, titles of regiments are -given in cases where the V.C. was won before the Territorial System -was adopted. Example: 43rd R. (old title), now known as (1st Batt.) -Oxfordshire Light Infantry.] - - ABLETT, Private A. Grenadier Guards Crimea 1855 - - ADAMS, Rev. J. W. Bengal Eccles. Afghanistan 1879 - Establishment - - _ADAMS, Lt.-Col. (now Indian Army Upper Swat 1897 - Col.) R. B._ - - ADDISON, Private H. 43rd R. (Oxf. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1859 - - AIKMAN, Lieut. (late Indian Army ” 1858 - Col.) F. R. - - AITKIN, Lieut. (late ” ” 1857 - Col.) R. H. M. - - ALBRECHT, Trooper H. Imperial Light Horse South Africa 1900 - - ALEXANDER, Private J. 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Crimea 1855 - - ALLEN, Corporal W. 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Borderers) - - ANDERSON, Private C. 2nd Dragoon Guards Indian Mutiny 1858 - - ANSON, Captain (late 84th (York and Lancs.) R. ” 1857 - Lt.-Col.) the Hon. - A. H. A. - - ARTHUR, Gunner T. Royal Artillery Crimea 1855 - - _ASHFORD, Private T._ 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Afghanistan 1880 - - ATKINSON, Sergeant A. Yorkshire R. South Africa 1900 - - _AYLMER, Captain (now Royal Engineers Nilt 1891 - Col.) F. J._ - - - _BABTIE, Major (now Royal Army Med. Corps South Africa 1899 - Lt.-Col.) W._ - - BAKER, Lieut. C. G. Indian Police Indian Mutiny 1858 - - BAMBRICK, Private V. 60th Rifles (King’s Royal ” 1858 - Rifle Corps) - - BANKES, Cornet W. G. H. 7th Hussars ” 1858 - - BARRY, Private J. Royal Irish R. South Africa 1901 - - BAXTER, Trooper F. W. Bulawayo Field Force Rhodesia 1897 - - BEACH, Private T. 55th (Border) R. Crimea 1854 - - _BEES, Private W._ Sherwood Foresters South Africa 1901 - (Derbyshire R.) - - _BEET, Corporal H. C._ ” ” 1900 - - _BELL, Private D._ 24th R. (S. Wales Andaman I. 1867 - Borderers) - - BELL, Captain (late 23rd R. (Royal Welsh Crimea 1854 - Maj.-Gen.) E. W. D. Fusiliers) - - _BELL, Lieut. F. W._ W. Australian Mt. Inf. South Africa 1901 - - BELL, Lieut. (late Royal Engineers Ashanti 1874 - Col.) M. S. - - BERESFORD, Captain 9th Lancers Zululand 1879 - (late Gen.) Lord W. - L. De la Poer - - BERGIN, Private J. 33rd (W. Riding) R. Abyssinia 1868 - - BERRYMAN, Troop- 17th Lancers Crimea 1854 - Sergt.-Major (late - Major) J. - - _BISDEE, Private (now Tasmanian Imperial South Africa 1900 - Lieut.) J. H._ Bushmen - - BLAIR, Captain (late Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - Gen.) J. - - BLAIR, Lieut. (late 2nd Dragoon Guards ” 1857 - Gen.) R. - - BOGLE, Lieut. (late 78th (Seaforth) ” 1857 - Major) A. C. Highlanders - - _BOISRAGON, Lieut. (now Indian Army Hunza-Nagar 1891 - Major) G. H._ - - BOOTH, Col.-Sergt. A. 80th (S. Staffs.) R. Zululand 1879 - - BOULGER, Lance-Corpl. 84th (York and Lancs.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Lt.-Col.) A. - - BOURCHIER, Lieut. (late Rifle Brigade Crimea 1854 - Col.) C. T. - - BOYES, Midshipman D. G. Royal Navy Japan 1864 - - _BRADLEY, Driver F. G._ Royal Field Artillery South Africa 1901 - - BRADSHAW, Private J. Rifle Brigade Crimea 1855 - - BRADSHAW, Assistant- 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Surgeon W. - - BRENNAN, Bombardier J. Royal Artillery ” 1858 - - BROMHEAD, Lieut. (late 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Major) G. S. Borderers) - - BROWN, Lieut. (late 101st R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) F. D. M. Fusiliers) - - BROWN, Trooper P. Cape Mounted Rifles Basutoland 1879 - - _BROWN-SYNGE-HUTCHINSON, 14th Hussars South Africa 1900 - Major E. D._ - - _BROWNE, Lieut. (now 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Brig.-Gen.) E. S._ Borderers) - - _BROWNE, Captain (now 32nd R. (D. of Corn. Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) H. G._ L.I.) - - BROWNE, Brevet-Major Indian Army ” 1858 - (late Gen.) Sir S. J. - - BUCKLEY, J., Deputy- ” ” 1857 - Assist.-Commiss. of - Ordnance, Bengal - - BUCKLEY, Capt. C. W. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - _BULLER, Captain (now 60th R. (King’s Royal Zululand 1879 - Gen. Sir) R. H._ Rifle Corps) - - BURGOYNE, Capt. H. T. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - BURSLEM, Lieut. (late 67th (Hampshire) R. China 1860 - Capt.) N. - - BUTLER, Lieut. (late 101st R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1858 - Major) T. A. Fusiliers) - - BYRNE, Private J. 86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles) ” 1858 - - BYRNE, Private J. 68th R. (Durham L.I.) Crimea 1854 - - _BYRNE, Private T._ 21st Lancers Khartoum 1898 - - BYTHESEA, Lieut. (late Royal Navy Baltic 1854 - Rear-Admiral) J. - - - _CADELL, Lieut. (now 104th R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) T._ Fusiliers) - - _CAFE, Lieut. (now Indian Army ” 1858 - Gen.) W. M._ - - CAMBRIDGE, Sergt. D. Royal Artillery Crimea 1855 - - _CAMERON, Lieut. (now 72nd (Seaforth) Indian Mutiny 1858 - Col.) A. S._ Highlanders - - CARLIN, Private P. 13th R. (Somerset L.I.) ” 1858 - - _CARTER, Lieut. H. A._ Indian Army Somaliland 1903 - - _CHAMPION, Sergeant- 8th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1858 - Major J._ - - CHANNER, Colonel (late Indian Army Perak 1875 - Gen.) G. N. - - _CHAPLIN, Ensign (now 67th (Hampshire) R. China 1860 - Col.) J. W._ - - CHARD, Lieut. (late Royal Engineers Zululand 1879 - Col.) J. R. M. - - _CHASE, Captain (now Indian Army Afghanistan 1880 - Col.) W. St. L._ - - CHICKEN, G. B. Royal (Indian) Navy Indian Mutiny 1858 - - _CLEMENTS, Corpl. J. J._ Rimington’s Guides South Africa 1900 - - CLIFFORD, Lieut. (late Rifle Brigade Crimea 1854 - Major-Gen. Hon. Sir) - H. H. - - CLOGSTOUN, Capt. H. M. Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1859 - - _COBBE, Capt. (now Indian Army Somaliland 1902 - Lt.-Col.) A. S._ - - COCHRANE, Lieut. (late 86th R. (Royal Irish Indian Mutiny 1858 - Col.) H. S. Rifles) - - _COCKBURN, Lieut. Royal Canadian Dragoons South Africa 1900 - H. Z. C._ - - COFFEY, Private W. 34th (Border) R. Crimea 1855 - - COGHILL, Lieut. 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - N. J. A. Borderers) - - _COGHLAN, Col.-Sergt. 75th (Gordon) Indian Mutiny 1857 - (now Sergt.-Major) C._ Highlanders - - COLEMAN, Sergeant J. 97th (Royal West Kent) R. Crimea 1855 - - COLLIS, Gunner J. Royal Horse Artillery Afghanistan 1880 - - _COLVIN, Lieut. (now Royal Engineers (Indian) Mamund 1897 - Major) J. M. C._ - - COMMERELL, Lieut. (late Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Admiral Sir) J. E. - - _CONGREVE, Capt. (now Rifle Brigade South Africa 1899 - Col.) W. N._ - - CONNOLLY, Gunner W. Bengal Horse Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - - CONNORS, Private J. 3rd R. (East Kent R., Crimea 1855 - “The Buffs”) - - CONOLLY, Lieut. (late 49th (Royal Berks) R. ” 1854 - Lt.-Col.) J. A. - - COOK, Captain J. Indian Army Afghanistan 1878 - - COOK, Private W. 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1859 - Highlanders - - COOPER, Boatswain H. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - COOPER, Private J. 24th R. (S. Wales Andaman I. 1867 - Borderers) - - CORBETT, Private F. 60th R. (King’s Royal Egypt 1882 - Rifle Corps) - - _COSTELLO, Lieut. (now Indian Army Malakand 1897 - Capt.) E. W._ - - COULSON, Lieut. King’s Own Scottish South Africa 1901 - G. H. B. Borderers - - CRAIG, Sergeant J. Scots Guards Crimea 1855 - - _CRANDON, Pte. H. D._ 18th Hussars South Africa 1901 - - _CREAGH, Capt. (now Indian Army Afghanistan 1879 - Maj.-Gen. Sir) O’M._ - - _CREAN, Surg.-Capt. Imperial Light Horse South Africa 1901 - T. J._ - - _CRIMMIN, Surg. (now Indian Medical Service Burma 1889 - Lt.-Col.) J._ - - CROWE, Lieut. J. P. H. 78th (Seaforth) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - CUBITT, Lieut. (late Indian Army ” 1857 - Col.) W. G. - - CUNINGHAME, Lieut. Rifle Brigade Crimea 1854 - (late Col. Sir) - W. J. M. - - _CURTIS, Private (now East Surrey R. South Africa 1900 - Corporal) A. E._ - - CURTIS, Boatswain’s Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Mate H. - - - DALTON, Assistant- Army Service Corps Zululand 1879 - Commissary J. L. - - _DANAHER, Trooper (now Nourse’s Horse South Africa 1881 - Sergeant) J._ - - DANIELS, Midshipman Royal Navy Crimea 1854-5 - E. St. J. - - D’ARCY, Captain C. Frontier Light Horse Zululand 1879 - - DAUNT, Lieut. (late Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) J. C. C. - - _DAVIES, Lieut. (now King’s Royal Rifle Corps South Africa 1901 - Capt.) L. A. E. P._ - - DAVIS, Captain (late Royal Artillery Crimea 1855 - Maj.-Gen.) G. - - DAVIS, Private J. 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1858 - Highlanders - - DAY, Lieut. (late Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Capt.) G. F. - - DE MONTMORENCY, Lt. 21st Lancers Khartoum 1898 - Hon. R. H. L. J. - - DEMPSEY, Private D. 10th (Lincolnshire) R. Ind. Mutiny 1857-8 - - DIAMOND, Sergeant B. Bengal Horse Artillery ” 1857 - - DICK-CUNYNGHAM, Lt. 92nd (Gordon) Afghanistan 1879 - (late Lt.-Col.) W. H. Highlanders - - DICKSON, Lieut. (late Royal Artillery Crimea 1854 - Gen. Sir) C. - - DIGBY-JONES, Lieut. Royal Engineers South Africa 1900 - R. J. T. - - DIVANE, Private J. 60th R. (King’s Royal Indian Mutiny 1857 - Rifle Corps) - - DIXON, Captain (late Royal Artillery Crimea 1855 - Maj.-Gen.) M. C. - - DONOHOE, Private P. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _DOOGAN, Private J._ 1st Dragoon Guards South Africa 1881 - - _DOUGLAS, Assist.-Surg. 24th R. (S. Wales Andaman I. 1867 - (now Lt.-Col.) C. M._ Borderers) - - _DOUGLAS, Lieut. (now Royal Army Medical Corps South Africa 1900 - Capt.) H. E. M._ - - _DOWELL, Lieut. (now Royal Marine Artillery Baltic 1855 - Lt.-Col.) G. D._ - - DOWLING, Private W. 32nd R. (D. of Corn. Indian Mutiny 1857 - L.I.) - - DOWN, Ensign J. T. 57th (W. Middlesex) R. New Zealand 1863 - - _DOXAT, Lieut. A. C._ Imperial Yeomanry South Africa 1900 - - DUFFY, Private T. 102nd R. (Royal Dublin Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - DUGDALE, Lieut. F. B. 5th Lancers South Africa 1901 - - DUNDAS, Lieut. J. Royal Engineers Bhotan 1865 - - DUNLEY, L.-Corpl. J. 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - DUNN, Lieut. (afterwards 11th Hussars Crimea 1854 - Lt.-Col.) A. R. - - _DURRANT, Private E._ Rifle Brigade South Africa 1900 - - DYNON, Sergeant D. 53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - - _EDWARDS, Private T._ 42nd (Black Watch) Soudan 1884 - Highlanders - - _EDWARDS, Lieut. (now Highland Light Infantry Egypt 1882 - Maj.) W. M. M._ - - ELPHINSTONE, Lieut. Royal Engineers Crimea 1855 - (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) - H. C. - - ELTON, Capt. (late 55th (Border) R. ” 1855 - Lt.-Col.) F. C. - - _ENGLEHEART, Sergt. H._ 10th Hussars South Africa 1900 - - _ENGLISH, Lieut. W. J._ 2nd Scottish Horse ” 1901 - - ESMONDE, Capt. (late 18th (Royal Irish) R. Crimea 1855 - Lieut.-Col.) T. - - EVANS, Private S. 19th (Yorkshire) R. ” 1855 - - - _FARMER, Sergeant D._ Cameron Highlanders South Africa 1900 - - _FARMER, Lance-Corpl. Army Hospital Corps ” 1881 - (now Corporal) J. J._ - - FARQUHARSON, Lieut. 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1858 - F. E. H. Highlanders - - FARRELL, Q.-M. J. 17th Lancers Crimea 1854 - - FFRENCH, Lieut. A. K. 53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _FINCASTLE, Lieut. 16th Lancers Upper Swat 1897 - (now Maj.) Viscount_ - - _FINDLATER, Piper G._ Gordon Highlanders Dargai 1897 - - _FIRTH, Sergeant W._ West Riding R. South Africa 1900 - - _FITZ-CLARENCE, Capt. Royal Fusiliers ” 1899 - (now Maj.) C._ - - FITZGERALD, Gunner R. Bengal Horse Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - - FITZGIBBON, Hospital- Indian Medical Service China 1860 - Apprentice A. F. - - _FITZPATRICK, Private 94th R. (Connaught Basutoland 1879 - F._ Rangers) - - _FLAWN, Private T._ ” ” 1879 - - FLINN, Drummer T. 64th (N. Staff.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - - FORREST, Captain G. Indian Army ” 1857 - - _FOSBERY, Lieut. (now ” Umbeyla 1863 - Lt.-Col.) G. V._ - - _FOWLER, Private (now 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Zululand 1879 - Sergeant) E._ - - FRASER, Major (late 7th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1858 - Gen. Sir) C. C. - - FREEMAN, Private J. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - - GARDINER, Col.-Sergt. G. 57th (Middlesex) R. Crimea 1855 - - GARDNER, Quarter- 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1858 - Master-Sergt. W. Highlanders - - GARVIN, Col.-Sergt. S. 60th R. (King’s Royal Indian Mutiny 1857 - Rifle Corps) - - _GIFFORD, Lieut. E. F. 24th R. (S. Wales Ashanti 1873-4 - (now Major Lord)_ Borderers) - - GILL, Sergt.-Major P. Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _GLASOCK, Driver H. H._ Royal Horse Artillery South Africa 1900 - - GOATE, Lance-Corpl. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1858 - (late Corpl.) W. - - _GOODFELLOW, Lieut. Royal Engineers ” 1859 - (now Lieut.-Gen.) C. A._ - - GOODLAKE, Capt. (late Coldstream Guards Crimea 1854 - Lt.-Gen.) G. L. - - _GORDON, Capt. W. E._ Gordon Highlanders South Africa 1900 - - _GORDON, Lance-Corpl. West India R. Gambia 1892 - (now Sergt.) W. J._ - - GORMAN, Seaman J. H. Royal Navy Crimea 1854 - - GOUGH, Capt. (now Gen. Indian Army Ind. Mutiny 1857-8 - Sir) C. J. S. - - _GOUGH, Lieut. (now Gen. ” ” 1857-8 - Sir) H. H._ - - _GOUGH, Major (now Rifle Brigade Somaliland 1903 - Lt.-Col.) J. E._ - - _GRADY, Private (late 4th (Royal Lancaster) R. Crimea 1854 - Sergt.) T._ - - GRAHAM, Lieut. (late Royal Engineers ” 1855 - Lt.-Gen. Sir) G. - - GRAHAM, Private P. 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _GRANT, Lieut. (now Indian Army Manipur 1891 - Major) C. J. W._ - - _GRANT, Lieut. J. D._ ” Tibet 1904 - - GRANT, Private P. 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - GRANT, Sergeant R. 5th R. (Northumberland ” 1857 - (orig. gazetted Ewart) Fusiliers) - - GREEN, Private (late 75th (Gordon) Highlanders ” 1857 - Col.-Sergt.) P. - - GRIEVE, Sergt.-Major J. 2nd Dragoons (Scots Crimea 1854 - Greys) - - GRIFFITHS, Private W. 24th R. (S. Wales Andaman I. 1867 - Borderers) - - GUISE, Major 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Indian Mutiny 1857 - (Lt.-Gen.) J. C. - - _GUY, Midshipman (now Royal Navy China 1900 - Lieut.) B. J. D._ - - - HACKETT, Lieut. (late 23rd R. (Royal Welsh Indian Mutiny 1857 - Lt.-Col.) T. B. Fusiliers) - - _HALE, Assist.-Surgeon 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Crimea 1855 - (now Surg.-Maj.) T. E._ - - _HALL, Seaman W._ Royal Navy Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _HALLIDAY, Capt. (now Royal Marine L.I. China 1900 - Major) L. S. T._ - - _HAMILTON, Capt. (now 68th R. (Durham L.I.) Crimea 1855 - Major-Gen.) T. de C._ - - HAMILTON, Lieut. Indian Army Afghanistan 1879 - W. R. P. - - _HAMMOND, Capt. (now ” ” 1879 - Col. Sir) A. G._ - - _HAMPTON, Sergeant H._ The King’s (L’pool) R. South Africa 1900 - - HANCOCK, Private T. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _HARDHAM, Far.-Major 4th New Zealand South Africa 1901 - (now Lieut.) W. J._ Contingent - - _HARDING, Gunner (now Royal Navy Egypt 1882 - Chief Gunner) I._ - - HARRINGTON, Lieut. Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - H. E. - - HARRISON, Boatswain’s Royal Navy ” 1857 - Mate J. - - _HART, Lieut. (now Royal Engineers Afghanistan 1879 - Lt.-Gen. Sir) R. C._ - - HARTIGAN, Sergt. H. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _HARTLEY, Surg.-Major Cape Mounted Rifles Basutoland 1879 - (now Lt.-Col.) E. B._ - - HAVELOCK, Lieut. H. M. 10th (Lincs.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Lieut.-Gen. Sir - H. M. Havelock-Allan, Bart.) - - HAWKES, Private D. Rifle Brigade ” 1858 - - HAWTHORNE, Bugler R. 52nd R. (Oxf. L.I.) ” 1857 - - HEAPHY, Major C. Auckland Militia New Zealand 1864 - - _HEATHCOTE, Lieut. 60th R. (King’s Royal Indian Mutiny 1857 - A. S._ Rifle Corps) - - _HEATON, Private W._ The King’s (L’pool) R. South Africa 1900 - - _HENDERSON, Trooper Bulawayo Field Force Rhodesia 1896 - H. S._ - - HENEAGE, Captain (late 8th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1858 - Major) C. W. - - HENRY, Sergt.-Major Royal Artillery Crimea 1854 - (late Captain) A. - - HEWETT, Lieut. (late Royal Navy Crimea 1854 - Vice-Admiral Sir) - W. N. W. - - _HILL, Lieut. A. R. 58th (Northampt.) R. South Africa 1881 - (now Major A. R. - Hill-Walker)_ - - HILL, Sergeant S. 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _HILLS, Lieut. J. (now Bengal Horse Artillery ” 1857 - Lieut.-Gen. Sir J. - Hills-Johnes, G.C.B.)_ - - HINCKLEY, Seaman G. Royal Navy China 1862 - - _HITCH, Private F._ 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Borderers) - - HODGE, Private S. 4th West India R. Gambia 1866 - - _HOLLAND, Sergeant E._ Royal Canad. Dragoons South Africa 1900 - - HOLLIS, Farrier G. 8th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1858 - - HOLLOWELL, Private J. 78th (Seaforth) Highlanders ” 1857 - - HOLMES, Private J. 84th (York and Lan.) R. ” 1857 - - _HOME, Surgeon (now 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) ” 1857 - Surg.-Gen. Sir) A. D._ - - HOME, Lieut. D. C. Bengal Engineers ” 1857 - - HOOK, Private H. 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Borderers) - - _HOPE, Lieut. (now 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Crimea 1855 - Lt.-Col.) W._ - - _HORE-RUTHVEN, Capt. Highland Light Infantry Soudan 1898 - Hon. A. G. A._ - - _HOUSE, Private W._ Royal Berks. R. South Africa 1900 - - _HOWSE, Captain (now N. S. Wales Med. Staff ” 1900 - Major) N. R._ Corps - - HUGHES, Private 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Crimea 1855 - (afterwards Corpl.) M. - - HUMPSTON, Private Rifle Brigade ” 1855 - (afterwards Sergt.) R. - - - _IND, Shoe-Smith A. E._ Royal Horse Artillery South Africa 1901 - - INGOUVILLE, Captain Royal Navy Baltic 1855 - of Mast G. - - _INKSON, Lieut. (now Royal Army Medical Corps South Africa 1900 - Capt. E. T.)_ - - _INNES, Lieut. (now Bengal Engineers Indian Mutiny 1858 - Lt.-Gen.) J. J. M’L._ - - IRWIN, Private C. 53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.) ” 1857 - - - JARRETT, Lieut. (late Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1858 - Col.) H. C. T. - - JEE, Surgeon (late 78th (Seaforth) ” 1857 - Dep.-Insp.-Gen.) J. Highlanders - - JENNINGS, Roughrider E. Bengal Artillery ” 1857 - - JEROME, Lieut. (late 86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles) ” 1858 - Maj.-Gen.) H. E. - - _JOHNSTONE, Capt. R._ Imperial Light Horse South Africa 1899 - - JOHNSTONE, Stoker W. Royal Navy Baltic 1854 - - _JONES, Lieut. (now 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - Lt.-Col.) A. S._ - - _JONES, Captain H. M._ 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Crimea 1855 - - JONES, Private R. 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Borderers) - - _JONES, Private W._ ” ” 1879 - - - KAVANAGH, Assist.- Indian Civil Service Indian Mutiny 1857 - Commiss. T. H. - - KEATINGE, Capt. (late Bombay Artillery ” 1858 - Gen.) R. H. - - KELLAWAY, Boatswain J. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - KELLS, Lance-Corpl. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Trum.-Maj.) R. - - _KENNA, Capt. (now 21st Lancers Khartoum 1898 - Lt.-Col.) P. A._ - - _KENNEDY, Private C._ Highland L.I. South Africa 1900 - - KENNY, Private J. 53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _KERR, Lieut. W. A._ Indian Army ” 1857 - - _KIRBY, Corpl. (now Royal Engineers South Africa 1900 - Sergt.) F._ - - KIRK, Private J. 10th (Lincolnshire) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _KNIGHT, Corp. H. J._ The King’s (L’pool) R. South Africa 1900 - - KNOX, Sergt. (late Scots Guards Crimea 1854 - Maj.) J. S. - - - LAMBERT, Sergt.-Maj. G. 84th (York and Lancs.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - - LANE, Private T. 67th (Hampshire) R. China 1860 - - LAUGHNAN, Gunner T. Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - - LAWRENCE, Lieut. S.H. 32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.) ” 1857 - - _LAWRENCE, Sergt. (now 17th Lancers South Africa 1900 - Lieut.) T._ - - _LAWSON, Private E._ Gordon Highlanders Dargai 1897 - - _LE QUESNE, Surg.-Capt. Royal Army Medical Corps Burma 1889 - (now Maj.) F.S._ - - _LEACH, Capt. (now Royal Engineers Afghanistan 1879 - Lt.-Gen.) E. P._ - - LEET, Major (late 13th R. (Somerset) L.I. Zululand 1879 - Maj.-Gen.) W. K. - - LEITCH, Col.-Sergt. P. Royal Engineers Crimea 1855 - - LEITH, Lieut. (late 14th Hussars Indian Mutiny 1858 - Major) J. - - LENDRIM (or LINDRIM), Royal Engineers Crimea 1855 - Corporal (afterwards - Q.-M.-Sergt.) W. J. - - LENNOX, Lieut. (late ” ” 1854 - Gen. Sir) W. O. - - LENON, Lieut. (late 67th (Hampshire) R. China 1860 - Major) E. H. - - LINDSAY, Lieut. R. J. Scots Guards Crimea 1854 - (late Lord Wantage) - - _LLOYD, Surg.-Major Royal Army Medical Corps Burma 1893 - (now Col.) O. E. P._ - - _LODGE, Gunner I._ Royal Horse Artillery South Africa 1900 - - _LUCAS, Lieut. (now Royal Navy Baltic 1854 - Rear-Admiral) C. D._ - - LUCAS, Col.-Sergt. J. 40th (S. Lancs.) R. New Zealand 1861 - - LUMLEY, Major C. H. 97th (West Kent) R. Crimea 1855 - - LYONS, Private J. 19th (Yorkshire) R. ” 1855 - - _LYSONS, Lieut. (now 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Zululand 1879 - Col.) H._ - - _LYSTER, Lieut. (now Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1858 - Lt.-Gen.) H. H._ - - - M’BEAN, Lieut. (late 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1858 - Maj.-Gen.) W. Highlanders - - M’CORRIE, Private C. 57th (Middlesex) R. Crimea 1855 - - M’CREA, Surg. J. F. Cape Mounted Yeomanry Basutoland 1881 - - M’DERMOND, Private J. 47th (N. Lancs.) R. Crimea 1854 - - M’DONELL, W. F. Indian Civil Service Indian Mutiny 1857 - - M’DOUGALL, Private J. 44th (Essex) R. China 1860 - - M’GAW, Lance-Sergt. S. 42nd (Black Watch) Ashanti 1874 - Highlanders - - M’GOVERN, Private J. 101st R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - M’GREGOR, Private R. Rifle Brigade Crimea 1855 - - M’GUIRE, Sergt. J. 101st R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - M’HALE, Private P. 5th R. (Northumberland ” 1857 - Fusiliers) - - M’INNES, Gunner H. Bengal Artillery ” 1857 - - M’KECHNIE, Sergt. J. Scots Guards Crimea 1854 - - _M’KENNA, Col.-Sergt. 65th (York and Lancs.) R. New Zealand 1863 - (now Ensign) E._ - - M’MASTER, Assist.-Surg. 78th (Seaforth) Indian Mutiny 1857 - V. M. Highlanders - - M’NEILL, Lieut.-Col. 107th (Royal Sussex) R. New Zealand 1864 - (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) - J. C. - - M’PHERSON, Col.- 78th (Seaforth) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Sergt. S. Highlanders - - M’QUIRT, Private B. 95th (Derbyshire) R. ” 1858 - - M’WHEENEY, Sergt. W. 44th (Essex) R. Crimea 1854-5 - - MACDONALD, Col.-Sergt. Royal Engineers ” 1855 - (late Capt.) H. - - MACINTYRE, Major Indian Army Looshai 1872 - (late Maj.-Gen.) D. - - MACKAY, Private D. 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - _MACKAY, Corporal (now Gordon Highlanders South Africa 1900 - Lieut.) J. F._ - - _MACKENZIE, Sergeant Seaforth Highlanders Ashanti 1900 - (now Capt.) J._ - - MACLEAN, Lieut. Indian Army Upper Swat 1897 - H. L. S. - - MACMANUS, Private P. 5th R. (Northumberland Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - MACPHERSON, Lieut. 78th (Seaforth) Highlanders ” 1857 - (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) - H. T. - - MADDEN, Sergt.- 41st (Welsh) R. Crimea 1854 - Major A. - - MAGNER, Drummer M. 33rd (West Riding) R. Abyssinia 1868 - - MAHONEY, Sergt. P. 102nd R. (Royal Dublin Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - MAILLARD, Surg. W. J. Royal Navy Crete 1898 - - MALCOLMSON, Lieut. Indian Army Persia 1857 - J. G. - - MALONE, Sergeant J. 13th Hussars Crimea 1854 - - MANGLES, R. L. Indian Civil Service Indian Mutiny 1857 - - MANLEY, Assist.-Surg. Royal Artillery New Zealand 1864 - (late Surg.-Gen.) - W. G. N. - - _MANSEL-JONES, Capt. W. Yorkshire R. South Africa 1900 - C._ - - _MARLING, Lieut. King’s Royal Rifle Corps Soudan 1884 - (now Col.) P. S._ - - _MARSHALL, Q.-M.-S. 19th Hussars ” 1884 - (now Major) W. T._ - - _MARTIN-LEAKE, Surg.- South African Constabulary South Africa 1902 - Capt. A._ - - _MARTINEAU, Sergt. Protectorate Regiment ” 1899 - H. R._ - - _MASTERSON, Lieut. Devonshire R. ” 1900 - (now Major) J. E. I._ - - MAUDE, Captain (late Royal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) F. C. - - MAUDE, Major (late 3rd (East Kent) R. Crimea 1855 - Sir) F. F. - - _MAXWELL, Lieut. (now Indian Army South Africa 1900 - Lt.-Col.) F. A._ - - _MAYGAR, Lieut. L. C._ Victorian Mount. Rifles ” 1901 - - _MAYO, Midshipman A._ Royal (Indian) Navy Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _MEIKLEJOHN, Captain Gordon Highlanders South Africa 1899 - M. F. M._ - - _MELLISS, Captain (now Indian Army Ashanti 1900 - Lt.-Col.) C. J._ - - MELVILL, Lieut. T. 24th R. (S.W. Borderers) Zululand 1879 - - _MILBANKE, Captain 10th Hussars South Africa 1900 - (now Major) Sir J. P._ - - MILLAR, Private D. 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1859 - Highlanders - - MILLER, Lt.-Col. F. Royal Artillery Crimea 1854 - - MILLER, Conductor Bengal Ordnance Corps Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Major) J. - - MITCHELL, Captain Royal Navy New Zealand 1864 - of the Foretop S. - - MONAGHAN, Trumpeter 2nd Dragoon Guards Indian Mutiny 1858 - T. - - MONGER, Private G. 23rd R. (Royal Welsh ” 1857 - Fusiliers) - - _MOORE, Lieut. (now Indian Army Persia 1857 - Major-Gen.) A. T._ - - MOORE, Colonel H. G. 88th R. (Conn. Rangers) South Africa 1877 - - MORLEY, Private S. Army Service Corps Indian Mutiny 1858 - - MOUAT, Surgeon (late 6th Dragoons Crimea 1854 - Surg.-Gen. Sir) J. - - MOYNIHAN, Sergt. A. 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) ” 1855 - - _MULLANE, Sergt. (now Royal Horse Artillery Afghanistan 1880 - Sergt.-Major) P._ - - _MULLINS, Capt. (now Imperial Light Horse South Africa 1899 - Major) C. H._ - - MUNRO, Col.-Sergt. J. 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - MURPHY, Private M. Army Service Corps ” 1858 - - _MURPHY, Private T._ 24th R. (S. Wales Andaman I. 1867 - Borderers) - - _MURRAY, Lance-Corpl. 94th R. (Connaught Rangers) South Africa 1881 - (now Corporal) J._ - - _MURRAY, Sergeant J._ 68th R. (Durham L.I.) New Zealand 1864 - - MYLOTT, Private P. 84th (York and Lan.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - - - _NAPIER, Sergeant W._ 13th R. (Somerset L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1858 - - NASH, Corporal W. Rifle Brigade ” 1858 - - _NESBITT, Capt. R. C._ Mashonaland Mounted Police Rhodesia 1896 - - NEWELL, Private R. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1858 - - _NICKERSON, Lieut. Royal Army Medical Corps South Africa 1900 - (now Capt.) W. H. S._ - - NORMAN, Private W. 7th R. (Royal Fusiliers) Crimea 1854 - - _NORWOOD, Sec. Lieut. 5th Dragoon Guards South Africa 1899 - (now Captain) J._ - - _NURSE, Corporal Royal Field Artillery ” 1899 - G. E._ - - - _O’CONNOR, Sergt. 23rd R. (Royal Welsh Crimea 1855 - (now Maj.-Gen.) L._ Fusiliers) - - ODGERS, Seaman W. Royal Navy New Zealand 1860 - - O’HEA, Private T. Rifle Brigade Canada 1866 - - OLPHERTS, Capt. Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Gen. Sir) W. - - _OSBORNE, Private J._ 58th (Northampton) R. South Africa 1881 - - O’TOOLE, Sergeant E. Frontier Light Horse Zululand 1879 - - OWENS, Corporal 49th (Royal Berks.) R. Crimea 1854 - (afterwards Sergt.) J. - - OXENHAM, Corpl. W. 32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - - PALMER, Private A. Grenadier Guards Crimea 1854 - - PARK, Sergeant J. 77th (Middlesex) R. ” 1854-5 - - PARK, Gunner J. Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _PARKER, Sergeant C._ Royal Horse Artillery South Africa 1900 - - PARKES, Private S. 4th Hussars Crimea 1854 - - PARSONS, Lieut. F. N. Essex Regiment South Africa 1900 - - _PATON, Sergeant J._ 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Highlanders - - PEARSON, Private J. 86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles) ” 1858 - - PEARSON, Private J. 8th Hussars ” 1858 - - PEEL, Captain (Sir) W. Royal Navy Crimea 1854-5 - - _PENNELL, Lieut. (now Sherwood Foresters (Notts Dargai 1897 - Capt.) H. S._ and Derby R.) - - PERCY, Lieut.-Col. Grenadier Guards Crimea 1854 - Hon. H. H. M. - (afterwards Lord Percy) - - PERIE, Sapper J. Royal Engineers ” 1855 - - PHILLIPS, Ensign Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - E. A. L. - - _PHIPPS-HORNBY, Maj. Royal Horse Artillery South Africa 1900 - (now Col.) E. J._ - - PICKARD, Lieut. A. F. Royal Artillery New Zealand 1863 - - PITCHER, Lieut. (late Indian Army Umbeyla 1863 - Capt.) H. W. - - _PITTS, Private J._ Manchester Regiment South Africa 1900 - - _PRENDERGAST, Lieut. Madras Engineers Indian Mutiny 1857 - (now Gen. Sir) - H. N. D._ - - PRETTYJOHN, Colour- Royal Marine L.I. Crimea 1854 - Sergeant J. - - PRIDE, Captain of Royal Navy Japan 1864 - After-Guard T. - - _PROBYN, Captain (now Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - General Sir) D. M._ - - PROSSER, Private J. 1st R. (Royal Scots) Crimea 1855 - - PURCELL, Private J. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - PYE, Sergt.-Major C. 53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.) ” 1857 - - - _RABY, Lieut. (now Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Rear-Admiral) H. J._ - - RAMAGE, Sergt. H. 2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys) ” 1854 - - _RAMSDEN, Trooper (now Protectorate Regiment South Africa 1899 - Lieut.) H. E._ - - _RAVENHILL, Private G._ Royal Scots Fusiliers. ” 1899 - - RAYNOR, Captain W. Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - - READE, Surg. (late 61st (Gloucester) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - Surg.-Gen.) H. T. - - _REED, Capt. (now Royal Field Artillery South Africa 1899 - Major) H. L._ - - REEVES, Seaman T. Royal Navy Crimea 1854 - - RENNIE, Lieut. (late 90th R. (Scottish Rifles) Indian Mutiny 1857 - Lieut.-Col.) W. - - RENNY, Lieut. (late Bengal Horse Artillery ” 1857 - Maj.-Gen.) G. A. - - _REYNOLDS, Surg.-Maj. Royal Army Medical Corps Zululand 1879 - (now Brig.-Surg.- - Lieut.-Col.) J. H._ - - REYNOLDS, Private W. Scots Guards Crimea 1854 - - _RICHARDSON, Sergt. Strathcona’s Corps South Africa 1900 - A. H. L._ - - _RICHARDSON, Private 34th (Border) R. Indian Mutiny 1859 - G._ - - RICKARD, Q.-M. W. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - _RIDGEWAY, Capt. (now Indian Army Naga Hills 1879 - Col.) R. K._ - - ROBARTS, Chief Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Gunner J. - - _ROBERTS, Lieut. F. S. Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1858 - (now Field-Marshal - Lord Roberts)_ - - ROBERTS, Lieut. Hon. King’s Royal Rifle Corps South Africa 1899 - F. H. S. - - ROBERTS, Private J. R. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - _ROBERTSON, Sergt.-Maj. Gordon Highlanders South Africa 1899 - (now Lieut.) W._ - - ROBINSON, Seaman E. Royal Navy Indian Mutiny 1858 - - RODDY, Ensign Indian Army ” 1858 - (afterwards Col.) P. - - RODGERS, Private G. 71st R. (Highland L.I.) ” 1858 - - _ROGERS, Sergt. J._ South African Constabulary South Africa 1901 - - ROGERS, Lieut. (late 44th (Essex) R. China 1860 - Maj.-Gen.) R. M. - - _ROLLAND, Capt. G. M._ Indian Army Somaliland 1903 - - ROSAMOND, Sergt.- ” Indian Mutiny 1857 - Maj. M. - - ROSS, Corporal J. Royal Engineers Crimea 1855 - - _ROWLANDS, Capt. (now 41st (Welsh) R. ” 1854 - Gen. Sir) H._ - - RUSHE, Sergt.-Major D. 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1858 - - RUSSELL, Captain Grenadier Guards Crimea 1854 - (late Lt.-Col.) Sir C. - - RYAN, Private J. 102nd R. (Royal Dublin Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - RYAN, Lance-Corpl. J. 65th (York & Lancs.) R. New Zealand 1863 - - RYAN, Drummer M. 101st R. (Royal Munster Indian Mutiny 1857 - Fusiliers) - - - SALKELD, Lieut. P. Bengal Engineers ” 1857 - - _SALMON, Lieut. Royal Navy ” 1857 - (now Admiral of the - Fleet Sir) NOWELL_ - - _SARTORIUS, Capt. 59th (East Lancs.) R. Afghanistan 1879 - (now Maj.-Gen.) E. H._ - - _SARTORIUS, Capt. Indian Army Ashanti 1874 - (now Maj.-Gen.) R. W._ - - SCHIESS, Corporal Natal Native Forces Zululand 1879 - F. C. - - _SCHOFIELD, Capt. Royal Field Artillery South Africa 1899 - (now Maj.) H. N._ - - SCHOLEFIELD, Royal Navy Crimea 1854 - Seaman M. - - SCOTT, Captain (late Indian Army Quetta 1877 - Maj.) A. - - _SCOTT, Private R._ Manchester Regiment South Africa 1900 - - _SCOTT, Sergt. (now Cape Mounted Rifles Basutoland 1879 - Lt.-Col.) R. G._ - - _SEELEY, Seaman W._ Royal Navy Japan 1864 - - SELLAR, Lance-Corpl. 72nd (Seaforth) Afghanistan 1879 - (late Sergt.) G. Highlanders - - _SHAUL, Corporal (now Highland Light Infantry South Africa 1899 - Sergeant) J. D. F._ - - SHAW, Capt. (late 18th (Royal Irish) R. New Zealand 1865 - Maj.-Gen.) H. - - SHAW, Sapper S. Rifle Brigade Indian Mutiny 1858 - - SHEBBEARE, Capt. Indian Army ” 1857 - R. H. - - SHEPPARD, Boatswain J. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - SHIELDS, Corporal R. 23rd R. (Roy. Welsh Fus.) ” 1855 - - SIMPSON, Q.-M.-Sergt. 42nd (Black Watch) Indian Mutiny 1858 - (late Major) J. Highlanders - - SIMS, Private J. J. 34th (Border) R. Crimea 1855 - - SINNOTT, L.-Corpl. J. 84th (York & Lancs.) R. Indian Mutiny 1857 - - SLEAVON, Corporal M. Royal Engineers ” 1858 - - _SMITH, Gunner A._ Royal Artillery Soudan 1885 - - _SMITH, Lieut. C. L._ Duke of Cornwall’s L.I. Somaliland 1904 - - SMITH, Captain (late 43rd E. (Oxf. L.I.) New Zealand 1864 - Col.) F. A. - - SMITH, Lance-Corpl. H. 52nd R. (Oxf. L.I.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - - SMITH, Corporal J. The Buffs (East Kent R.) N. W. F. India 1897 - - SMITH, Sergeant J. Bengal Engineers Indian Mutiny 1857 - - SMITH, Private J. 102nd R. (Royal Dublin ” 1857 - Fusiliers) - - _SMITH, Lieut. (now Indian Army Hunza-Nagar 1891 - Major) J. M._ - - _SMITH, Corporal P._ 17th (Leicester) R. Crimea 1855 - - _SMYTH, Captain (now 2nd Dragoon Guards Khartoum 1898 - Major) N. M._ - - SPENCE, Troop-Sergt.- 9th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1858 - Major D. - - SPENCE, Private E. 42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders ” 1858 - - _STAGPOOLE, Drummer 57th (Middlesex) R. New Zealand 1863 - D._ - - _STANLACK, Private Coldstream Guards Crimea 1854 - (now Sergeant) W._ - - STEWART, Captain 93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Indian Mutiny 1857 - (late Major Sir) Highlanders - W. G. D. - - STRONG, Private G. Coldstream Guards Crimea 1855 - - SULLIVAN, Boatswain’s Royal Navy ” 1855 - Mate J. - - SUTTON, Bugler W. 60th R. (King’s Royal Indian Mutiny 1857 - Rifle Corps) - - _SYLVESTER, 23rd R. (Royal Welsh Crimea 1855 - Assistant-Surgeon Fusiliers) - W. H. T._ - - SYMONS, Sergeant G. Royal Artillery ” 1855 - - - TAYLOR, Captain of Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - Forecastle J. - - TEESDALE, Lieut. Royal Artillery ” 1855 - (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) - C. C. - - _TEMPLE, Assist.-Surg. ” New Zealand 1863 - (now Lt.-Col.) W._ - - _THACKERAY, Lieut. Bengal Engineers Indian Mutiny 1857 - (now Col. Sir) E. T._ - - THOMAS, Bombardier J. Bengal Artillery ” 1857 - - THOMPSON, Lance- 42nd (Black Watch) ” 1858 - Corporal A. Highlanders - - THOMPSON, Private J. 60th R. (King’s Royal ” 1857 - Rifle Corps) - - TOMBS, Major (late Bengal Artillery Indian Mutiny 1857 - Maj.-Gen. Sir) H. - - _TOWSE, Captain E. Gordon Highlanders S. Africa 1899, 1900 - B. B._ - - TRAVERS, Major (late Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - Gen.) J. - - _TRAYNOR, Sergt. West Yorkshire R. South Africa 1901 - W. B._ - - _TREVOR, Captain (now Royal Engineers Bhotan 1865 - Maj.-Gen.) W. S._ - - TREWAVAS, Seaman J. Royal Navy Crimea 1855 - - _TURNER, Lieut. (now Royal Canadian Dragoons South Africa 1900 - Col.) R. E. W._ - - TURNER, Private S. 60th R. (King’s Royal Indian Mutiny 1857 - Rifle Corps) - - TYTLER, Lieut. (late Indian Army ” 1858 - Lt.-Col.) J. A. - - - _VICKERY, Private (now Dorsetshire R. Dargai 1897 - Corporal) S._ - - VOUSDEN, Captain Indian Army Afghanistan 1879 - (late Col.) W. J. - - - WADESON, Ensign (late 75th (Gordon) Highlanders Indian Mutiny 1857 - Col.) R. - - WALKER, Lieut. (late 30th (East Lancs.) R. Crimea 1854 - Gen. Sir) M. - - _WALKER, Captain (now Indian Army Somaliland 1903 - Lt.-Col.) W. G._ - - WALLER, Lieut. (late ” Indian Mutiny 1858 - Lt.-Col.) W. F. F. - - WALLER, Col.-Sergt. 60th R. (King’s Royal ” 1857 - G. Rifle Corps) - - WALTERS, Sergt. G. 49th (Royal Berks.) R. Crimea 1854 - - WANTAGE, Lord. _See_ LINDSAY. - - _WARD, Private C._ Yorkshire L.I. South Africa 1900 - - WARD, Private H. 78th (Seaforth) Highlanders Indian Mutiny 1857 - - WARD, Sergeant J. 8th Hussars ” 1858 - - _WASSALL, Private S._ 80th (S. Staff.) R. Zululand 1879 - - _WATSON, Lieut. (now Indian Army Indian Mutiny 1857 - Gen. Sir) J._ - - _WATSON, Lieut. (now Royal Engineers Mamund 1897 - Capt.) T. C._ - - WHEATLEY, Private F. Rifle Brigade Crimea 1854 - - WHIRLPOOL, Private F. 109th (Leinster) R. Indian Mutiny 1858 - - _WHITCHURCH, Surg.- Indian Medical Service Chitral 1895 - Capt. (now Maj.) H. F._ - - _WHITE, Major (now 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders Afghanistan 1879 - Field-Marshal Sir) - G. S._ - - WILKINSON, Bombardier Royal Marine Artillery Crimea 1855 - T. - - _WILLIAMS, Private J._ 24th R. (S. Wales Zululand 1879 - Borderers) - - WILMOT, Captain (late Rifle Brigade Indian Mutiny 1858 - Colonel Sir) H. - - _WILSON, Capt. (now Royal Navy Soudan 1884 - Admiral Sir) A. K._ - - _WOOD, Lieut. (now 17th Lancers Indian Mutiny 1858 - Field-Marshal Sir) - H. E._ - - WOOD, Capt. (late Indian Army Persia 1856 - Col.) J. A. - - WOODEN, Sergt.-Maj. 17th Lancers Crimea 1854 - (late Q.-M.) C. - - WRIGHT, Private A. 77th (Middlesex) R. ” 1854-6 - - _WRIGHT, Capt. W. D._ Royal West Surrey R. Sokoto 1903 - - _WYLLY, Lieut. Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen South Africa 1900 - G. G. E._ - - - _YOUNG, Sergt.-Major Cape Police South Africa 1901 - (now Major) A._ - - YOUNG, Lieut. (late Royal Navy Indian Mutiny 1857 - Commander) T. J. - - YOUNGER, Capt. D. R. Gordon Highlanders South Africa 1900 - -_Printed by MORRISON & GIBB LIMITED, Edinburgh._ - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of the V.C., by A. L. 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Haydon. - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - -<style type="text/css"> - -a { - text-decoration: none; -} - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -h1,h2,h3,h4 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -hr { - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap { - width: 65%; - margin: 2em 17.5%; -} - -ul { - list-style-type: none; - margin: 0; - padding: 0; -} - -li { - margin-top: .5em; - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -p { - margin-top: 0.5em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - text-indent: 1em; -} - -table { - margin: 1em auto 1em auto; - max-width: 50em; - border-collapse: collapse; -} - -table.full-list { - margin: 1em auto 1em auto; - max-width: 60em; - border-collapse: collapse; -} - -td { - padding: 0.25em 0.25em 0.25em 2.25em; - vertical-align: top; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.blockquote { - margin: 1.5em 10%; -} - -.bbox { - border: thin solid black; - margin: 2em auto; - max-width: 22em; - padding: 0.5em; -} - -.caption { - text-align: center; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-size: 90%; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.center { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.ditto { - margin-left: 2.5em; - margin-right: 2.5em; -} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.footnotes { - margin-top: 1em; - border: dashed 1px; -} - -.footnote { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - font-size: 0.9em; -} - -.footnote .label { - position: absolute; - right: 84%; - text-align: right; -} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: none; -} - -.front-matter { - margin: auto; - max-width: 40em; - page-break-before: always; -} - -.new-letter td { - padding-top: 1em; -} - -.noindent { - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.larger { - font-size: 200%; -} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - right: 4%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; -} - -.poetry-container { - text-align: center; - margin: 1em; -} - -.poetry { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; -} - -.poetry .stanza { - margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; -} - -.poetry .verse { - text-indent: -3em; - padding-left: 3em; -} - -.poetry .indent1 { - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.poetry .indent3 { - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.red { - color: red; -} - -.right { - text-align: right; -} - -.smaller { - font-size: 80%; -} - -.smcap { - font-variant: small-caps; -} - -.tb { - margin-top: 2.5em; -} - -.tdc { - text-align: center; -} - -.tdpg { - text-align: right; - vertical-align: bottom; -} - -.tdr { - text-align: right; -} - -.titlepage { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 3em; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.total { - border-top: thin solid black; - border-bottom: double; -} - -@media handheld { - -img { - max-width: 100%; - width: auto; - height: auto; -} - -.poetry { - display: block; - margin-left: 1.5em; -} - -.blockquote { - margin: 1.5em 5%; -} -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of the V.C., by A. L. Haydon - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Book of the V.C. - A record of the deeds of heroism for which the Victoria - Cross has been bestowed, from its institution in 1857 to - the present time - -Author: A. L. Haydon - -Release Date: August 30, 2017 [EBook #55461] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF THE V.C. *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="front-matter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger">THE BOOK OF THE V.C.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bbox"> - -<p class="center"><i>BY THE SAME AUTHOR</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<ul> -<li>WITH PIZARRO THE CONQUISTADOR</li> -<li>CANADA: BRITAIN’S LARGEST COLONY</li> -<li>THE EMPIRE ELOCUTIONIST</li> -<li>STORIES OF KING ARTHUR</li> -</ul> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 385px;" id="frontispiece"> -<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="385" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">HOW LORD ROBERTS WON THE V.C.</p> -<p class="caption">HE OVERTOOK THE PAIR JUST AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO SEEK -REFUGE IN A VILLAGE, AND ENGAGED THEM BOTH AT -ONCE.—<i>Frontispiece.</i>—<i><a href="#Page_75">See p. 75.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="front-matter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger red">THE BOOK<br /> -<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br /> -V.C.</p> - -<div class="bbox"> - -<p class="noindent"><i>A Record of the Deeds of Heroism for which -the Victoria Cross has been bestowed, from -its Institution in 1857, to the Present Time</i></p> - -</div> - -<p class="center">COMPILED FROM OFFICIAL PAPERS AND<br /> -OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br /> -A. L. HAYDON<br /> -<span class="smaller">AUTHOR OF “WITH PIZARRO THE CONQUISTADOR” ETC. ETC.</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage"><i>WITH TEN ILLUSTRATIONS</i></p> - -<p class="titlepage">NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY<br /> -31 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET. 1907</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="500" height="800" alt="Cover image" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">TO MY SON<br /> -ARTHUR CECIL HILLYARD</p> - -<p class="center">(“MAC”)</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table summary="List of illustrations"> - <tr> - <td class="tdr smaller">CHAP.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr smaller">PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">I.</td> - <td>THE ORIGIN OF THE VICTORIA CROSS AND THE FIRST PRESENTATION</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">II.</td> - <td>THE CRIMEA.—THE BATTLE OF THE ALMA</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">III.</td> - <td>THE CRIMEA.—IN THE BALACLAVA CHARGES</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">IV.</td> - <td>THE CRIMEA.—THE HEROES OF INKERMAN</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">V.</td> - <td>THE CRIMEA.—WITH THE SAPPERS AND MINERS.—IN TRENCH AND RIFLE-PIT</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">VI.</td> - <td>THE CRIMEAN CROSSES OF THE NAVY</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">VII.</td> - <td>PERSIA.—HOW THE SQUARE WAS BROKEN</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">VIII.</td> - <td>INDIA.—THE GALLANT NINE AT DELHI</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">IX.</td> - <td>INDIA.—WITH SABRE AND GUN AGAINST SEPOY</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">X.</td> - <td>INDIA.—THE BLOWING UP OF THE CASHMERE GATE</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XI.</td> - <td>INDIA.—THE STORY OF KOLAPORE KERR</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XII.</td> - <td>INDIA.—THE DEFENCE OF THE DHOOLIES</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XIII.</td> - <td>INDIA.—THREE BRAVE CIVILIANS: MANGLES, McDONELL, AND “LUCKNOW” KAVANAGH</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XIV.</td> - <td>INDIA.—SOME OTHER CROSSES OF THE MUTINY</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">112</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XV.</td> - <td>IN THE SIXTIES.—CHINA, JAPAN, INDIA, WEST AFRICA, AND CANADA</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">124</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XVI.</td> - <td>NEW ZEALAND.—FIGHTING THE MAORIS</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XVII.</td> - <td>IN ASHANTI BUSH AND MALAY JUNGLE</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">142</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>XVIII.</td> - <td>HOW SOME AFGHAN CROSSES WERE WON</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XIX.</td> - <td>MAIWAND.—A GUNNER’S STORY</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XX.</td> - <td>ZULULAND.—THE DASH WITH THE COLOURS FROM ISANDHLANA</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">168</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXI.</td> - <td>ZULULAND.—HOW THEY HELD THE POST AT RORKE’S DRIFT</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">178</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXII.</td> - <td>SOME OTHER ZULU AND SOME OTHER BASUTO CROSSES</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">189</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIII.</td> - <td>SOUTH AFRICA.—AGAINST BOERS AND MATABELE</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">198</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIV.</td> - <td>IN EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">207</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXV.</td> - <td>V.C. HEROES OF THE INDIAN FRONTIER</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVI.</td> - <td>HOW SURGEON-CAPTAIN WHITCHURCH WON FAME</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">223</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVII.</td> - <td>WHEN THE AFRIDIS WERE UP</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td> - <td>SOUTH AFRICA.—THE V.C.’S OF THE SECOND BOER WAR</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIX.</td> - <td>SOMALILAND—NIGERIA—TIBET</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">253</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"></td> - <td>APPENDICES</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDICES">263-294</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"></td> - <td>APPENDIX A. ROYAL WARRANTS</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDIX_A">263</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"></td> - <td><span class="ditto">”</span> B. THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C.</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDIX_B">269</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"></td> - <td><span class="ditto">”</span> C. WARS AND CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH THE V.C. HAS BEEN WON, FROM 1854 TO 1904</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDIX_C">272</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr"></td> - <td><span class="ditto">”</span> D. COMPLETE ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RECIPIENTS OF THE V.C.</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDIX_D">274</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p> - -<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> - -<table summary="List of illustrations"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr smaller">PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>HOW LORD ROBERTS WON THE V.C.</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#frontispiece"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE VICTORIA CROSS</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus1">3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C., IN HYDE PARK, JUNE 26, 1857</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus2">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>“I GOT HIM TO STAND AT THE HORSE’S HEAD WHILST I LIFTED THE CAPTAIN OFF”</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus3">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE ESCORT CAME SWINGING UP THE ROAD WITHOUT A SUSPICION OF DANGER</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus4">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>McMANUS NOW RUSHED OUT, ACCOMPANIED BY PRIVATE JOHN RYAN … AND CARRIED IN CAPTAIN ARNOLD</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus5">98</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>REINING IN HIS HORSE, HE TURNED TO CATCH VOSPER’S … AND HELPED THE ORDERLY TO REMOUNT</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus6">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>WITH THE FLAG … FIRMLY GRIPPED IN HIS HAND, MELVILL SPURRED HIS HORSE FOR THE RIVER</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus7">173</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>GRAVE OF MELVILL AND COGHILL</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus8">175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE COLONEL HAD TO RIDE BACK … AND, WHILE ASSEGAIS AND SHOTS SPED PAST HIM, CARRY OFF THE DISMOUNTED MAN UPON HIS HORSE</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus9">193</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>PIPER FINDLATER … PROPPED HIMSELF UP AGAINST A BOULDER AND CONTINUED TO PLAY HIS PIPES</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus10">236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE GUNS WERE REACHED, BUT AT ONCE BOER SHELLS AND BULLETS BEGAN TO DROP THICKLY AROUND</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus11">242</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span></p> - -<h2>PREFACE</h2> - -<p>The celebration this year of the Jubilee of the -Victoria Cross may be offered as sufficient excuse -for the appearance of this volume. Such a notable -event deserves to be fittingly commemorated, and it -is in the hope that it will be accepted as a standard -work on the subject that the present book is put -forth. My original intention of telling the stories -of <em>all</em> the V.C. exploits was found to be impracticable -within the limit of space prescribed. A selection, -therefore, has been made, and these instances—a very -large number—have been narrated more or less at -length. The history of the Decoration has been -brought right up to date.</p> - -<p>In such a book as this, accuracy is of course of the -first importance, and in my account of the deeds that -won the Cross I have been at considerable pains to -verify the smallest particulars. To this end the -<cite>London Gazette</cite> and other authentic sources have been -consulted, while in many cases the information has -been obtained from the V.C. men themselves. It is -possible, however, that errors have crept in despite -the care exercised, and I shall be grateful if any -reader who detects a misstatement will notify me of -the fact, that the correction may be made in a future -edition.</p> - -<p class="right">A. L. H.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">London</span>, <i>June 1906</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Muscovite metal makes this English Cross,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Won in a rain of blood and wreath of flame;</div> -<div class="verse">The guns that thundered for their brave lives’ loss</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Are worn hence, for their fame!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse center">…</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The men of all the army and the fleet,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">The very bravest of the very brave,</div> -<div class="verse">Linesman and Lord—these fought with equal feet</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Firm-planted on the grave.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The men who, setting light their blood and breath,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">So they might win a victor’s haught renown,</div> -<div class="verse">Held their steel straight against the face of Death,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">And frowned his frowning down.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse center">…</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And some who climbed the deadly glacis-side,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">For all that steel could stay, or savage shell;</div> -<div class="verse">And some, whose blood upon the Colours dried</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Tells if they bore them well.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Some, too, who, gentle-hearted even in strife,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Seeing their fellow or their friend go down,</div> -<div class="verse">Saved his, at peril of their own dear life,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Winning the Civic Crown.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Well done for them; and, fair Isle, well for thee!</div> -<div class="verse indent1">While that thy bosom beareth sons like those,</div> -<div class="verse">“<em>The little gem set in the silver sea</em>”</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Shall never fear her foes!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Sir Edwin Arnold.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<h1>THE BOOK OF THE V.C.</h1> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE ORIGIN OF THE VICTORIA CROSS AND THE -FIRST PRESENTATION.</span></h2> - -<p>Every nation loves to honour the brave deeds of -her sons. We know how in olden times this was -done, how the Romans conferred a “Civic Crown” -upon the hero who saved a citizen’s life, and inscribed -his name in letters of gold upon the marble wall in -the Capitol. In these modern days it is the custom -to bestow a medal or similar decoration upon the -bravest of the brave, as a public mark of appreciation -of their heroism.</p> - -<p>So Russia has its Order of St. George, which is conferred -solely for exceptional gallantry on the field of -battle; Austria its Order of Maria Theresa (so exclusive -that there are not more than twenty living -possessors of its Cross); Prussia its Order “Pour le -Mérite”; France its Legion of Honour and War Medal; -and the United States a “Medal of Honour” which -carries no privileges and confers no rank on the bearer, -and which, curiously enough, is sent to the recipient -through the post.</p> - -<p>Great Britain’s symbol of the grand democracy of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> -valour is a little Maltese cross of bronze, insignificant -to look at beside many a more showy medal, and -intrinsically worth only fourpence halfpenny, but the -most coveted decoration of all that our soldiers and -sailors can aspire to.</p> - -<p>Somewhat reminiscent of a badge awarded to the -28th Regiment after the siege of Badajoz in the -Peninsular War,—a badge which bore a crown, a star, -and the letters V.S., signifying “Valiant Stormer,”—the -Victoria Cross is adorned with a crown surmounted -by a lion, and a scroll bearing the simple inscription -“For Valour.” On the reverse side of the medal is -given the date or dates of the act of bravery for which -it has been awarded, while the name of the recipient -is inscribed at the back of the bar to which it is -attached by a V. The Cross, which is cast from -cannon that were taken at Sebastopol, is suspended -from its wearer’s left breast by a piece of ribbon, blue -for the Navy and crimson for the Army.</p> - -<p>Such is the world-famed Victoria Cross. What, -then, was its origin? For answer to this we must go -back to the days of the Crimean War, fifty years ago. -Up to this time decorations for distinguished services -in the field were very sparsely distributed. The men -of Wellington’s day were thought to be sufficiently -honoured if they were “mentioned in despatches.” -But after the Crimean campaign, in which British -soldiers did such prodigies of valour, a feeling arose -that some medal should be struck as a reward for -bravery in the face of the enemy.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it was the Charge of the Light Brigade at -Balaclava that inspired the idea, but, however this may -be, a certain Captain Scobell, R.N., sometime M.P. -for Bath, set on foot an agitation which at length drew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span> -the attention of the authorities and led in due course -to the institution of the Victoria Cross. The new -decoration, which by Queen Victoria’s special desire -bore her own name, was first announced in the -<cite>London Gazette</cite> on February 5th, 1856. The present -year, therefore, celebrates its jubilee.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 225px;" id="illus1"> -<img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="225" height="350" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE VICTORIA CROSS.</p> -</div> - -<p>As stated in the original Royal Warrant, which is -given in full in the Appendix, the Cross entitles all its -bearers below commissioned rank to a pension of £10 -a year, with an additional £5 for each extra clasp or -bar,<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and, by a recent clause, an increase to £50 a year -in cases where the recipient is incapacitated by old age -or ill-health. Another important new alteration in -the rules provides that if a man dies in winning -the V.C. the decoration shall be handed to his relatives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> - -<p>It is the great distinction of the Victoria Cross -that it may be won by the humblest member of the -services. “Linesman and Lord,” private soldier, -common sailor, Field-Marshal and Admiral, -are all on a level on the Roll of Valour. Out of the 522 -Crosses which have been bestowed up to the present time -(June 1906), it has been, or is still, worn by -three Field-Marshals, six Admirals, one clergyman, -three civilians, and twenty-five Army doctors.</p> - -<p>Furthermore, how truly democratic is the decoration -is shown by the fact that it has been won by three -men of colour—Seaman Hall, a negro serving in -Captain Peel’s Naval Brigade at Lucknow, and -Sergeant Gordon and Private Hodge, both of the -West India Regiment.</p> - -<p>Of the different campaigns in which the Cross -was won the Indian Mutiny yielded the greatest -number, 182. The Crimean War accounted for -111; the recent South African War comes third -with 78; while the Zulu War provided 23; and -the Afghan War of 1870-80, 16. In the list of -V.C. regiments—excepting the Royal Artillery -and the Royal Engineers, which have forty-one and twenty-seven -Crosses to their credit—the South Wales -Borderers top the list with sixteen. Next in order -come the Rifle Brigade (fourteen), the King’s Royal -Rifle Corps, the 9th Lancers, and the Gordon Highlanders -(thirteen each), and the Seaforth Highlanders -(eleven). The Black Watch and the Cameronians -(Scottish Rifles) total ten each.</p> - -<p>It is pleasing to note, too, in this connection how -many V.C.’s have been won by Colonial troopers, for -the most part in the late South African War. -No fewer than twenty-five were awarded to South Africans,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders, showing -of what sterling metal were these Sons of the Empire -who crossed the seas to fight at the call of the Mother -Country.</p> - -<p class="tb">The first presentation of the V.C. took place -on June 26th, 1857, the year after the close of the -Crimean War. The scene of the ceremony was Hyde -Park, and on that beautiful summer morning the -sun shone down upon a brilliant spectacle. A large -body of troops under the command of the veteran -Sir Colin Campbell, comprised of Life Guards, Dragoons, -Hussars, Royal Engineers, Artillery, and other regiments, -together with a detachment of smart-looking Bluejackets, -were drawn up in imposing array, and a vast -number of people of all ranks had assembled to await -the coming of Royalty, for the Queen herself was to -pin the Crosses on to the heroes’ breasts with her own -hand.</p> - -<p>Just before ten o’clock, to the booming of a royal -salute, her Majesty, with the Prince Consort, the -Crown Prince of Prussia, the Prince of Wales and -his brother Prince Alfred (the late Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha), -all on horseback, rode into the Park -and took their places near the dais that had been -prepared. On a small table near by, showing up -strongly against the scarlet cloth with which it was -covered, lay the Crosses that were to be bestowed -that morning. The little band of sixty-two heroes, -headed by Lieutenant Knox, of the Rifle Brigade, meanwhile -stood at ease a little distance off, the observed -of all observers, until the signal was given, and then -one by one they came forward as Lord Panmure, -the then Secretary for War, read out their names.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> - -<p>As a complete list of these first recipients of the -V.C. is given at the end of this volume I need not -enumerate them here, but there were one or two, -notably Lieutenant (now Rear-Admiral) Lucas, the -first man to be awarded the decoration, Lieutenant -Hewett (“Bully Hewett” as he was popularly known), -the gallant Commander (late Rear-Admiral) Bythesea, -and Lieutenant Knox, whose empty sleeve bore -eloquent witness to his daring bravery at the storming -of the Redan, who stood out from the rest. -And hardly less conspicuous among those present -were Lord Cardigan, at the head of the 11th Hussars -and mounted on the very horse that carried him -through the Balaclava Charge, and Fenwick Williams, -the gallant defender of Kars.</p> - -<p>The presentation, the most historic ceremony that -Hyde Park has ever witnessed, was over in barely -more than ten minutes. After the last Cross had -been pinned on Major Bourchier’s breast the little band -of heroes was drawn up in line again, and a review -of the troops brought the proceedings to a close.</p> - -<p class="tb">A truly glorious and inspiring record is that of the -V.C. The stories of how the Cross was won, though -they cannot be told as fully as one could wish, make -a Golden Book of Valour that every British boy -should be made familiar with, as the sons of the old -Norsemen were made familiar with the sagas of their -heroes. For they tell not merely of physical courage, -which the ancients extolled as the highest of all the -virtues, but of that moral courage which demands -even more fully our admiration.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;" id="illus2"> -<img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="410" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C., IN HYDE PARK, -JUNE 26, 1857.—<i><a href="#Page_5">Page 5.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>One’s heart warms at the recollection of the giant -M’Bean slaying his eleven sepoys single-handed at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -Lucknow, but his heroism pales before that of -Kavanagh or of Surgeon Home and the other heroes -of “Dhoolie Square.” Their gallant deeds were not -performed in the fierce heat of battle, when in the -excitement of the moment a man may be so lifted out -of himself as to become unconsciously a veritable -paladin, but done quietly, from a high sense of duty -and in the name of humanity, in the face of what -looked like certain death.</p> - -<p>There is room only in the succeeding chapters for -a recital of a limited number of the deeds that won -the Cross. One would like to tell of all, making -no exceptions, but such a task is beyond the scope of -this volume. The most striking and most notable -acts in the annals of the V.C. have accordingly been -selected, and while keeping strictly to fact the -endeavour has been made to present them in a -worthily attractive setting.</p> - -<p>And in calling to mind the heroism of the brave men -who figure in these pages let us not forget those who -may be said to have equally earned the distinction -but who for some reason or other were passed over. -Of such were Chaplain Smith, who was one of the -heroes of Rorke’s Drift; Gumpunt Rao Deo Ker, the -Mahratta sowar who stood by Lieutenant Kerr’s side -at Kolapore, saving his leader’s life more than once in -that terrible fight; and the gallant little bugler boy, -Tom Keep, of the Grenadier Guards, who, while the -battle of Inkerman was at its height and bullets were -whistling round him (one actually passed through his -jacket), went about tending the wounded on the field. -These are names among many that deserve to be -inscribed high up on the scroll which perpetuates the -memory of our bravest of the brave.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> - -<p>Out of the 522 winners of the V.C. some 200 are -alive at the present time. Death has been busy of -late years in thinning the ranks. Only the other day, -as it seems, we lost Seaman Trewavas, Mr. Ross -Lowis Mangles (one of the few civilians decorated), -General Channer, and Baker Pasha. We have, -however, still with us the senior winner of the -distinction, Rear-Admiral Lucas, whose exploit is -narrated at length in its proper place, Field-Marshals -Lord Roberts, Sir George White, and Sir Evelyn -Wood, Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon, General Sir -Redvers Buller, and many another hero of high rank. -May the day be far distant when their names have -to be erased from the survivors’ roll!</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> No such clasp or bar has yet been granted.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE CRIMEA.—THE BATTLE OF THE ALMA.</span></h2> - -<p>It was in the Crimean War, as noted in the preceding -chapter, that the first Victoria Crosses -were won. I do not purpose giving a history of the -war here, for space does not permit of it, nor would -it be altogether in place. But for a proper appreciation -of the incidents which I am about to describe it -is necessary to say something about the events which -led up to the war. The reader who wants to obtain -a completer grasp of the campaign, the first great -European war that our army had been engaged in -since the war against Napoleon, will of course turn to -an authoritative history for information, not forgetting -to keep a map in front of him while he reads.</p> - -<p>The war in the Crimea originated in the aggressive -movements of Russia against her old enemy the Turk. -For centuries the Crimea itself had been the scene -of constant warfare between the two nations, its independence -as a separate state under the rule of its -own Khans being at length secured towards the end -of the eighteenth century, in the hope that peace -would come to the troubled district.</p> - -<p>But it was not to be so. Russia could not keep -her hands off the desired province, the possession of -which meant a step gained in the direction of Constantinople<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -and the conquest of the Ottomans. -Accordingly the treaty with the Turks was violated -by the Empress Catherine, and the Crimea was seized -again by the Russians. Fortresses of formidable -dimensions now sprang up on the borders, the greatest -and most famous of these being the naval arsenal of -Sebastopol, which was built at the southern extremity -of the peninsula, in the Black Sea.</p> - -<p>In due time the Tsar Nicholas I. ascended the -throne of Muscovy, and, believing that the hostility -of France towards England needed little to be fanned -into flame, he thought the time propitious to carry -out his ambitious scheme of conquest. With France -involved in a war with this country he had no reason -to fear interference with his plans. Having picked a -quarrel with the Sultan, therefore, on a matter of -dispute between the Greek and Roman Catholic -Churches, relating to the guardianship of the Holy -Places, especially the Holy Sepulchre in Palestine, -the Tsar flung an army into the provinces of the -Danube.</p> - -<p>But he had reckoned without his host. In the -face of this common danger (for the downfall of the -Turks meant a Russian menace of the whole of -Europe), England and France sank their differences -and joined forces against the Russians. In obstinate -mood, and confident in the strength of his huge army, -the Tsar held on his way, with the result that the -Allies declared war. This was in 1854.</p> - -<p>Contrary to Russian expectations, the war opened -in the Crimea. Here the combined fleets made their -appearance in September of the same year, the troops -landing on the western coast. The English army was -under the command of Lord Raglan, the French<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -commander-in-chief being Marshal St. Arnaud. -Marching southward towards Sebastopol, at which a -blow was aimed, the allied army gained its first -victories at Alma and Balaclava. Then commenced -the long and memorable siege of Sebastopol, which -was not reduced until September of the following -year.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, however, was fought the great -battle of Inkerman, “the soldiers’ battle,” as it has -been called, one of the most terrible fights that -Europe has seen. This took place in November -1854.</p> - -<p>The winter, spring, and summer of the following -year were taken up with the siege operations, which -progressed but slowly owing to the severity of the -winter and the many natural difficulties to be overcome. -Our troops, too, as is now a matter of history, -were scandalously ill-equipped for the campaign, and -when we read of how badly they were clothed and fed, -of what little provision there was for the care of the -wounded, and altogether of the gross mismanagement -that characterised the conduct of the campaign, we -feel all the more pride that our men fought so well -and achieved so much success in the face of such -tremendous odds.</p> - -<p>The tale of those eleven months, from October -1854 to September 1855, is one of sorties, of sapping -and mining, of desperate deeds done in the trenches -in the dead of night, of the gradual reducing of -the Sebastopol outworks. Great things were done by -our men at the attacks on the Mamelon Tower and -the Redan, and by the French at the storming of the -Malakoff, the capture of the last-named giving the -command of the fortress. On the night that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -Malakoff fell the Russians evacuated the town, and -Sebastopol was taken possession of by the Allies.</p> - -<p>By the Peace of Paris, which was concluded on -March 30th, 1856, the war came to an end, and our -army, sadly reduced in numbers by cholera and other -diseases, more than by the enemy’s shells and bullets, -returned home.</p> - -<p>In giving an outline of the Crimean campaign -mention must not be omitted of the British fleet sent -into the Baltic at an early stage in the hostilities. -This fleet was unsuccessful in doing much damage to -the Russian ships which sought refuge behind the -strong fortresses of Cronstadt and Sveaborg, but it -stormed and took Bomarsund and the Äland Islands. -In the following year (1855) it renewed the attack, -and after a determined bombardment succeeded in -partially destroying Sveaborg.</p> - -<p>It was in this naval campaign, and in the operations -in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, that our -Bluejackets and Marines did such signal service, and -that several of them won the right to put V.C. after -their names.</p> - -<p class="tb">Five of the Crosses won at the battle of the Alma -were gained in defence of the colours.</p> - -<p>In the advance on the Russian batteries which -were posted on the heights, the 23rd Royal Welsh -Fusiliers formed one of the regiments on the left wing, -the French attacking on the right. It was a perilous -climb up the precipitous rocky slopes, and particularly -so for a marked man like he who bore the colours. -Young Lieutenant Anstruther, a mere lad of eighteen, -who proudly carried the Queen’s colours, learnt this -to his cost, for when he was within a few yards of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -nearest Russian earthwork a bullet through the heart -laid him low.</p> - -<p>In a moment a private had caught up the silken -banner now sadly stained with blood, but Sergeant -Luke O’Connor, a young Irishman of twenty-four, -who had followed close on poor Anstruther’s heels -and had been himself struck down, regained his feet -although badly wounded in the breast, and claimed -the flag. “Come on, 23rd!” he shouted. “Follow -me!”</p> - -<p>It was in vain that the gallant sergeant was -ordered to the rear to have his wound attended to; -he refused to abandon the colours, and right through -that fierce fight he accompanied the Fusiliers, bearing -a charmed life, as was made evident later. When -the flag was inspected at the close of the action it was -found to be riddled with bullet holes, having been hit -in at least twenty-six places.</p> - -<p>O’Connor received a commission for his bravery on -this occasion in addition to the Cross for Valour, but -he did not exchange from the regiment. Loyal to -the corps he loved, he remained in it, and in time rose -to command it.</p> - -<p>On the same day another Welsh Fusilier, Captain -Bell, distinguished himself by capturing a Russian -gun which was limbered up and being dragged from -the redoubt. Leaving his company and dashing after -it alone, he pointed his revolver at the head of the -driver, who incontinently dismounted and bolted.</p> - -<p>A private then coming to his aid, Captain Bell -turned the gun team round, and was returning in -triumph to his comrades when Sir George Brown, his -superior officer, angrily ordered him back to his -place in the regiment, reprimanding him for having quitted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -it without leave. He had to relinquish the gun forthwith, -but some hours later, when he and his remnant -of men marched in, he learnt to his great satisfaction -that the gun was still in the English lines. The -captured horses, it is recorded, were employed in one -of our batteries for some time afterwards, while the -gun itself was taken to Woolwich, where I believe it -is still to be seen.</p> - -<p>For this action, which had not escaped notice despite -his commander’s rebuke, Captain Bell received -the Cross, but had it not been awarded then he would -have undoubtedly won it later at Inkerman, where he -displayed exceptional gallantry. Both O’Connor and -Captain Bell became Major-Generals in after years; -the ex-sergeant of the Welsh Fusiliers, who is still in -the land of the living, enjoying the distinction of being -one of the two V.C.’s who have risen to that high -grade from the ranks.</p> - -<p>The second of the Crosses bestowed for defending -the colours fell to Lieutenant Lindsay, of the Scots Fusilier -Guards, afterwards well known as Lord Wantage.</p> - -<p>At a critical moment in the battle an order given -to the Royal Welsh to retire was mistaken by the -Scots Guards as meant for them, and they began to -retreat in considerable disorder. Lieutenant Lindsay, -who carried the regimental colours, stood his ground -with his escort, endeavouring in vain to rally the broken -ranks. The tide of men swept past him to the rear, -however, and the little knot of soldiers round the -colours was isolated. In this perilous position they -were fiercely attacked by a body of Russians, the -escort falling almost to a man, and leaving Lindsay -and a fellow-officer to stand back to back and keep off -the enemy with revolvers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<p>Help was speedily forthcoming, however. Seeing -their officer’s danger, Sergeants Knox and M’Kechnie, -with Private Reynolds, hastened to his side and -successfully held the Russians in check until the -regiment re-formed and advanced again. All three -men, it is satisfactory to add, were similarly -decorated.</p> - -<p>Of Sergeant Knox more was heard later, -especially at the storming of the Redan, where he -lost an arm. By this time he had been promoted to -a lieutenancy and transferred to the Rifle Brigade, -from which he subsequently retired with the rank -of Major.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE CRIMEA.—IN THE BALACLAVA CHARGES.</span></h2> - -<p>It is not remembered as it should be that there -were two brilliant charges made at Balaclava, on -that grey day of October 25th, 1854. Tennyson’s -stirring lines in honour of the Charge of the Light -Brigade have given enduring fame to the “noble Six -Hundred,” but the exploit of the “Three Hundred,” -the Heavy Brigade, should make the name of Balaclava -equally thrilling to us.</p> - -<p>The Heavy Brigade was composed of squadrons of -the 4th and 5th Dragoon Guards, Scots Greys, -Inniskilling Dragoons, and the 1st Royals, under the -command of Brigadier-General Yorke Scarlett. At -an early stage of the fight Scarlett was proceeding -with his brigade to the support of the “thin red line” -which was bearing the brunt of the Russian attack, -when suddenly a huge mass of Russian cavalry, -Cossacks and others, 3000 strong, loomed up on the -heights to their left.</p> - -<p>The situation was a perilous one, as the General saw -in a glance. The launching of that great crowd of -Russians upon the valley below meant annihilation -for his little force. With a quick command to -“wheel into line,” Scarlett gave orders for the brigade -to form up, facing the enemy. By some blunder, -however, the movement was not properly executed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -and when the Russians flung out in a wide-spreading -crescent to envelop the few hundreds of British redcoats -below them, two squadrons of the Scots Greys with -one of the 6th Inniskillings were left in front to -receive the first shock of the attack.</p> - -<p>With that menacing horde of grey-coated, black-bearded -Russians, poised like a hawk about to swoop -upon its prey, there was no time for pause. Shrill -on the air the “Charge!” rang out, and with Scarlett -leading them, the little advance body of “Heavies”—300 -men of the Scots Greys and Inniskillings—dashed -off to meet the foe.</p> - -<p>We have no such details of the fight as were forthcoming -after the Charge of the Light Brigade, but -we know that it was a most desperate affair. For -every one of that handful of men, flung into a mass of -the enemy that outnumbered them many times over, -it was a hand-to-hand struggle for life of the most -heroic kind. For a few moments they were lost to -sight. Then out of the heaving, surging multitude -the black bearskins and brass helmets of the Scotsmen -and Irishmen broke into view here and there, while -their sabres flashed in the sun as they hewed their -way through.</p> - -<p>It was a battle of giants. What wonder that the -Russians gave for a brief moment under the fierce -onset?</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“There’s fear in their faces; they shrink from the shock;</div> -<div class="verse">They will open the door, only loud enough knock;</div> -<div class="verse">Keep turning the key, lest we stick in the lock!</div> -<div class="verse indent3">Dear England for Ever, Hurrah!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse right">“Scarlett’s Three Hundred,” Gerald Massey.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>At this juncture the other squadrons that had been -left behind came galloping to the rescue. Into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -swaying mass they plunged, and soon afterwards -“Cossack and Russian,” reeling from the sabre-stroke -as they did again a little later, fell back in confusion. -The peril was past, the day won.</p> - -<p>Of how Brigadier-General Scarlett, Lieutenant -Elliot, Captain Williams and Major Clarke of the -Scots Greys, and the other officers who led that fierce -charge, bore themselves, the regimental records tell -more than do the history books. Very few escaped -unscathed, and there were many like Elliot, who had -no fewer than fifteen wounds, sword cuts and lance -thrusts. And as with the officers, so was it with the -men. There was not one but proved himself a hero -that day. We can well understand how old Sir -Colin Campbell was for once moved to emotion, as -bareheaded he greeted the victors with the words, -“Greys, gallant Greys! I am an old man, but if I -were young again I would be proud to ride in your -ranks!”</p> - -<p>Where all men are brave it is not easy to single -out any for special distinction. But in that terrible -death-ride there were two who merited honour above -their comrades, Sergeant-Major Grieve and Sergeant -Ramage. The former in the heat of the engagement -saw an officer in imminent danger of being -cut down. Riding to the rescue, he swept like a -whirlwind upon the Russians, cutting off the head -of one at a single blow and scattering the rest by -the fury of his onslaught. For this deed he won a -well-deserved Cross.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Ramage, like Grieve also of the Scots -Greys, saved at least two lives on that day. He -rescued first Private MacPherson, whom a body of -Russians had hemmed in and who was fighting against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -odds that must have proved too much for him ultimately. -Later on, when the “Heavies” were covering -the retreat of the Light Brigade, a private named -Gardiner was seen to be in a terrible plight. His -horse was lagging behind the others, and one of the -private’s legs had been shattered by a round-shot. -The first to see Gardiner’s situation, Ramage rushed -impetuously to his help, and although exposed to a -cross fire that placed him in momentary danger for -his life, he nobly carried in the wounded soldier to a -place of safety.</p> - -<p>These were the actions that gained the brave -sergeant the V.C., but they do not complete the story -of his exploits that day. After the Charge of the -Heavy Brigade, in which he had borne so distinguished -a part, Ramage’s horse, a stubborn brute, would not -follow the retreating Russians. No amount of spurring -would induce it to go in any direction save that -of home. Nothing daunted, the sergeant dismounted -and, leaving his charger to find its own way back, -actually rushed over on foot to the nearest Russian -lines, collared a man and brought him back prisoner!</p> - -<p>The story of the Charge of the Light Brigade has -been told a score of times. There is nothing to be -added to it now, for the voices of its gallant leaders, -of Cardigan, Morris, and Nolan, are hushed in death, -and we shall never know what were the true facts of -the case. That “someone had blundered” is at -least certain. It is hard to believe that the order -was actually given for such a brilliant but useless -charge.</p> - -<p>Yet so Lord Cardigan interpreted the instructions -brought to him by Captain Nolan, as the Light -Brigade, consisting of the 17th Lancers, the 4th and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -13th Dragoons, and two regiments of Hussars, was -drawn up in the North Valley, on the other side of -those hills whereon the Russian cavalry had been -routed by Scarlett’s brigade. At the other end of the -valley was a strong force of Russians, formed up -behind a formidable battery of some thirty cannon. -The order—wrongly given or misunderstood—was -that the Light Brigade should advance and carry -these guns.</p> - -<p>It was over a mile from the brigade’s position to -that of the Russians. At a trot, then at a gallop, -the Six Hundred, led by Cardigan in his striking -hussar uniform, set off on their death-ride. Tennyson’s -words, “Cannon to right of them, cannon to -left of them, cannon in front of them volley’d and -thunder’d,” are literally true. When the astonished -Russians realised what was happening they opened -a terrible fire with their batteries. Shot and shell -hurtled through the ranks again and again, laying -many a brave fellow low; but without wavering the Six -Hundred closed up the gaps and pressed on to their goal.</p> - -<p>In a very few minutes from the time the fatal -order was received the Light Brigade had disappeared -in the smoke of the Russian batteries, riding clean -over the guns and sabreing the gunners as they stood -linstock in hand at their posts. Then ensued as -terrific a hand-to-hand combat as has ever been -chronicled.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Plunged in the battery-smoke</div> -<div class="verse">Right thro’ the line they broke;</div> -<div class="verse">Cossack and Russian</div> -<div class="verse">Reel’d from the sabre-stroke</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Shatter’d and sunder’d.</div> -<div class="verse">Then they rode back, but not</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Not the Six Hundred.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was in that ride back, when a large body of -grey-coated lancers rode down upon their flank, and -the Russian artillerymen rallying to their guns fired -indiscriminately into the mass of English and Russians, -that the other Balaclava Crosses were won.</p> - -<p>Major John Berryman, the most distinguished of -the seven heroes of the Charge who were awarded the -decoration, has told the story of his exploit himself, -told it modestly and simply as becomes a brave -man, but we can fill in the details of the picture for -ourselves as we read.</p> - -<p>At the time of the Charge Berryman was Troop-Sergeant-Major -in the 17th Lancers, well known as -“the Duke of Cambridge’s Own” and “the Death or -Glory Boys.” In the last mad leap at the guns, the -mare he was riding was badly hit, and he dismounted, -when he found that he too had been wounded in the -leg. As he stood debating in his mind whether or -not to shoot the mare, Captain Webb, on horseback, -came up. He also had been struck in the leg, and to -his query as to what he had better do, Berryman -replied, “Keep to your horse, sir, and get back as -far as you can.”</p> - -<p>Webb thereupon turned and rode back, while the -sergeant-major, catching a loose horse, attempted to -follow suit. But his new steed had its breastplate -driven into its chest, and hardly had he mounted ere -it fell to the ground. Giving up the idea of rejoining -his regiment in the mêlée, he was making his way back -on foot when he caught sight of Captain Webb, who had -halted a little distance off, the acute pain of his wound -preventing him riding farther.</p> - -<p>“Lieutenant George Smith, of my own regiment,” -says Berryman in his account, “coming by, I got him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -to stand at the horse’s head whilst I lifted the captain -off. Having accomplished this, I assisted Smith to -mount Webb’s horse and ride for a stretcher, taking -notice where we were. By this time the Russians -had got back to their guns and reopened fire. I saw -six men of my own regiment get together to recount -to each other their escapes. Seeing their danger, I -called to them to separate, but too late, for a shell -dropped amongst them, and I don’t think one escaped -alive.”</p> - -<p>Hearing him call to the lancers, Captain Webb -asked Berryman what he thought the Russians would -do. Berryman answered that they were sure to -pursue, unless the Heavy Brigade came to the -rescue.</p> - -<p>“Then you had better consult your own safety, and -leave,” said the captain.</p> - -<p>Berryman shook his head. “I shall not leave you -now, sir,” he replied, adding that if they were made -prisoners they would go together.</p> - -<p>Just at this moment Sergeant Farrell hove in sight, -and at Berryman’s call he came over. The retreat of -the Light Brigade from the guns was already beginning, -and the confusion and danger was augmented -by the onslaught of the Russian lancers, who had now -ridden down upon the devoted remnant.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus3"> -<img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">“I GOT HIM TO STAND AT THE HORSE’S HEAD WHILST I LIFTED -THE CAPTAIN OFF.”—<i><a href="#Page_22">Page 22.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>The position of the wounded officer and his helpers -was indeed precarious. Bullets and shells were flying -by them, and at any moment a Cossack lance might -have laid them low. But neither Berryman nor -Farrell hesitated or thought of saving his own skin. -Making a chair of their hands, they raised the captain -from the ground and carried him in this way for some -two hundred yards, until Webb’s leg again became very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -painful. A private of the 13th Dragoons, named -Malone, was requisitioned to support the officer’s -legs, and another start was made.</p> - -<p>The rear of the Greys was at last reached in safety, -and here the sergeant-major procured a tourniquet -which he screwed on to Webb’s right thigh (“I could -not have done it better myself,” said the regimental -doctor afterwards), together with a stretcher.</p> - -<p>We will let Berryman take up the story himself at -this point.</p> - -<p>“I and Farrell now raised the stretcher and carried -it for about fifty yards, and again set it down. I was -made aware of an officer of the Chasseurs d’Afrique -being on my left by his placing his hand upon my -shoulder. I turned and saluted. Pointing to Captain -Webb, but looking at me, he said—</p> - -<p>“‘Your officer?’</p> - -<p>“‘Yes.’</p> - -<p>“‘Ah! and you sergeant?’ looking at the stripes -on my arm.</p> - -<p>“‘Yes.’</p> - -<p>“‘Ah! If you were in French service, I would -make you an officer on the spot.’ Then, standing in -his stirrups and extending his right hand, he said, -‘Oh! it was grand, it was <i lang="fr">magnifique</i>, but it is not -war, it is not war!’”</p> - -<p>This French officer was General Morris.</p> - -<p>Resuming their task, Berryman and Farrell got the -captain to the doctors, who discovered that the shin -bone of his leg had been shattered. Farrell turning -faint at the sight of the terrible wound, the sergeant-major -was instructed to take him away, and this was -the cause of bringing him near enough to the Duke of -Cambridge and Lord Cardigan to hear the former<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -say as he viewed the remnant that had come -“through the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth -of Hell”:—</p> - -<p>“Is that all of them? You have lost the finest -brigade that ever left the shores of England!”</p> - -<p>And to Captain Godfrey Morgan, now Viscount -Tredegar, who had led the 17th Lancers (thirty-four -returned out of one hundred and forty), the Duke -could only say, “My poor regiment! My poor -regiment!”</p> - -<p>Sergeant Farrell and Private Malone, as was only -fitting, also received the Cross for Valour.</p> - -<p>I have given the account of the brave deed of -Berryman and his companions at some length, because -it is, to my mind, one of the most signal acts of -devotion in the chronicles of the V.C. A very large -proportion of those who have won the Cross distinguished -themselves in the attempt, successful or -otherwise, to save life, and there is no act that is more -deserving of our fullest admiration. “Greater love -hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life -for his friends.”</p> - -<p>There were other lives saved in that death-stricken -valley that day besides Webb’s. Captain Morris, who -led a troop of the 17th Lancers, was taken prisoner -by the Russians after a desperate encounter, but -managed to escape in the confusion. Grievously -wounded and on foot, for his second horse had been -shot under him, he struggled towards the British lines, -until from sheer exhaustion he fell beside the dead -body of his brother-officer, Captain Nolan.</p> - -<p>It is stated that the two officers, knowing the peril -that faced them, had each left in his friend’s charge a -letter to be sent home if he fell and the other survived.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -These letters were found in the breasts of the two as -they lay side by side.</p> - -<p>Captain Morris, however, was luckily still alive. To -his assistance promptly came Sergeant-Major Charles -Wooden of his own regiment, who pluckily stood by -his body until he saw a surgeon. The latter, who -proved to be Surgeon Mouat of the 6th Dragoon -Guards (now Sir James Mouat, K.C.B.), promptly went -over to the wounded man, and despite the heavy fire -that was being kept up, dressed his wounds as coolly -as if he had been in the operating-room. His skill -stopped the hemorrhage, which undoubtedly saved the -captain’s life, and for this, as well as for getting the -wounded man back to safety, the brave surgeon in due -course got his V.C. Sergeant-Major Wooden was -decorated at the same time.</p> - -<p>One other man of the 17th Lancers who distinguished -himself in this historic charge was the -regimental butcher, John Veigh. Hearing that the -dash for the Russian guns was to be made, he left his -work in his bloodstained smock without seeking -permission, borrowed a sabre, and rode through the -valley with his comrades. “Butcher Jack” cut down -six gunners and returned unhurt, still smoking the -short black pipe which was in his mouth when he -joined in the ride.</p> - -<p>The two remaining Balaclava Crosses were awarded -to Private Samuel Parkes, a Light Dragoon, and -Lieutenant Alexander Robert Dunn, of the 11th -Hussars.</p> - -<p>Parkes’ exploit was a courageous rescue of Trumpet-Major -Crawford, who, on being thrown helpless to the -ground by his horse, was furiously attacked by a couple -of Cossacks. Himself unhorsed, he fearlessly bore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -down upon the cowardly Russians, and plied his sword -with such vigour that he sent them flying. The two -were attacked again by a larger party of Cossacks, but -Parkes maintained such a sturdy defence that he was -only subdued when a shot struck his sabre out of his -hand. He and Crawford were made prisoners, and not -released until a year later.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Dunn had the distinction of being the -only officer of the Light Brigade to win the V.C. -When Sergeant Bentley of his regiment fell behind in -the dash back to safety, and was quickly set on by -three Russians, the lieutenant turned his horse and -rode to his comrade’s aid. Dunn was a less powerful -man than Parkes, but he sabred two of the Cossack -lancers clean out of their saddles and put the third -to flight.</p> - -<p>Subsequently Lieutenant Dunn rescued a private of -the Hussars from certain death in similar circumstances. -He survived the Crimean War and rose -to distinction in the service, but his career was cut short -all too soon by an accident in the Abyssinian -campaign.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE CRIMEA.—THE HEROES OF INKERMAN.</span></h2> - -<p>The fierce battle on the plateau of Inkerman, in -the early morning of November 5th, 1854, -was the most desperate engagement of the whole -war. It has, indeed, been described as “the bloodiest -struggle ever witnessed since war cursed the earth.” -The sixty thousand Russians who made a sortie out -of Sebastopol were able through the heavy mists that -hung over the field to take the British force of eight -thousand men by surprise, and the fight at once became -a hand-to-hand encounter rather than a pitched battle.</p> - -<p>To call Inkerman the “soldiers’ battle” is to give -our brave fellows who fought that day no more than -their due. There was scant time for any plan of -operations to be formed; as the guardsmen—Grenadiers, -Coldstreams, and Scots—turned out of -their tents at the warning bugle call it was to face -immediately an enemy already entrenched behind -battery and redoubt which belched forth shell and -grape-shot incessantly. With bayonets fixed they -went forward at the charge to silence those terrible -flame-mouthed cannon and drive the Russians from -battery and rifle-pit, and once among the foe British -pluck could be relied on to carry the day.</p> - -<p>What deeds of daring were done in the mist-shrouded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -glades and dells of Inkerman, in the valley -and on the heights that commanded the British -position, can never be fully chronicled. We know, -however, how some of our gallant soldiers bore -themselves, for in that titanic struggle acts of signal -bravery were performed that were remembered afterwards -and deemed worthy of recognition.</p> - -<p>Charles McDermond and Thomas Beach, privates, -made themselves conspicuous in saving the lives of -two officers who were lying on the ground wounded -and at the mercy of Russians, who never hesitated to -kill a disabled man. So, too, did Sergeant George -Walters of the 49th Regiment, who was more than -a match for half a dozen Russians when Brigadier-General -Adams got cut off. All three won their -V.C.’s that day.</p> - -<p>Of Lieutenant Mark Walker, of the 30th -(Cambridgeshire) Regiment, a striking story is told. -From out of the fog his men saw a great mass of -Russians, two battalions strong, advancing towards -them. They were ordered to open fire, but their -rifles were wet and useless. Seeing this, Walker -called on his men to fix bayonets and follow him, -and, running forward, leaped over the low wall behind -which the regiment had been lying hidden. -This was enough for the 30th. With a wild cheer, -they followed his lead, and flinging themselves impetuously -against the enemy, a mere handful as they -were, they actually sent the greycoats flying.</p> - -<p>For this dashing feat, which turned what must -have been an inevitable defeat into a victory, the -lieutenant was mentioned in despatches and awarded -the Cross. In after years he wrote himself General -Sir Mark Walker, K.C.B.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>But it was at the Sandbag Battery, whence the -Russians had directed a deadly fire upon our troops, -that perhaps the most brilliant feat of arms was -performed. The Sandbag had the distinction of being -fought for more than any other battery at Inkerman, -changing hands several times, until at last it was -held by the Grenadiers.</p> - -<p>After the seventh fight round its parapet, the -Russians succeeded in driving back their besiegers, -and, exulting over their achievement, danced and sang -with joy. This exasperated the guardsmen to fresh -fury, and when Sir Charles Russell, their Captain, -called on his men to follow him, the Grenadiers, -followed by some Coldstreams and Fusiliers, sprang -forward to storm the position. This time they were -successful, driving the Russians before them.</p> - -<p>How fierce was the contest will be understood -when I mention that the guardsmen’s ammunition -having run short, the men seized hold of stones and -rocks and hurled these at their foes. The Russians -responded in like manner until, as Sir Charles said -in a letter home to his mother, “the air was thick -with huge stones.”</p> - -<p>Although the British were once more in the -Battery, the worst was not yet over. Many bold -Russians still hung on the parapet wall, or clung to -the embrasures, firing down on those inside. The -guardsmen, indeed, found that they were in a kind of -trap, and cries of “Charge them!” arose. Then a -soldier standing by Sir Charles Russell spoke up.</p> - -<p>“If any officer will lead us, we will charge,” he said.</p> - -<p>Up sprang Sir Charles, revolver in hand. “Come -on, my lads!” he cried. “Come on! Who will follow -me?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> - -<p>The first to respond to their gallant captain’s -call were Sergeant Norman and Privates Palmer and -Bailey. Into the face of the opposing Russians -the four dashed. Sir Charles’ revolver missed fire -the first time, but pulling the trigger again he -shot his man. At that moment a hand fell on his -shoulder and the private behind him said, “You -were nearly done for, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Oh no,” answered the captain; “he was some -way from me.”</p> - -<p>The soldier indicated another Russian who had -come up at Russell’s back. “His bayonet was all -but in you when I clouted him over the head,” he -said grimly.</p> - -<p>Sir Charles saw how close he had been to death’s -door. “What is your name?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Anthony Palmer, sir,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Well, if I live through this you shall not be -forgotten,” said Sir Charles; and he duly kept his -promise, Palmer being made a corporal the next -morning. He received the Victoria Cross for this -act later on, when the Order was instituted, his name -being among the first to be submitted.</p> - -<p>Side by side Sir Charles Russell and Palmer (poor -Bailey had already been killed, and of Norman there -is no further mention) fought their way to a part of -the ledge on the right, where they joined a small -company of Grenadiers under Captain Burnaby. Here -the fight waged more fiercely than ever, Burnaby -especially distinguishing himself and winning the V.C. -time and time again, though he never received it. -The rush of the guardsmen was not to be withstood, -and the Russians were eventually forced back.</p> - -<p>Sir Charles was awarded the V.C. for this exploit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -at the Sandbag Battery, receiving it at the hands of -his Queen in Hyde Park, three years later. He -might have treasured another souvenir of the fight, -also, in the shape of a long, black-stocked Russian -rifle, which he tore from the hands of a soldier and -kept until the end of the day.</p> - -<p>Another officer of the Grenadiers who won similar -distinction at the Sandbag Battery was Lieutenant-Colonel -the Honourable Henry Percy (afterwards, -Lord Percy). A number of his men at one time -charged too far and became surrounded by the enemy. -To add to their peril, they were without ammunition. -Colonel Percy, coming to their assistance, successfully -extricated them from this dangerous position and led -them to where they could obtain cartridges. Just -before this he had charged alone into the battery, -only being repulsed by a great stone that struck him -senseless to the ground.</p> - -<p>Other eyes than those of his own men were upon -him, the Duke of Cambridge himself noting the action -and having some warm words of commendation to say -afterwards.</p> - -<p>There are one or two other Inkerman Crosses the -stories of which remain to be told.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Henry Hugh Clifford won the right to -add V.C. to his name by a deed of unusual daring. -While in charge of a company of the Rifle Brigade he -saw that a strong body of Russians was deploying to -take one of our regiments in the rear. Without -waiting to obtain an order to move from his position, -he called to his men to follow him, and charged boldly -into the midst of the Russians.</p> - -<p>Clifford outdistanced his men by several yards, -being mounted while they were on foot, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -consequence was that he found himself alone in the -enemy’s ranks. The fierceness of his onslaught, and -the belief on the Russians’ part that a troop of cavalry -was behind him, gave him momentary advantage. -The enemy wavered, and the Rifle Brigade men coming -up at the charge, they soon after surrendered.</p> - -<p>It was cut and thrust for Clifford while he was -engaged on all hands at once, but in the thick of -the fight he managed to save the life of a private in -addition to protecting his own.</p> - -<p>The exploit of Lieutenant Miller of the Royal -Artillery bears some resemblance to the foregoing. -An advancing body of Russian infantry bore down -upon his gun battery when he was without any -support. One last round was fired, and then bidding -his men “Draw swords and charge!” he rode out -under the hail of bullets straight into the enemy’s -midst. The gunners followed to a man; some armed -with swords, others with ramrods, and one of them—a -famous boxer—relying only on his fists, with which -he was seen to lay many a Russian low!</p> - -<p>The greycoats got possession of the guns, for desperately -as the artillerymen fought they could not stay -the enemy’s advance, but it is satisfactory to know -that the battery was retaken not long after and -fought again by Miller and his gallant men.</p> - -<p>Yet another hard fight at the guns took place at a -battery where Sergeant-Major Henry was in charge. -When the Russians were upon them, he and a private -named Taylor drew their swords and made a desperate -defence. Taylor was soon slain, however, together -with nearly all the other gunners, and Henry badly -wounded. A bayonet pierced his chest, another pinned -him in the back, and he sank to the ground.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<p>As was their wont, the Russians continued to strike -at the helpless man as he lay at their mercy, the -result being that when some time later Henry was -rescued and found to be alive he had no fewer than -twelve terrible wounds! He lived, however, to wear -his Cross for Valour with his fellow-artilleryman, -Miller, and to rise to the rank of captain.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE CRIMEA.—WITH THE SAPPERS AND MINERS.—IN -TRENCH AND RIFLE-PIT.</span></h2> - -<p>The battle of Inkerman was the last great battle -of the Crimean campaign fought round Sebastopol. -The rest of the story of the long siege is one that deals -with the heroic if unobtrusive work of the “sappers -and miners,” the Royal Engineers, those “handy men” -of the Army; with the tale of the trenches and rifle-pits, -wherein men carried their lives in their hands -night after night; with sudden sorties in the dead -of night or the mists of early dawn; and with -desperate attempts at storming the outworks of the -great Russian fortress, the Redan, the Mamelon Tower, -and the Malakoff.</p> - -<p>Such a siege would have taxed to the utmost the -powers of any army, but when we remember how its -difficulties were added to by the severity of the -Russian winter and the hardships under which our -brave soldiers laboured through sickness and for the -want of clothing and other necessities of life, we must -account it a truly marvellous achievement.</p> - -<p>Sir William Russell, who was the <cite>Times</cite> correspondent -in the war, fearlessly spoke his mind on the -scandalous mismanagement that prevailed, and from -his vivid letters we know how too often the stores ran<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -out, how the hospital accommodation was insufficient, -and how but for the exertions of Florence Nightingale -and her band of devoted nurses we should have lost -far more than the 24,000 men who died from cholera -and other diseases, or were killed by the enemy’s bullets.</p> - -<p>Of those days and nights in the trenches Lord -Wolseley can speak from experience, for as a young -engineering officer he saw some stirring service before -Sebastopol. The loss of his right eye, and a long -scar on his left cheek, bear witness to one thrilling -night’s work in an advance sap. He was out and -about again, however, as soon as possible, for every -man that could stand up was needed.</p> - -<p>It is Lord Wolseley’s boast that, apart from the -time he spent in hospital, he was never absent from -the trenches at night except on one memorable -occasion. This was when he and a brother-officer -made a hasty Christmas pudding together, compounding -it in a hollowed-out shell, with a shot for pestle. -The “very bad suet” which they got from Balaclava, -or the fact that the pudding had to be devoured ere -it was half boiled, may be accounted sufficient -explanation for the young officer’s breakdown. “At -about twelve o’clock,” he says pathetically, “I thought -I was going to expire.”</p> - -<p>In giving the record of the V.C. heroes who won -glory in the long months that elapsed between the -battle of Inkerman and the fall of Sebastopol, we -may well begin with the Royal Engineers, the popular -“Mudlarks,” whose proud mottoes are “Ubique” (everywhere) -and “Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt” (where right -and glory lead). Eight of the many Crosses to their -credit were gained in the Crimea. Let us see in -what manner these were won.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<p>William J. Lendrim (or Lindrim, for his name is -found spelt both ways), Corporal No. 1078, R.E., had -three dates inscribed on his Cross, February 14th, -April 11th, and April 20th, 1855. On the first -occasion he was sent to do sapper’s work in a -battery that was held by a hundred and fifty French -Chasseurs. A hot fire from the Russian guns had -wrought dreadful havoc among the gabions and raked -the trenches, but Lendrim, assuming command of the -Frenchmen, quickly set to work to repair the damage. -With utter disregard for self, he was here, there, and -everywhere at once, replacing a gabion where it had -been struck down, digging in the trench and shovelling -up earth round the weak places. Lendrim’s -coolness and plucky example saved that battery from -demolition, as the French officer in charge of the -Chasseurs very properly noted in his report.</p> - -<p>His second exploit was to mount the roof of a -powder magazine that had caught fire and, under -a perfect hail of bullets, extinguish the flames. -This was a danger to which batteries were particularly -liable, the live shells and fire-balls that dropped -among them soon setting the basket-work of the -embrasures and other inflammable parts in a blaze. -I shall have something more to say about the “heroes -of the live shell” before this chapter is ended.</p> - -<p>The third date on our brave sapper’s Cross, April -20th, recalls a very daring feat on his part. Out -among the rifle-pits, in the open, some Russians had -erected a screen of brushwood, barrels, and sailcloth, -behind which they thought themselves well secure. -A party of British sappers who lay all night in a -trench thought otherwise. In the darkness, just -before dawn, a dozen of them, prominent among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -whom was Lendrim, dashed out and with bayonets -fixed charged the rifle-pits and destroyed the -screen.</p> - -<p>We come now to the eventful 18th of June, in the -same year, when a desperate assault was made on the -Redan, the while the French stormed the -Malakoff, some distance to the right. With a column -of sailors and soldiers that formed one of the attacking -parties were Lieutenant Graham and Sapper -John Perie of his own corps. They had scaling-ladders -and sandbags with them, but these were not -wanted after all, for the terrific fire that poured -down on the open ground before the fortress walls -made it impossible for the work to go forward.</p> - -<p>Even then men were found willing, nay anxious -to try, and scores of redcoats dotted the rocky -ground between the last trench and the abattis. -But it was a hopeless task—a wanton waste of -valuable lives. Very reluctantly Graham, who had -taken command, ordered his men to retire.</p> - -<p>While, in the security of the trench, they waited -for the Russian fire to diminish, the lieutenant once -more showed of what stuff he was made. There was -a wounded sailor lying out in front, calling piteously -for help. An officer of the Naval Brigade heard -him first, and asked for another volunteer to assist in -bringing the wounded man in.</p> - -<p>“I’m with you,” cried Graham, springing up -instantly; “And I too,” added John Perie. And -out they ran on their noble errand of mercy, succeeding -in the task without being hit.</p> - -<p>Both the lieutenant and the sapper were awarded -the Cross for their bravery. The former, as everyone -knows who has read the history of the Egyptian War,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -became the famous General Sir Gerald Graham, the -victor of El Teb and Tamai. He died in 1899.</p> - -<p>No reference to that disastrous assault on the -Redan would be complete without mention being -made of Colour-Sergeant Peter Leitch, V.C., also of -the Engineers. Like his fellow-sapper, Perie, he was -attached to a ladder-party which shared the fate of -defeat. At the foot of the fortress the little party -was held in check by the pitiless fire of shot and -shell. Men dropped on all sides, for there was no -cover.</p> - -<p>There were the scaling-ladders to be placed, -however, and Leitch came forward to take the lead. -Leaping into the ditch, he pulled down gabion after -gabion from the enemy’s parapet until sufficient had -been secured to make a <i lang="fr">caponnière</i>, filling them with -earth and placing them to afford shelter to his -comrades. It was a heroic task, and many a wound -did he receive until he was finally disabled, but he -had the satisfaction of knowing that he had done his -duty well.</p> - -<p>Nor does this conclude the record of the gallant -“Mudlarks.” I might tell a stirring story of how -Lieutenant Howard Crauford Elphinstone (afterwards -a Major-General and a K.C.B.) did great deeds in -that same affair of the Redan, rescuing with the party -of volunteers he led no fewer than twenty wounded -men, and winning the French Legion of Honour in -addition to the Cross for Valour. But I have only -room now to speak of one more, John Ross, Corporal -No. 997.</p> - -<p>Of the three acts of gallantry of which the dates -are graven on his Cross, two were performed for -daring sapping operations in what were termed the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -4th and 5th Parallels. In the darkness of night -he and his men worked like moles, quietly but -swiftly, connecting (in the first instance) the 4th -Parallel with a disused Russian rifle-pit, the line of -cover thus formed giving the attacking party a -tremendous advantage when morning broke and the -fight was renewed.</p> - -<p>It was highly dangerous work from first to last. -Every few minutes shells and fire-balls from the -Russian guns, which kept up a constant cannonade -throughout the night, would fall in their midst, and -unless these were promptly extinguished the havoc -wrought was considerable. But through it all they -plied their spades bravely and set their earth-filled -gabions in position, Ross himself doing the greater -part of this latter hazardous work.</p> - -<p>His third notable exploit bears date September -8th, of the same year, 1855. The last assault on -the Redan by the allied troops had been made, but -with what results was not known. Ominous loud -explosions startled the still night air every now and -then, and the British and French troops held back -uncertainly, waiting for the enemy’s next move.</p> - -<p>The cessation of the Russian cannonade and -musketry fire, however, led many to think that the -greycoats had abandoned their position, even if only -temporarily. Among those of this way of thinking -was Corporal Ross. Leaving the trench of the 5th -Parallel, where he was working, he set off alone across -the intervening ground to see if his suspicions were -correct. It was ticklish work, he knew, for the -flashes of the explosions in the huge fortress lit up -the plain vividly, and his figure showed up an easy -mark for any Russian sharpshooter who remained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -on the watch. But he kept on until he reached the -abattis, when clambering up to the nearest embrasure -he wormed his way in.</p> - -<p>The place was empty. Only a dismantled gun -and the débris caused by a well-aimed shell greeted -his eyes. Having made certain that he had not been -deceived, Ross hastened back to the lines to spread -the news. A party was at once formed to make -another inspection of the Redan, Ross accompanying -it and leading the way into the fortress, which was -found absolutely deserted.</p> - -<p>The Redan was forthwith occupied by our men, -but the siege was now practically over. The Russians -had retired to the north side of the harbour, evacuating -the town.</p> - -<p>So much for the “Royal Sappers and Miners”; we -shall meet them later in a warmer clime, in India, -doing their duty as faithfully and performing deeds -every whit as heroic as any they did in the bleak -wastes of the Crimea.</p> - -<p class="tb">The heroes of the trenches and rifle-pits appeal -especially to the imagination. The long vigil of -the sentries as they paced to and fro while their -comrades slept or worked in the trench at their back -was an ordeal well calculated to try the nerves of even -seasoned soldiers. A goodly proportion of the guardsmen, -riflemen, and others who were detailed for this -hazardous work were under fire in this campaign for -the first time in their lives, but we never read that -they flinched from the task imposed upon them.</p> - -<p>However worn and weary the sentry might be, -after a long day of digging and hauling sandbags, -he knew he had to exert the utmost vigilance while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -on guard. Under cover of the darkness it was a -favourite pastime with the Russians to make sorties -in little parties of three and four from the fortress, -in the hope of surprising the harassed sappers as they -took a brief and well-earned rest.</p> - -<p>So came three Russians one bitterly cold December -night in 1854 to a small outlying picket of the -7th Royal Fusiliers. Private Norman, on single -sentry-go, caught sight of the grey figures creeping -stealthily towards him. Firing his rifle to sound the -alarm, he rushed forward and leaped boldly into the -trench where the enemy had taken cover. Two he -seized and held prisoner, conducting them back to -the British lines, but the third escaped. The plucky -Fusilier got the Cross for this action when the time -came to reckon up those who were most worthy of -the honour.</p> - -<p>But to narrate the several exploits of the heroes -of the trenches is to tell much the same story over -and over again. A score or more of gallant fellows—Moynihan, -Coleman, Alexander, McWheeney (who was -never absent for a single day from his duties throughout -the war), and others—braved the Russian fire -to dash out into the open and rescue from certain -death some wounded officer or private who lay exposed -on the field. The V.C. was often earned many -times over by these.</p> - -<p>Only a few stand out from the rest by reason of -some special feature, such as Private John Prosser -of the 1st Regiment, who, seeing a rascally soldier -wearing the Queen’s scarlet in the act of deserting -to the Russian lines, jumped out of his trench and -chasing the fugitive under a heavy cross fire collared -him and brought him back to camp—and, let it be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -hoped, swift justice. For this, and for rescuing a -wounded comrade later on, Prosser gained his V.C.</p> - -<p>There were, too, the “heroes of the live shell” to -whom I made reference some pages back. Sergeant -Ablett, of the Grenadiers, with Privates Strong, -Lyons, Coffey, McCorrie, and Wheatley, received the -decoration for this act of valour. Plump into the -trench in which each delved dropped a fizzing shell, -and without a moment’s hesitation the plucky fellow -lifted it up and flung it over the parapet, to burst -more or less harmlessly outside.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Ablett’s shell fell right among some -ammunition cases and powder barrels, and but for his -prompt action a terrible explosion would have taken -place with much loss of life. In Wheatley’s case the -stalwart private attempted first to knock out the -burning fuse, but failing to do this he coolly dropped -his rifle and disposed of the unwelcome intruder with -his hands.</p> - -<p>Of the dashing sorties upon the Russian rifle-pits -pages might be written. I have only space to tell -of one such. It may well serve as characteristic -of all. Privates Robert Humpston, Joseph Bradshaw, -and R. McGregor of the Rifle Brigade are my heroes.</p> - -<p>Far out on the Woronzoff Road, near some -formidable quarries that had served the Russians -well, was a strongly protected rifle-pit whence sharpshooters -directed a deadly fire against a battery in -process of formation by our men. It was essential -that this “wasps’ nest” should be silenced.</p> - -<p>Humpston particularly chafed over the seeming -impossibility of doing this, and at last proposed to -two comrades (Bradshaw and McGregor) that they -should “rush” the pit. The two agreed, being much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -enraged, it is said, by the recent sniping of a bandsman -who was a special favourite.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, without asking for the leave which -they knew would be denied them, the three stole -out of camp one morning before daybreak, and crept -unobserved towards the death-dealing pit. When -within a few yards of it they gave a wild cheer and -charged straight at the surprised Russians.</p> - -<p>It was bayonet work, stab and thrust wherever -a greycoat showed. How many they killed between -them is not recorded, but the rifle-pit was cleared -once for all and its destruction accomplished.</p> - -<p>All three privates were awarded the Victoria Cross, -and Humpston, as the leader, received prompt -promotion, together with the sum of £5.</p> - -<p class="tb">Before closing this chapter and passing on to tell -of the Crimean naval Crosses, I cannot refrain from -noting just two daring deeds that gained the V.C. -for two gallant gunners during the operations before -Sebastopol. They are written large in the annals -of the Order.</p> - -<p>Gunner and Driver Arthur, of the Royal Artillery, -was in an advanced battery at an engagement near -the Quarries, when the 7th Fusiliers fighting near -by him ran out of ammunition. Arthur promptly -volunteered to supply them, and although he had to -cross repeatedly an open space on which a hot fire -was concentrated, he carried the ammunition stores -to the waiting men. But for his assistance the -Fusiliers must have had to abandon the position -they had captured.</p> - -<p>Equally dashing was Captain Dixon’s defence of -his battery. The latter was wrecked by a shell which,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -bursting in the magazine, blew it up and destroyed -five guns, besides killing nearly all the gunners. It -was a great event for the Russians, who cheered and -danced with joy at the result of the shot.</p> - -<p>But they counted without Dixon. The sixth gun -of the battery, although half buried in earth, was -still workable. With some help he got the gun into -position again, loaded and sent an answering shot -hurtling into the enemy’s battery, much to their -surprise and discomfiture.</p> - -<p>And it is to Dixon’s lasting glory that he worked -that single piece until darkness ended the duel. The -chagrined enemy peppered him without cessation -throughout the rest of that day, but he bore a charmed -life. The artillery captain rose to be a Major-General -in after years, with C.B. after his name -besides the letters V.C., while France honoured him -by creating him a Knight of the Legion of Honour.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE CRIMEAN CROSSES OF THE NAVY.</span></h2> - -<p>The record of our Bluejackets afloat and ashore in -the Crimean War is one of which the senior -service has good reason to be proud. While the siege -of Sebastopol was in its early stages a British fleet -sailed up to the Baltic, but without achieving much -result, though a second expedition succeeded (in 1855) -in doing considerable damage to the fortress of -Sveaborg. At the same time another fleet harassed -the enemy in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. -On land the Naval Brigade did yeoman service at -Inkerman, and in the protracted fighting around -Sebastopol.</p> - -<p>“Handy Man Jack” has never missed an -opportunity of going ashore to have “some shooting -with them redcoats,” in our big and little wars. From -the days of Nelson, when they slung their 24- and -18-pounders on to Diamond Rock, to the recent Boer -War, he has proved himself a rare fighter, quite as -efficient with rifle and bayonet as his brother-in-arms. -And the way he handles his field-guns must be the -envy of the artillery.</p> - -<p>In the history of the V.C. the Navy not only -figures very prominently but enjoys the proud distinction -of having the first Cross for Valour placed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -its credit. The senior winner of the decoration is -Rear-Admiral C. D. Lucas, R.N., and the scene of his -exploit was Bomarsund, in the Baltic.</p> - -<p>While the bombardment of this port of the Äland -Islands, which are situated just off the coast of Finland, -was being carried on by our warships under Admiral -Napier’s command, a live shell suddenly dropped on -to the deck of H.M.S. <i>Hecla</i>. It was a moment of -frightful suspense for every one on board who watched -the grim messenger of death fizzing there within a -few yards of them. But there was one man on deck -who saw what to do.</p> - -<p>Acting-mate Lucas, on duty near one of the guns, -promptly ran forward and with iron nerve picked up -the shell, dropping it instantly over the ship’s side. -The burning fuse sputtered out in the water, and the -shell sank harmlessly to the bottom.</p> - -<p>Captain Hall, his commander, brought the plucky -deed under the notice of Admiral Napier, who, in -writing to the Admiralty about the young sailor’s -bravery, trusted that “their Lordships would mark -their sense of it by promoting him.” This recommendation -was acted upon, Lucas being at once -raised to the rank of lieutenant. When later on the -Victoria Cross was instituted the young officer’s name -figured duly in the <cite>Gazette</cite>.</p> - -<p>Two other sailors who gained the V.C. for similar -actions were Captain William Peel, the dashing leader -of the Naval Brigade, and Chief Gunner Israel -Harding of H.M.S. <i>Alexandra</i>, also a Crimean veteran.</p> - -<p>Whole pages might be written about Captain Peel’s -exploits. All the time the naval men were engaged -with the troops round Sebastopol he was ever to the -fore, leading forlorn hopes and fighting shoulder to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -shoulder with his soldier comrades whenever -opportunity offered. At Inkerman, at the fierce -attack on the Sandbag Battery, he was in the thick -of it, and again at the Redan assault.</p> - -<p>Peel loved danger for danger’s sake. There was -no risk that daunted him. At the attack on the -impregnable Shah Nujeef, at Lucknow, in the Indian -Mutiny, two years later, he led his gun detachment -right up to the loopholed walls, which were crowded -with rebel sharpshooters. He behaved, said Sir Colin -Campbell, “very much as if he had been laying the -<i>Shannon</i> alongside an enemy’s frigate.”</p> - -<p>It was Peel who first demonstrated the practicability -of fighting with big guns in the skirmishing line. -“It is a truth, and not a jest,” he once wrote home, -“that in battle we are with the skirmishers.” The -way in which the sailors handled their great ship’s -cannon, 8-inch guns, 24-pounders, and the like, was -marvellous. A military officer, in a letter that was -written at the front, gives an interesting reminiscence -of the Naval Brigade. “Sometimes in these early -days of October 1854,” he says, “whilst our soldiery -were lying upon the ground, weary, languid, and silent, -there used to be heard a strange uproar of men -coming nearer and nearer. Soon the comers would -prove to be Peel of the <i>Diamond</i> with a number of -his sailors, all busy in dragging up to the front one of -the ship’s heavy guns.”</p> - -<p>In a future chapter we shall meet again this -intrepid son of Sir Robert Peel, the great statesman, -winning glory and renown under Campbell and -Havelock. For the present I must confine myself to -his career in the Crimea.</p> - -<p>The most notable of the three acts, the dates of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -which are inscribed on his Cross, was performed in -October 1854, at the Diamond Battery which some -of the Naval Brigade were holding. The battery -needing fresh ammunition, this had to be brought in -by volunteers, for the horses of the waggons refused -to approach the earthworks owing to the heavy -Russian fire.</p> - -<p>Case by case it was carried in and stacked in its -place, and right into the midst of it all, like a bolt -from the blue, dropped a shell. Peel jumped for it -like a flash. One heave of his shoulders and away -went the “whistle-neck” to burst in impotent fury -several yards off—outside the battery’s parapet.</p> - -<p>The second date on his Cross notes the affair at -the Sandbag Battery, where he joined the Grenadier -officers and helped to save the colours from capture. -On the third occasion when his bravery was commended -for recognition he headed a ladder-party in -that assault on the Redan in which Graham and -Perie won such distinction.</p> - -<p>In this attack the gallant captain was badly -wounded in the head and arm, a misfortune which -was the means of gaining the V.C. for another brave -young sailor. From the beginning of the war -Midshipman Edward St. John Daniels had attached -himself to Captain Peel, acting as the latter’s -aide-de-camp at Inkerman. During the battle he -was a conspicuous figure, as, mounted on a pony, he -accompanied his leader about the field.</p> - -<p>In the Redan assault he was still by Peel’s side, -and caught him as he fell on the glacis. Then, -heedless of the danger to which he was exposed, -he coolly set to work to bandage the wounded man, -tying a tourniquet on his arm, which is said to have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -saved Peel’s life. This done, he got his chief to a -place of safety.</p> - -<p>Daniels did another plucky action some months -earlier, when he volunteered to bring in ammunition -from a waggon that had broken down outside his -battery. The fact that the waggon became immediately -the target for a murderous fire from the -Russian guns weighed little with him. He brought -in the cartridges and powder without receiving a -scratch, and the battery cheered to a man as the -plucky little chap scrambled over the parapet with his -last armful.</p> - -<p>Along with Peel and Daniels must be named that -popular idol William Nathan Wrighte Hewett, known -to his messmates as “Bully Hewett.” He was nearly -as picturesque a character as his commander.</p> - -<p>At Sebastopol, the day following Balaclava fight, -Hewett (he was acting-mate at the time), fought a -great long-range Lancaster gun that had been hauled -up from his ship, H.M.S. <i>Beagle</i>. The gun drew a -determined attack on its flank from a very large -force of Russians, and orders were sent to Hewett -by a military officer to spike the gun and abandon -his battery. The odds were too overwhelming.</p> - -<p>In emphatic language the young sailor declared -that he’d take no orders from anyone but his own -captain, and was going to stick to his gun.</p> - -<p>The other “Beagles” were quite of his opinion. -In quick time they knocked down a portion of the -parapet that prevented the huge Lancaster bearing -on the flank and slewed the piece round. Then, -loading and firing with sailorly smartness, they -poured such a hot fire into the advancing horde -of Russians that the latter beat a retreat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p>They used the big gun with great advantage at -Inkerman, but the young mate’s splendid defence of -his battery was enough by itself to win him a well-deserved -V.C. Hewett died eighteen years ago, a -Vice-Admiral and a K.C.B.</p> - -<p>A page or two back I mentioned Israel Harding, -chief gunner, as a third naval hero of the live shell. -It was many years after the Crimean War that his -opportunity came, but his exploit may well be noted -down here.</p> - -<p>Harding was a gunner on board H.M.S. <i>Alexandra</i>, -when, in July 1882, Sir Beauchamp Seymour (afterwards -Lord Alcester) with his fleet bombarded -Alexandria. On the first day of the action (the -11th), a big 10-inch shell from an Egyptian battery -struck the ironclad and lodged on the main deck. -The alarm was raised, and at the cry “Live shell -above the hatchway!” Harding rushed up the -companion. There was luckily a tub of water handy, -and having wetted the fizzing fuse he dumped the -shell into the tub just in the nick of time.</p> - -<p>As in Lucas’s case, promotion quickly followed with -the gunner, while the V.C. was soon after conferred -upon him. The shell, it may be of interest to note, -is now among the treasures of her Majesty the -Queen.</p> - -<p>So many naval heroes call for attention that I -must hurry on to speak of Lucas’s comrades in the -Baltic who also won the coveted decoration.</p> - -<p>There was Captain of the Mast George Ingouville, -serving in the <i>Arrogant</i>. On the 13th of July 1855, -the second cutter of his vessel got into difficulties -while the fleet was bombarding the town of Viborg. -A shell having exploded her magazine, she became<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -half swamped and began to drift quickly to shore. -Observing this, Ingouville dived off into the sea -and swam after the runaway. He was handicapped -with a wounded arm, but being a strong swimmer -he reached the cutter just as it neared a battery. -With the painter over his shoulder he struck out -again for the <i>Arrogant</i>, and towed his prize safely -under her lee.</p> - -<p>At about the same time a gallant lieutenant -of Marines—now Lieut.-Col. George Dare Dowell, -R.M.A.—did much the same thing. When a rocket-boat -of the <i>Arrogant</i> was disabled he lowered the -quarter-boat of his ship the <i>Ruby</i>, and with three -volunteers rowed to the other’s aid. Dowell not -only succeeded in saving some of the <i>Arrogant</i> men, -but on a second journey recaptured the boat.</p> - -<p>It was a lieutenant of the <i>Arrogant</i>, however, -who eclipsed both these deeds, brave as they were. -The exploit of John Bythesea and his ship’s stoker, -William Johnstone, on the Island of Wardo, reads -more like fiction than sober fact. This is the story -of it.</p> - -<p>Early in August of 1854 Lieutenant Bythesea -learned from a reliable source that some highly -important despatches from the Tsar, intended for -the General in charge of the island, were expected -to arrive with a mail then due. At once he conceived -the daring idea of intercepting the despatch-carrier -and securing his valuable documents. His -superior officers thought the project a mad one when -he first broached it, but Bythesea would not be -gainsaid. The thing was worth trying, and he and -Johnstone (who had volunteered his services) were -the men to carry it through with success. In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -end he had his way, though when the two plucky -fellows quitted the ship on their hazardous errand -their shipmates bade them good-bye with little -expectation of ever seeing them again.</p> - -<p>The lieutenant and the stoker had disguised themselves -very effectively in Russian clothes, and managed -to get to land safely. Here they learned from their -informant, a Swedish farmer, that the mail had not -yet arrived, but was expected at any hour. When -darkness fell, therefore, the two Englishmen found -a good hiding-place down by the shore, and commenced -their vigil.</p> - -<p>This was the evening of the 9th of August. It -was not until the 12th that the long-awaited mail -came to land. For three whole days and nights they -had not ventured from their concealment, save once -or twice when the vigilance of Russian patrols had -forced them to take to a small boat and anchor -about half a mile off the coast.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 12th, Johnstone, who spoke -Swedish fluently, learned from the friendly farmer -that the mail had arrived, and was to be sent to the -fort that night. Great caution was to be observed, -the farmer added, as it was known to the Russians -that someone from the British fleet had landed. At -dark, therefore, the two took up their position at a -convenient spot and awaited the coming of the mail-bags. -In due course they heard the grating of a -boat’s keel on the beach. A few Russian words -of command were given, and then sounded the -tramp of feet on the road that led up to the military -station.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus4"> -<img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE ESCORT CAME SWINGING UP THE ROAD WITHOUT A -SUSPICION OF DANGER.—<i><a href="#Page_53">Page 53.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>The lieutenant and his companion were ready at the -instant. A hasty glance at their weapons satisfied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -them that these were in order, and moving a bit -nearer to the roadway they waited until the escort -approached.</p> - -<p>In the dim light they perceived that the Russian -soldiers in charge of the bags numbered five. It was -heavy odds, but the prize was great. They could not -dream of drawing back. The escort came swinging -up the road without a suspicion of danger, and just -as they passed the spot where a clump of bushes -provided secure shelter out leapt the two Englishmen -with cutlass and revolver.</p> - -<p>The cold steel did the work effectively; a pistol -shot would have raised the alarm. Three of the -soldiers were cut down in the surprise attack, while -the remaining two yielded themselves prisoners to -these redoubtable assailants. As quickly as possible -prisoners and mail-bags were hurried to the water’s -edge, where a boat lay in readiness for them.</p> - -<p>In half an hour’s time the despatches were being -examined in the captain’s cabin on board the <i>Arrogant</i>, -their contents proving to be of the utmost importance. -Bythesea had captured the details of certain extensive -operations planned against the Baltic fleet of the Allies -and the army in the South. Such a service was -worthy of the highest honour, and both the lieutenant -and Stoker Johnstone received the Cross for Valour for -that desperate night’s work.</p> - -<p class="tb">Down in the South, in the Sea of Azov, which the -map shows us to lie just north of the Black Sea, our -Bluejackets were doing splendid service in the latter -months of 1855. The towns of Genitchesk and -Taganrog were shelled with great loss to the Russians, -but as they moved their stores farther inland the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -occasion arose for individual expeditions which aimed -at destroying these. The story of the fleet’s operations -in this quarter, therefore, resolves itself into a relation -of the several attempts, successful and otherwise, to -harass the enemy in this way.</p> - -<p>That the task of setting fire to the store buildings -was attended with tremendous risk was proved over -and over again. One or two daring spirits, including -a French captain, were caught and shot by Cossack -patrols. But there are always men to be found ready—nay, -anxious—to undertake enterprises of so -desperate a nature.</p> - -<p>Wellington had the renowned scout, Major -Colquhoun Grant (whose adventures in the Peninsula -teem with romance), doing wonderful “intelligence” -work for him; and to come to more recent times, we -may call to mind Lord Kitchener’s daring journey -through the Soudan in 1884, disguised as an Arab, -for the purpose of learning what were the intentions -of the various tribes with regard to Egypt.</p> - -<p>In the Crimea such men as Lieutenants Day, -Buckley, Burgoyne, and Commerell acted as the eyes -and ears of their commanders, and volunteered for -those little jobs that so infuriated the Russians when -the red glow in the midnight sky showed them where -stacks of forage and other stores blazed merrily.</p> - -<p>Day’s V.C. was awarded him for a most valuable -piece of work. His ship was stationed off Genitchesk -(frequently spelt Genitchi), in the north-eastern corner -of the Crimea, and it was deemed necessary to -reconnoitre the enemy’s lines to ascertain the full -strength of the Russians. For this dangerous service -the young lieutenant volunteered.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, one night he was landed alone on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -Tongue, or Spit, of Arabat, at the spot he had chosen -whence to start. Cossacks, singly or in small -companies, policed the marshy wastes, but Day -wriggled his way between their posts and eventually -got close to the Russian gunboats. The dead silence -that prevailed misled him as to the numbers thereon, -and convinced that the vessels were deserted he -returned to report the facts to his captain.</p> - -<p>The next day circumstances induced him to suppose -that he had been mistaken. He decided to make -a second journey without loss of time, and one night -very soon afterwards saw him again on the Spit. -Day soon discovered that large reinforcements had -arrived on the mainland, and at once made haste to -return to his ship.</p> - -<p>The long detours he was now obliged to make, -to avoid contact with the Cossack sentries, led him -through quagmires and over sandy stretches that -severely tried his endurance. When he reached the -shore at last, well-nigh exhausted, nearly ten hours -had elapsed since his start, and it is not surprising -that, having heard shots fired, his comrades had -given him up for lost. He got back after a most -providential escape, however, and made his report. -But for his discoveries an attempt would certainly -have been made to seize the Russian boats, in which -case the result must have been disastrous.</p> - -<p>Lieutenants Buckley and Burgoyne distinguished -themselves by landing near Genitchesk at night and -firing some immense supplies of stones. With the -seaman, Robarts, who accompanied them, they were -nearly cut off by Cossacks on their return, and only -a fierce fight enabled them to escape. All three won -the V.C. for this daring piece of work.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p> - -<p>Lieutenant Commerell (afterwards Admiral Sir -J. E. Commerell, G.C.B.) performed a like action -later on the same year, which gained the V.C. for -him and one of his two companions, Quartermaster -Rickard.</p> - -<p>Their objective was the Crimean shore of the -Putrid Sea, on the western side of the Spit of Arabat. -They accomplished their task successfully, setting fire -to 400 tons of Russian corn and forage, but were -chased by Cossacks for a long distance. In the -helter-skelter rush back for the boat, about three -miles away, the third man of the party, Able-Seaman -George Milestone, fell exhausted in a swamp, and but -for Commerell’s and Rickard’s herculean exertions -must have fallen a victim to the enemy.</p> - -<p>Making what is popularly known as a “bandy-chair”, -by clasping each other’s wrists, the two officers -managed to carry their companion a considerable -distance. A party of Cossacks at this juncture had -nearly succeeded in cutting them off, but the sailors in -the boat now opened fire, while Commerell, dropping -his burden for a moment, brought down the leading -horseman by a bullet from his revolver. This fortunately -checked the Cossacks, who were only some -sixty yards away, and by dint of half carrying, half -dragging Milestone, the plucky lieutenant and quartermaster -eventually got him to the boat, and were soon -out of reach of their pursuers.</p> - -<p>The foregoing deeds of derring-do worthily uphold -the finest traditions of the Royal Navy. How more -largely still was the “First Line” to write its name -in the annals of the Victoria Cross will be seen in -the succeeding pages.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">PERSIA.—HOW THE SQUARE WAS BROKEN.</span></h2> - -<p>Among our little wars of the last century that -with Persia must not be passed over here, -inasmuch as it was the means of three distinguished -British officers winning the V.C. These were -Captain John Wood, of the Bombay Native Infantry, -and Lieutenants A. T. Moore and J. G. Malcolmson, -of the Bombay Light Cavalry.</p> - -<p>The war originated in the persistent ill-treatment -of British residents at Teheran, and in the insults -offered to our Minister at the Persian Court, Mr. -Murray. No apologies being forthcoming, diplomatic -relations were broken off early in 1856. In -November of the same year, after fruitless attempts -had been made to patch up the quarrel, Persia -revealed the reason for her hostility by violating her -treaty and capturing Herat, and war was declared.</p> - -<p>Herat from time immemorial had been subject to -Afghanistan, and as, from its position on the high road -from India to Persia, it formed the key of Afghanistan, -it was long coveted by the Shah. He laid violent -hands upon it in 1838, but the British Government -made him withdraw. This second insolent defiance -of our warnings could not be borne with equanimity; -a force comprising two British and three native<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -regiments was despatched from India to read the -Persian monarch a lesson. Sir James Outram commanded -the expedition. The capture of Bushire was -the first success scored by the British troops, and it -was in the attack on this coast town in the Persian -Gulf that Captain Wood gained his Cross.</p> - -<p>At the head of a grenadier company Wood made -a rush for the fort. Persian soldiers were in force -behind the parapet, and a hot rifle-fire was poured -into the advancing infantry, but under the inspiration -of their leader they held bravely on. The captain -was the first to mount the wall, where his tall figure -instantly became a target for the enemy. A score -of rifles were levelled at him, and some six or seven -bullets found their mark in his body.</p> - -<p>Badly wounded as he was, Wood jumped down into -the midst of the enemy, killing their leader and -striking terror into the hearts of the rest. This -desperate charge, completed by his men, who had -quickly swarmed up the parapet after him, carried -the day. The fort was surrendered with little more -opposition.</p> - -<p>The feat of arms, however, which led to Lieutenants -Moore and Malcolmson being decorated, was of even -greater brilliancy. To Moore belongs the almost -unique distinction of having broken a square.</p> - -<p>It was at Khoosh-ab that his act of heroism took -place. Near this village, some way inland behind -Bushire, the Persians were massed about eight -thousand strong. Outram’s little army had made -a successful advance into the interior and routed the -Persian troops with considerable loss on their side, -and was now making its way back to the coast. -Surprise attacks at night had been frequent, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -this was the first attempt to make a determined stand -against our troops.</p> - -<p>It was by a singular irony of fate that in this war -we should have had to fight against soldiers trained -in the art of war by British officers. But so it was. -After Sir John Malcolm’s mission to Persia in 1810, -the Shah set to work to remodel his army among -other institutions, and British officers were borrowed -for the purpose of bringing it to a state of efficiency. -The soldiers who gave battle to our troops at -Khoosh-ab, therefore, on February 8th, 1857, were -not raw levies. But, for all that, when it came to a -pitched battle the Persians showed great pusillanimity. -At the charges of the Bengal Cavalry their horsemen -scattered like chaff before the wind.</p> - -<p>Most of the infantry, too, fled when Forbes’ -turbaned sowars of the 3rd Bengals and Poonah -Horse rode down upon them, as panic-stricken as the -cavalry. But there was one regiment that, to its -honour, stood firm. In proper square formation they -awaited the onset of the charge, the front rank kneeling -with fixed bayonets, and those behind firing in -volleys.</p> - -<p>With his colonel by his side, Lieutenant Moore -led his troop of the Bengals when the order was -given to charge, but Forbes having been hit the -young officer found himself alone. He had doubtless -read of Arnold Winkelried’s brave deed at Sempach, -when “in arms the Austrian phalanx stood,” but -whether this was in his mind or not he resolved on -a bold course. He would “break the square.”</p> - -<p>As he neared the front rank of gleaming steel, -above which, through the curls of smoke, appeared -the dark bearded faces of the Persians, Moore pulled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -his charger’s head straight, drove in his spurs, and -leapt sheer on to the raised bayonets. The splendid -animal fell dead within the square, pinning its rider -beneath its body; but the lieutenant was up and on -his feet in an instant, while through the gap he had -made the sowars charged after him.</p> - -<p>In his fall Moore had the misfortune to break his -sword, and he was now called on to defend himself -with but a few inches of steel and a revolver. Seeing -his predicament, the Persians closed round him, eager -to avenge their defeat on the man who had broken -their square. Against these odds he must inevitably -have gone under had not help been suddenly forthcoming.</p> - -<p>Luckily for him, his brother-officer, Lieutenant -Malcolmson, saw his danger. Spurring his horse, he -dashed through the throng of Persians to his comrade’s -aid, laying a man low with each sweep of his -long sword. Then, bidding Moore grip a stirrup, he -clove a way free for both of them out of the press. -What is certainly a remarkable fact is that neither -of the two received so much as a scratch.</p> - -<p>Malcolmson’s plucky rescue was noted for recognition -when the proper time came, and in due course -he and Moore received their V.C.’s together. The -former died a few years ago, but Moore is still with -us, a Major-General and a C.B.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—THE GALLANT NINE AT DELHI.</span></h2> - -<p>The early part of the year 1857 saw the outburst -of the Indian Mutiny which was to startle the -world by its unparalleled horrors and shake to its -foundations our rule in India. Never before was a -mere handful of white men called upon to face such -a fearful ordeal as fell to the lot of the 38,000 -soldiers who were sprinkled all over the North-West -Provinces, and the record of that splendid struggle for -mastery is one that thrills every Englishman’s heart -with pride.</p> - -<p>There are pages in it that one would willingly blot -out, for from the outset some terrible blunders were -committed. Inaction, smothered in “the regulations, -Section XVII.,” allowed mutiny to rear its head unchecked -and gain strength, until the time had almost -passed when it could be stamped out. But if there -were cowards and worse among the old-school British -officers of that day, there were not wanting those who -knew how to cope with the peril. We are glad to -forget Hewitt and those who erred with him in the -memory of Lawrence, Nicholson, Edwardes, Chamberlain, -and the many other heroes who came to the -front.</p> - -<p>In every great crisis such as that which shook<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -India in 1857 the occasion has always found the -man. The Sepoy revolt was the means of bringing -into prominence hundreds of men unsuspected of -either genius or heroism, and of giving them a high -niche in the temple of fame. Young subalterns -suddenly thrust into positions of command, with the -lives of women and children in their hands, displayed -extraordinary courage and resource, and the annals of -the Victoria Cross bear witness to the magnificent -spirit of devotion which animated every breast.</p> - -<p>One hundred and eighty-two Crosses were awarded -for acts of valour performed in the Mutiny, the list of -recipients including officers of the highest, and privates -of the humblest, rank; doctors and civilians; men -and beardless boys. In the following pages I shall -describe some of the deeds which won the decoration -and which stand out from the rest as especially -notable, beginning with the historic episode of -“the Gallant Nine” at Delhi.</p> - -<p class="tb">The Indian Mutiny was not in its inception the -revolution that some historians have averred it to be. -It was a military mutiny arising from more or less -real grievances of the sepoys, to which the affair of -the “greased” cartridges served as the last straw. -Moreover, it was confined to one Presidency, that -of Bengal, and it is incorrect to say that the conspiracy -was widespread and that a large number of native -princes and rajahs were at the bottom of it.</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact only two dynastic rulers—the -execrable Nana Sahib and the Ranee of Jhansi—lent -it their support. The majority of the native -princes, among them being the powerful Maharajah of -Pattiala, sided with the British from the first, and it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -was their fidelity, with their well-trained troops, which -enabled us to keep the flag flying through that awful -time.</p> - -<p>“There were sepoys on both sides of the entrenchments -at Lucknow,” says Dr. Fitchett in his <cite>Tale of -the Great Mutiny</cite>. “Counting camp followers, native -servants, etc., there were two black faces to every -white face under the British flag which fluttered so -proudly over the historic ridge at Delhi. The ‘protected’ -Sikh chiefs kept British authority from -temporary collapse betwixt the Jumna and the Sutlej. -They formed what Sir Richard Temple calls ‘a political -breakwater,’ on which the fury of rebellious Hindustan -broke in vain.” Had the Mutiny indeed been a -<em>national</em> uprising, what chances would the 38,000 -white soldiers have had against the millions of natives -who comprised India’s population?</p> - -<p>It is important to bear all this in mind while -following the course of events which marked the -progress of revolt. We shall not then get such a -distorted picture of the whole as is too frequently -presented to us.</p> - -<p>The Mutiny was a military one, as I have said. -It began prematurely in an outbreak at Barrackpore, -on March 29, 1857. Here a drunken fanatical -sepoy, named Mungul Pandy, shot two British -officers and set light to the “human powder magazine,” -which was all too ready to explode. On the 10th of -May following came the tragedy of Meerut, where -the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry, the 11th and 20th -Regiments of Native Infantry rose and massacred -every European not in the British lines, and this -despite the presence there of a strong troop of horse -artillery and a regiment of rifles, 1000 strong!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p>After the carnage at Meerut the mutinous sowars -poured out unchecked along the high road to Delhi, -to spread the news of their success and claim in the -old, enfeebled pantaloon Mogul king in that city a -political head to their revolt. Delhi received them -open-armed. There were no British troops there, by -special treaty, only a few Englishmen in charge of -the great magazine and its stores.</p> - -<p>It is quite clear that the 31st of May (a Sunday) -was the day fixed for the sepoy regiments in Bengal -to rise simultaneously. Unforeseen events had precipitated -the catastrophe by a few weeks. In Delhi, -which was a nest of treason and intrigue, arrangements -had been perfected for the outbreak there, one -of the first objects to be attained being the seizure of -its arsenal. Hither, then, the mutineers turned at -once after their triumphant entry.</p> - -<p>The magazine of Delhi was a huge building standing -about six hundred yards from the main-guard of the -Cashmere Gate. Within its four walls were guns, -shells, powder, rifles, and stores of cartridges in vast -quantities, from which the mutineers had relied upon -arming themselves. And to defend this priceless -storehouse there was but a little band of nine Englishmen, -for the score or so of sepoys under their -command could not be depended on.</p> - -<p>The Nine comprised Lieutenant George Willoughby, -Captains Forrest and Raynor, Sergeants Stuart and -Edwards, and four Conductors, Buckley, Shaw, Scully, -and Crowe. Willoughby was in charge, a quiet-mannered, -slow-speaking man, but possessed of that -moral courage which is perhaps the highest of human -attributes. When the shouting horde from Meerut -swarmed in and began to massacre every white person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -they met, he called his assistants inside the courtyard -and locked the great gates. At all costs the magazine -must be saved from falling into the hands of the -mutineers.</p> - -<p>There was not a man of the eight but shared -his leader’s determination. With set, grim faces -they went about their work, preparing for the attack -which must come sooner or later. There were ten -guns to be placed in position, several gates to be -bolted and barred, and, last of all, the mine to be -laid beneath the magazine. Help would surely come—come -along that very road down which the sowars -of the 3rd Bengal Cavalry had galloped with bloodstained -swords and tunics. But if it did not, the -Nine knew their duty and would not flinch from -doing it.</p> - -<p>With all possible speed the front entrance and -other important vulnerable points were covered with -howitzers, loaded with grape-shot. Arms had been -served out to all, including the native employees, -but the latter only waited the opportunity to escape. -In the meantime Conductor Buckley saw to the -laying of the mine, connecting it with a long thin -line of powder that ran out to the centre of the -courtyard under a little lemon tree.</p> - -<p>Conductor Scully begged for the honour of firing -the train when the fatal moment came, and obtained -his desire. A signal (the raising of a cap) was then -arranged to be given, at which he was to apply his -port-fire to the fuse.</p> - -<p>All being at last in readiness, the Nine stood at -their several posts waiting for the enemy to make -the first move. They had not to wait long. Within -half an hour came an urgent messenger from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -Palace bearing a written summons to Willoughby to -surrender the magazine. The Head of the Nine tore -up the paper and gave his answer.</p> - -<p>Soon after appeared a body of sepoys, men of the -Palace Guard and of the revolted Meerut regiments, -with a rabble of city people.</p> - -<p>“Open the gates!” they cried. “In the name of -the King of Delhi, open the gates!”</p> - -<p>Getting the same curt refusal that had greeted -the previous summons, some went off for scaling-ladders, -and as they heard these being fixed against -the outer wall the Nine knew the moment for action -had come. The sepoy employees of the Arsenal -were in full flight now, but Willoughby let them go. -He had no shot to spare for them. So over the -walls they scrambled, like rats deserting a sinking -ship, to join their compatriots without.</p> - -<p>As the last man of them disappeared the rush of -the mutineers began. Swarming up the ladders -they lined the walls, whence they fired upon the -brave group of defenders, while the more intrepid -among them leapt boldly down into the yard. The -rifles of the Nine rang out sharply; then at the -word “Fire!” the big guns poured their charges of -grape into the huddled mass of rebels.</p> - -<p>By this time a gate had been burst open, and here -the 24-pounder was booming its grim defiance. The -sepoys hung back in check for some minutes before -the rain of shot. Behind them, however, was a -rapidly increasing crowd, filling the air with the -cry of faith—“Deen! Deen!” and calling on their -brothers in the front to kill, and kill quickly. At -this, though the ground was littered with dead, the -rushes became more daring and the yard began to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -fill with dusky forms, driving the Englishmen farther -back.</p> - -<p>The end was very near now. The sepoys were -dangerously close to the guns, and Willoughby realised -that in a few moments he would have to give the -fatal signal. One last quick glance up the white -streak of road showed him no sign of approaching -aid. They were helpless—doomed!</p> - -<p>Willoughby threw a last charge into the gun he -himself worked.</p> - -<p>“One more round, men,” he said, “and then—we’ve -done.”</p> - -<p>The big pieces thundered again in the face of the -dark crowd by the broken gate, and at the groups -along the wall. Then, dropping his fuse, Scully ran -swiftly to the lemon tree where the post of honour -was his.</p> - -<p>It had been arranged that Buckley should give -the signal at a word from Willoughby, but the brave -conductor was bowled over with a ball in his elbow. -It fell to Willoughby himself, therefore, to make the -sign. He raised his cap from his head, as if in -salute, and the same moment Scully bent down with -his port-fire over the powder train.</p> - -<p>There was a flash of flame across the yard to the -door of the big store building, a brief instant of -suspense, and then, with a deafening roar which shook -Delhi from end to end, the great magazine blew up.</p> - -<p>A dense column of smoke and débris shot high up -into the sky, which was lit with crimson glory by -the leaping flames. The smoke hung there for hours, -like a black pall over the city, a sign for all who -could read that the Huzoors, the Masters, had given -their first answer of defiance to Mutiny.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p>In that tremendous explosion close on a thousand -mutineers perished, crushed by the falling walls and -masonry. Of the devoted Nine five were never seen -again, among them being Conductor Scully. The -four survivors, Willoughby, Buckley, Forrest, and -Raynor, smoke-blackened and unrecognisable, escaped -into the country outside the walls, and set off for -Meerut, the nearest British cantonment.</p> - -<p>Forrest and Buckley, both badly wounded, arrived -safely there with Raynor, to tell the story of their -deed; but Willoughby, who had separated from them, -was less fortunate. His companions learned of their -brave leader’s fate some time after, when a native -brought news of how some five British officers had -been waylaid and cut to pieces near Koomhera. -Willoughby formed one of the doomed party.</p> - -<p>It was a sad ending to a fine career, and throughout -India and England the keenest regret was felt that -he had not lived to receive the V.C. with which, in -due course, each of his three comrades was decorated.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—WITH SABRE AND GUN AGAINST SEPOY.</span></h2> - -<p>The siege of Delhi, which was begun a month -after the rebellion had broken out, ranks with -the most historic sieges of modern times. In its -course it yielded many notable Crosses.</p> - -<p>Defended by high bastions and walls of solid -masonry, the city proved a hard nut to crack, and -Generals Barnard and Wilson, who conducted the -operations with an army of British, Afghan, Sikh, and -Ghurka troops, spent several months before reducing -the stronghold. Even then its capture was only -made possible by the arrival of a siege train under -Brigadier-General John Nicholson.</p> - -<p>To Nicholson belongs a great share of the credit for -the fall of Delhi. By a series of remarkable forced -marches he brought a strong force of artillery and -British and Sikh soldiers from the Punjab to the -Ridge at Delhi, which added greatly to the strength -of the army there encamped. And by his impetuosity -in council he compelled the wavering General Wilson -to decide on the final assault in September.</p> - -<p>Before I come to this point, however, I have to -tell of some gallant deeds that were performed in the -fighting round Delhi. While the army lay on the -Ridge preparing for its leap upon the rebel city, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -number of engagements with the enemy took place. -These were mostly of a very desperate character, and -the individual deeds of some who distinguished -themselves therein were fittingly rewarded with the -Cross for Valour.</p> - -<p>In one of the sorties made by the sepoys at Delhi -in July of that year, 1857, Lieutenant Hills and -Major Tombs, of the Bengal Horse Artillery, had a -fierce encounter with the rebels, which gained the V.C. -for each of them.</p> - -<p>With a cavalry picket and two guns, Hills was on -outpost duty on the trunk road, near a piece of high -ground called the Mound, when a large body of sepoy -sowars from the city charged upon him. The picket, -taken by surprise, took to flight and left the guns -undefended, but Hills remained at his post. To save -his guns and give the gunners a chance of opening -fire was the plucky lieutenant’s first thought, so -clapping spurs to his horse he bore down alone on -the enemy.</p> - -<p>In narrating the incident himself he says: “I -thought that by charging them I might make a -commotion, and give the guns time to load, so in I -went at the front rank, cut down the first fellow, -slashed the next across the face as hard as I could, -when two sowars charged me. Both their horses -crashed into mine at the same moment, and, of course, -both horse and myself were sent flying. We went -down at such a pace that I escaped the cuts made at -me, one of them giving my jacket an awful slice just -below the left arm—it only, however, cut the jacket.</p> - -<p>“Well, I lay quite snug until all had passed over -me, and then got up and looked about for my sword. -I found it full ten yards off. I had hardly got hold of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -it when these fellows returned, two on horseback. -The first I wounded, and dropped him from his horse. -The second charged me with his lance. I put it -aside, and caught him an awful gash on the head and -face. I thought I had killed him. Apparently -he must have clung to his horse, for he disappeared. -The wounded man then came up, but got his skull -split. Then came on the third man—a young, active -fellow.</p> - -<p>“I found myself getting very weak from want of -breath, the fall from my horse having pumped me -considerably, and my cloak, somehow or other, had -got tightly fixed round my throat, and was actually -choking me. I went, however, at the fellow and cut -him on the shoulder, but some ‘kupra’ (cloth) on it -apparently turned the blow. He managed to seize -the hilt of my sword and twisted it out of my hand, -and then we had a hand-to-hand fight, I punching -his head with my fists, and he trying to cut me, but -I was too close to him.”</p> - -<p>At this critical moment Hills slipped on the wet -ground and fell. He lay at the sowar’s mercy, and -nothing could have saved him from death had not -Major Tombs come within sight of the scene. The -major was some thirty yards away, and had only his -revolver and sword with him. There was no time to -be lost, so resting the former weapon on his arm he -took a quick steady aim and fired. The shot caught -the sepoy in the breast, and as his uplifted arm fell -limply to his side he tumbled dead to the ground.</p> - -<p>Thanking Heaven that his aim had been true, Major -Tombs hastened to assist Hills to his feet and help -him back to camp. But as they stood together a -rebel sowar rode by with the lieutenant’s pistol in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -hand. In a moment Hills, who had regained his -sword, dashed after the man, who proved no mean -adversary.</p> - -<p>They went at it cut and slash for some time; then -a smashing blow from the sowar’s tulwar broke down -the lieutenant’s guard and cut him on the head. -Tombs now received the sepoy’s attack, but the -major was among the best swordsmen in the army, -and closing with his opponent he speedily ran him -through.</p> - -<p>Both the officers had had their fill of fighting for the -day, and fortunately, perhaps, for them, no more rebels -appeared to molest them on their return to the camp. -The lieutenant, I may note in passing, is now the -well-known Lieut.-General Sir J. Hills-Johnes, G.C.B.; -his fellow-hero of the fight died some years ago, a -Major-General and a K.C.B.</p> - -<p>Another veteran of the Indian Mutiny still alive, -who also won his V.C. at Delhi, is Colonel Thomas -Cadell. A lieutenant in the Bengal European -Fusiliers at the time, Cadell figured in a hot affray -between a picket and an overwhelmingly large body -of rebels. In the face of a very severe fire he gallantly -went to the aid of a wounded bugler of his own regiment -and brought him safely in. On the same day, -hearing that another wounded man had been left -behind, he made a dash into the open, accompanied -by three men of his regiment, and succeeded in making -a second rescue.</p> - -<p>The heroes of Delhi are so many that it is difficult -to choose among them. Place must be found, -however, for brief mention of the dashing exploit of -Colour-Sergeant Stephen Garvin of the 60th Rifles. -The Rifles, by the way, now the King’s Royal Rifle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -Corps, have the goodly number of thirteen V.C.’s to -their credit.</p> - -<p>In June 1857 the British army on the Ridge was -greatly harassed by rebel sharpshooters who took up -their position in a building known as the “Sammy -House.” It was essential that this hornet’s nest -should be destroyed, and volunteers were called for. -For this service Colour-Sergeant Garvin promptly -stepped forward and, with a small party of daring -spirits, set out on what looked to most like a forlorn -hope.</p> - -<p>What the rebels thought of this impudent attempt -to oust them from their stronghold we cannot tell, -for but one or two of them escaped to the city with -their lives. Such an onslaught as they received at -the “Sammy House,” when Garvin and his valiant -dozen rushed the place, quite surpassed anything in -their experience. The colour-sergeant is described -as hewing and hacking like a paladin of romance, and -for his bravery and the example he set to his -followers he well deserved the Cross that later -adorned his breast.</p> - -<p>At Bulandshahr, a little to the south of Delhi, -in September of the same year, there was a gallant -action fought by a body of the Bengal Horse Artillery, -which resulted in no fewer than seven V.C.’s being -awarded; but there is, I think, no more heroic act -recorded in the annals of this famous corps than that -of brave Gunner Connolly at Jhelum, two months -previously.</p> - -<p>While working his gun early in the action he -was wounded in the left thigh, but he said nothing -about his wound, mounting his horse in the team -when the battery limbered up to another position.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -After some hours’ hot work at this new post, Connolly -was again hit, and so badly that his superior officer -ordered him to the rear.</p> - -<p>“I gave instructions for his removal out of action,” -says Lieutenant Cookes in his report, “but this brave -man, hearing the order, staggered to his feet and -said, ‘No, sir, I’ll not go there whilst I can work -here,’ and shortly afterwards he again resumed his -post as a spongeman.”</p> - -<p>Throughout the fighting that day Connolly stuck to -his gun, though his wounds caused him great suffering -and loss of blood, and it was not until a third bullet -had ploughed its way through his leg that he gave -up. Then he was carried from the field unconscious. -That was the stuff that our gunners in India were -made of, and we may give Connolly and his fellows -our unstinted admiration. For sheer pluck and devotion -to duty they had no peers.</p> - -<p>A highly distinguished artilleryman, who won his -Cross in a different way, was a young lieutenant -named Frederick Sleigh Roberts, now known to fame -as Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, K.G. The scene of -his valour was Khudaganj, near Fatehgarh, in the -Agra district, and the date the 2nd of January 1858.</p> - -<p>Some five thousand rebels under the Nawab of -Farukhabad being in force in the neighbourhood, Sir -Colin Campbell pushed on with his troops to disperse -the enemy. Lieutenant Roberts was attached to Sir -Hope Grant’s staff, and with his leader came into -contact with the rebels at the village of Khudaganj. -Here a sharp engagement took place, which resulted -in the Nawab’s army being completely routed.</p> - -<p>At the end of the fight, while the mounted men -were following up the fugitives, the young lieutenant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -saw a sowar of the Punjab Cavalry (a loyal native -regiment) in danger of being worsted by a sepoy armed -with fixed bayonet. Wheeling his horse in their -direction, he quickly thrust himself between the two -and, with a terrific sweep of his sword across the -other’s face, laid the sepoy low. A minute or two -later he caught sight of a couple of rebels making off -with a standard. Roberts determined that this should -be captured, so setting spurs to his horse he galloped -after them.</p> - -<p>He overtook the pair just as they were about to -seek refuge in a village close by, and engaged them -both at once. The one who clutched the standard -he cut down, wrenching the trophy out of the other’s -hands, but the second sepoy, ere he could turn, placed -his musket close to the young officer’s body and pulled -the trigger. Fortunately for him, the musket missed -fire (it was in the days of the old percussion caps), -whereupon the sepoy made off, leaving Roberts to -return in triumph.</p> - -<p>In other engagements like those at Bulandshahr and -Khudaganj many young cavalry officers who came to -high honour in later years distinguished themselves by -personal bravery. Prominent among these were -Captain Dighton Probyn and Lieutenant John Watson, -both of the Punjab Cavalry. Their exploits are well -worth narrating.</p> - -<p>At the battle of Agra Probyn at the head of his -squadron charged a body of rebel infantry, and in the -mêlée became separated from his men. Beset as he -was by a crowd of sepoys, he cut his way through them -and engaged in a series of single combats of an Homeric -kind. In one instance he rode down upon a cluster -of sepoys, singled out the standard-bearer, killed him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -on the spot, and dashed off again with the colours. -His gallantry on this and other occasions was, as Sir -Hope Grant said in his despatch, so marked that he -was promptly awarded the V.C.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Watson had a similar heroic encounter -with a rebel on November 14th, 1857, when just -outside Lucknow he and his troop of Punjabis came -into contact with a force of rebel cavalry which far -outnumbered them.</p> - -<p>As they approached the Ressaldar in command of -the rebels rode out in advance of his men with half -a dozen followers. He is described as having been “a -fine specimen of the Hindustani Mussulman,” a stalwart, -black-bearded, fierce-looking man. Here was a foeman -worthy of one’s steel. With all the daring that had -already made him beloved by his sowars and feared by -the enemy, Watson accepted the challenge thus offered, -and rode out to give the other combat.</p> - -<p>He had got within a yard or so of his opponent -when the Ressaldar fired his pistol point blank at him, -but luckily the shot failed to take effect. It can only -be supposed that the bullet had fallen out in the -process of loading, for the two were too close together -for the rebel leader to have missed his mark. Without -hesitating, the lieutenant charged and dismounted the -other, who drew his tulwar and called his followers to -his aid.</p> - -<p>Watson now found himself engaged with seven -opponents, and against their onslaught he had to -defend himself like a lion. It is not recorded that he -slew the Ressaldar, though it is to be hoped that he -did so, but he succeeded in keeping them all at bay -until his own sowars came to the rescue with some of -Probyn’s Horse who had witnessed the combat. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -when the rebels were put to flight the brave lieutenant’s -wounds bore evidence of the fierce nature of the combat. -A hideous slash on the head, a cut on the left arm, -another on the right arm that disabled that limb for -some time afterwards, and a sabre cut on the leg which -came near to permanently laming him, were the chief -hurts he had received, while a bullet hole in his coat -showed how nearly a shot had found him.</p> - -<p>There were many tight corners that the young -cavalry leader found himself in before the Mutiny -came to an end, and despatches recorded his name -more than once for distinguished services, but if you -were to ask General Sir John Watson (he is a G.C.B. -now, like his brother-officer, Sir Dighton Probyn) -to-day, I doubt if he could remember another fight -that was so desperate as that hand-to-hand combat -with the mighty Ressaldar.</p> - -<p>And if it should ever come to fade from his memory -he has only to look at a little bronze Maltese cross which -hangs among his other medals on his breast, to remind -himself of a time when it was touch-and-go with -death.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—THE BLOWING UP OF THE CASHMERE GATE.</span></h2> - -<p>The final assault of Delhi, the leap of a little army -of five thousand British and native soldiers upon -a strongly fortified city held by fifty thousand rebels, -forms one of the most exciting chapters in the history -of the Indian Mutiny, and the blowing up of the -Cashmere Gate one of its most heroic incidents. Once -more did the gallant “sappers and miners,” whom we -last saw doing noble work in the trenches at Sebastopol, -here show themselves ready to face any peril at duty’s -call.</p> - -<p>The decision to make the attack was come to at -that historic council on September 6th, 1857, to which -Nicholson went fully prepared to propose that General -Wilson should be superseded did he hesitate longer. -On the following day the engineers under Baird-Smith -and his able lieutenants set to work to construct the -trenching batteries, and by the 13th enough had been -done to warrant the assault.</p> - -<p>We have a very vivid picture drawn for us by -several writers of how, on the night of the 13th, four -Engineer subalterns stole out of the camp on the -Ridge and crept cautiously up to the walls of the -enemy’s bastions to see what condition they were in. -Greathed, Home, Medley, and Lang were the names<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -of the four; one of them, Lieutenant Home, was to -earn undying fame the next day at the Cashmere -Gate.</p> - -<p>Armed with swords and revolvers, the party—divided -into two sections—slipped into the great -ditch, sixteen feet deep, and made for the top of the -breach. But quiet as they were, the sepoy sentries -on the wall above had heard them. Men were heard -running from point to point. “They conversed in a -low tone,” writes Medley, who was with Lang under -the Cashmere Bastion, “and presently we heard the -ring of their steel ramrods as they loaded.”</p> - -<p>Huddled into the darkest corner of the ditch, the -two officers waited anxiously for the sepoys to go -away, when another attempt might be made; but -the alarmed sentries held their ground. The engineers, -however, had seen that the breach was a good one, -“the slope being easy of ascent and no guns on the -flank,” so the four of them jumped up and made -a bolt for home. Directly they were discovered a -volley rattled out from behind them, and the whizzing -of balls about their ears quickened their steps over the -rough ground. Luckily not one was hit.</p> - -<p>There was one other man engaged in reconnoitring -work that same night of whom little mention is made -in accounts of the siege. This was Bugler William -Sutton, of the 60th Rifles, a very brave fellow, as -had been proved some weeks previously during a -sortie from Delhi. On this occasion he dashed out -from cover and threw himself upon the sepoy bugler -who was about to sound the “advance” for the rebels. -The call never rang out, for Bugler Sutton’s aim was -quick and true, and the rebels, in some disorder, were -driven back.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p>Volunteering for the dangerous service on which -the four engineers above-named had undertaken, -Sutton ventured forth alone to spy out the breach -at which his regiment was to be hurled next morning, -and succeeded in obtaining some very valuable information -for his superiors. The 60th Rifles gained -no fewer than eight Victoria Crosses during the -Mutiny, and one of them fell to Bugler Sutton, who -was elected unanimously for the honour by his -comrades.</p> - -<p>But it is of the Cashmere Gate and what was done -there that this chapter is mainly to tell. According to -the plans of the council, four columns were to make -the attack simultaneously at four different points -in the walls. The one under Nicholson was to carry -the breach near the Cashmere Bastion, while another -column, under Colonel Campbell, was to blow up the -Cashmere Gate and force its entrance through into -the city. The duty of performing the first part of -this operation fell to Lieutenants Home and Salkeld -of the Engineers.</p> - -<p>There was a little delay on the morning of the -assault, for it was found that the sepoys had been -hard at it in the night blocking up the holes in -the breaches with sandbags, and otherwise repairing -the damage done by our batteries. But at last everything -was in readiness. The signal to advance was -given, and the columns moved eagerly forward.</p> - -<p>At the head of the third column (Campbell’s), -well in front of the rest, ran Home, Salkeld, two -sergeants, also of the Bengal Engineers,—let their -names be given, Smith and Carmichael,—Corporal -Burgess, and Bugler Hawthorne of the 52nd Regiment, -together with Havildar Pelluck Singh and eight sappers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -Salkeld had a slow match in his hand (not a port-fire, -as is often stated); the sergeants and the other men -each carried a 25 lb. bag of powder. Behind, to -cover them, followed close a small firing party.</p> - -<p>It is not difficult to conjure up the scene before -our eyes. As the little company nears the Gate it -sees that the bridge which formerly spanned the -ditch has been broken down. Only a single beam -stretches across. Nothing daunted, Lieutenant Home -leads the way, stepping lightly over the shaking beam -and dropping his powder bag at the foot of the Gate -ere he leaps down into the ditch.</p> - -<p>Peering through the wicket, the sepoys stare in -sheer astonishment at this handful of mad Englishmen -charging at them, and four or five of the party have -got safely across, each depositing his precious bag -in its place, ere the rebel muskets speak out. Then -the slender wooden beam becomes indeed a bridge of -death. A sheet of flame flashes from the wicket of -the Gate, and one man after another falls, wounded -or killed outright. Enough bags, however, have been -flung down into position, and Home calls upon Salkeld -to finish the job.</p> - -<p>With Sergeants Smith and Carmichael, and the -corporal by his side, Salkeld, who has been in waiting, -dashes for the frail bridge. He gains it and is over, -as a volley rattles out from the Gate, but before he -can light the fuse he falls, shot through leg and -arm.</p> - -<p>“Here you are, Burgess!” he cries, holding out the -slow match. “Quick, man!”</p> - -<p>The corporal takes the slow match in turn and bends -low over the powder, only to fall back the next instant -mortally wounded. We have it on Lord Roberts’<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -authority that Burgess actually succeeded in lighting -the fuse, but opinions are at variance on this point. -It seems probable, however, that he did perform -his task, for when Sergeant Smith, seizing the slow -match in his turn, now goes forward to ignite the -powder, he sees that the fuse is fizzling.</p> - -<p>A leap into the ditch, where he lands beside Home -and Bugler Hawthorne, saves him just in time. A -moment later and there is a loud explosion, a cloud -of smoke, and stones, pieces of wood, and other débris -raining down all around. In the noise of the firing -and the confusion that prevails, the bugler is meanwhile -sounding the “advance,” not once but thrice, -though it is extremely doubtful if it is heard -at all.</p> - -<p>Colonel Campbell has seen the explosion, however, -and the storming party, straining like hounds in leash, -are no more to be held back. With a wild cheer -they spring forward, to find—not the big Gate itself -destroyed, but the little wicket, which was all that -had been blown in. One by one they creep through, -stepping over the scorched bodies of the sepoy -wardens within, and form up in the open space by -Skinner’s Church, where all are to meet.</p> - -<p>But what of the survivors of the explosion left -behind in the ditch? Home is alive, and so are -Hawthorne, Smith, Burgess, and Salkeld, though the -two last are grievously wounded. Carmichael and -several others lie still for ever on the damp -ground.</p> - -<p>With some assistance, brave John Smith and Bugler -Hawthorne get Lieutenant Salkeld into the doctor’s -hands, though it is evident nothing can be done for -him. Burgess, too, has a mortal wound, and he is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -dead before friendly hands have carried him a score -of yards. Of the wounded only the havildar, who -had fallen with Carmichael before the deadly rain -of bullets, has any hope of recovery.</p> - -<p class="tb">There is not much more to be said. Lieutenant -Philip Salkeld died a few days later, but not before -he knew that the Cross for Valour had been conferred -upon him. Sergeant Smith and the bugler were the -only two destined to wear the coveted decoration in -memory of that day’s desperate deed.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Duncan Home figures in the list of -V.C. heroes with his brother-lieutenant by reason -of the Cross having been provisionally bestowed -upon him by General Wilson. His end, which came -scarcely three weeks later, was a dramatic one.</p> - -<p>In the attack on Fort Malagarh it was expedient to -lay a mine and make a breach in the wall. Home -superintended this operation, and lit the slow match -himself. The fuse appearing to have gone out, he -went forward to examine it and relight it if necessary, -but at the moment he stooped the light reached the -powder and the mine blew up.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—THE STORY OF KOLAPORE KERR.</span></h2> - -<p>The scene of the incident which I am about to -narrate was Kolapore (or Kolhapur, as the -modern spelling has it), an important town in the -Bombay Presidency. Even before the Mutiny broke -out there had been no little disaffection among the -people in that quarter of India, and when the news -of the revolt at Meerut and Delhi reached the -Presidency grave fears were entertained lest the -native troops there should join the rebels.</p> - -<p>It was characteristic of most English officers attached -to native regiments in those days that they firmly -believed in the loyalty of their men. Only at the -last moment, when the soldiers they had drilled and -taught broke into open mutiny, could they grasp the -truth, and then it was often too late. But in Bombay -there was one officer whose trust was not belied. -This was Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr, of the -Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse.</p> - -<p>“I know my men,” he would say, when the question -of loyalty was raised, “and I know they are true. -I’ll answer for <em>my</em> troopers at any time.”</p> - -<p>Rather short men were these Mahrattas, but -sturdy, stocky fellows with somewhat flat features, -long jet black hair, and bronze faces, out of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -small fiery black eyes gleamed at one. They were -excellent fighters, as many a hill fight had proved, -and there were not a few officers in India who would as -soon have had a company of wild Mahratta warriors at -their back as Sikhs or Punjabis, when it came to a -tussle.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Kerr certainly held this opinion. Long -service with them had made him acquainted with -their courage and faithfulness.</p> - -<p>“The Bombay Infantry may rise, but not my -Mahrattas,” he affirmed. “There isn’t a man among -them who wouldn’t follow me to the ends of the -earth!”</p> - -<p>He was stating this fact for the hundredth time at -a memorable council that was held in the officers’ -mess at Satara on the night of July 8th, 1857, when -the startling news was flashed over the wires that -the 27th Bombay Native Infantry had revolted at -Kolapore. The message ran that nearly all their -English officers had been killed, only a few escaping -to find uncertain refuge in the Residency. Help -was needed urgently.</p> - -<p>What was to be done? The officer commanding at -Satara faced his staff with a grave face. Here was -confirmation of their worst fears. The looks that -met his were full of foreboding; all, that is, save -Kerr’s.</p> - -<p>Rising to his feet, the young lieutenant turned -quickly to his superior.</p> - -<p>“Give me leave, sir,” he said, “and I’ll undertake -with a company of our sowars to clear every mutineer -out of Kolapore.”</p> - -<p>It was the chance he longed for, the chance to -prove the loyalty of his troopers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p>The colonel pondered some moments, for the little -force at Satara was not over strong.</p> - -<p>“I can give you fifty men,” he said at last; “a -troop of fifty, no more. Can you manage with -that?”</p> - -<p>“I can and I will,” answered Kerr tersely. And -half an hour later saw him spurring fast southward -with his Mahrattas behind him, in all the glory of -their gold-braided green coats and scarlet turbans.</p> - -<p>Kolapore lay seventy-five miles due south, as the -crow flies, but their way led through unfrequented -roads and jungle paths, with swollen rivers and flooded -nullahs to swim across, for the rains had been heavy -of late and the fords were gone. Swamps impeded -their progress, clutching at the feet of the wiry hill -horses to drag them down, but they were clear at last, -and galloped breathless into Kolapore in rather less -than six-and-twenty hours from their start.</p> - -<p>The mutineers of the revolted 27th Regiment had -entrenched themselves in a strongly built stone fort -on the outskirts of the town. The main entrance to -this was a massive wooden door which would need to -be forced open, for inside there were heavy bolts and -bars to secure it. So Kerr, choosing the quickest way, -borrowed a couple of antique cannon from the Rajah -of the place and pounded away to break the outer -wall; but the guns turned out to be worthless and -had to be abandoned.</p> - -<p>There now remained the door to be broken open. -That offered the best, indeed the only, means of effecting -an entrance. Night was fast drawing nigh, and -the lieutenant was determined to take action at -once. It would not do to give the rebels breathing -space.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - -<p>Halting his Mahrattas some distance from the fort, -Kerr picked seventeen of his most trusted men and -bade them dismount and follow him to the attack. -For himself and a trooper whose name, strangely -enough, was Gumpunt Rao Deo Ker, he had obtained -two stout iron crowbars with which to force open -the door, and at a signal from him the little party -dashed eagerly forward.</p> - -<p>From their loopholes and from the top of the wall -the sepoys poured an irregular fire upon the besiegers -below. But Kerr and Gumpunt Rao, working away -desperately with their bars, very soon made a hole -in the door near the ground. A few more blows -enlarged it sufficiently to allow one man to crawl -through on his hands and knees.</p> - -<p>That was enough for Kerr.</p> - -<p>“In we go, men,” he cried; “after me! Have your -swords ready!” And the little fierce-eyed men grinned -with delight as they saw their leader wriggle like a -snake through the hole with the faithful Gumpunt at -his heels. What a fight there was going to be!</p> - -<p>They guessed truly. The instant Kerr showed -himself inside the courtyard he was greeted with a -volley of musketry, but the sepoys aimed too high, -and every bullet crashed harmlessly into the woodwork -over his head. Springing to his feet, the lieutenant -made a rush at his assailants that sent them flying -before him. And then, the scarlet turbans having -followed safely through the aperture one after another, -the mutineers were slowly driven back, leaving several -heaps of dead and wounded in their wake.</p> - -<p>The fighting blood of the wild Mahrattas was up -now. A battalion of rebels could not have stayed -them. Before their fierce onslaught the mutineers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -fled to the refuge of a house that covered the second -entrance to the fort, but the building was set on fire, -and off they scampered again for dear life, though a -few perished in the flames.</p> - -<p>Their next retreat was behind a gateway which led -to the inner portion of the fort. Here the shaken -remnant was joined by the men of the garrison, who -had been spectators of the affray. This reinforcement -gave them renewed confidence, and they opened a fresh -fire upon Kerr and his little band. The Mahrattas -needed no call from their valiant leader. Two or -three of them bit the dust under the hail of bullets, -but the rest leapt to the gate where Lieutenant Kerr -was already at work with his crowbar. Again a hole -was made, and again the plucky officer—always first—crept -through with his followers.</p> - -<p>In the terrible hand-to-hand fight that ensued -within Kerr had the chain of his helmet cut by a -bullet, while another ball struck his sword. A sepoy, -too, thrust his musket almost into the lieutenant’s -face, the discharge blinding him for an instant, but -Kerr ran his sword through the man’s body ere he -could reload.</p> - -<p>The thrust was a mighty one, and the effort to -withdraw his weapon was so great that it gave time -for a watching rebel to deal him a stunning blow on -the head with the butt end of a musket. Down -went Kerr like a felled log, and but for Gumpunt -Rao he would have been shot where he lay. Just in -the nick of time the Mahratta sprang between them -and sent the sepoy to his last account.</p> - -<p>Kerr’s storming party was sadly reduced in -numbers by this time, and of those who had survived -not one had escaped being wounded. But as soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -as their leader had come to his senses, they went -forward once more, cutting down the mutineers with -their keen-edged curved swords, and striking terror -into the hearts of those who yet again fled before -them.</p> - -<p>In their extremity the rebels made for an empty -disused temple, hastily barricading its door with -stones and anything that would help to keep those -dreaded greencoats at a safe distance. They still -had a good supply of cartridges left, and with these -did such execution that several more of the Mahratta -warriors were laid low.</p> - -<p>But they had to reckon with a man who was bent -on teaching them such a lesson as they and every -mutineer in the Presidency should never forget. -Seven sowars alone were left to Kerr for his last -attack, seven out of the chosen seventeen who had -followed him through that first hole in the outer -door. Yet he did not wait to be reinforced. With -this mere handful of men he flung himself on the -temple door, which at once rang under the quick -blows of his iron bar.</p> - -<p>The entrance to the building, however, was made -of stouter material than the other doors had been. -Neither he nor Gumpunt Rao could burst through -the wood. The lieutenant glanced round for another -weapon, and now to his delight saw a heap of hay -lying by a side wall. Here was the very thing -he wanted.</p> - -<p>“Quick, Gumpunt!” he shouted. “Bring that hay -over here. We’ll burn the door down an’ finish -’em!”</p> - -<p>And finish them they did. As the flames crackled -up and the door fell in, Kerr, Gumpunt Rao, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -other six leapt inside. A grim-looking band they -must have appeared, with their smoke-blackened -faces, their slashed and bloodstained tunics, and -doubly so to the panic-stricken mutineers who -cowered in the dark corners of the temple.</p> - -<p>“No quarter!” the wild Mahrattas had begged of -their “sahib,” while they waited for the fire to do its -work. “Death to every rat caught in the hole!” -But Kerr would not grant them their wish. All who -would yield were to be taken prisoners; he had a -different fate in store for them.</p> - -<p>So when the eight emerged again from the now -silent building, more bloodstained than ever, for a -few of the rats at bay had shown their teeth, they -brought with them a bare dozen of trembling sepoys, -all that remained of the mutinous garrison of Kolapore -Fort. And with these in their midst the little -swarthy hill-men in the green coats some hours later -rode triumphantly back to Satara, with Kerr at their -head, to tell of that grim night’s work.</p> - -<p>The sparks of mutiny that might so easily have -burst into a flame in Bombay may be said to have -been stamped out by Lieutenant Kerr’s prompt and -vigorous action. Subsequent attempts were made to -create a rising, but they were fitful and half-hearted. -The lesson of Kolapore had been a stern one.</p> - -<p>For his dashing exploit Lieutenant Kerr received -the V.C., a decoration which, I am glad to say, he is -still alive to wear. The brave Mahratta, Gumpunt -Rao Deo Ker, though he deserved to share the same -honour, was rewarded in a different fashion.</p> - -<p>That is the story of Kolapore Kerr. It is, to my -mind, a theme every whit as inspiring to a poet’s pen -as the stand of the Guides at Cabul or Gillespie’s ride<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -to “false Vellore.” Perhaps some day a poet will -arise who will commemorate for us in stirring verse -Kerr’s gallant deed, and tell how once and for all -the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse proved their -loyalty to the British Raj.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—THE DEFENCE OF THE DHOOLIES.</span></h2> - -<p>In the preceding chapters I have told of many -heroes who have won imperishable glory at the -cannon’s mouth, “i’ the imminent deadly breach”; -at the head of charging squadrons; or in Homeric -personal combat. Valiant men were they all, and -worthy of high admiration; but I come now to speak -of other brave men, whose deeds though less ostentatious -should appeal to our imagination no less forcibly—the -devoted surgeons of our Army.</p> - -<p>In the bead-roll of Britain’s heroes there are no more -honoured names than theirs, and very high up among -them I would place those of Surgeons Jee, McMaster, -Home, and Bradshaw. Their work was not to lead -storming parties or join in the press of battle, but -to follow in the wake of the fight, to relieve the -sufferings of the wounded, to bind up shattered limbs -and bandage the ghastly hurts that round-shot, sabre, -and musket had inflicted in the swirl of evil human -passions thus let loose.</p> - -<p>It was work that demanded devotion and courage -of the highest order, for it was carried on mostly -under fire, when bullets rained pitilessly around, and -the very hand that one moment eased a sufferer’s -pain might the next itself be stilled in death. Let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -the tale of what was done in Lucknow streets on that -historic September day in 1857 when Havelock and -Outram fought their way into the besieged city, testify -to the pluck and noble self-sacrifice of which our -Army doctors are capable at duty’s call.</p> - -<p>Surgeon Joseph Jee was attached to the 78th -Highlanders, the old “Ross-shire Buffs,” now known -(with the 72nd Foot) as the Seaforth Highlanders. He -had followed his regiment to Cawnpore to avenge Nana -Sahib’s ghastly massacre, and thence to Lucknow, -which, under the gallant Henry Lawrence, was holding -out until relief came.</p> - -<p>From the Alumbagh, the pleasure-house that was -built by a Begum of the ex-King of Oudh about two -miles out of the city, and was now garrisoned by some -12,000 sepoys, the relieving force, as is well known, -fought their way steadily across the Charbagh Bridge, -and so on to the Chutter Munzil Palace and the -Bailey Guard Gate, and eventually gained the Residency -itself.</p> - -<p>It was on the morning of the 25th of September -that Lucknow was actually reached. At the Charbagh -Palace, near the bridge, the 78th Highlanders were -left to hold that position, while the main body threaded -its way through the narrow, tortuous lanes leading to -the Residency, and here Surgeon Jee and Assistant-Surgeon -McMaster quickly found work for their -hands. All the streets and houses in the vicinity -were strongly occupied by mutineers. Desperate -charges had to be made to carry the rebel guns which -poured a devastating fire upon our troops, and though -the cannon were captured and toppled over into the -canal, the casualties were exceedingly heavy.</p> - -<p>While the wounded remained to receive attention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -from the busy doctors, the regiment, following up its -last attack, disappeared round the bend of the canal, -and Jee and his assistants found themselves suddenly -exposed to the enemy’s fire. Having obtained some -men to act as bearers, the surgeon got his patients -lifted up and carried to where a few dhoolies were. -These were filled in no time, one of them by Captain -Havelock, son of the General, who was badly hit in -the arm; the rest of the wounded were placed in -carts drawn by bullocks. The latter, however, met -with a heartrending fate ere they had gone far; -for the sick train coming to a standstill in the -road where it was blocked, all the occupants of the -carts were massacred by sepoys before their comrades’ -eyes.</p> - -<p>The regiment was caught up at last, and a company -under Captain Halliburton detailed to guard the -dhoolies. But misfortune dogged the little party’s -steps. They lost their way in the city, were led by -a blundering guide right into an enemy’s battery, -which shelled them mercilessly, and wandered about -for hours continually under fire, until they took refuge -in the Moti-Mahal (the Pearl Palace). Here was -a square courtyard having sheds all round it and -two gateway entrances. As it was already packed -with soldiers, camp followers and camels, the surgeons -were hard put to it to find accommodation for their -wounded.</p> - -<p>Of the horrors of that night Surgeon Jee has told -us in his own words. The firing was deafening, gongs -were sounding the hours, while there was a hubbub of -shouting through which the groans of the wounded -could nevertheless be heard. An alarming rumour -came that all the 78th had been killed, and, what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -added to the terrors of the situation, no one knew -how far off the Residency was. But Jee stuck to his -post, and many a poor fellow lived through that -inferno to bless the brave, tender-hearted doctor to -whom he owed his life.</p> - -<p>At daylight some tea was made (they had had -neither food nor drink since leaving the Alumbagh -the morning before), and then preparations were made -to defend the place. Loopholes had to be pierced -in the walls, and the best marksmen stationed there -to pick off the sepoys who raked the square from -house and gateway. Jee himself had many a narrow -escape as he dodged about dressing the wounds both -of the artillery and his own men, and he recounts -how Brigadier Cooper was shot through a loophole -close to where he was standing.</p> - -<p>In this extremity Jee boldly volunteered to attempt -to get his wounded into the Residency by taking them -along the river bank, leaving Captain Halliburton to -hold the Moti-Mahal. Nothing could dissuade him -from this course once his mind was made up, so with -his dhoolies he set out to run the gauntlet.</p> - -<p>What the little company of dhoolies passed through -ere it reached its destination we do not know, but we -can picture to ourselves that terrible journey through -the winding tangled streets in which nearly every -house contained sepoy riflemen. There was, too, a -stream to be crossed, and at this spot they were -exposed to the fire of the rebel guns at the Kaiserbagh -Palace.</p> - -<p>They reached the Residency at length, after much -going astray, and reached it sadly depleted in numbers. -As elsewhere in Lucknow that same night, the -cowardly sepoys made a special mark of the dhoolies,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -shooting the defenceless wounded in cold blood. On -their arrival General Havelock warmly congratulated -the plucky surgeon on his success in getting through, -for he had heard that Jee had been killed.</p> - -<p>Honour was slower in coming to the brave Army -doctors than to many others who distinguished -themselves in the Mutiny, for it was not until three -years later that Jee was gazetted V.C. But such -services as his could not be overlooked, and there was -universal satisfaction when his name was added to the -Roll of Valour. He died some years ago, a Deputy -Inspector-General and a C.B.</p> - -<p class="tb">On the night of the same day that Jee was conveying -his wounded to the Residency, a somewhat similar -scene was being enacted in another quarter of Lucknow. -By the Moti Munzil Palace lay a number of wounded -officers and men of the 90th and other regiments in -the charge of Doctors Home and Bradshaw of the -90th. Left behind by the relieving force as it held -straight on to its goal, the dhoolies had to rely for -protection on a small escort of a hundred and fifty men. -By great good fortune they escaped the notice of the -mutineers during the first part of the night, but ere -dawn had broken a fierce attack was made upon -them. Off they started, then, on a slow, laborious -journey, which was to cost many valuable lives before -its end.</p> - -<p>“To the Residency!” was the cry, a young civilian -named Thornhill having undertaken to guide them -thither. But between them and Havelock’s house was -a network of streets and lanes that had to be threaded, -and these were still overrun with sepoys. It was a -true <i lang="it">via dolorosa</i> that lay before them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> - -<p>The order having been given, the dhoolies were -picked up by very reluctant native bearers, the surgeons -closed in round their charges, and they started off, -while the escort covered their progress as best they -could. After a terrible hour’s journeying, with sepoys -hanging on flank and rear, the little company eventually -reached the Martinière (a building erected by a -French soldier of fortune in the eighteenth century). -Their stay here was short, however, for a well-directed -cannonade drove them once more afield. A flooded -nullah was next crossed, and beyond this seemed -to lie safety, but a fatal blunder on the part of their -guide led them into a veritable death-trap.</p> - -<p>The street into which they filed appeared to be -deserted. As a matter of fact it was full of sepoys, -who were concealed in the houses on either side. This -was the narrow street leading to the Bailey Guard -Gate, the entrance to the Residency; along its three-quarters -of a mile, some hours previously, the 78th -Highlanders and Brasyer’s Sikhs had won their way -through a perfect tempest of shot. A similar reception -awaited the dhoolies.</p> - -<p>As the ill-fated train passed through and gained the -square at the farther end, the storm of musketry broke -into full blast over their heads. In a moment the panic-stricken -bearers dropped the dhoolies and fled for dear -life, leaving the wounded men in the middle of the -square exposed to every sepoy marksman. The fire of -close on a thousand muskets must have been concentrated -on that small enclosure, but Surgeon Home -managed, with nine men of the escort, to get half a dozen -of the wounded within the shelter of a building before -which was a covered archway.</p> - -<p>Surgeon Bradshaw, meanwhile, who had been in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -rear of the train, had collected his dhoolies as soon as -the nature of the trap was disclosed, and turned hastily -back to seek the turning that their guide ought to have -taken. The luckless Thornhill had been killed, having -been one of the first to be shot down. It is satisfactory -to add that Bradshaw was successful in bringing his -dhoolies to safe quarters without further mishap.</p> - -<p>Would that such had been the case with Surgeon -Home! He and his party had gained shelter for the -time, but none could say how long it would be before -the horde of sepoys would storm it. The most daring -of the mutineers had already ventured out into the -square to kill those of the wounded whom they could -reach and to fire through the windows of the house.</p> - -<p>The heroes of what became known afterwards as -Dhoolie Square were, besides Home, Privates McManus, -Ward, Ryan, and Hollowell. These gallant fellows, -but for whom the whole company must have been -massacred, formed part of the military escort. Patrick -McManus, who was an Irishman of the Northumberland -Fusiliers, was a noted shot. Taking up a position -immediately behind one of the pillars of the archway, -he coolly fired shot after shot until a number of sepoys -had fallen victims to his unerring aim. The rest of -the rebels retreated before his rifle and sought shelter -within the houses.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus5"> -<img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">McMANUS NOW RUSHED OUT, ACCOMPANIED BY PRIVATE JOHN -RYAN … AND CARRIED IN CAPTAIN ARNOLD.—<i><a href="#Page_98">Page 98.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>This pause afforded an opportunity for rescuing those -of the wounded who lay within reach. With his deadly -rifle in his hand, McManus now rushed out, accompanied -by Private John Ryan (a Madras European Fusilier), -and carried in Captain Arnold, who had been shot in -both legs. A second time they ventured out, and in the -rain of bullets they drew upon themselves succeeded in -dragging another poor fellow from the slender security<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -of his dhoolie to more certain safety. But their errand -of mercy was in vain: though neither of the rescuers -was hit, Arnold and the other wounded man (a private) -were struck again and again, both dying soon after.</p> - -<p>Private Ward, a 78th Highlander but a Norfolk -man by birth, had a little previously saved the life of -Lieutenant Havelock. The dhoolie in which the young -officer lay would have been abandoned had not Ward, -by force of blows, compelled the native bearers to carry -it behind the pillars of the arch.</p> - -<p>Inside the house that sheltered Home and the others -the surgeon was hard at work attending to his wounded, -most of whom were in worse case than when they -started on their journey. If he stopped in his task it -was only to snatch up a rifle and take a shot at some -sepoy who was within sight. With consummate daring -the rebels braved McManus and crept up to the window -of Home’s room. One man, whom he shot with his -revolver, was no more than three yards away from him -at the time.</p> - -<p>So some hours wore away. Then the sepoys, -furious at their ineffectual attempts to get at their -prey, brought up a large screen on wheels, with thick -planks in front, and with this shut off what was -apparently the little garrison’s only exit. It was their -intention to fire the roof and burn the Englishmen in -their trap.</p> - -<p>There was another door at the side of the house, -however, and while the flames crackled and the choking -smoke filled the rooms, Home and all the able -men with him seized hold of the wounded and made -a dash through this across the square to a small shed -that appeared to be empty. They reached it, but only -half a dozen were in a condition to handle their rifles.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -The remnant that had struggled through with them -could hardly raise themselves from the floor.</p> - -<p>The shed being loopholed, McManus and his -comrades Ward and Ryan, together with another 78th -man, named Hollowell, were able to keep the sepoys -at a distance. They could not prevent, however, the -ghastly murder of the wounded, who still lay in the -dhoolies at the farther end of the square. One after -another the unfortunate men were shot or bayoneted -as they lay, only one (an officer of the 90th), it is -recorded, escaping by a miracle.</p> - -<p>All the rest of that fearful day, and throughout the -night, the brave surgeon and his handful of men held -their fort against the swarms of mutineers who surged -again and again to the attack. In the darkness they -heard the sepoys tramping about on the roof, but a -few well-aimed shots put these daring spirits to flight. -The lack of water was now keenly felt, some of the -wounded suffering terribly for want of it. Moved to -desperation by their piteous cries, and hoping to -secure a safer position, Home and a private at last -stole out into the square and made their way to a -mosque some yards distant. They obtained some -water, but a vigilant sepoy espied their movements, -and the plucky pair only just got back to the shed in -time.</p> - -<p>“The terrors of that awful night,” says Dr. Home -in his account of his experiences, “were almost -maddening: raging thirst, uncertainty as to where the -sepoys would next make an attack; together with the -exhaustion produced by want of food, heat, and anxiety.”</p> - -<p>But morning saw them still alive, and with the -daylight came the welcome sound of rifle volleys,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -unmistakably British. Ryan, who was acting as -sentry at a loophole, sprang excitedly to his feet and -roused his comrades with the shout, “Oh, boys, -them’s our own chaps!”</p> - -<p>And a few minutes later into the corpse-strewn -square swept a column of redcoats, driving the sepoys -before them in wild confusion. With Home leading -them, the heroes of Dhoolie Square gave as loud a -cheer as their feeble voices could raise, and flinging -open the door of their refuge, rushed out to greet -their rescuers.</p> - -<p>Surgeon Home (he is now Sir Anthony Dickson -Home, K.C.B.), and Privates McManus, Ward, Ryan, -and Hollowell, all received the Cross for Valour for -their splendid devotion and bravery; and never, surely, -did men deserve the honour more. To have held -something like a thousand rebels in check for a day -and a night, and to have protected as many of their -wounded as they did, was a feat that they might well -be proud of.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—THREE BRAVE CIVILIANS: MANGLES, MCDONELL, -AND “LUCKNOW” KAVANAGH.</span></h2> - -<p>On the 8th of July 1859 an interesting announcement -appeared in the <cite>London Gazette</cite> to the -effect that her Majesty the Queen had been pleased to -declare that Non-Military Persons who, as Volunteers, -had borne arms against the Mutineers, both at -Lucknow and elsewhere, during the late operations in -India, should be considered as eligible to receive the -decoration of the Victoria Cross, subject to the rules -and ordinances, etc. etc.</p> - -<p>Under this new clause Mr. Ross Lowis Mangles, -of the Bengal Civil Service, Assistant-Magistrate at -Patna; Mr. William Fraser McDonell, Magistrate of -the Saran District; and Mr. Thomas Henry Kavanagh, -Assistant-Commissioner in Oudh, were gazetted, for -distinguished services rendered at Arrah and Lucknow.</p> - -<p>The defence of Arrah, a town in the Shahabad -District of Bengal, about thirty-six miles from Patna, -was one of the most thrilling incidents of the Indian -Mutiny. Here for a whole week a dozen Englishmen -and a small body of Sikhs, shut up in a two-storeyed -house, successfully kept off over two thousand sepoys -until a relief force came to their rescue. One young -lieutenant of the Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -with a few sowars at his back, might storm -a seemingly impregnable fort strongly garrisoned by -mutineers, and kill or capture every man of them, but -reverse the positions and a very different story was -told. The history of the Great Mutiny contains many -instances of a mere handful of Englishmen holding -their own against tremendous odds, as was done at -Arrah.</p> - -<p>When news came of the outbreak at Arrah and the -predicament of the white residents there, a relief -expedition was hastily organised at Dinapur under the -command of Captain Dunbar. It was destined to fail -in its mission, but it was a gallant and notable -attempt. The force comprised four hundred men, -drawn from the 10th and 37th Regiments, with a -sprinkling of volunteers. Among the latter were -Messrs. Ross Mangles and McDonell, whose intimate -knowledge of the district made them invaluable as -guides.</p> - -<p>All went well with the expedition in its journey -up the Ganges and, on landing, it marched several -miles without serious molestation. But when within -a few miles of Arrah it was obliged to pass through a -thick piece of jungle in which the sepoys had laid an -ambuscade. Darkness had fallen as the soldiers -pushed their way through the maze of trees and dense -undergrowth, and the murderous fire that suddenly -broke out threw them into confusion.</p> - -<p>All through the night the unequal fight went on, -but the loss on the British side was so heavy that -when morning dawned the surviving officers saw it -would be impossible, or at least unwise, to continue -the advance. Captain Dunbar, unfortunately, had -been among the first to fall. Very reluctantly, therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -the order to retreat was given, and the little -force, still firing on its foes, slowly fell back. Other -sepoys had arrived on the scene in the meantime, -and the exhausted soldiers now found themselves -compelled to run the gauntlet between two lines of -fire. In these conditions something like a panic at -last set in; the ranks broke up in disorder.</p> - -<p>“But, disastrous as was the retreat,” says one -account, “it was not all disgraceful. There will -always be acts of individual heroism when Englishmen -go out to battle. It may be a soldier or it may be a -civilian, in whom the irrepressible warrior instinct -manifests itself in some act of conspicuous gallantry -and devotion, but it is sure never to be wanting.”</p> - -<p>In this instance it was the civilian who rose to the -occasion. Early in the engagement Mr. Mangles had -been hit by a musket ball, but the shot had luckily -only stunned him. Quickly recovering, he lent a hand -in helping the wounded, and on the retreat commencing -he played an active part in beating off the -sepoys. With a number of men round him to reload -and supply him with muskets, he shot sepoy after -sepoy, the sure eye and hand which had made him a -noted tiger shot not failing him in this hour of need.</p> - -<p>The especial act for which he was awarded the -Cross, however, was the gallant rescue of a wounded -private of the Hampshires (the 37th Foot). At the -man’s piteous appeal to his comrades not to leave him -there helpless to be hacked to pieces by the sepoys, -Mangles nobly rushed to his side, bound up his wounds, -and then lifted him on to his back. With this heavy -burden the brave civilian trudged on among the -others.</p> - -<p>It was rough going for the greater part of the six<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -miles to the river, the ground being very swampy, and -overhead was a broiling July sun. Despite these -disadvantages, and the fact that he had not slept for -forty-eight hours, Mangles bore the helpless private the -whole of the way, only stopping now and then to place -his charge on the ground and take a pot-shot at the -pursuing rebels. “I really never felt so strong in my -life,” he used to say afterwards in referring to this -incident. When the waters of the Ganges were -reached he plunged in and swam out to the boats -with his now unconscious burden. Then, when all -the survivors were aboard, the flotilla started on its -sad return journey.</p> - -<p>Mr. McDonell all this time had been ever to the -front, assisting the officers to keep the men together. -An excellent shot, like his fellow-magistrate, he -accounted for many a rebel ere the river-side was -reached, but he did not escape unscathed. A musket -shot had lodged in his arm.</p> - -<p>In the wild rush for the half-dozen country boats -moored close to the river bank, McDonell gave no -thought to himself. There were several men very -badly hit, and it was not until he had seen these safely -over the thwarts that he jumped in and cast the -mooring adrift. He was the last man aboard his -boat, which was crowded with thirty-five soldiers.</p> - -<p>Out into the stream they floated, but now a fresh -danger faced them. The rebels had removed the oars -from the boat and lashed the rudder tightly, so that -the little craft was helpless. To their horror it began -to drift back again to the southern bank, on which the -sepoys were clustered in joyful expectation of emptying -their muskets into the boatload of sahibs. Something -had to be done at once, or they were doomed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> - -<p>To show his face above the gunwale was to court -instant death, but McDonell took the risk. With a -knife in his hand, he climbed outside on to the canvas -roof, worked his way to the stern and with a few deft -slashes cut the ropes that held the tiller fast. Bullets -pattered all round him as he lay outstretched there, -and one passed clean through his helmet, but he was -otherwise untouched. Having regained his seat -safely, he steered the boat and its precious freight to -the opposite bank, where they landed—three men -short. The sepoys’ fire had not been all in vain.</p> - -<p>While, as I have said, both Mangles and McDonell -received the V.C. for their bravery on this occasion, -it is a remarkable fact that the former’s exploit would -have passed unnoticed by the authorities but for a -happy chance. The private whose life he had saved -and who had passed some months in Dinapur Hospital -before being invalided home, had told the story of his -rescue to a surgeon. This worthy noted it down at the -time in his journal, and just twelve months later made -the true facts public.</p> - -<p>It was only in March of last year that Mr. Ross -Lowis Mangles died at his home in Surrey, where, after -long service in India, he had settled down to spend -the remaining years of his life.</p> - -<p class="tb">Of the three civilians who have won the V.C. -“Lucknow” Kavanagh is the most famous. The -story of his daring journey in disguise through the -rebel lines in order to act as guide to Sir Colin -Campbell’s relief force has been told over and over -again, but one can never tire of hearing it. It thrills -our pulses now as much as ever it did.</p> - -<p>Thomas Henry Kavanagh was an Irishman in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -Indian Civil Service. At the time the Mutiny broke -out he held the post of Superintendent of the office of -the Chief Commissioner of Oudh, and took up his -residence in Lucknow. Here with his wife he played -no mean part in these fateful months before and after -Havelock and Outram had fought their way to the aid -of the Residency garrison, taking his share of work in -the trenches or at the guns as required.</p> - -<p>Early in November 1857, Sir Colin Campbell, -marching with a large army to the relief of Lucknow, -got as far as the Alumbagh. To save the General -from having to make the perilous passage through the -narrow streets and lanes which had cost him so many -men two months earlier, Outram by means of a native -spy sent plans of the city and its approaches to -Campbell, and suggested the best route to be followed. -There was still the danger, however, of some dreadful -blunder being committed, and Outram expressed a wish -that he were able to send a competent guide.</p> - -<p>This coming to Kavanagh’s ears, he promptly went -to Outram’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Robert Napier,<a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> -and volunteered his services in this capacity. The -colonel stared at him in blank astonishment, as well -he might, for of all men in Lucknow Kavanagh -looked to be the one least suited to play the rôle of -spy. He was a tall, big-limbed man, with fair complexion, -“aggressively red hair and beard, and uncompromisingly -blue eyes.” To transform this healthy -specimen of an Irishman into a native seemed an utter -impossibility.</p> - -<p>But Kavanagh persisted that he could get through -to the British lines. He would be disguised, of course -and his knowledge of Hindustani and local dialects<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -was perfect. He persisted more strenuously still -when, on his being ushered into Outram’s presence, the -General refused point blank to consent to his going. -After much arguing, he at length persuaded Outram -to listen to his plan, and extorted a half-hearted -permission to make the attempt. It remained for -him to convince his chief of the impenetrability of -his disguise.</p> - -<p>Kavanagh has told us in his own account of the -adventure, how the same evening (Nov. 9th), with face, -neck, and arms blackened with lamp-black, his red hair -hidden beneath a cream-coloured turban, and the rest -of his person disguised in the silk trousers, yellow -<em>koortah</em>, or jacket, white cummerbund, and chintz -mantle of an irregular native soldier, he sauntered -with sword and shield into Napier’s quarters.</p> - -<p>The experiment was an immense success. Seeing -what was evidently a <em>budmash</em> (a worthless fellow) -thus insolently thrusting himself upon them, the -officers present bade him begone, and a very pretty -squabble in low-class Hindustani ensued. In the -midst of it Sir James Outram entered the room, and -having sufficiently tested his disguise Kavanagh made -himself known. To his joy, no opposition was now -raised to his plan.</p> - -<p>Half an hour later, with the native spy Kunoujee -Lal, who was returning to the Alumbagh with a -letter from Outram, he bade good-bye to his friends, -forded the river Goomtee, and started on his perilous -mission.</p> - -<p>“My courage failed me,” he confesses, “while in -the water, and if my guide had been within my reach -I should perhaps have pulled him back and abandoned -the enterprise. But he waded quickly through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -stream, and, reaching the opposite bank, went crouching -up a ditch for three hundred yards to a grove of -low trees on the edge of a pond, where we stopped to -dress.”</p> - -<p>His confidence having returned, Kavanagh went -boldly forward, tulwar on shoulder, and even dared to -accost a matchlock man near a hut with a remark -that the night was cold. A little farther on they -were pulled up by the officer of a native picket, and -Kunoujee Lal, acting as spokesman, explained that -they had come from Mundeon (“our old cantonment”) -and were making their way to their homes in the -city. This satisfied the sepoy officer, and they passed -on with no little relief.</p> - -<p>Recrossing the river by the iron bridge, they safely -negotiated the streets of Lucknow, though the place -swarmed with sentries and armed men, and issuing at -last from the city on the other side, breathed more -freely.</p> - -<p>“I was in great spirits when we reached the green -fields, into which I had not been for five months,” -says Kavanagh. “Everything around us smelt sweet, -and a carrot I took from the roadside was the most -delicious I had ever tasted.”</p> - -<p>A wrong turning now led them astray into the -Dilkusha Park, where the rebels had a battery. Much -against his companion’s will, the daring Irishman -insisted on inspecting these guns, and Kunoujee Lal -was in considerable trepidation until after two hours’ -weary tramping across paddy fields and canal cuttings -they regained the right road.</p> - -<p>At two o’clock in the morning, after several alarms -from suspicious villagers who chased them some -distance, they stumbled upon a picket of twenty-five<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -sepoys on the outskirts of the city. Kavanagh was -for the bold course of going up and questioning the -men, but Kunoujee Lal lost heart and threw away -the letter entrusted to him for Sir Colin Campbell. -Kavanagh kept his still concealed in his turban.</p> - -<p>The picket was in some alarm at their approach, -but it proved to be fear lest the pair were Englishmen -from the Alumbagh camp, only a mile or two in -advance of them! With this cheering news, the two -spies pushed on, a friendly sepoy having put them on -the right road on hearing that they were “walking to -the village of Umroula on a sad errand, namely, to -inform a friend that his brother had been killed -by a ball from the British entrenchments at -Lucknow.”</p> - -<p>A nasty tumble into a swamp, which washed the -black from Kavanagh’s hands, was their next most -serious <i lang="fr">contretemps</i>. For some time they waded -through it waist-deep, having gone too far to recede -before they discovered it was a swamp. An hour -afterwards they stole unobserved through two pickets -of sepoys and gained the shelter of a grove of trees, -where Kavanagh insisted on having a good sleep. -Kunoujee Lal, by no means assured that they were -out of danger, kept a fearful watch, but nobody came -near them save some flying natives, who stated that -they had been pursued by British soldiers.</p> - -<p>Kavanagh having been roused, the two went on -once more. Another mile or so was traversed, and -then (it being about four o’clock in the morning of -the 10th) the welcome challenge “Who goes -there?” rang on their ears. It was a mounted -patrol of Sikhs. They had reached the British -outposts.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - -<p>Two men of the patrol guided Kavanagh and his -companion to the camp, where they were immediately -conducted into the presence of Sir Colin Campbell. -When he learned that Kavanagh had come through -the rebel lines, the Commander-in-Chief could not find -enough words to express his admiration. “I consider -his escape,” he wrote in his despatch, “at a time -when the entrenchment was closely invested by a -large army, one of the most daring feats ever -attempted.”</p> - -<p>For his part, Kavanagh paid a generous tribute to -his fellow-spy, Kunoujee Lal, who had displayed -wonderful courage and intelligence in their trying -journey. When they were questioned, it was the -native who did most of the speaking, and he always -had a ready answer for the most searching interrogation.</p> - -<p>The news of Kavanagh’s arrival was signalled to -Lucknow by means of a flag from the summit of the -Alumbagh, and Outram’s mind was set at ease. In -due course the plucky Irishman guided Sir Colin into -the city, being present through all the fierce fighting at -the Secunderabagh and the Moti-Mahal, and further -distinguishing himself by saving a wounded soldier’s -life. Nor does this close the tale of his adventures, -for he passed through many exciting experiences in -rebel-hunting ere the Mutiny was suppressed.</p> - -<p>Kavanagh lived to wear the Victoria Cross for -twenty-three years, dying in 1882 at Gibraltar. His -Cross was presented by his son to the N.W.P. and -Oudh Provincial Museum at Lucknow, while the -tulwar, shield and pistol he bore on his journey, -together with other articles of his disguise, are preserved -in the Dublin Museum.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Afterwards Lord Napier of Magdala.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="smaller">INDIA.—SOME OTHER CROSSES OF THE MUTINY.</span></h2> - -<p>The full tale of the Crosses of the Mutiny (do they -not number one hundred and eighty-two in all?) -is a long one, and cannot be told here. But before -bringing this chapter of V.C. history to a close I must -tell of yet a few more and the manner of their winning, -for they call to mind deeds which we ought not willingly -to let fade from our memories.</p> - -<p>I would like much to dwell, did space permit, on -Lawrence’s heroic stand at the Lucknow Residency; -to tell of Lieutenant Robert Aitken of the Bailey -Guard “Post,” who won the V.C. many times over -in that six-months’ siege; of brave Commissioner -Gubbins; and of Captain Fulton, the garrison engineer, -who had a countermine for every mine that the -rebels drove under the British defences, and to whom -the dangerous game of sepoy hunting above and -below earth was “great fun and excitement.” They -were gallant fellows all, and the record of their -exploits is truly an inspiring one; but I must hurry -on to the taking of Lucknow, and to the story of the -V.C.’s gained in that last desperate struggle for -supremacy.</p> - -<p>When Sir Colin Campbell started on his march to -the relief of Havelock and Outram he had an army<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -of only some 4700 men, but in this force were picked -regiments such as the 93rd Highlanders, the 9th -Lancers, Hodson’s Horse, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, -and the 53rd Foot (the “Shropshires”), together with -some squadrons of Sikh cavalry and two regiments -of Punjab infantry. The famous 93rd were Sir -Colin’s special favourites. They had been with him -in the Crimea, and had formed the “thin red line” -which had so successfully routed the Russian cavalry. -“You are my own lads, Ninety-third!” he said, -addressing them at the parade at Buntera, “and I -rely on you to do the work;” to which the stern-faced -Highlanders, mindful of what had been done at -Cawnpore, responded with a mighty shout.</p> - -<p>How well the 93rd acquitted themselves is to -be read in any history; what is of particular interest -here is that they gained no fewer than seven Crosses -in the Lucknow fighting.</p> - -<p>Four of these belong to the fierce assault on the -Secunderabagh, the first and most formidable rebel -position to be attacked. When the artillery had -made a breach in the face of the fortress wall there -was a race between Sikhs and Highlanders to be -the first in. Accounts differ as to the result; some -say a Sikh won the honour, being shot dead instantly; -others a Highlander, who suffered the same fate. -However that may be, it is pretty certain that Lance-Corporal -Dunley of the 93rd (Archibald Forbes writes -him down an Irishman) was the first man of his -regiment to reach the goal and get through alive.</p> - -<p>Behind him streamed Highlanders and Sikhs, -tumbling in with bayonets fixed, before which -the sepoys fell in scores. There were upwards of 2000 -rebels in the Secunderabagh, and but three or four,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -says Lord Roberts, dropped over the wall on the city -side and escaped. Every other man of them was -killed. The carnage that took place within the -courtyard almost passes description.</p> - -<p>In the first terrible rush, which resolved itself into -a series of personal combats, Private P. Grant and -Colour-Sergeant J. Munro distinguished themselves by -saving the lives of two officers. Grant saw his officer -in difficulties with a crowd of sepoys whose colour he -had captured, and rushing up cut down five of the -rebels. That was not the only sepoy ensign taken -that day, for Private D. Mackay secured one after -a fierce contest and bore it triumphantly away.</p> - -<p>Dunley, Grant, Munro, and Mackay were elected -by their comrades as most worthy to be decorated -when their regiment was singled out for distinction, -and each duly received the V.C.</p> - -<p>There was a Punjabi Mahommedan, by the way, -Mukarrab Khan by name, who in this same Secunderabagh -fight earned the V.C. as much as did any -man. Lord Roberts, who was an eye-witness, tells -the story of his bravery. The enemy, he says, having -been driven out of the earthwork, made for the gateway, -which they nearly succeeded in shutting behind -them. But just as the doors were closing Mukarrab -Khan pushed his left arm, on which he bore a shield, -between them. A sword-cut slashed his hand, whereupon -the dauntless Mahommedan, withdrawing his -left arm, thrust in his right, and had his other hand -all but severed at the wrist. He gained his object, -however, for he kept the doors from being closed until -his comrades rushed to his help and forced them open.</p> - -<p>It was an act of heroic devotion, and it is satisfactory -to know that Mukarrab Khan was awarded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -the Order of Merit, which is the Indian equivalent -of the V.C., and carries with it an increase of pay.</p> - -<p>At the taking of the Shah Nujeef, on the same day, -the 16th of November 1857, Sergeant John Paton, -of the 93rd, did a daring thing, which added another -V.C. to the regimental record.</p> - -<p>The Shah Nujeef was a mosque built over the tomb -of an old king of Oudh, a massively built structure -with loopholed walls, and the guns of the Naval -Brigade, under Captain Peel, were unable to make -a breach. As night was fast coming on, Sir Colin -Campbell determined to make a bold effort to carry -the place by storm, and called on the Highlanders to -follow him. That the 93rd would have scaled the -walls of the mosque though half of them fell in the -task need not be doubted, but fortunately they were -not called on to do so.</p> - -<p>Soon after the order to advance had been given, -Sergeant Paton came tearing down the ravine with -the news that he had discovered a breach in the north-east -corner of the rampart, close by the river Goomtee. -“It appears,” says Forbes-Mitchell of the 93rd, who -records the incident, “that our shot and shell had -gone over the first breach, and had blown out the -wall on the other side in this particular spot. Paton -told how he had climbed up to the top of the ramparts -without difficulty, and seen right inside the -place, as the whole defending force had been called -forward to repulse the assault in front.”</p> - -<p>A detachment was promptly sent round to this -point with the sergeant as guide, and an entrance to -the position effected. But the sepoys, finding themselves -thus taken in the rear, gave up the fight and -fled with all speed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p>The other two V.C. heroes of the Highlanders were -Captain Stewart, who headed a splendid charge -against the rebel guns at the position known as -the Mess-house; and Lieutenant and Adjutant William -M’Bean, who at the onslaught on the Begumbagh -Palace bore himself like a paladin of old, and was -seen to slay eleven sepoys single-handed. M’Bean -was a mighty figure in a corps wherein every man -was a doughty fighter, and the tale of his exploits is -a notable one. An Inverness ploughman before he -enlisted, he rose to command the regiment which he -had entered as a private, and died a Major-General.</p> - -<p>I have mentioned the Naval Brigade in connection -with the attack on the Shah Nujeef. Peel’s gallant -bluejackets, whom we last met doing great things at -Sebastopol, had been hurried to India from their -station at Hong Kong, immediately news arrived of -the outbreak of the Mutiny; and after smelling -powder at Cawnpore and other places they accompanied -the relief army to Lucknow.</p> - -<p>Right up under the frowning walls of the mosque -did they run their useful 24-pounders, as coolly as if -“laying alongside an enemy’s frigate,” to use Sir -Colin’s own words. But the guns were not powerful -enough to break down the masonry. Despite the -obvious hopelessness of the task, however, Lieutenant -Young and Seaman William Hall (a negro, be it noted) -fearlessly stood by their gun, reloading and pounding -away at the wall under a most deadly fire, and only -desisting when the order eventually came to fall -back. They both got the V.C. for that gallant action.</p> - -<p>The other Crosses that fell to the Naval men in -the same fight were won by a young lieutenant whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -name still figures on the Active List as Admiral Sir -Nowell Salmon, G.C.B., and Boatswain’s Mate John -Harrison. These two pluckily volunteered to climb -trees that overlooked the mosque walls and reconnoitre -the rebel position, at the same time picking off the -sepoys with their rifles. A mark at once for the rebel -sharpshooters, who quickly espied them, both men -drew upon themselves a heavy fire, but though they -were wounded they accounted for several mutineers -ere clambering down from their perches, and secured -valuable information for their commander.</p> - -<p>In the taking of Lucknow young Lieutenant Henry -Havelock, son of the famous General, played a prominent -part, leading a storming party that captured a -palace close to the rebel citadel, the Kaisarbagh. But -he had won his V.C. before this, at Cawnpore, where -he captured a rebel gun in the face of an appalling -fire; and at the Charbagh Bridge, Lucknow, while -serving under his father.</p> - -<p>His action at the latter place was characteristic -of his impulsive bravery. Neill, who held a position -by the bridge, would not move to “rush” the sepoys -and their guns without orders from Outram. Wheeling -his horse, it is said, young Havelock rode off in -the direction of the General and his staff, but soon -after turning the bend in the road he galloped hastily -back to trick Neill into taking action. Giving a -salute, he said, “You are to carry the bridge at -once, sir!”</p> - -<p>Taking this to be an order from the General, Neill -gave the word to advance, and Arnold of the Madras -Fusiliers led his men forward in a gallant charge, -being shot down almost immediately. A storm of -grape swept the bridge clear, and Havelock found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -himself the only officer—and almost the only man—standing -there alive. With a wave of his sword and -a shout to the rest of the Fusiliers whom the guns -had checked, he led a second charge, and this time the -bridge was won.</p> - -<p>Young Havelock’s gallantry in the Indian Mutiny -marked him out for a distinguished career, and he did -not disappoint those who prophesied thus concerning -him. As is well known, he became in after -years Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, -Bart., K.C.B.</p> - -<p>Among the many other pictures of the Mutiny -that present themselves vividly to my mind is one -of a young Fusilier officer swimming the river -Goomtee in plain sight of any sepoys who might be -upon the farther bank, and audaciously climbing up -the parapet of a rebel battery. It had been shelled -by our troops, but with what success was not known. -He stands there on the wall signalling to his impatient -comrades that it is abandoned, but it is some time ere -their officers will let them follow where he has led. -The Highlanders and Sikhs get across the river at -last, however, and with a laugh at the discomfited -sepoys who have been vainly trying to “pot” him -from an adjacent battery, the young officer—Butler -by name—hands over his captured position to the -new-comers, and swims back to his own regiment.</p> - -<p>That was a V.C. exploit, and it holds the imagination -as much as does that which won the decoration -for Ensign Patrick Roddy of the Bengal Army. -The scene of Roddy’s achievement was Kuthirga, -and the date September 27, 1858. At the close of -an action with a rebel force at this place some of the -cavalry were kept at bay for some time by a determined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -sepoy subadar of a revolted regiment, a tall, -powerful fellow. This man knelt alone in the -middle of the road and with musket at shoulder -covered his enemies.</p> - -<p>While his sowars hung back, afraid to face that -gleaming barrel, young Roddy did not hesitate. -Spurring his horse, he charged straight upon the rebel -subadar, who firing at close range brought down -the ensign’s horse. Roddy had some difficulty in -freeing himself from the stirrups as he lay on the -ground, but ere the sepoy could get really to grips -with him he managed to draw his sword, and in the -tussle ran the fellow through the body. Sir Hope -Grant had had occasion previously to remark on the -young ensign’s conspicuous bravery, and he took care -that this special feat was fittingly rewarded.</p> - -<p>Mention of Roddy’s hand-to-hand combat reminds -me of the great fight between Sapper Sam Shaw, of -the Rifle Brigade, and a white muslin-clad Ghazi, at -Nawabgunge. It was after the sharp action at that -place in June 1858 that the fanatic was seen to -enter a grove of trees. A dozen men hastened in -pursuit, but Shaw was easily the first, and coming up -with his man he engaged him with the short sword -that sappers carry.</p> - -<p>A Ghazi at best is a dangerous fellow to tackle, and -a Ghazi wounded and at bay, as this one was, might -well have made Sam Shaw hesitate before venturing -to attack him alone. But the sapper was not a man -to think twice of danger, and in he went, sword against -tulwar, until after several minutes’ fierce hacking and -thrusting he saw his chance to close, and finished the -affair with a mighty lunge.</p> - -<p>It was a great fight, as I have said, and Sapper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -Shaw well earned the V.C. he got for it. But against -his decoration he had to put a terrible slashing cut on -the head from that keen-edged tulwar, a wound that -came very near to ending his career then and -there.</p> - -<p>Last on my list of Mutiny V.C.’s come Lance-Corporal -William Goate, of the 9th Lancers, and that popular -hero, Sir Evelyn Wood, whose names still figure in the -list of surviving recipients of the Cross for Valour.</p> - -<p>Goate had just been three years and a half in the -Lancers when the Mutiny broke out. His regiment -was stationed at Umballa at the time, and proceeded -at once to Delhi. After the fall of the old Punjab -capital he was at the second captures of Cawnpore and -Lucknow, taking part in some of the fiercest engagements -of the campaign, and it was here—at Lucknow—that -he performed the deed of valour which won -him the Cross.</p> - -<p>On the 6th of March—a blazing hot day, it is -recorded—there was a bold sortie from the rebel lines -which a British brigade was sent to repulse. The 9th -Lancers was one of the regiments ordered to charge, -and away they went, neck and neck with the 2nd -Dragoons, for the enemy who had taken up their -position on the racecourse. The sepoys broke before -the onset of the cavalrymen, but the latter at length -had to retire owing to a heavy fire from artillery -and battery.</p> - -<p>In the ride back Major Percy Smith, of the Dragoons, -was shot through the body and fell from his horse. -Corporal Goate was close by, and springing to the -ground he quickly lifted the major on to his shoulder -and ran with him thus alongside his horse. The -major was a heavy weight, however; Goate found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> -himself lagging behind with several of the enemy -close upon him. Clearly he couldn’t get away with -his burden, so he determined to do what he could -for himself and the major. Placing the wounded -officer on the ground, he sprang into his saddle and -rode at his foes.</p> - -<p>“I shot the first sepoy who charged,” he says in his -account of the incident, “and with my empty pistol -felled another. This gave me time to draw my sword, -my lance having been left on the field. The sepoys -were now round me cutting and hacking, but I -managed to parry every slash and deliver many a -fatal thrust. It was parry and thrust, thrust and -parry all through, and I cannot tell you how many -saddles I must have emptied. The enemy didn’t seem -to know how to parry.”</p> - -<p>So our brave corporal (he was only a little more -than twenty, mind you) “settled accounts with a jolly -lot,” and was still hard at it when some of his comrades -came to his assistance. In the fight his horse had -carried him some distance from where the major lay, -and when the rebels had been forced back he went out -again to look for him. Poor Major Smith was found -after a long search, but it was a mutilated corpse -that was brought sadly and reverently back to the -camp.</p> - -<p>Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hope Grant had seen -Goate’s gallant attempt at rescue, and after the action -there was a cordial handshake for him from both the -veterans, with many compliments upon his pluck that -filled the corporal with just pride.</p> - -<p>The scene of Sir Evelyn Wood’s principal exploit -was the wilds of Sindhora, near Gwalior. It was at -the close of the Mutiny, when the rebels had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -split up and only kept the fires of rebellion burning -in detached districts. After a fatiguing pursuit of some -mutineers one day, news came to the young officer’s ears -(he was a lieutenant in the 17th Lancers then) that a -potail—a loyal native named Chemmum Singh—had -been carried off by a band of these marauders. With -a duffadar, two or three sowars of Beatson’s Horse, and -half a dozen sepoys of the Bareilly Levy, he started off -promptly in pursuit.</p> - -<p>The mutineers were discovered at night in the -jungle, twelve miles away, preparing to hang their -captive. Creeping up unseen, Lieutenant Wood and -his few followers sprang upon them from several points -at once, firing a volley and shouting as if they had a -whole company behind them. This was enough for -the rebels. They took to their heels incontinently, -and before they could rally and discover the numbers -of their assailants Wood and his men were riding -swiftly back with the released potail.</p> - -<p>That daring adventure, together with a very -notable rout of rebel cavalry at Sindwaho a little -earlier, was sufficient recommendation for the V.C., and -the honour, though slow in coming, was eventually -bestowed upon him.</p> - -<p>It is curious to note how persistently the authorities -refused to recognise Evelyn Wood’s valour. In the -Crimea, where as a middy he served with the Naval -Brigade, he was singled out for distinction for his -bravery at the Redan assault; but his claim was -ignored, despite the strong protests of his commander, -Captain Lushington.</p> - -<p>His subsequent career, after he had abandoned the -Navy for the Army, should be well known to every -British boy. There has not been a war since the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -Mutiny in which he has not played a leading part,—witness -the Ashanti, Zulu, Transvaal, and Egyptian -campaigns,—and to-day there is no finer soldier in the -service than the ex-Sirdar of the Egyptian army, Field-Marshal -Sir Henry Evelyn Wood, G.C.B.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="smaller">IN THE SIXTIES.—CHINA, JAPAN, INDIA, WEST AFRICA, -AND CANADA.</span></h2> - -<p>The principal war in which we were engaged in -the sixties was that waged against the Maoris -in New Zealand, but that demands a chapter to itself. -For the present I will confine myself to some of the -smaller campaigns of the same period which yielded -several notable V.C.’s.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of 1859 trouble broke out afresh -with China, immediately after the conclusion of what -is known as the Second Chinese War. Sir F. Bruce, -the British Commissioner, while sailing up the Pei-ho -to Pekin to ratify the treaty just made with the -Emperor, was fired upon by the Taku Forts at the -mouth of the river. No apologies being forthcoming, -an expedition under General Sir James Hope Grant -was despatched to teach the Chinese a salutary lesson.</p> - -<p>The expedition, which was strengthened by a French -force, was ready to begin operations against the Taku -Forts by July 1860, but owing to the swampy nature -of the country around them a halt had to be called -while the engineers set to work to make roads. These -were completed by the middle of August, and then the -attack commenced in real earnest.</p> - -<p>Under a heavy fire from the Chinese gunners<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -English and French vied with each other to be the -first to cross the ditches in front of the forts. Scaling-ladders -and pontoon bridges were requisitioned, but -the delay in placing these in position galled a number -of our men to such an extent that privates and officers -alike plunged boldly into the water and swam across. -The first to reach the walls were Lieutenant Robert -Rogers, of the 44th Regiment, two Lieutenants of the -67th, E. H. Lenon and Nathaniel Burslem, with -Privates John M’Dougall and Thomas Lane. Up -through the embrasures they all clambered, Burslem -and Lane being specially noticed as they knocked -away a portion of the wall and enlarged the opening -sufficiently to enable them to scramble through, just -as did Dunley at the Secunderabagh fight.</p> - -<p>Where they showed the way their comrades quickly -followed, the while some of the French with ladders -vainly attempted to climb the walls. At the head of -the 67th Regiment came Ensign Chaplin, bearing -proudly the colour which he was determined to plant -first upon the fort. He had hardly gained the ditch, -however, when a bullet struck him in the arm, -making him drop the standard. There was a brief -pause while he bound a handkerchief tightly round -his wound, then on he went again, colours raised -aloft.</p> - -<p>A French regiment of infantry was pressing forward -at the same time, and Chaplin playfully called to their -colour-bearer to race him to the fort. The challenge -was promptly taken up. As soon as the breach was -clear the ensign dashed for it, and by strenuous effort -forced his way inside. Before him were Chinese riflemen -and pikemen, but he cut his way through them -with his sword, and hurried on to his goal.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> - -<p>Suddenly a second bullet caught him, making him -stagger, at which a private clutched at the swaying -standard pole.</p> - -<p>“Hands off!” cried Chaplin vehemently, for he saw -that the French colour-bearer was now close behind -him. And, pulling himself together gamely, he made -a last spurt for the summit, which he reached well in -advance of all others. In a moment the flag was -planted, amid a ringing British cheer; then the brave -young ensign was seen to fall. A shot in the leg had -brought him down at last.</p> - -<p>Seeing him prone on the ground at their mercy, the -Chinese made a rush for him, but they were luckily -too late. The 67th swarmed up the hill, and Chaplin -was rescued to survive that engagement and many -others, and wear on his breast the Cross for Valour -in token of his gallantry. At the same time that he -was gazetted the names of Rogers, Lenon, Burslem, -M’Dougall, and Lane also appeared, the V.C. having -been bestowed upon them for that bold dash at the -breach.</p> - -<p>The obvious similarity of the incidents makes it unnecessary -for me to more than just refer here to the -deed for which Midshipman D. G. Boyes and Captain -of the After-Guard Thomas Pride, of H.M.S. <i>Euryalus</i>, -won the Cross. Their vessel formed one of the fleet -under Vice-Admiral Kuper which was sent to Japan -in 1863 to demand reparation from the Mikado’s -Government for certain outrages committed. At the -attack on Shimonoseki Boyes carried the colour of the -leading regiment, with Pride as one of his colour-sergeants -(the other fell mortally wounded in the -thick of the fight), and was almost the first to get -inside the enemy’s stockade. That the middy ran a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -terrible risk is evident from the fact that the colour -he carried was pierced no fewer than six times by -musket balls.</p> - -<p>Out in the Indian state of Bhotan in 1865 an act -of remarkable daring was performed, which brought -the V.C. to two distinguished engineer officers, -Captain (now Major-General) William Spottiswoode -Trevor and Lieutenant James Dundas. In that year -war broke out with the independent Bhotias, originating -in a quarrel over frontier territories in Assam, -and a British force under Major-General Sir Harry -Tombs, V.C., the hero of a little outpost skirmish at -Delhi, already recorded, was despatched to restore -order.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of April a sharp engagement at -Dewangiri, down in the south-east corner of the little -hill-state, resulted in the Bhotias being driven out of -their position; but a remnant of them, some two -hundred in all, obstinately barricaded themselves in a -strongly-built, loopholed blockhouse. This little fortress, -standing at the summit of a rocky path, was the -key to the position, and it was essential that it should -not be held to serve as a rallying-point for the routed -enemy.</p> - -<p>Turning to his Sikhs, General Tombs asked them -to make a dash for the walls and carry the place by -storm, but, courageous fighters though they were, -they looked at the rows of deadly loopholes and -stood still. They only waited for a leader, however. -With an “officer sahib” at their head, the big, black-bearded -Punjabis were ready for the most forlorn -of hopes. And they followed with alacrity when, -at Tombs’ call, Captain Trevor and Lieutenant Dundas -showed them the way.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p>Taking the path at a rush, the two officers gained -the wall of the blockhouse unscathed, and though -from every loophole came the crackle of a rifle they -began to scramble up the wall. The latter was -fourteen feet high, no mean obstacle to surmount; -but they got up at last, the captain leading, and found -themselves on a level with the roof of the blockhouse. -Between the top of the wall and the roof was an -opening not more than two feet wide. Through this -was their only chance of getting inside, and they -took it.</p> - -<p>Head foremost they wriggled in through the narrow -hole, one after the other, and dropped like snakes -from the thatch into the midst of the surprised -garrison. At the first discharge of muskets both -of the intrepid officers were wounded, but the Sikhs -thronging in behind them quickly finished the -business. Within a few minutes the blockhouse -was swept clear.</p> - -<p>The following year, 1866, saw us involved in -trouble with a West African tribe in the Gambia -district. A punitive expedition having been organised -under the command of Colonel D’Arcy, the Governor -of Gambia, the kingdom of Barra, in which the -turbulent tribe resided, was invaded. One of the -first actions in this campaign was the assault on the -stockaded town of Tubabecolong, and here Private -Samuel Hodge, of the 4th West India Regiment, -behaved with such gallantry that he became the -second man of colour to receive the V.C.</p> - -<p>When the little force reached the town, Colonel -D’Arcy called for volunteers to break down the -stockade with axes. Hodge and another pioneer, who -was afterwards killed, answered the call, and plied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -their axes bravely in the face of the negroes’ fire -until a breach had been made. Through this the -regiment struggled, but the negroes had been reinforced, -and so strongly that they were able to beat -the besiegers off for a time.</p> - -<p>Colonel D’Arcy relates that he found himself left -alone in the breach with only Hodge by him. Here -he kept firing at the negroes, while the big West -Indian, standing coolly at his side, conspicuous in -his scarlet uniform with white facings, supplied him -with loaded muskets. After a little time the rest -of the men re-formed and came once more to the -attack, whereupon Hodge went ahead again, breaking -a way for them through the bush-work defences.</p> - -<p>To give his comrades a better chance of storming -the place, he at last ran round to the principal -entrance, drove off such of the negroes as thrust -themselves in his path, and forced open the two -great gates which had been barricaded from within. -Through these the West Indian Regiment charged -with their bayonets, and when they emerged at the -other side of the smoke-enveloped village they left -some hundreds of negroes dead and dying in their -wake.</p> - -<p>Colonel D’Arcy had done great deeds of valour -that day, deeds which were suitably recognised later -by the merchants of Bathurst, who presented him -with a sword of honour, but he modestly disclaimed -the praise due to him. To Private Hodge, he said, -belonged the chief honours of the attack, and at the -close of the action, before the whole regiment, he -saluted the proud pioneer as “the bravest man in the -corps.”</p> - -<p>By a curious coincidence it was in the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -quarter of Africa that, twenty-six years later, the -third coloured man to be decorated won his V.C. -This was Corporal William James Gordon, also of -the West Indian Regiment. His act of special -gallantry was to save his officer (Major Madden) -from certain death at the storming of the town of -Toniataba, on the Gambia. Gordon thrust himself -between the major and the enemy’s rifle barrels as -they were suddenly poked out of the loopholes at -the officer’s back, receiving a bullet through his lungs -that went within an ace of killing him.</p> - -<p>The other notable Crosses of the sixties were -awarded for deeds of bravery that necessitated the -issue of an additional Royal Warrant to cover deeds -performed not in action but “under circumstances of -extreme danger, such as the occurrence of a fire -on board ship, or of the foundering of a vessel at -sea, or under any other circumstances in which, -through the courage and devotion displayed, life or -public property may be saved.” By this special -provision a brave Irishman, Timothy O’Hea by name, -a private in the Rifle Brigade, was awarded the -V.C., together with Dr. Campbell Douglas, and four -privates of the South Wales Borderers, then styled -the 24th Regiment.</p> - -<p>O’Hea’s exploit was performed at a railway siding -between Quebec and Montreal in June 1866, while -he was acting as one of an escort in charge of an -ammunition van. To everybody’s alarm a fire broke -out, enveloping the car in flames and smoke. Inside -were kegs of powder and cases of ammunition, which, -did they ignite, would cause a most terrible explosion.</p> - -<p>While the others hesitated O’Hea snatched the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -keys from the sergeant’s hand, opened the door of -the van and called for volunteers to bring him water -and a ladder. The latter was quickly procured, and -standing on this the plucky private emptied bucketful -after bucketful upon the burning wood. It was -a touch-and-go business, as the tongues of flame -shot out every now and then, coming dangerously -near to the powder kegs, but O’Hea stuck to his -post and he fought the fire under.</p> - -<p>Though the Rifle Brigade has fourteen Crosses to -its credit, won in the Crimea, in India, and in South -Africa, I rather fancy that not one of them was -gained in circumstances of more deadly peril, and -his comrades were well pleased when Private Timothy -O’Hea’s name went to swell the proud list of V.C. -heroes. O’Hea, it may be added, met with a sad -fate in after years. He was lost in the Australian -bush, and never heard of again.</p> - -<p>Dr. Douglas and the four men of the 24th -Regiment referred to—Privates Murphy, Cooper, -Bell, and Griffiths—earned their distinction at the -Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, in May of -1869.</p> - -<p>A small expedition had been sent thither to -ascertain the fate of the captain and crew of the -<i>Assam Valley</i>, who, it had been reported, had -fallen victims to the natives. The graves of the -unfortunate men were found on the Little Andaman, -but when the search party returned to the shore -they found themselves cut off from their ship by a -tremendous high-running surf.</p> - -<p>Their predicament having been observed, Dr. -Douglas with the four privates named manned a gig -and pulled in to their rescue. The first attempt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -to get through the breakers half swamped the boat, -but a second attempt enabled them to save five men. -On the third and last trip the remaining twelve -members of the party were safely got off.</p> - -<p>To read the bare official account of the affair is -to gain but a poor impression of the bravery displayed -by Dr. Douglas and his helpers. For a proper understanding -of the daring nature of the deed one must -have seen the immense surf rollers thundering on -to the beach, and have appreciated the very slender -chances of living through the boiling waters that a -man would have if capsized from a boat. It was -no ordinary rescue, and all five nobly earned their -Crosses.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="smaller">NEW ZEALAND.—FIGHTING THE MAORIS.</span></h2> - -<p>The years 1860 to 1865 witnessed a very -stubborn war in New Zealand between the -British and the Maoris, the original natives of the -country. Many causes combined to make this war -unduly long. In the first place the importance of -the outbreak was underestimated, and the small -force already in the islands was considered strong -enough to cope with it; secondly, it was forgotten, -or overlooked, that the Maoris, although incorrigibly -lazy in times of peace, were a race of born fighters, -to whom war was almost the chief end of existence; -and thirdly, there was the difficult nature of the -country itself, with its many forests and swamps, -and miles on miles of dense, tangled bush. The odds -were all in the Maoris’ favour at the outset.</p> - -<p>For many years we had been at peace with the -natives, a treaty having been signed by which we -bound ourselves to respect the chiefs territorial -rights. By 1860, however, a good deal of friction -had arisen over purchases of land by the colonists, -it being claimed by the Maoris that some of these -transactions took place without the full consent of -all the parties interested.</p> - -<p>Especially was this the case in the transfer of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -piece of land at Taranaki, in the Northern Island. -It was only a small plot that was in dispute, but -the Waikato tribe who claimed possession would not -be pacified, and made a desperate resistance when -an attempt was made to oust them. Their success -in repulsing the few British troops sent against them -incited the tribe and their friends to proceed still -further. Old feuds were now revived, and the -insurrection at Taranaki quickly spread into a -general movement against the colonists, which in turn -resolved itself into a wholesale rebellion of the Maori -race.</p> - -<p>In the fighting that ensued twelve Victoria -Crosses were gained, mostly for gallant rescues of -wounded men struck down in the bush or in the -pahs, the native palisade-fortified villages. The -Maoris have always been exceptionally cruel to their -prisoners in war, and the knowledge that a fallen -foe would receive no mercy at their hands spurred -our soldiers to make every effort to save a wounded -comrade.</p> - -<p>One of the first Crosses to be won fell to Colour-Sergeant -John Lucas, of the 40th Regiment (the -South Lancashires). Early in 1861 he was fighting -up in the Taranaki district, near to the Huirangi -Bush. During one afternoon, while out skirmishing, -he and his party were suddenly subjected to a terribly -fierce fire from a hidden enemy. Men began to drop -quickly as the bullets pinged across the ravine, and -Lieutenant Rees fell badly wounded.</p> - -<p>The officer having been carried to the rear, Lucas -stood guard over the other wounded, towards whom -the Maoris, breaking cover for the first time, made -an ugly rush. The colour-sergeant had several rifles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -at hand, and adopting savage tactics, he got behind -a tree, only showing himself to neatly “pot” an -enemy. It was one man against a hundred; but, like -Private McManus in “Dhoolie Square,” he made himself -properly respected by the natives, and he held his -position until a reinforcement arrived to relieve him -of his charge.</p> - -<p>A more exciting experience fell to the lot of a -sergeant of the York and Lancaster Regiment (the -old 65th) two years later. While in action with -a large body of Maoris both his superior officers, -Captain Swift and Lieutenant Butler, were wounded, -and the duty of withdrawing the little force devolved -upon him.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Edward McKenna, who had a strong -strain of Irish blood in him, showed himself the man -for the occasion. The district was a broken and -rugged piece of country near Camerontown, and -swarmed with Maoris. If he wished to save his -officers’ lives and the lives of the whole detachment, he -had to act boldly.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, leaving Corporal Ryan and three or -four men to protect the wounded captain and lieutenant, -and relying on the main body of the troops -soon finding them, he went slap-dash at the Maoris -on the hill in front of him. The charge scattered -the natives to a safe distance. Then, night coming -on, McKenna and his party camped in a convenient -spot in the bush. Very soon, however, this position -became unsafe. So back along the bush path they -trailed, firing at their invisible enemy as they went, -and having some other wounded now thrown on their -hands.</p> - -<p>Owing to the darkness and the intricacies of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -bush, the sergeant eventually lost his way, and, as he -said afterwards, there was nothing to do but to sit -down and wait for daylight. So all through the -night they squatted on the ground, McKenna mounting -guard with ears alert for the faintest sound of an -enemy; but fortunately none came. And in the -morning he had the satisfaction of leading his party -back to camp to report that only one was killed and -two were missing out of the thirty-eight men he had -manœuvred so skilfully.</p> - -<p>Sergeant McKenna received a warm word of commendation -in the despatches from General Cameron, -the Commander-in-Chief, for that piece of business, -together with the Victoria Cross, the same honour -falling to Corporal Ryan, whose devotion to Captain -Swift, however, failed to save that gallant officer’s -life. Several of the others who figured prominently -in the affair were rewarded with the Distinguished -Conduct Medal.</p> - -<p>Two very brilliant individual exploits that I may -note here won the V.C. for Major C. Heaphy of the -Auckland Militia, and Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards -Major-General Sir) John Carstairs McNeill, of the -107th Regiment.</p> - -<p>Major Heaphy was engaged in a skirmish with -Maoris on the banks of the Mangapiko River, Auckland, -when a wounded private tumbled into the midst of a -party of natives concealed in a hollow. Without a -moment’s hesitation the major leaped down after him. -Though wounded himself, with a dozen shot-holes in -his clothes and cap, he stuck by his man, and in time -got him safely away.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus6"> -<img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">REINING IN HIS HORSE, HE TURNED TO CATCH VOSPER’S … -AND HELPED THE ORDERLY TO REMOUNT.—<i><a href="#Page_137">Page 137.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>The story of Colonel McNeill’s rescue is the story -of a ride for life which finds a close parallel in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -deed for which Lord William Beresford gained the -V.C. in Zululand, as will be told hereafter. The -colonel was returning from Te Awamuta, whither he -had been sent on special duty, with two orderlies, -Privates Gibson and Vosper, both of the Colonial -Defence Force, when a body of the enemy was descried -some distance ahead. Despatching Gibson to the -nearest camp (at Ohanpu) for assistance, he rode a -little way up the road to the summit of a hill to -reconnoitre.</p> - -<p>As McNeill, with Vosper by his side, trotted on, -unsuspecting any ambush, keen eyes watched them -from the thick ferns that bordered the road, and -presently some fifty Maoris sprang out to intercept -them. The moment the natives appeared the two -horsemen wheeled and galloped back down the hill. -They got a flying start, but an unlucky step into a -hole brought Vosper’s horse to his knees, sending his -rider head over heels into the ferns.</p> - -<p>Then the colonel did a plucky thing. Reining in -his horse, he turned to catch Vosper’s, which was -galloping in the opposite direction, and leading it -back helped the orderly to remount. He was just in -the nick of time. A few seconds later, and the Maoris -would have been on them. As it was, only a mad -gallop at top speed carried them clear out of -range of the bullets that whistled round them.</p> - -<p>Vosper spoke nothing but the plain truth when he -said that he owed his life entirely to his colonel; for -he could not have caught his horse, on foot as he was, -and the Maoris would have made short work of him.</p> - -<p>The New Zealand War was brought to a close in -1864 by General Sir Trevor Chute, who broke the -Maori power and stamped out the rebellion. Four or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -five years later there were renewed disturbances, -massacres of settlers and raids upon outlying farms, -but these were isolated cases. Since 1870 the -natives have been content to live peaceably under the -British rule.</p> - -<p>In 1864, a few months before the Maori chiefs -gave in their submission, a memorable fight took place -near Tauranga, Auckland, memorable for the disgrace -which it brought upon a British regiment, and for the -act of heroism which gained the V.C. for an Army -surgeon and a bluejacket. The story of it is as -follows.</p> - -<p>On the peninsula of Te Papa, in the Poverty Bay -district of East Auckland, the Maoris had entrenched -themselves in a very strong position. They had built -a long stockade along the narrow strip of land connecting -the peninsula with the coast, at Tauranga, -with rifle-pits extending almost the whole length. -This formidable fort was known as the Gate Pah, -because it commanded the entrance to that region.</p> - -<p>The natives chose the place for their stronghold -wisely. The Gate Pah was guarded by great swamps -on both sides, which rendered a flank attack impossible. -The assault must come either from the front or -rear. Fully alive to the difficulties of the task, -General Cameron proceeded to attack this position on -April 28th with a force of infantry (the 68th and -43rd Regiments) and two hundred seamen from the -warships off the coast.</p> - -<p>While some of the Naval Brigade and the 68th -Regiment (the Durham Light Infantry) stole round at -night to the rear of the stockade, the artillery the -next morning opened fire in front, pouring shot and -shell unceasingly for eight and a half hours into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -pah. The Maoris responded at first with a brisk rifle-fire, -but after a time this stopped. Dead silence -reigned over the stockade, as if most of its inmates -had been killed. Believing this to be the case, the -43rd Foot (the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, known -popularly as “the Light Bobs” and “the Fighting -Forty-third”) moved forward with a number of bluejackets -to carry the place by storm.</p> - -<p>That the fight was practically over seemed evident -from the ease with which the troops drove out the few -Maoris remaining in the pah. But the wily natives -had laid a subtle ambush, to the success of which -a regrettable accident contributed. As the Oxfordshires -and the naval men followed up the pursuit in -the gathering darkness, the detachment sent previously -to the rear began firing into the medley of Maoris and -British. Considerable confusion was caused, and both -the 43rd and the sailors were ordered to retire.</p> - -<p>This was done promptly, the troops regaining the -shelter of the stockade. Here they had no fear of -danger, for the place was apparently deserted, and -only the fugitive Maoris, who had rallied, menaced -them. They wandered about the pah in careless -disorder, some even laying aside their rifles, when -suddenly from the ground beneath them a whole host -of native warriors appeared, rising like apparitions in -their midst. In cunningly concealed holes and rifle-pits, -covered over with branches and pieces of turf, -the Maoris had awaited the coming of the <i lang="mi">pakehas</i>.</p> - -<p>Before this mysterious ghostly enemy, who fell upon -them with rifle and war-club, the soldiers and sailors -fled in wild confusion. A perfect panic set in, and -every man sought to save his own skin.</p> - -<p>It is difficult to locate the blame in instances of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -this kind. British troops and British officers have -been seized with panic before under the stress of -great excitement, and the same thing will probably -happen again. Human courage is, after all, an uncertain -quantity; an admittedly brave man has more -than once failed at a critical moment through lack -of nerve or some less explicable reason and turned -coward. Was there not the well-known case of a -lieutenant-colonel (his name is charitably concealed) -in the Indian Mutiny, whose conduct Sir Colin -Campbell characterised in a vigorous despatch as -“pusillanimous and imbecile to the last degree,” -before dismissing him from the service? This officer -had a distinguished record, but a momentary weakness -led him to surrender an important position without -cause and blasted his whole career.</p> - -<p>In the panic that set in when the hideous tattooed -faces of the Maoris rose up so uncannily from the -depths of the earth the slaughter of our men was -terrific. Officers and privates alike fell easy victims -to the well-armed natives. Then it was that Assistant-Surgeon -William G. N. Manley, R.A., and Samuel -Mitchell, captain of the foretop of H.M.S. <i>Harrier</i>, -won glory for themselves by a gallant rescue.</p> - -<p>Commander Hay, of the Naval Brigade, fell badly -wounded at the first discharge, and lay groaning in -the middle of the pah. All were in full flight, but -seeing his officer helpless on the ground Mitchell ran -to his side, picked him up in his strong arms and bore -him outside the stockade. Here he found Dr. Manley, -who oblivious to the bullets that fell thickly around, -bound up the commander’s wounds. That done, he -and Mitchell conveyed the dying man back to camp.</p> - -<p>Not content with having done that duty, the brave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -surgeon returned voluntarily to the pah and coolly -set about tending the wounded. They lay there in -heaps, alas! and he had all his work to do to get them -removed to a place of safety. The fire which swept -the stockade is said to have been terrible, yet not a -scratch did he receive the whole time, and he was the -last to leave the pah. Both Dr. Manley and Mitchell -were awarded the Cross for Valour some months later, -for the heroism that in part redeemed the Gate Pah -disaster.</p> - -<p>As for the Fighting Forty-third, whose colours bore -the names of Corunna, Badajoz, Vittoria, and many -another famous fight of the Peninsular War, the -memory of that night of panic rankled deep in their -minds. They swore a solemn vow that the next time -they came to grips with the Maoris the enemy should -remember it. It was at Tuaranga that they got their -chance, on June 21st of the same year, and on this -day one of their officers, Captain Frederick Augustus -Smith, won the Cross for leaping into a rifle-pit and -routing a number of the Maoris single-handed.</p> - -<p>This made the second V.C. that the 43rd won, by the -way, the first having been given in 1859 to Private -Addison for saving the life of an officer in India.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII<br /> -<span class="smaller">IN ASHANTI BUSH AND MALAY JUNGLE.</span></h2> - -<p>It is a big leap from Maoriland to West Africa, but -it is there, to Ashanti, that we must go to see -how the next Crosses on the roll were won.</p> - -<p>Ashanti, as the map shows, is in the Upper Guinea -district, immediately inland of the Gold Coast. -Seventy thousand square miles in extent, it is thickly -covered with forests of mahogany, ebony, and other -valuable hardwood trees, except where it is given up -to vast mangrove swamps that are no good to anybody. -Its people are pure negroes, thick-lipped, flat-nosed, -with woolly hair and projecting jaws. They are -a savage, cruel race, fetish-worshippers like most of -the tribes in West Africa, who have been notorious -for the revolting form of their religious rites.</p> - -<p>Until the custom of making human sacrifices was -put down with a strong hand by Great Britain, -Coomassie, the capital, was as much a City of Blood as -was the ill-famed Benin, a very different place from -the town of to-day, with its wide, regular streets and -stuccoed houses painted red and white.</p> - -<p>With this country of Ashanti we have come repeatedly -into conflict from the early days of last -century, when trading stations became established on -the coast. The Dutch, too, found their way thither<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -with the same object in view, and out of the rivalry -between them and us trouble arose that came to a -head in 1872. In that year the Dutch traders who -had established themselves on the Gold Coast were -bought out by us, their possessions being transferred -to this country in return for some land concessions -in the island of Sumatra. To this arrangement King -Coffee of Ashanti took exception, as he lost thereby -certain annual tributes which the Dutch had hitherto -paid him, and by way of showing his resentment he -carried off several missionaries and attacked our allies -the Fantis.</p> - -<p>It was necessary to bring King Coffee and his -turbulent subjects to reason, so in September 1873 -Sir Garnet Wolseley was sent out to Ashanti with -an expedition. The task was no easy one, for before -Coomassie was reached the troops had to fight their -way through the bush, and the African bush is not -to be treated lightly, with its tangled masses of -vegetation, dark belts of forest, rivers and morasses. -Moreover, the campaign had to be completed before -the hot season came on, when the terrors of pestilence -and fever would have to be faced.</p> - -<p>That Sir Garnet Wolseley did accomplish the task -set him is a matter of history. By February of the -following year King Coffee was forced to make peace, -one of the terms being that he should discontinue -human sacrifices.</p> - -<p>In this five months’ campaign four Victoria Crosses -were won, and of these the first two fell to Lieutenant -the Hon. Edric Gifford (the present Lord Gifford) and -Lance-Sergeant Samuel McGaw of the 42nd Regiment. -The latter earned his distinction at the battle of -Amoaful, the first victory of any consequence, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -the Ashantis were completely routed. At that -engagement McGaw led his company through the -dense bush in splendid style, himself fighting all -through the day, although suffering from a very severe -wound received at the commencement of the battle.</p> - -<p>Lord Gifford’s Cross was won for a long series of -useful services rendered to his commander, though -more particularly for his exceptional bravery at the -taking of the town of Becquah on February 1st, 1874. -At the beginning of the campaign (his first taste of -active service, by the way) he organised a body of -scouts, loyal natives who knew the country well and -could be relied on. With this little band he ranged -ahead of the army, hanging upon the enemy’s skirts, -so to speak, and ferreting out their intentions by -means of his spies. It was dangerous, highly -dangerous, work, for it meant thrusting himself almost -into the very arms of a foe who showed no mercy in -war.</p> - -<p>“It is no exaggeration,” says the official account, -“to say that since the Adansi Hills were passed he -daily carried his life in his hands in the performance -of his most hazardous duty.” With no other white -man by him, Lieutenant Gifford captured many -prisoners, and the information he was able to procure -for his chief was naturally of the utmost value.</p> - -<p>If he carried his life in his hand while out scouting -there is no doubt that he did the same at the taking -of Becquah. Gifford and his scouts were through -the stockade and into the town some time before the -troops stormed it, and were in the thick of the -fighting throughout. Of that day’s work, as well -as of the scouting in the bush, Sir Garnet took full -note when sending his despatches, and the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -lieutenant of the South Wales Borderers saw himself -duly gazetted.</p> - -<p>Major Reginald Sartorius (now a Major-General) -is another V.C. man who gained his decoration in -far-off Ashanti. At the attack on Abogoo he bravely -risked his life to save a wounded Haussa sergeant-major -who had fallen under a heavy fire; and he is -also famous for a most plucky ride through the -heart of the enemy’s country to establish connection -between the main body and Captain Glover’s column.</p> - -<p>The name of Sartorius, it may be mentioned, is -like that of Gough in figuring twice in the honoured -list of V.C.’s, and in each case it is two brothers who -have thus won double distinction. Major-General -Euston Henry Sartorius received his Cross for an -exploit in Afghanistan, mention of which will be found -in the next chapter.</p> - -<p>Next on my list of Ashanti heroes comes Colonel -Mark Sever Bell, a distinguished Engineer officer of -many campaigns. The battle at Ordahsu in January -of 1874 saw him in the very fore-front of the British -line alone with a working gang of Fantis, digging a -trench. A severe fire from both front and rear -played upon them, and—what is said to be an almost -unparalleled incident in warfare—they were not -protected by a covering party.</p> - -<p>The Fantis, to whose qualities Miss Kingsley has -paid high tribute, are not warriors of the first order, -however faithful they may be as servants; and that -Lieutenant Bell (to give him the rank he then bore) -got them to work in such circumstances was due -solely to his fearless and courageous bearing. When -he came in from the trench it was to receive the -generous compliments of his chief, Colonel Sir John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -McLeod, who had considered his chances of getting -back alive extremely slight. The V.C. followed at -the latter officer’s recommendation.</p> - -<p>Although it is not strictly in chronological order, -I may note here that in 1900 there was again trouble -in Ashanti, which resulted in two more V.C.’s being -won. Of these one went to Captain Melliss, of the -Indian Staff Corps, and the other to Sergeant (now -Captain) John Mackenzie, of the Seaforths.</p> - -<p>Mackenzie’s gallantry was most marked. At the -attack on Dompoassi in June he found the fight -progressing too slowly for him. He had been working -two Maxim guns under a hot fire (being wounded -while doing so), but the enemy held their position as -obstinately as ever. So to “finish the business” the -sergeant volunteered to clear the stockades, and at -the head of a body of Haussas he charged boldly -upon them. The blacks followed his lead with -spirit; before their headlong rush the Ashantis fled -into the bush, and shortly after Dompoassi was ours.</p> - -<p class="tb">Just a year after the Ashanti trouble there was an -outbreak in the Malay Peninsula which called for a -punitive expedition. The little brown men of Perak, -own brothers to the head-hunting Dyaks of Borneo, -had to be taught the lesson that Great Britain will -not tolerate outrages upon her subjects.</p> - -<p>With the column that marched up through the -jungle upon the Malay strongholds was Major -George Nicholas Channer, of the Bengal Staff Corps, -who had joined the Indian Army just too late to -take part in the suppression of the Mutiny, but in -time to see service in the Umbeyla campaign of -1863. Both here and in the Looshai country a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -years later he showed himself a dashing leader of -native troops, and the 1st Ghurkas were by no means -ill-pleased when they learned that he was attached -to them for the Perak expedition. Major Channer, -for his part, was glad of the chance of seeing -another fight, though he little guessed that it was to -afford him an opportunity of winning the V.C. and -covering himself with glory. Yet such proved to be -the case.</p> - -<p>On its way northwards the force eventually reached -the Bukit Putus Pass, the most difficult part of the -journey to be traversed. All around was dense -jungle and impenetrable forest, in which a host of -Malays lay in wait to harass the troops. How -numerous were the enemy could not be ascertained, -nor how strong were their defences, and it was -important that information on these points should -be obtained or the column might blunder into an -ambush. Major Channer was selected as the officer -best fitted to procure this intelligence, and with a -small party of his wiry little Ghurkas he struck -off one day into the wilds.</p> - -<p>Making a long detour, he worked his way round to -the rear of the enemy’s position without any mishap. -Here he found that the Malays were strongly posted -in a solid log-fort, loopholed on every side and -surrounded by a formidable bamboo palisade. As he -peered at it through the trees a number of black -forms flitted busily to and fro, showing that the fort -was well garrisoned.</p> - -<p>Channer had learned enough to see that the troops -would have considerable difficulty in carrying the -position, and might well have returned to make his -report. But he was not content with merely having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -done so much. He determined to make a closer -inspection to discover, if possible, where was the -weakest spot in the defences.</p> - -<p>At night, therefore, leaving his men hidden within -call in the jungle, he crept stealthily up through the -long grass to the outer stockade. All was still, for -the Malays had mounted no guard on that side of the -fort. Raising himself cautiously to his knees, he -peeped between the bamboo poles and saw that the -garrison was all intent on cooking its supper. At -once a daring idea came into his head. Quickly -dropping back into the long grass, the major -wormed his way towards the spot where his faithful -Ghurkas were waiting and beckoned them to join -him. Then he explained that he intended to take -the Malays by surprise and rush the fort.</p> - -<p>The Ghurkas were gleefully ready for a job like -this, and at the word followed him noiselessly to the -point in the palisade whence he had observed the -unsuspecting Malays. A quick scramble over and -the whole party were inside. The first man who -offered resistance Major Channer shot dead with his -revolver. The rest stood aghast at the unexpected -spectacle of a white officer in their midst, and before -they could recover from their astonishment the -Ghurkas in their neat green uniforms and little round -caps were among them, using their keen <i>kukris</i> with -deadly effect. The surprise was complete. The -Malays, ignorant of the numbers of their assailants, -abandoned the fort and fled precipitately into the -jungle.</p> - -<p>A message to the main body soon brought up the -troops, when the fort was destroyed, leaving the way -clear for the march to be continued. But for Major<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -Channer’s bold attack the fort would have had to -be carried by a bayonet charge, as it was secure from -the big guns, and much loss of life must have been -caused. His act, therefore, was one of the greatest -service to the expedition.</p> - -<p>The gallant major, who got his Cross a few months -later, afterwards served with considerable distinction -under Lord Roberts in Afghanistan, and commanded -a brigade in the Black Mountain (Hazara) expedition -of 1888. He died at his home in North Devon only -at the end of last year, a General and a C.B.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">HOW SOME AFGHAN CROSSES WERE WON.</span></h2> - -<p>The war which broke out in Afghanistan in 1878 -and lasted two years was of a far more serious -nature than the campaign in Ashanti which I have -just dealt with. It was at bottom a struggle to assert -our supremacy on the Indian frontier, where Russia -was beginning to menace us, and on its result hung -the fortunes of a large part of Asia. Before I tell -of how several notable V.C.’s were gained in the -hill-fighting round Candahar and Cabul it is necessary -to say a few words about the war itself, in order that -we may properly understand the situation.</p> - -<p>Trouble over Afghanistan began very early in the -nineteenth century, but Great Britain maintained a -firm hold over the country and its Amir until the -advent to the throne of Shere Ali Khan. This -turbulent ruler was a very go-ahead monarch indeed. -He organised a splendid army, well-drilled and well-equipped -with modern arms, and spent some years in -military preparations which could have had only -one object—the ultimate overthrow of British influence -in that part of the world.</p> - -<p>That Russia and Russian money was behind all this -has been made very clear. The go-ahead Shere Ali -went ahead so far that he made overtures to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -Muscovite Government and received a Russian mission -at Cabul. When Lord Roberts reached the capital -after his victorious march he found, he says, “Afghan -Sirdars and officers arrayed in Russian pattern uniforms, -Russian money in the treasury, Russian wares -sold in the bazaars; and, although the roads leading -to Central Asia were certainly no better than -those leading to India, Russia had taken more -advantage of them than we had to carry on commercial -dealings with Afghanistan.”</p> - -<p>Our first move was to establish a British mission -at Cabul, but this met with failure. Then Shere Ali, -after abdicating in favour of his son, Yakoub Khan, -conveniently died, and our prospects improved. A -mission, at the head of which was Sir Louis Cavagnari, -was received at the capital, and all seemed to be going -well when the civilised world was startled by the -news that Cavagnari and all with him had been -massacred.</p> - -<p>Without any loss of time, Lord Roberts (then -Major-General Frederick Sleigh Roberts) started from -India with an army to avenge this atrocity. After -some stiff fighting, he reached Cabul and deposed the -Amir. There were left, however, a number of minor -chiefs who continued to stir up trouble. Of these the -leading spirit was the ex-Amir’s brother, Ayoub Khan, -who inflicted a defeat upon us at the battle of -Maiwand and proceeded to invest Candahar.</p> - -<p>Upon this followed Roberts’ historic march from -Cabul to Candahar which won him a baronetcy and -a G.C.B. In this descent upon Ayoub Khan he -utterly routed the Afghan leader and quieted the -country. A new Amir, Abdur Rahman (nephew of -Shere Ali) was now installed, with the necessary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -proviso that Afghanistan should have no foreign -relations with any power except the Government of -India, and the British army was withdrawn.</p> - -<p class="tb">The first V.C. of the campaign was gained by -Captain John Cook, of the Bengal Staff Corps, for a -singularly gallant rescue of a brother-officer. It was -during the month of December 1878, while General -Roberts was on his way to Cabul, whither he was -escorting Cavagnari’s mission. There had been -several encounters with the Afghans, for the latter -had shown themselves hostile all along the line -of route, and a decisive engagement was fought at -the Peiwar Kotal, in the Kuram district. (A “kotal,” -it may be explained, is the highest point in a mountain -pass.)</p> - -<p>At this fight a slender column was detached from -the main body and sent round to force a position in -the Spingawi Kotal, where the enemy had entrenched -themselves. The attack was made at night, and -although, through the treachery of some Pathans with -the column, the alarm was given, the Afghans were -driven out.</p> - -<p>Side by side Highlanders and Ghurkas, who had -been good friends ever since they fought together in -the Mutiny, charged up the steep rocky hillside, -through a forest of pines, and carried one stockade -after another. As the enemy broke before them, -Major Galbraith, Assistant-Adjutant-General to the -force, was suddenly attacked by a powerful Afghan. -The major’s revolver missed fire when he aimed, and -it is more than probable that he would have been -shot down at once had not Captain Cook rushed to -his rescue.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>A blow from his sword having diverted the -Afghan’s attention, Cook threw himself bodily upon -the man and closed with him. They struggled together -thus for some little time, locked in a deadly -embrace, the Afghan endeavouring vainly to use his -bayonet and the captain his sword. Then, gripping his -opponent by the throat, Cook fell with him to the -ground, only to have his sword-arm seized by the -Afghan’s strong teeth. Another roll over gave the -latter a slight advantage, but only for a moment. -At this critical juncture a little Ghurka ran up and -shot the fellow through the head.</p> - -<p>Captain Cook was decorated for this exploit on the -Queen’s Birthday in the May following, at a grand -parade at Kuram, but he did not live long to wear -his Cross. He died of a severe wound twelve -months later.</p> - -<p>In March of 1879 a gallant little action was -fought near Maidanah of which scant mention is made -outside official records. It may be fittingly recorded -here, as it was the means of bringing distinction to a -young captain of Engineers who now writes himself -Lieut.-General Edward Pemberton Leach, V.C., C.B.</p> - -<p>Leach was out on survey duty in the Maidanah -district with an escort of Rattray’s Sikhs under the -command of Lieutenant Barclay. While thus engaged -a body of Afghans appeared in close proximity and -endeavoured to cut them off. The Sikhs having -fallen slowly back, under orders, the Afghans became -more bold, and in still larger numbers pressed nearer. -Then there was a sudden rush, a volley, and Lieutenant -Barclay fell shot in the breast.</p> - -<p>To get the wounded officer back to camp in safety -was Leach’s first thought. The Afghans must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -kept at a safe distance. With all the Sikhs, therefore, -save the two or three needed to attend to -Barclay, he formed up and charged with bayonets -fixed straight into the oncoming enemy.</p> - -<p>They were a score or so against a hundred, but -desperate men take desperate risks. Leach himself -was immediately attacked by four Afghans, two of -whom he shot in quick succession. The third -grappled with him, but another shot from the unerring -revolver settled him, and the captain turned -to meet his fourth assailant. He was not a moment -too soon. The Afghan had slipped round to attack -him from the rear, and as Leach’s left arm went up -in defence it received on it the blow from an Afghan -knife that was aimed at his back.</p> - -<p>A slash from his sword laid the Pathan low. Then -wounded as he was, with blood streaming fast from -his arm, the captain dashed on into the mêlée, and -gathering his men together for another fierce charge -sent the enemy tumbling backwards in confusion. -But the little company was not even then out of -danger. The retreat led them along a narrow rocky -road, from the sides of which the Afghans continued -to pepper them, and a last charge was necessary to -scatter them. Fortunately, just after this a cavalry -troop, attracted by the noise of firing, came up and -relieved them.</p> - -<p>Captain Leach was promptly awarded the Cross for -Valour for his bravery, but though he had succeeded -in saving the party from certain annihilation, his -satisfaction was clouded over by one great sorrow. -Poor Lieutenant Barclay died soon afterwards from -his wound.</p> - -<p>The next V.C., the story of which I have to tell,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -is that of Lieutenant Hamilton,—“Hamilton of the -Guides,”—whose brilliant career was cut all too short -at Cabul in the massacre of Cavagnari’s ill-fated -mission. Having joined Brigadier-General Gough’s -force, which was keeping clear the line of communication -between Jellalabad and Cabul, Lieutenant Hamilton -saw plenty of fighting with the hill-tribes in the -vicinity. At Futtehabad, in April 1879, there was -an engagement with a considerable body of Afghans, -and in this fight he made himself conspicuous.</p> - -<p>At the moment that the scale of victory was -turning in our favour, the Guides, led by their beloved -commander, Major Wigram Battye, charged into the -Afghan ranks. Battye fell shot through the heart at -the first volley, and the leadership devolved on -Hamilton, who led them on, more fierce than ever. -In the mêlée that now ensued Dowlut Ram, a sowar -riding by the lieutenant’s side, was bowled over and -instantly threatened with death from three Afghan -knives. Wheeling his horse, Hamilton cut his way -to the fallen man’s side, dragged him from beneath -his dead horse, and carried him off right under the -enemy’s nose.</p> - -<p>For this act he was recommended for the Cross, -but to everyone’s disappointment it was not awarded -him. Only after he had fallen beneath Afghan -swords at Cabul, five months later, was his heroism -acknowledged. Then followed the tardy announcement -that had he lived her Majesty would have been -pleased to confer the honour of the Victoria Cross -upon him.</p> - -<p>Hamilton’s end was an heroic one. Early one -September morning in 1879 the Residency at Cabul -in which Sir Louis Cavagnari and his staff had taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -up their quarters was attacked and fired by the -Afghans. The only defenders of the place were the -Guides, a mere handful of men under Lieutenant -Hamilton’s command. Soon the building was stormed, -and Cavagnari with his suite brutally massacred. -Hamilton alone remained, the last Englishman left -alive in Cabul.</p> - -<p>Driven from room to room, he and his men at last -reached the courtyard to make their last stand. In -vain did the Afghans call on the Guides to join -them, saying they had no quarrel with men of -their own race. The Guides were loyal to the oath -they had sworn. As one man they formed up -behind their gallant leader, dressed their ranks, -and flung wide</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“The doors not all their valour could longer keep.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then with a cheer out they dashed at the horde -before them, in the mad endeavour to cut their way -through. It was a forlorn hope. The enemy closed -round them like a dark sea,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“And with never a foot lagging or head bent,</div> -<div class="verse">To the clash and clamour and dust of death they went.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse right">“The Guides at Cabul,” Henry Newbolt.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>How Hamilton himself fell was learned afterwards -from the Afghans, who could appreciate such dauntless -courage as his. They said he fought like a lion at -bay, sweeping a space clear around him with his -sword; and it was only by the reckless sacrifice of -a few of their number, who threw themselves upon -him and were shot or sabred, that the rest were able -to pull him down. Then a dozen knives buried -themselves in his body, and all was over.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p>The record of the Afghan War teems with heroic -exploits, but only a few more can be touched on here. -There was, for instance, the gallant rescue of a -wounded Bengal Lancer at Dakka, by Lieutenant -Reginald Clare Hart (now a Lieut.-General and K.C.B.). -“I am going for the V.C. to-day!” he said to his -brother-officers on the morning of the engagement; -and he won it, after running some twelve hundred -yards under the Afghan fire to pull the disabled -sowar out of a river bed.</p> - -<p>At about the same time Captain O’Moor Creagh -with a detachment of one hundred and fifty men held -off fifteen thousand Afghans who attacked him near -the village of Ram Dakka; a brilliant feat that was -only equalled by Captain Vousden, of the 5th Punjab -Cavalry, who some time later charged into a body of -four hundred of the enemy with simply <em>twelve</em> sowars -at his back, and dispersed them!</p> - -<p>There were Crosses for both these brave captains, -just as there was one for Captain E. H. Sartorius -(brother of the Ashanti hero) for a dashing charge -which cleared a strong force of the enemy from the -Shah Juy hill at Tazi.</p> - -<p>Mention of Sartorius recalls the somewhat similar -deeds which gained a V.C. for a distinguished major -of the 92nd Highlanders, who is now the popular -Field-Marshal Sir George Stewart White, G.C.B., etc. -On his Cross two dates figure, October 6, 1879, and -September 1, 1880. The first denotes the action at -Charasiah, where the Afghans were defeated, much to -the chagrin of the treacherous Amir Yakoub Khan, -who had laid plans for the complete annihilation of -the British army.</p> - -<p>There was a hill to be taken, on which the enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> -had mustered in large numbers, and at the word of -command two companies of the “Gay Gordons,” with -Major White at their head, breasted the slope and -raced up. The major was easily first. Leaving the -rest to follow, he tore ahead and bearded the Afghans -single-handed, shooting their leader dead with his -revolver. This act brought him high praise from -General Roberts, who went over the ground with him -next day and noted the difficulties that had to be -encountered.</p> - -<p>On the second occasion Major White was with his -Gordons at Candahar, assisting in the rout of Ayoub -Khan. At an important stage of the battle a -desperate stand was made by the Afghans at the -Baba Wali Kotal, and it became necessary to storm -the position, or the wavering enemy would have time -to rally.</p> - -<p>“Now, 92nd,” cried their leader, “just one charge -more to close the business!” The Gordons answered -with a shout, and accompanied by the 2nd Ghurkas -and 23rd Pioneers they streamed up the hill to carry -it with bayonets. As always, Major White was well -in front. He was the first to reach the guns, the next -man being Sepoy Inderbir Lama, who placed his rifle -on one of them and exclaimed proudly, “Captured in -the name of the 2nd Ghurkas!”</p> - -<p>That charge did “close the business.” The Afghans -broke and fled, and the troops went on to capture -Ayoub Khan’s enormous camp with his artillery, -thirty-two pieces in all, among them being found two -of our Horse Artillery guns that had been taken at -Maiwand in July.</p> - -<p>I cannot close this chapter without telling how -Padre Adams won his V.C. The only clergyman to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -have received the decoration, he stands in a unique -position, although, as I have said already, at least one -other Army chaplain deserved it.</p> - -<p>The Rev. James William Adams, B.A. (to give him -his full title), was attached to the Cabul Field Force -and marched up to the Amir’s capital with the -troops when they went to avenge Cavagnari’s death. -Liking to be always at the front when any fighting -was going on, he acted as aide-de-camp to General -Roberts on several occasions, making himself very useful. -It was in this capacity that he was accompanying -Roberts when, on December 11th, 1879, the main -body of the force encountered Mahommed Jan’s army -near Sherpur and, owing to a miscarriage of plans, -was obliged to beat a temporary retreat.</p> - -<p>In the retiring movement some of the guns were -in danger of falling into the Afghans’ hands, so a -troop of the 9th Lancers, with a few of the 14th -Bengal Lancers, made a gallant attempt to hold the -enemy in check. The charge was brilliant but -disastrous. Men and horses went down like ninepins, -many of them falling into a deep ditch, or nullah, in -which one or two of the guns had already come to -grief.</p> - -<p>Seeing a wounded, dismounted man of the 9th -staggering towards him, Adams jumped off his charger -and tried to lift the poor fellow into the saddle, but -the animal, a very valuable mare, took fright and -bolted. Still supporting the lancer, the chaplain -helped him on his way to the rear, where some of his -comrades took him in charge.</p> - -<p>Returning at once to the front, Adams observed -two more men of the 9th in the ditch who were in -difficulties. Their horses had rolled over on to them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -and they were struggling vainly to get free. The -advancing Afghans were now pretty close, and General -Roberts called out to the chaplain to look after himself; -but the “fighting parson,” as his men called him, -was a true hero. Leaping down into the ditch -without a moment’s hesitation, he splashed his way -through the mud and water to the lancers’ rescue. -A few strong pulls of his brawny arms (he was an -unusually powerful man) quickly released the imprisoned -men, and he had them safe on the top of -the bank ere the first of the Afghans had reached the -nullah.</p> - -<p>Padre Adams had long been the idol of the men to -whom he ministered, and there was general rejoicing -in the Army when his name in due course appeared -in the <cite>Gazette</cite>. There was keen regret, too, some -years later when he bade farewell to the service -he loved, and returned home to settle down in a peaceful -Norfolk rectory.</p> - -<p>It seems only the other day that his tall well-built -figure was to be met striding along the lanes round -Stow Bardolph and Downham Market, and it is hard -to realise that nearly three years have now passed -since death took “the V.C. parson” from our midst.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="smaller">MAIWAND.—A GUNNER’S STORY.</span></h2> - -<p>The one disaster of the Afghan campaign of -1878-80 was the defeat of General Burrows’ -force at Maiwand by an army of 25,000 men -under the leadership of Ayoub Khan himself. -It had been expected that the Amir would follow -a certain route on his way to Ghazni and Candahar, -and Burrows had been warned to be on the look-out. -That the British general failed to stay the Amir’s -progress when the two armies came into conflict at -Maiwand was due to the smallness of his force, which -numbered less than 3000 men; to the desertion of -a large number of native levies; and to the fact -that the native portion of the brigade got out of -hand soon after the fight had started, and impeded -the British troops.</p> - -<p>Continuing his march after this signal victory, -Ayoub Khan proceeded to Candahar and commenced -the siege of that city. How he was speedily followed -by General Roberts and in turn defeated has been -already told.</p> - -<p class="tb">The battle of Maiwand was fought on July 27th, -1880. Early on the morning of that day Burrows’ -brigade, including the 66th Regiment, “the Green<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> -Howards,” and some Royal Horse Artillery, and -encumbered with a large number of camels, baggage -waggons, camp followers, etc., moved out from the -camp at Khushk-i-Nakhud. This position was about -forty miles from Candahar. The Afghan army was -to be intercepted at the village of Maiwand, eleven -miles away.</p> - -<p>Riding with the guns of the Horse Artillery that -summer morning were two men, Sergeant Patrick -Mullane and Gunner James Collis, who were destined -to win no little glory in the somewhat inglorious -fight. They were by no means the only heroes of -Maiwand, for many stirring deeds were done that -day; but the slaughter was terrific, and of all who -earned the honour of the V.C. only these two survived.</p> - -<p>As an example of the courage displayed by the -British troops the story may be told of how, when -our native infantry broke and fled before the Afghan -attack, the 66th Regiment was left alone to receive -the onset of the enemy. Such a small body of men -could do nothing, however valiantly they fought, and -very reluctantly they obeyed the order to fall back. -Following up their advantage, the Afghans now -pressed them more closely. In among the doomed -soldiers leapt the white-robed Pathans, stabbing and -slashing with their long knives until they succeeded -in breaking up the men into small parties, who could -be more easily cut down.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of the day a little company of -the 66th, officers and men, gathered together for a -last stand in a little village some distance from -Maiwand. Surrounded by a yelling horde, they fired -volley after volley, but the return fire of the enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -gradually thinned their ranks. At length, so it is -recorded, ten privates and one officer alone remained. -Back to back stood the brave eleven, determined -never to give in, for the honour of the regiment and -their country. And one by one they dropped where -they stood, until, it is related, but one man remained -erect, facing his foes undaunted. One man against -some hundreds. Then the Afghan rifles spoke out -once more, and the last of that stricken remnant fell -with a bullet through his heart.</p> - -<p>But it is of Mullane and Collis that I propose -to speak here, and of how they won their V.C.’s. -After the fortune of the battle was decided and the -stricken British brigade commenced its retreat to -Candahar the Royal Horse Artillery made many -gallant attempts to beat off the pursuing Afghans. -Indeed, but for the masterly way in which they -worked their guns, the losses on our side must have -been considerably greater than they were.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Mullane stood by his gun on one of -these occasions, and after a round or two had been -fired helped to limber up smartly to follow the force. -As the gun moved on a driver was seen to fall. The -Afghans were tearing after the fugitives at full speed, -and the wounded man lay directly in their path.</p> - -<p>Only a daring man would have ventured to turn -and face that fierce oncoming crowd; but “Paddy” -Mullane was that man. Racing back to where the -driver lay, he lifted him up in his arms and, being a -big strong fellow, quickly carried him out of the -enemy’s reach. It was a narrow squeak, however; -as he turned with his burden to make for his comrades, -the nearest Afghans were within a few yards of -him, and one or two wild shots whizzed by his ears.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next day, while the retreat continued, Mullane -performed another gallant action, which was duly -noted on his Cross. Most of the troops, and -particularly the wounded, suffered terribly from -thirst in the glare of the sun, and it was impossible -to obtain drink from the hostile villages they passed -through.</p> - -<p>At last Sergeant Mullane could stand the cries of -distress no longer. “I’m off to get some water,” he -announced briefly to his comrades, when they neared -another village. And, doubling to the nearest houses, -he managed to procure a good supply, with which -he ran hastily back, while the infuriated villagers -peppered him hotly. Fortunately for him their -marksmanship was none too good, and not a shot -struck him, though several went so close as to -make him realise the risk he had run.</p> - -<p class="tb">Of how Gunner Collis bore himself in that retreat -from Maiwand we have been told in his own words, -and I cannot do better than follow the account he gives. -He was limber gunner, he says, in his battery, and -when an Afghan shell killed four of the gunners and -Sergeant Wood, only three were left to work the -piece. Taking the sergeant’s place, he went on firing, -but was soon almost borne down by panic-stricken -fugitives, who threw themselves both under and on -the gun.</p> - -<p>On the native infantry and cavalry breaking up in -confusion the guns limbered up and fell back at a -gallop for some two thousand yards. Here another -two rounds were fired, but again the order came to -retire, for the enemy were advancing rapidly. A -mounted Afghan even caught up with the gun on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> -which Collis sat and slashed at him fiercely as he -passed. The sword cut the gunner over the left eyebrow. -As the Afghan wheeled and rode at him again -Collis raised his carbine, and at about five yards’ -range let drive. The shot struck the sowar on the -chest, causing him to fall from his horse. In doing -so some money rattled out of his turban, and Collis -relates that Trumpeter Jones, R.H.A., jumped off -his horse and picked it up.</p> - -<p>Dusk now came fast upon the fugitives, and having -stepped aside at a village to try and secure some -water, Collis lost his gun. He accordingly attached -himself to No. 2, sticking to it all the way to -Candahar.</p> - -<p>By the wayside, as they went along, lay many -wounded. As many of these as he could the gallant -gunner picked up and placed on his gun. He -collected ten altogether, every one a 66th man, -except a colonel whom he did not know. Presently -the wounded began to beg for water, and like Mullane, -Collis could not bear to hear their cries without -making an effort to satisfy them.</p> - -<p>At a village near Kokeran, the next day, he made -a dash for some water, which he was successful in -obtaining. Here, he records, he saw Lieutenant -Maclaine, of the Royal Horse Artillery, and he was -almost the last man to see him alive. The lieutenant -was captured immediately afterwards, kept a close -prisoner by Ayoub Khan, and eventually found lying -with his throat cut outside the Amir’s tent at -Candahar, after the Afghan leader’s flight.</p> - -<p>A second journey for water becoming necessary, -Collis set off again for the village. He was returning -with a fresh supply when he beheld some ten or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -twelve of the enemy’s cavalry approaching the gun. -The gun went off, and, throwing himself down in a -little nullah, Collis waited until it passed by. Then, -with a rifle which he had obtained from a 66th -private, he opened fire upon the Afghans, in order -to draw them from the gun and the wounded.</p> - -<p>Not knowing how many were concealed in the -nullah, the Afghans halted and answered his fire. -They fortunately failed to hit the plucky gunner, -but from his vantage he scored heavily against them, -killing two men and a horse. From a distance of -three hundred yards, however, they came pretty close -to him, and he must have been discovered had not -General Nuttall arrived on the scene with some -native cavalry and made them turn tail.</p> - -<p>“You’re a gallant young man,” said the General. -“What is your name?”</p> - -<p>“Gunner Collis, sir, of E. of B., R.H.A.,” answered -the gunner in business-like fashion, and the details -were promptly noted in the General’s pocket-book.</p> - -<p>Then Collis hastened after his gun, which he caught -up with after a five hundred yards’ chase, and after -running the gauntlet of the enemy’s fire for several -miles farther, went safely in with it into Candahar. -He arrived there at seven in the evening, having -been marching for a whole night and day since the -battle.</p> - -<p>There is yet another brave act to be recorded of -Gunner Collis, which contributed to gain him his -well-earned Cross for Valour. While the garrison -under General Primrose were besieged in Candahar, -anxiously awaiting the arrival of General Roberts’ -relief column, various sorties were made upon the -enemy. On one of these occasions, in the middle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -of August, Collis was standing by his gun on the -rampart of the fort when Generals Primrose and -Nuttall passed in earnest conversation with Colonel -Burnet.</p> - -<p>Hearing one of the former say that he wished he -could send a message to General Dewberry, who was -fighting away out in the village, the gunner stepped -up to Colonel Burnet and touched him on the arm.</p> - -<p>“I think I can take the message, sir,” he said, -giving a salute.</p> - -<p>The officers were doubtful about allowing him to go -on so dangerous an errand, but after a little -hesitation General Primrose wrote a note which Collis -slipped into his pocket. Then, a rope having been -brought, the gunner was lowered over the parapet -into the ditch, about forty feet below. He was fired -at by the enemy’s matchlock men as he slid down, -but luckily they were too far off to aim accurately.</p> - -<p>Reaching the village safely, he delivered his message -to General Dewberry, and, dodging the enemy, -returned to clamber up the rope. While half way -up the Afghans tried to “pot” him again, and this -time a bullet came close enough to cut off the heel -of his left boot.</p> - -<p>At the instance of General Nuttall and Colonel -Burnet, General Roberts recommended the brave -gunner for the V.C., and much to Collis’s surprise -it was presented to him on July 28th, 1881.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="smaller">ZULULAND.—THE DASH WITH THE COLOURS FROM -ISANDHLANA.</span></h2> - -<p>At the same time that the war in Afghanistan was -being carried to a successful issue serious -trouble was brewing in South Africa. The Zulus -under Cetewayo, who had long been restless, now -threatened to overrun Natal and the Transvaal, and -precipitate a general revolt of the black races against -the white.</p> - -<p>To go into the whole history of the quarrel would -take too long, but it may be said that the grievances -of the natives arose out of long-standing feuds -between them and the Boers over the seizure of land. -The immediate cause of the war was a dispute over -a strip of territory extending along the left bank -of the Tugela River into Zululand. To this piece -of land the Zulus obstinately asserted their right, and -their claim was upheld by a Commission which was -appointed to inquire into the matter.</p> - -<p>After the annexation of the Transvaal by Great -Britain in 1877 Sir Bartle Frere had been sent -out to South Africa as High Commissioner, and -unfortunately for everyone concerned he now strongly -opposed the arbitrators’ award. Regarding Cetewayo -as a dangerous enemy, as a cruel, savage monarch<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -whose power it was necessary to curb, he withheld -the award for several months, in the course of which -time the Zulu king nursed an ever-growing resentment -towards the British.</p> - -<p>In this interval Cetewayo, who set himself to -follow in the steps of his uncle, the famous chief -Dingaan, perpetrated many atrocities which showed -him to be a bloodthirsty tyrant. When he was -remonstrated with for his cruelties he insolently -answered that the killing he had done was nothing -to the killing he intended to do, a reply which was -taken as a warning that the Zulus looked forward to -“washing their spears” in the blood of white men.</p> - -<p>A raid into Natal to recapture some native women -who had fled thither for protection, and the subsequent -murder of the captives, increased Sir Bartle -Frere’s determination to take strong measures against -Cetewayo. Accordingly, when the award was announced -to the king it was accompanied with an -ultimatum that the vast Zulu army must be disbanded -and certain objectionable practices discontinued.</p> - -<p>Cetewayo, looking over his impis, which numbered -some 50,000 warriors—all well drilled and well -armed—laughed at the proposal. His army had -measured itself against the white men already and -with no little success. So the thirty days of grace -allowed him passed unheeded, and, war having been -declared, a British force crossed the Tugela into -Zululand.</p> - -<p>Lord Chelmsford, who commanded the troops, -divided his little army into three main columns. -One marched to an important station in the Transvaal; -another to a position near the mouth of the Tugela; -and the third—the invading force—to Rorke’s Drift,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -on the banks of the Buffalo River, thence to cross -over into Zululand. It was to this last column that -the great defeat at Isandhlana befell, a disaster -which filled all England with consternation when the -news of it arrived. And to it belongs the story of -how Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill made that -desperate dash to escape with the regimental colours -of the 24th that won them everlasting fame.</p> - -<p class="tb">How the disaster occurred is soon told. Although -advised by Boer veterans well versed in Zulu warfare -as to the necessity of laagering his waggons every -evening and of throwing out scouts well in advance, -Lord Chelmsford preferred to adopt his own tactics. -He was an experienced and brave officer, whose -record of active service included the Crimean, Indian -Mutiny, and Abyssinian campaigns, but he now -made the fatal mistake of despising the enemy before -him.</p> - -<p>After one or two successful skirmishes with the -Zulus, the little force of about 1300 men marched -up through the country, crossed the Buffalo River, -and encamped at the foot of a hill known to the -natives as Isandhlana, “the lion’s hill.” Here the -tents were pitched but no laager formed; no proper -precautions taken to guard against an attack.</p> - -<p>This was negligence enough, but worse was to -follow. Two small reconnoitring parties who were -sent out on January 21st were alarmed by the sight -of a large body of Zulus not far away. In some -haste they sent to the camp for reinforcements. On -receipt of this intelligence Lord Chelmsford got -together several companies of the 24th, some mounted -infantry and a few guns, and at a very early<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -hour the next morning started out to meet, as -he confidently supposed, Cetewayo’s main army. -A body of Zulus was encountered and repulsed, but -they did not form the larger portion of Cetewayo’s -impis. While the British commander-in-chief was -thus decoyed from his base, an army of 20,000 -Zulus was hastening fleet-footed round the hills, to -swoop down upon the doomed camp.</p> - -<p>At Isandhlana only eight hundred men had been -left. These comprised a handful of Mounted Infantry -and Volunteers, seventy of the Royal Artillery with -two guns, and some companies of the 24th Regiment -and the Natal Carabineers. This puny force was -under the command of Colonel Durnford, R.E., who -had been hastily summoned thither from Rorke’s -Drift.</p> - -<p>Lord Chelmsford marched out at about four in the -morning. Five hours later the advancing Zulu impis -were sighted by the watchers at Isandhlana, and an -urgent message was despatched to the front. This -message the General disregarded, his aide-de-camp’s -telescope having assured him that the camp was -unmolested.</p> - -<p>Not everyone, however, shared this optimistic -opinion, for Colonel Harness and Major Black, -believing the messenger’s story to be true, started -back to Isandhlana on their own account, taking four -companies with them. But, to their grief, they were -peremptorily recalled. Had they continued their -journey they would have been in time to witness the -end of the death struggle which was even then in -progress at the camp; though it is doubtful if -they could have done anything to save their -comrades.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - -<p>Eight hundred against twenty thousand. What -chance had they?</p> - -<p>By noon the crescent of the Zulu army had -enveloped the camp. Drawing closer and still closer -in, the ringed warriors, the cream of Cetewayo’s fighting -men, armed with assegai, knobkerry, and rifle, burst -upon Durnford’s little company as they hastily tried -to form a laager with the waggons. Durnford -himself was in the thick of it, encouraging the -troopers, placing a gun here and ordering a charge -there. But it was all in vain.</p> - -<p>Before the fierce fire of thousands of Zulu rifles, -and before the host of assegais that hurtled through -the air, the redcoats and the Basutos of the Native -Contingent went down like corn under the sickle. -They fought well, as desperate men will when driven -to bay; but while they fired and reloaded and fired -again behind them came the right horn of the overlapping -Zulu army to strike at them in the rear. -<em>That</em>, and not a panic-stricken flight, accounted for -the many assegai wounds which were afterwards -observed in the fallen men’s backs.</p> - -<p>There were numerous deeds of valour performed -that day, of which some account has come down to us -from the Zulus themselves. The 24th, the South -Wales Borderers, a regiment with a famous record, -knew how to die, and officers and men accounted for -many a dusky foe ere they themselves were borne -down.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus7"> -<img src="images/illus7.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">WITH THE FLAG … FIRMLY GRIPPED IN HIS HAND, MELVILL -SPURRED HIS HORSE FOR THE RIVER.—<i><a href="#Page_173">Page 173.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>We have a picture of little parties of them found -lying with their fifty or sixty rounds of spent -cartridges beside their dead bodies, to give colour to -the Zulus’ story that they “could not make way -against the soldiers until they ceased firing.” Then,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -and then only, could the deadly assegais finish their -work, as the warriors leapt in with the fierce death-hiss.</p> - -<p>And we have another picture given us of Captain -Younghusband, of the same regiment, standing erect -in an empty waggon with three privates, and keeping -a crowd of the enemy at bay. The others fall at -last, shot or assegaied by the Zulus who clamber up -the sides, but the tall, soldierly figure holds the warriors -off. Then, his last cartridge gone, he leaps down, sword -in hand, to cut his way through to liberty if it be -possible.</p> - -<p>It was not possible. But he died fighting like a -lion. Said a Zulu who took part in the attack, “All -those who tried to stab him were knocked over at -once. He kept his ground for a long time, until -someone shot him.”</p> - -<p>Very few escaped alive from that camp of death. -Of the gallant eight hundred all but six lay stretched -lifeless around the waggons and overturned tents, or -on the rough ground to the rear, where a line of -corpses marked the path to the river.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill, Adjutant of the -1st Battalion of the 24th Regiment, was among -those who got away when all hope of rescue was given -up. To him Colonel Pulleine confided the Queen’s -colours, telling him to make the best of his way back -to safety. For himself, and those with him, said the -colonel, their duty was plain. There was no thought -of flight. “Men, we are here, and here we must -stop!” was his brief address to the remnant of the -1st Battalion; and stop they did, till they and their -brave colonel had fallen.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, with the flag rolled and cased and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -firmly gripped in his hand, Melvill spurred his horse -through the press and dashed for the river. After -him panted a score or more of Zulus, pausing only -in their pursuit to stab any of the other fugitives -whom they passed.</p> - -<p>For six miles the adjutant galloped on his ride for -life, gradually leaving the Zulus behind, though their -shots continued to follow him. He had now been -joined by Lieutenant Nevill Aylmer Coghill, of his -own regiment, who had cut his way through the circle -of Zulus. Then the tossing waters of the Buffalo -came in view, and how the fugitives’ hearts must have -risen at the sight. For on the other side of the river -lay Natal and safety.</p> - -<p>A last desperate spurt and the bank was gained. -Down the steep slope scrambled horses and riders, -and plunged into the swirling stream. The Buffalo -runs swiftly between its high banks, the water being -broken up by large rocks, dotted here and there. -Exhausted after its flight, Melvill’s horse failed to -make headway against the swift current, and in its -struggles the adjutant was swept out of his saddle.</p> - -<p>Not far away from him, on another rock, was an -officer of the Native Contingent, named Higginson.</p> - -<p>“Catch hold of the pole!” cried the adjutant; and -the other, leaning over, made a grab at it as the colours -came within reach. But he, too, was carried away.</p> - -<p>By this time the foremost of the Zulus had come -up, and they at once opened fire upon the helpless men -in the river. Lieutenant Coghill, meanwhile, had -swum his horse across the stream and gained the -opposite bank in safety. Reining up on the top of -the slope, he looked back and saw Melvill struggling -in the water below.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> - -<p>There was a chance of life for him. His horse was -still fresh, and the road to Helpmakaar stretched -away behind him. But Coghill gave no thought to -himself, or if he did he banished it instantly from his -mind. Riding down the bank again, he plunged into -the river with a cheery call to Melvill to “hold on.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 335px;" id="illus8"> -<img src="images/illus8.jpg" width="335" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">GRAVE OF MELVILL AND COGHILL.</p> -</div> - -<p>Then, just as he reached the other two, his horse -was shot. The current carried it swiftly down the -stream, as a few moments later it bore the colours which -it had wrenched from Melvill’s grasp.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>The three were now still more at the Zulus’ mercy. -Bullets splashed the water round them, and several -of the warriors were scrambling down the bank towards -them. By making great efforts, however, Coghill being -hampered by an injured knee, they reached the Natal -side. Here, before they had gone far, the Zulus caught -them up, and the two lieutenants turned to make a -fight for it.</p> - -<p>I need not dwell on the last sad scene. Higginson—and -we may think no shame of him for doing so—had -gone on alone. He had no revolver or weapon -of any kind with which to defend himself. Coghill -and Melvill had their revolvers.</p> - -<p>Standing in front of an enormous rock, the two -officers faced their foes, to sell their lives as dearly as -possible. And when their bodies were discovered -days later the stiffened corpses of a dozen Zulus lying -almost in a circle round them bore eloquent witness -to the gallant stand for life that they had made. -They were buried side by side on the spot where -they had fallen, while a simple granite cross was raised -to mark their grave and tell to future generations the -story of how Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill died to -save the colours of their regiment.</p> - -<p>The flag itself, it may be added, was found by -a search party some distance down the river. It was -brought back to England at the close of the war and -presented to her Majesty the Queen, who tenderly -placed upon it a wreath of immortelles in remembrance -of the gallant pair whose lives had been given -for it.</p> - -<p>At about the same time an announcement appeared -in the <cite>London Gazette</cite> to the effect that had Melvill -and Coghill lived they would have received the V.C.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -And so their names, too, are added to the glorious roll -of honour.</p> - -<p class="tb">On the same day that Merrill and Coghill won fame, -Samuel Wassall, a private of the 80th Regiment who -had been serving with the Mounted Infantry, earned -the third Cross that is associated with Isandhlana. -Having escaped from the Zulus, he too turned his -horse towards the Buffalo River. He was pursued, but -managed to outdistance his enemies, and gained the -river unharmed at a point farther east than the ford.</p> - -<p>Just as he was about to enter the water Wassall saw -another soldier—Private Westwood—battling vainly -with the current and evidently on the point of being -drowned. To jump from his horse was the work of a -moment. Then, throwing himself into the stream, he -swam to the sinking man’s rescue, brought him out, got -himself and the exhausted Westwood on to the horse, -and plunged once more into the river.</p> - -<p>Some Zulus had appeared on the rocks above him as -he was in the act of mounting, and their bullets came -perilously close, but neither he nor his burden was hit. -The horse needed no urging to get across the stream, -and ere long Wassall was out of reach of his discomfited -pursuers.</p> - -<p>The Staffordshire private takes an honoured place -among the wearers of the Cross for Valour, for his -courage in turning to the rescue of his drowning -comrade stamps him a true hero.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="smaller">ZULULAND.—HOW THEY HELD THE POST AT -RORKE’S DRIFT.</span></h2> - -<p>The story of Rorke’s Drift is the story of one of -the most heroic defences in our military annals. -At this small post on the Buffalo River one hundred -and thirty-nine men of the 24th (South Wales -Borderers) Regiment, Durnford’s Horse, and the Natal -Mounted Police, kept off a huge army of three -thousand Zulus all through the afternoon and night -following the disaster at Isandhlana.</p> - -<p>Modern history, I believe, contains no parallel to -this brilliant feat of arms, which stands for all time -as an example of the splendid courage and devotion -of which Englishmen are capable when duty calls.</p> - -<p class="tb">At three o’clock in the afternoon of that fateful -January 22nd an officer of the Royal Engineers was -down at the drift watching the working of some -pontoons. This was Lieutenant John Rouse Merriott -Chard, now on active service for the first time after -seven years spent at various dockyard stations. He -had reason enough to be thoughtful, as he paced slowly -along the bank, for the drift was a position of extreme -importance. At this spot, where the river was most -easily fordable, the Zulus might be expected to cross<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -if they attempted the invasion of Natal. And to -stay them if they came was only a small garrison of -less than a hundred and fifty men.</p> - -<p>The post itself was about a quarter of a mile -distant, an old Swedish mission-station converted into -a commissariat depôt and hospital for the use of Lord -Chelmsford’s force. From where he stood Lieutenant -Chard could see the two low buildings of which it -consisted, with a small cluster of trees in front and -at one side, and behind the white tents where the -soldiers were. It looked a poor means of defence -indeed.</p> - -<p>From the mission-station his thoughts wandered to -the little force which had crossed by that same ford -eleven days previously and disappeared into the Zulu -country. What had been happening behind those -distant hills? He was not to be left long in doubt. -Suddenly two horsemen appeared in sight on the -other side of the river, spurring furiously towards -the ford. As they dashed up, the pontoon was -pulled across and the two were ferried over to -the Natal bank.</p> - -<p>The new-comers were Lieutenant Adendorff, of -Lonsdale’s corps, and a carabineer who had escaped -with him from the Zulus. The lieutenant was in his -shirt-sleeves and hatless, his only weapon being a -revolver strapped round his breast. As soon as he -reached Chard’s side he poured out his breathless tale -of horror, the tale of the Isandhlana massacre. He -himself had come straight from the camp of death to -tell the news of the disaster and to warn the little -garrison at the drift that a large body of Zulus was -advancing upon it.</p> - -<p>Sending the carabineer on to Helpmakaar, twelve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -miles away, where Major Spalding, the commandant -of the post, had gone to fetch another company of the -24th Regiment, Chard proceeded with Adendorff to -the mission-station. Here he found his brother-officer, -Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, who commanded -the company of the 24th, then encamped -close by, already engaged in putting the mission-house, -or store-building as it may more properly be called, -and the hospital in a state of defence. Barricades -were being prepared, and loopholes made in the walls. -Bromhead had a few minutes before received a similar -message of alarm.</p> - -<p>As quickly as possible the tents were struck, and -all who were able were set to work to build up a -wall of mealie-bags, about four feet high, from one -corner of the stone cattle-kraal to the wall of the -hospital building. This afforded a protection to the -front of the post. The waggons, which all the -morning had been unloading the stores they had -brought from Helpmakaar, were called into requisition -and made to form a barricade between the two -buildings.</p> - -<p>Everything that was possible was done to render -the position safe against attack, but the proximity of -a high hill (the Oscarberg), and a large patch of -bushes which there was no time to cut down, gave an -enemy a decided advantage.</p> - -<p>Having seen that his directions were being carried -out, Chard, who succeeded to the command in Major -Spalding’s absence, went back to the drift to bring up -the pontoon guard. To the honour of these brave -fellows, a sergeant and six men, it is said that they -offered to moor the boats in the stream and defend -the ford as long as they could; but the lieutenant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -would not permit such a sacrifice. So the party went -up the bank together to the station.</p> - -<p>Half an hour had now elapsed. The next thing -to be done was to send out scouts to watch for the -Zulus, and some of Durnford’s Horse rode out on this -duty. Their officer dashed back hastily soon after -four to report that an impi was marching rapidly -towards the drift, and further that his men were -bolting along the road to Helpmakaar.</p> - -<p>With the cowards went a detachment of the Natal -Native Contingent, their “gallant” officer, Captain -Stevenson, flying with them. This desertion so enraged -the others that they fired a round after them, -killing a European non-commissioned officer of the -Native Contingent. The garrison was now sadly -reduced, but there were no more desertions. Every -man at the post was prepared to stand by it to the -last.</p> - -<p>The line of defence appearing to Chard to be too -extended for his few defenders, he constructed an -inner breastwork of—biscuit boxes! “We soon had -completed,” he says in his brief report, “a wall of -about two boxes high.” Behind this frail barrier -was to be fought as fierce a fight as history has ever -recorded.</p> - -<p>At about twenty minutes past four the leading -files of the Zulus hove in sight, and the garrison of -Rorke’s Drift flew to their several stations. Some -went to the rampart of mealie-bags, others to the -windows of the store-building, and others to the -hospital where there had been forty-five men when -the alarm first came, but where only twenty-three -now remained. Among those told off to guard the -wounded were Privates Henry Hook, Robert Jones,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -William Jones, and John Williams, of whom more -hereafter.</p> - -<p>Following the few hundred Zulus who came leaping -and dancing round the base of the hill came a -host more, their ox-hide shields in different colours -marking the regiments to which they belonged. In -true Zulu fashion they tried to “rush” the place at -once, but a heavy volley drove them back. Then -they began to take up positions on the hillside, -where many rocky ledges and caves afforded them -vantage-points, while others dropped behind ant-hills -and bushes, or sought cover in the two little outhouses -of the hospital.</p> - -<p>“From my loophole,” says Hook, “I saw the Zulus -approaching in thousands. They began to fire, yelling -as they did so, when they were five hundred or -six hundred yards off. More than half of them had -muskets or rifles. I began to fire when they were -six hundred yards distant. I managed to clip several -of them, for I had an excellent rifle, and was a -‘marksman.’”</p> - -<p>Hook in his account recollects particularly one -Zulu whom he “clipped” at four hundred yards -while running from one ant-hill to another. The -warrior made a complete somersault and fell dead. -Another Zulu who sheltered himself behind an ant-hill -gave Hook some trouble, for the Gloucester man -had to sight his rifle three times ere he got his -enemy’s range. The Zulu never showed his head -round the heap again, and when Hook went round -to look at him after the fight was over he found -the warrior lying there with a bullet hole in his -skull.</p> - -<p>The hospital was the first building to receive the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> -attack, but at the outer wall of defence a fierce hand-to-hand -struggle soon ensued. Lieutenants Chard and -Bromhead were fighting hard at the front, the latter -being conspicuous in many a bayonet charge at the -dark-skinned figures that climbed again and again -over the mealie-bags. Prominent, too, in repelling -the Zulus at this position was one Corporal -Schiess, a Swiss, who left the hospital to join in the -fight, and distinguished himself by creeping along a -wall to shoot a Zulu who was firing from the end.</p> - -<p>At last it was recognised that the defenders could -not hope to hold this rampart long. They fell back -accordingly behind the inner defence of biscuit boxes, -after two hours of fighting.</p> - -<p>We may leave them there for a little time while -we take note of what is happening at the hospital. -Here the gallant six defenders have been quickly -reduced to four, two of the number having been -killed out on the verandah. Four men to get the -patients safely out of the building which the Zulus -have rendered untenable by firing the thatch!</p> - -<p>Hook and John Williams come to the front first -with William and Robert Jones (the last two not being -related, by the way). As the Zulus burst in the -outer doors the two Jones guard these entrances with -their bayonets, their cartridges being expended. It -is quick work; stabbing and thrusting until the -pile of corpses in the doorway itself helps to check -the rush. This gives time for Hook and Williams to -carry the patients from the first room to an inner -one.</p> - -<p>There are four apartments to be gone through -before the sick men can be carried out to the shelter -of the barricade, for the inner rooms do not communicate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -directly with the outside. Holes have to -be made in the partitions, and the poor sufferers -passed through these in turn.</p> - -<p>Driven back and back, Hook finds himself suddenly -in a room where there are several patients. Then a -wounded man comes in with a bullet hole in his arm -which has to be bound up. A minute later John -Williams appears—John Williams who has just seen -his brother Joseph hauled out and assegaied before -his eyes, and who is now a still more dangerous man -to deal with.</p> - -<p>Williams breaks a hole in the partition with his -bayonet, and whilst he does this Hook takes his stand -at the door. A few moments later the rush comes. -There is a fierce hammering at the door, it gives way, -and the sturdy Gloucester private drops the first -man to enter. Shooting and lunging with his bayonet, -he soon accounts for four or five. Assegais fly past, -but only one touches him, inflicting a scalp wound. -One Zulu seizes his rifle and tries to drag it away, -but while they are tussling Hook slips in a cartridge, -pulls the trigger, and another body is added to the -heap at his feet.</p> - -<p>Every now and then a Zulu makes a rush to get -through, for the narrow entrance admits one man -only at a time; but none pass the grim figure on -guard there. And when all the patients have been -got out save one who has a broken leg, Hook makes -a jump for the hole himself, and gets through, dragging -the last wounded man after him—“in doing which,” -he says, “I broke his leg again!”</p> - -<p>From this last room a window opens out on to the -biscuit-box defences. The patients are quickly passed -out to willing hands below, the while Hook with his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -reddened bayonet stands by the hole in the wall to -see that no Zulu follows. Then, still sticking to his -particular charge, he drags him out and takes up a -position behind the barricade to do some more useful -work there before the morning dawns. Of the -twenty-three wounded who were in the hospital -twenty have been saved. The remaining three are -believed to have wandered back, delirious from fever, -into the rooms that had been cleared.</p> - -<p>Although Hook and Williams have escaped injury -of any serious nature, the gallant Welshman, Robert -Jones, has not been so fortunate. Three assegais have -struck him in the body. He and his namesake -William, as I have said, have been most busy in the -front of the building, and how many Zulus they have -put to their account is not known, but the number is -large judging from the heaps of dead warriors whose -bodies are found in the ruins of the building next -day.</p> - -<p>In this last stage of the rescue of the wounded -William Allen and Frederick Hitch, fellow-soldiers of -the 24th Regiment (to which, by the way, the four -brave privates above-named belong), make good their -claim to glory. Taking up an exposed position on -some steps leading to a granary, these two men keep -the ground clear between the burning hospital and -the barricade, their accurate fire making it certain -death for a Zulu to venture near.</p> - -<p>By their courageous stand, for which they pay -dearly, every one of the rescued twenty is brought -into safety. And even when incapacitated by their -wounds from taking part in the fighting, the two -brave fellows stand by all night to serve out ammunition -to their comrades.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the rampart of biscuit boxes were several -vacant places ere the first beams of light showed in -the sky. Where Hook knelt three men had previously -been shot. But under the cool direction of Chard, -Bromhead, and Assistant-Commissary Dalton, another -of the garrison, the line of defenders kept up a deadly -fire against the Zulus which stayed the rushes time -and time again, and drove back the picked warriors of -Cetewayo’s army to the shelter of their rocks and ant-heaps. -Thirteen hours in all the fight lasted, until -the Zulus drew off, baffled, beaten.</p> - -<p>Several times they had seemed to be retiring, but -after renewed war-dances and that stamping of the -earth peculiar to Zulu warriors, accompanied with -much shouting and waving of assegais, they came on -again with a fierce yell of “Usutu!” which is a far -more fearsome cry to hear in battle than the war-whoop -of the painted Sioux. At last, just after four -a.m., there was a long pause, and then the impis were -seen to sullenly roll back out of sight behind the -Oscarberg.</p> - -<p>The grim, smoke-blackened defenders peered wonderingly -after them from behind the barricade, hardly -believing that the host was actually in retreat. But -such was the case. After some time, those who went -out to reconnoitre and look for the wounded saw no -signs of the enemy. The Zulus had gone, leaving -some 350 dead behind them. On our side the losses -were but fifteen, though two of the wounded died -afterwards.</p> - -<p>With the fear of a renewed attack later on, the -weary soldiers laid their rifles aside, and at once began -to strengthen the defences where they had been -broken down. Lest the store-building itself should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -be threatened with fire, they set to work to remove -the thatch from its roof, and while engaged in doing -so the watchers announced that another large body of -Zulus were in sight some distance to the south-west. -Immediately the men flew to their stations, but the -alarm fortunately turned out to be a false one. The -enemy, after advancing a little way, swung round -and disappeared behind the hills. They had seen the -column under Lord Chelmsford marching towards the -drift, and had had their stomachful of fighting.</p> - -<p>A little later the British force, which had seen the -flames of the burning hospital as far off as Isandhlana -and had marched from the fatal camp to relieve their -comrades at Rorke’s Drift, came round the Oscarberg, -to be greeted with wild cheers and waving of helmets.</p> - -<p>“Men,” said the General, as he surveyed the group -before him and heard the story of their great stand, -“I thank you all for your gallant defence.”</p> - -<p>It was not a moment for fine speeches. The hearts -of all present were too full to find utterance in words. -But every man knew what was in Lord Chelmsford’s -heart as he thanked them simply for himself and for -his country.</p> - -<p>For that defence, gallant indeed, eleven Crosses -were awarded, to Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead, -to Assistant-Commissary Dalton, Corporals Allen and -Schiess, Privates Hook, Williams, Hitch, and W. and -R. Jones, and to Surgeon-Major Reynolds, whom I -have not mentioned in my account, but who showed -great devotion to the wounded under fire.</p> - -<p>Private Henry Hook, one of the principal heroes of -the defence, was called up at once before Lord Chelmsford, -just as he was, in shirt sleeves and with his -braces hanging down behind, to receive the General’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -praise for his conduct. He was the only one of the -eleven to receive his V.C. at Rorke’s Drift, on the -very scene of his gallantry, Sir Garnet Wolseley -pinning the little bronze Cross on to Hook’s breast -with his own hands on the following 3rd of August.</p> - -<p>Until a few years ago Hook was a familiar figure -to frequenters of the British Museum Reading Room, -where, on retiring from the service, he obtained an -appointment.</p> - -<p>Of the rest, Lieutenant Bromhead died in 1891, and -Lieutenant (afterwards Colonel) Chard in 1897. I -find only the names of Brigadier-Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel -J. H. Reynolds, and Privates J. Williams, -F. Hitch, and W. Jones, in the list of surviving recipients. -To those who have the opportunity I would -say, seek out these heroes while they are still in the -land of the living and hear from their lips, if they -can be led to speak, the full story of Rorke’s Drift, -which I feel I have told but baldly here.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">SOME OTHER ZULU AND SOME BASUTO CROSSES.</span></h2> - -<p>The progress of the Zulu campaign was marked by -many ups and downs before reinforcements -arrived to strengthen Lord Chelmsford’s force and a -crushing defeat could be inflicted upon the enemy at -Cetewayo’s capital, Ulundi. But, though our troops -sometimes found themselves in a tight corner, the -disaster of Isandhlana was fortunately not repeated. -The lesson of that fatal blunder had been learned.</p> - -<p>Of the columns besides that which Lord Chelmsford -himself led into Zululand, the one commanded by -Colonel Pearson had met with some success. This -officer had been despatched to a post near the mouth -of the Tugela, in the south-east corner of Zululand. -Marching into the country, he fought a decisive action -by the Inyezani River, and occupied Eshowe.</p> - -<p>The remaining column under Colonel Evelyn Wood, -marching to a station on the Upper Blood River, -established its base on the Kambula Hill. From -this force a small garrison was provided for the -town of Luneberg, and it was in connection with -this post that another V.C. was pluckily won on -the 12th of March.</p> - -<p>News coming of a convoy of supplies being on its -way to Luneberg, Captain Moriarty went out to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> -meet it with a detachment of the 80th (2nd Batt. -S. Staffordshire) Regiment. The convoy, or rather -the first part of it, was met by the Intombi River. -Here a laager was formed, and the escort was -divided into two sections, one on each side of the -river. Seventy-one men were on the left bank with -Captain Moriarty, while on the opposite bank were -thirty-five under Lieutenant Harward.</p> - -<p>During the night of the 11th of March, while both -of the little camps were sleeping soundly in their -tents, a thick fog rolled up, and with it came a -Zulu impi. Soon after daybreak a sentry in Moriarty’s -camp gave the alarm. Orders were promptly -given for the soldiers to stand to their arms, but -ere this could be done the Zulus were upon them. -Nearly all the men on the left bank were massacred -as they came flying from their tents, their captain -being almost the first to fall.</p> - -<p>On the other side of the river the soldiers had had -time to arm, and they quickly opened fire upon the -enemy. A number of the Zulus now swam across -the river, although it was much swollen by the -rains, and seeing this Lieutenant Harward did what -has always been characterised as a very cowardly -thing. He left his men to take care of themselves, -and galloped off to Luneberg. His defence at the -court-martial which was subsequently held upon -him was that he rode away for help, and on some -technicality he was acquitted. Lord Chelmsford, -however, plainly showed that he disagreed with the -Court’s decision.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, while their officer took to his -heels, Sergeant Booth rallied the men and assumed -command. For three miles the sergeant fell back<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> -slowly with his little company, fighting the enemy -all the time and keeping them at a respectful -distance. And he brought the whole of the thirty-five -safe into Luneberg, not a single man of them -having been killed! For this conspicuous action -Booth was soon afterwards decorated with the Cross -for Valour.</p> - -<p>At the storming of the Inhlobane Mountain near -Kambula, a fortnight after the above event, several -more V.C.’s were won in an exceptionally gallant -manner. Colonel Wood, as has been said, had his -camp on the Kambula Hill. Anticipating an attack -from the Zulus, who were on the Inhlobane, he -decided to strike first, and despatched a little force -under Colonel Redvers Buller with instructions to -surprise the enemy and dislodge them. The attack -was delivered on the night of the 27th and the -morning of the 28th of March.</p> - -<p>Leading his men, who were mostly colonials of the -Frontier Light Horse, and loyal natives, Buller -climbed up the steep side of the mountain in the -mist, and with a brilliant rush drove the Zulus -from their little stone forts. The stronghold was -captured, but the flying warriors took refuge in -the numerous caves with which the place abounded, -and great difficulty was experienced in routing them -out of these.</p> - -<p>One party, whose fire caused some havoc among -the troops, had found a particularly well-sheltered -position. It was clear that they would have to be -dislodged. Certain orders, it is said, were given for -this cave to be stormed, but, chafing at the delay -that occurred, Captain the Hon. Robert Campbell -of the Coldstreams, with Lieutenant Henry Lysons<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and Private -Edmond Fowler, of the Perthshire Light Infantry, -dashed forward to undertake the difficult task. -Many fallen boulders and thick clumps of bushes -impeded their path, and, to add to the hazard of -the attempt, the approach to the cave led between -two walls of rock where the passage was so narrow -that they had to walk in single file.</p> - -<p>Campbell took the post of honour at the head -of the dauntless three and was shot at the mouth -of the cave. Leaping over his lifeless body, the -Lieutenant and Fowler sprang into the gloomy cavern, -killing several Zulus with their first shots. A number -of subterranean passages opened out from the entrance, -and through these the majority of the cave’s occupants -escaped to a chasm below. Here they found themselves -exposed to the fire of the two marksmen above, -and in quick time retreated down the hill.</p> - -<p>Their mission accomplished, Lysons and Fowler -returned to their comrades to be congratulated on -their success and recommended for the V.C., which -was in due course bestowed upon them.</p> - -<p>While these clearing operations were being performed, -however, the Zulus had received large -reinforcements, and Colonel Buller saw that he was -in danger of being trapped on the mountain top. So -he ordered his force to return down the hillside to -rejoin the main body.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus9"> -<img src="images/illus9.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE COLONEL HAD TO RIDE BACK… AND, WHILE ASSEGAIS -AND SHOTS SPED PAST HIM, CARRY OFF THE DISMOUNTED -MAN UPON HIS HORSE.—<i><a href="#Page_193">Page 193.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>But for their colonel’s exertions and noble disregard -of self, the retreat might soon have become -a rout. As the soldiers fell back, the Zulus swarmed -up and over the top of the mountain and threw themselves -desperately upon the handful of white men in -the endeavour to cut them off. Many deeds of valour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -were now performed, Buller himself saving no fewer -than six lives, among those he rescued being Captain -D’Arcy of the Frontier Light Horse, Lieutenant -Everitt, and a trooper of the same company. For -each of these three the brave colonel had to ride -back towards the advancing Zulus, and, while assegais -and shots sped past him, carry off the dismounted man -upon his horse.</p> - -<p>Redvers Buller is “Sir Henry” now, a General and -a G.C.B. among other distinctions, but I think he is -prouder of none of his honours more than the bronze -Maltese Cross which he wears on his breast for his -bravery that day at Inhlobane Mountain. And seldom, -indeed, has the V.C. been better deserved.</p> - -<p>At the same time Lieutenant E. S. Browne (a -South Wales Borderer) and Major William Leet, of -the Somersets, gained the decoration for acts of -heroism of a similar nature, Browne having two lives -placed to his credit.</p> - -<p>The seventh of the Zulu Crosses which I have -space to note in this chapter was awarded to that -truly gallant soldier the late Lord William de la Poer -Beresford. Wherever there was fighting going on -Beresford of the 9th Lancers was bound to be in it. -Only eight months previously, during the Afghan -campaign, he had joined Sir Samuel Browne -(another V.C. hero) in the famous march through -the Khyber Pass, having obtained a month’s leave -from the Viceroy, on whose staff he served as aide-de-camp.</p> - -<p>How he won his Cross in Zululand was characteristic -of Lord William’s impetuous courage. With a -scouting party he had ventured across the White -Umvolosi River to discover what the enemy’s movements<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -were in the neighbourhood of Ulundi. They made their -way safely for some distance through the long grass -when suddenly a number of Zulus, who had been -lying in ambush, sprang to their feet and poured a -deadly volley into the party.</p> - -<p>Two of the troopers were killed instantly, but a -third man who fell (Sergeant Fitzmaurice) was seen -to raise himself up from the ground where he lay by -the side of his dead horse. Of the retreating scouts -Lord William Beresford was the nearest to the Zulus, -and without a moment’s hesitation he turned his horse -and galloped back to the fallen man.</p> - -<p>The story goes—and there is no reason whatever -to disbelieve it—that Beresford flung himself from his -horse and bade Fitzmaurice mount. The sergeant -refused to do so, telling his would-be rescuer to save -himself. Then the plucky Irishman seized Fitzmaurice -by the shoulder and swore that he would punch the -other’s head if he didn’t do as he was told; whereupon -with some difficulty the sergeant was hoisted up into -the saddle, Beresford mounting after him.</p> - -<p>During the altercation the Zulus had come within -a few yards of the couple, and Beresford’s horse only -just managed to get away in time. Even as it was, -it is possible that they would both have been assegaied -had not Sergeant O’Toole, another Irishman, ridden -out towards them and with his revolver checked the -Zulus’ rush.</p> - -<p>When Lord William heard that the V.C. was to -be awarded him for that exploit he asked whether the -sergeant had been recommended for the distinction, -and on learning that this was not the case refused to -accept the honour unless it was also given to the -other. This made due impression at headquarters,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -and soon after O’Toole’s name appeared in the -<cite>Gazette</cite> together with that of Beresford.</p> - -<p>Lord William met with a sad end to his career. -As may be remembered, he died in 1900 from the -effects of an accident received in the hunting-field.</p> - -<p class="tb">With the V.C.’s won in Zululand I may well couple -those which were gained in the brief Basuto rebellion -of 1879. The Basutos, an offshoot of the Bechuanas -and a very warlike race, believed themselves to be -threatened with a British invasion from Natal, and -took up arms. A punitive force from the colony had -therefore to restore them to order.</p> - -<p>One or two encounters with the rebels taught the -latter a severe lesson, but retreating to the hills they -made a determined stand upon a mountain called after -their chief, Moirosi. This stronghold the Basutos -made almost impregnable by a long series of stockades -on the one side of the mountain that was accessible. -On the other three sides it was perfectly perpendicular.</p> - -<p>After several vain attempts this stronghold was -successfully stormed, Moirosi himself being shot and -large numbers of Basutos captured. What a terrible -task the Colonials had in fighting their way up the -steep slope will be understood when I say that the -troops had to storm some twelve or fourteen of the -high stone walls, or stockades, which the Basutos had -erected, the walls being loopholed for rifles.</p> - -<p>In the ascent Trooper P. Brown and Sergeant -Robert Scott, both of the Cape Mounted Rifles, did -deeds of daring which singled them out from their -comrades for distinction. The former left his cover -under a most heavy fire to carry his water bottle to -some wounded men who were crying piteously for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> -water. He was wounded twice as he was in the act -of stooping over the sufferers, one of the enemy’s -bullets shattering his right arm and rendering -it permanently useless.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Scott was a no less brave man, though his -exploit was of a different kind. At one barricade that -the troops reached the fire was so merciless that it -seemed impossible to advance against it. But the -sergeant thought of a way out of the difficulty. The -enemy must be dislodged from their position by fuse -shells. Volunteering for the dangerous work, he took -some shells and ran swiftly towards the barricade. As -has happened often before when one desperate man -takes his life thus in his hands and braves a hundred, -he escaped being hit. Then, crouching under the wall, -he tried to throw a shell over into the midst of the -Basutos.</p> - -<p>The first attempt failed, but the second succeeded. -Taking a third shell, he flung this after the others, -but owing to some faulty adjustment of the fuse it -burst almost immediately after leaving his hands. -The explosion was terrible. One hand of the sergeant—his -right one—was completely shattered, and he -received a severe wound in his right leg. Fortunately -for his comrades, he had ordered his party to retire -under cover, a precaution which undoubtedly saved -many lives.</p> - -<p>The sergeant’s daring feat enabled the troops to -drive the Basutos from the position without much -further difficulty, and when he recovered from his -wounds the V.C. was awarded him.</p> - -<p>With Scott and Trooper Brown must be bracketed -a third V.C. hero of that attack on Moirosi’s Mountain—brave -Surgeon-Major Edmund Baron Hartley, of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -the same corps. His Cross was won for particular -gallantry in tending the wounded under fire, and in -going out in the open to bring in Corporal Jones, who, -poor fellow, was lying badly hit only a few yards from -the Basutos’ stockade. Surgeon Hartley worthily -upholds the traditions of that noble brotherhood we -have already seen doing their duty in the Crimea, in -India, and elsewhere. All honour to the brave Army -doctors!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">SOUTH AFRICA.—AGAINST BOERS AND MATABELE.</span></h2> - -<p>The first Boer War of 1881 reflected little credit -on the British arms, with its disastrous reverses -at Laing’s Nek and Majuba; but it added some names -to the roll of V.C. heroes which call for special -mention.</p> - -<p>I do not propose to enter into the history of the -war here or discuss its justness. Briefly, it arose from -the refusal of the Boers to surrender the Transvaal as -a part of the projected South African Federation. -Far from being reconciled to British rule, the Boers -were united in wishing to maintain their independence, -and at the end of 1880 they resorted to arms, -proclaiming a Republic.</p> - -<p>The command of the British force which was sent -into the field was given to General Sir George -Pomeroy Colley, a veteran of many wars. On -January 28th, 1881, a large force of Boers invaded -Natal, and were encountered at Laing’s Nek, a frontier -mountain pass some twenty-four miles from Newcastle, -with the result that General Colley was repulsed with -heavy loss.</p> - -<p>Laing’s Nek, which takes its name from a deserted -farm on the heights above the upper stream of the -Buffalo, forms a most important position, a large tableland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> -at the summit giving the command of the plains -below. It was to this particular point that the -British general advanced. But the Boers had taken -advantage of the mountain spurs and the low hills -which flanked the steep winding road leading to the -summit, and were able to concentrate a murderous fire -upon our troops. Every effort was made to continue -the advance, Major Brownlow leading a splendid -charge of the Mounted Squadron, in which he had his -horse shot under him, but it was in vain. Very -slowly, for the Boers pressed hard upon them, the -troops fell back.</p> - -<p>Then it was that Lieutenant Alan Hill won his -V.C. for a gallant action. Out in the open ground, -knocked over by a Boer bullet, lay Lieutenant Baillie -of his own regiment (the 58th). Running to the -wounded man, Hill tried to lift him into his saddle, -but finding this too difficult a feat he carried him in -his arms along the narrow road, until another bullet -put Baillie out of his misery. A little later the -lieutenant turned to face the heavy fire of the -Boers again, and this time succeeded in bringing -back two wounded privates to safety, himself escaping -as if by a miracle.</p> - -<p>Very cool and brave, too, was Private John Doogan -of the 1st Dragoon Guards. Servant to Major -Brownlow, he rode close to that officer in the charge -of the Mounted Squadron. When the major was -dismounted and almost surrounded by Boers, Doogan -rode up and jumped off his horse.</p> - -<p>“Take my horse, sir,” he said, “and ride off while -there’s time.”</p> - -<p>The major refused, and with still more determination -when Doogan was wounded as he stood urging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> -his master to mount; but although the enemy were -close on them both men escaped capture. For that -act of devotion Private Doogan was decorated in -due course.</p> - -<p>Just a month later occurred the fight on Majuba -Hill. Colley’s object in occupying this position was -to render the Boers’ occupation of Laing’s Nek -untenable, but he was again unsuccessful, losing his -own life in the attempt. The story of his night -march up the hill and the death-trap into which he -fell need not be retold. It is a disaster one does not -care to dwell upon.</p> - -<p>Against the gloom, however, one or two isolated -acts of bravery shine out prominently. That gallant -soldier Hector Macdonald, then a sergeant in the -92nd Highlanders, won a commission through his -prowess there, and Lance-Corporal Farmer, of the -Hospital Corps, a V.C.</p> - -<p>When Surgeon Arthur Landon stopped behind the -retreating soldiers to dress the wounds of the fallen -men around him, Corporal Farmer and another -man stood by his side to assist. To their shame, be -it said, the Boers fired upon the little group, -hitting the surgeon, the wounded man, and Farmer’s -comrade.</p> - -<p>Thinking to stop the cowards, the corporal waved a -bandage in the air to show that he was engaged in an -act of mercy. But it had no effect. Their rifles -cracked again, and the bandage fell as Farmer’s right -wrist was struck.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got another arm!” he shouted, stooping to -pick up the bandage with his left hand and raising it -on high. But the Boers shot at him yet once more -and with deadly effect, shattering the elbow joint of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> -his arm. After which the brave fellow gave up trying -to teach humanity to such savages.</p> - -<p class="tb">There were other Crosses gained in that brief but -inglorious campaign against the Transvaal Boers—at -Elandsfontein and at Wesselstroom; but I must pass -on to tell of some acts of valour performed in another -South African war of rather later date. In 1896 -a serious rebellion broke out among the Matabele, -who had been living peaceably under the rule of the -Chartered Company for three years, and but for the -prompt action of the Colonials in Rhodesia the consequences -might have been far more terrible than they were.</p> - -<p>The causes of that rebellion are not hard to seek. -Generally speaking, it is said to have originated in the -stringent measures enforced against the cattle plague, -the rinderpest, which was sweeping through the -country; but there were other and deeper reasons -why the Matabele rose. Since their subjection in -1893, after Lo Bengula was defeated, the natives had -been compelled to perform a certain amount of labour—paid -labour—annually, and had had to pay a very -large fine in cattle. All this bore heavily upon them. -They chafed under the disgrace of being a conquered -people, they who had been a great warlike nation; -and only awaited a favourable opportunity to throw off -the yoke.</p> - -<p>The opportunity came in 1896, after Dr. Jameson, -starting on his famous Raid, had withdrawn the police -force of Rhodesia, with most of the big guns and -munitions of war. Believing the white settlers to -be at their mercy now, the Matabele chiefs, who had -been maturing their plans, gave the signal to rise, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -immediately the civilised world was horrified by a -series of terrible massacres, far exceeding any that had -taken place in the 1893 rebellion. Within the short -space of a week not a white person was left alive in -the outlying districts of Matabeleland. Men, women, -and children, whole families in some instances, were -wiped out.</p> - -<p>Prompt action was necessary to deal with the rising. -As quickly as possible a strong laager was formed at -Bulawayo, the chief town, and a corps of mounted men -enlisted. The nucleus of this force was a little company -of twenty-three Rhodesians, got together by -Captain Grey and known throughout the war as -Grey’s Scouts. The rest of the body comprised -troopers from the Africander Corps and various -Rhodesia Horse Volunteers.</p> - -<p>Fine fellows were these; hard as nails, and the -best riders and best shots in the colony. For three -months, until the arrival of imperial troops, they -harried the Matabele without mercy, holding their own -against tremendous odds. In this campaign the -fighting was very different from that experienced in -the former war. The natives had learned the futility -of attacking fortified places, and the engagements were -fought out in the bush.</p> - -<p>Many a tale is told of gallant rescues of isolated -settlers who were in danger of being annihilated at -this time, and many an instance is recorded of splendid -devotion shown to each other by the Colonials. “Never -desert your comrade,” was the motto of the troopers, -and faithfully did they live up to it. Witness the -story of Trooper Henderson.</p> - -<p>Hearing that a party of whites at Inyati, about -forty miles from Bulawayo, were in peril, Captain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> -Pittendrigh rode out with a few men to the rescue, -but on their way they learned that their errand was -vain; the party had been massacred. A body of -Matabele having been encountered during the journey, -and news coming of a large impi being in front, the -little force halted at a store by the Impembisi River -near the Shiloh hills. Here they fortified themselves -against attack while two daring despatch riders -hastened back to Bulawayo for reinforcements.</p> - -<p>The much-needed help came. Early the next -morning thirty men of the Bulawayo Field Force -galloped up. They had to report passing through a -number of Matabele at Queen’s Reef, in the vicinity, -and further that two members of their party were -missing, Troopers Celliers and Henderson. The mystery -of their disappearance was not cleared up until three -days later, when both men came into Bulawayo, -Celliers wounded, on horseback, and Henderson, much -travel-stained, on foot.</p> - -<p>Celliers told the story of their adventures. In the -affray with the Matabele at Queen’s Reef his horse had -been shot in five places and he himself badly wounded -in the knee. Becoming separated from their comrades -in the darkness, the two men had hidden in the bush. -Then, Celliers’ horse having dropped dead and his -wound making it impossible for them to think of -following the others, Henderson placed his comrade -on his horse and set off with him for Bulawayo.</p> - -<p>Their way led through a difficult piece of country -which was known to be overrun with Matabele, and -Henderson had to exercise the greatest caution in proceeding. -Long detours had to be made; now and then, -as natives were sighted, they had to conceal themselves -among the hills. But though some parties of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -Matabele warriors passed unpleasantly close, the two -men escaped discovery. For three whole days they -wandered thus, without food, save a few sour plums, -Celliers’ wound all the time causing him great agony; -and never was sight more welcome than when the -white buildings of Bulawayo greeted their eyes.</p> - -<p>That plucky rescue brought a well-deserved -Victoria Cross to Trooper Herbert J. Henderson, -making him the eighth Colonial to receive the decoration. -Celliers, it is sad to record, died from the effects -of the amputation of his injured leg.</p> - -<p>This affair of the Shiloh patrol occurred in March. -In April there was a brisk action fought on the -Umguza River by Bisset’s Patrol, among whom were -twenty of Grey’s Scouts. Mr. F. C. Selous, who -accompanied this force and had a narrow escape of -being killed by the Matabele, tells the story of how -Trooper Frank Baxter, of the Scouts, here won the -V.C., though he lost his life in doing so.</p> - -<p>The enemy had been driven from their position -with considerable loss, and the troops were retiring -from the Umguza, when a party of Matabele warriors -who had been lying in ambush to the left of the line -of retreat suddenly opened a brisk fire upon them. -The foremost of the Scouts galloped past, while -Captain Grey and a few of those in the rear halted to -return the fire. Trooper Wise was the first to be hit, -a bullet striking him in the back as he was in the act -of mounting. His horse then stumbled, and breaking -away galloped back to town, leaving Wise on the -ground.</p> - -<p>Seeing the other’s peril, Baxter immediately reined in -his horse, sprang down and lifted the wounded man -into the saddle. Captain Grey and Lieutenant Hook<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -now went to his assistance, and got Baxter along as -fast as they could; but the Matabele came leaping -through the bush and closed in upon them.</p> - -<p>Firing at close range, they wounded the lieutenant -and almost did for Grey, the captain being half stunned -by a bullet. As Baxter, left unprotected for the -moment, ran on, another Scout, with the picturesque -name of “Texas” Long, went to his assistance, bidding -him hold on to the stirrup leather. In this fashion -Baxter was making good progress towards safety when -a bullet struck him in the side, and as he fell to the -ground the savages pounced out upon him with their -assegais. He was killed before Long or any other -could have saved him.</p> - -<p>If to lay down one’s life for a friend is the test of -true heroism, then Trooper Frank Baxter has surely -won a high place in the roll of our honoured dead.</p> - -<p>At this same fight on the Umguza other deeds of -valour were performed of which no official recognition -was taken, but they are enshrined in the memory of -the colonists. John Grootboom, a loyal Xosa Kafir -and a very famous character, did wonders; and -Lieutenant Fred Crewe saved the life of Lieutenant -Hook in a gallant manner.</p> - -<p>Hook’s horse was shot and its rider thrown to the -ground, causing him to lose his rifle.</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you pick it up?” asked Crewe, as the -other came hobbling towards him.</p> - -<p>“I can’t; I’m badly wounded,” was the answer.</p> - -<p>“Are you wounded, old chap?” said Crewe. “Then -take my horse, and I’ll try and get out of it on foot.”</p> - -<p>And, having got the lieutenant up into the saddle, -Crewe slowly won his way back through the Matabele,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -keeping them off with his revolver, and being hit only -by a knobkerry which caught him in the back.</p> - -<p>The third V.C. of the campaign was won by Captain -R. C. Nesbitt, during the fighting in Mashonaland. -A party of miners in the Mazoe Valley having been -attacked by the natives, a patrol rode to their relief -from Salisbury, but was unable to bring them away. -On the 19th of June Captain Nesbitt was out with a -patrol of thirteen men when he met a runner from -the leader of the refugees, with a note which stated -that they were in laager and urgently in need of help. -A relief force of a hundred men and a Maxim gun -was asked for. The captain read the message out to -his men and proposed that they should try and rescue -the party, to which the troopers readily agreed. -Sending the runner on to Salisbury, the patrol at -once turned their horses in the direction of the -Mazoe Valley, and fought their way through the -cordon of Mashonas to the laager. Then, with the -three women of the party in an armoured waggon, -they started on the return journey, and after some -desperate fighting brought them all safely in to -Salisbury, with a loss of only three men.</p> - -<p>Of such sons as these, Henderson, Baxter, Crewe, -and Captain Nesbitt, Rhodesia is deservedly proud. -And we “who sit at home at ease” while these outposts -of Empire are being won for us, may well be -proud too, remembering that they are of our own -blood, Britons in that Greater Britain across the -seas.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="smaller">IN EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.</span></h2> - -<p>Arabi Pasha’s rebellion in Egypt in 1882, which -was quelled by the British army under Sir -Garnet (afterwards Lord) Wolseley, was notable -chiefly for the bombardment of Alexandria and the -battle of Tel-el-Kebir. At Alexandria, as has been -noted in a previous chapter, Gunner Israel Harding -won the Cross for picking up a live shell and immersing -it in water. At Tel-el-Kebir and at Kafrdour -the two other V.C.’s of the campaign were earned in -no less gallant style.</p> - -<p>The Kafrdour hero was Private Frederick Corbett, -of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. During the reconnaissance -upon this village the leader of his company, -Lieutenant Howard-Vyse, was mortally wounded, and -Corbett obtained leave to remain by the officer’s side -while the others went on. The Egyptians were -keeping up a pretty vigorous fire the while, but the -plucky private calmly sat down and bound up the -lieutenant’s wounds as best he could, afterwards -carrying him off the field.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant W. M. M. Edwards’ exploit at Tel-el-Kebir, -where he captured a battery almost single-handed, -is worthy of being related at some length. It -was, perhaps, the most dashing thing done in the war.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -At this hard-fought battle four miles of earthworks -which the Egyptians had thrown up in front of their -position had to be carried at point of bayonet. To -the Highland Light Infantry and the Royal Irish -Fusiliers was given the post of honour, and as the -word of command rang out both regiments dashed -forward at the charge.</p> - -<p>Determined not to let the “Faugh-a-Ballagh Boys” -be the first in, Lieutenant Edwards of the Highlanders -raced ahead with his storming party towards -the nearest redoubt. He reached the parapet well in -advance of the others, and pulled himself to the top. -Then, jumping down among the Egyptian gunners, -revolver in one hand and sword in the other, he shot -the first who attacked him, an officer, through the -head.</p> - -<p>Another grappled with him, and this man, too, -he shot; but while engaged in this struggle a third -Egyptian ran up and knocked him down with a -rammer. Three Highlanders leapt into the battery -at this critical moment, and Edwards was soon upon -his feet to lead his men in a charge upon the guns. -His scabbard had been shot away in the fight, and -his claymore broken in two, so after emptying his -revolver the lieutenant took the sword of the artillery -officer he had killed and carried on the fight with -that. And in less time than it takes to tell the -battery was captured with its four Krupp guns, all -the Egyptian gunners being slain.</p> - -<p>After which achievement Edwards sat down on -the parapet to bind up the scalp wound he had -received with a towel, in Indian “puggaree” fashion, -afterwards marching to Tel-el-Kebir station, two and -a half miles off, with this decoration on his head. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -few months later he wore another decoration, the -Victoria Cross having been bestowed upon him for -his gallantry.</p> - -<p>Although it is not a V.C. exploit, I am tempted -to include a remarkable feat performed at Tel-el-Kebir -by Major Dalbiac, of the Royal Artillery, that -Dalbiac who fell at Senekal twenty years later.</p> - -<p>During the battle the battery which he commanded -ran short of ammunition and no more was to be had. -In this dilemma the major resolved that at all events -his guns should not stand idle, so, with a touch of -humour characteristic of him, he ordered them to -be limbered up, and took them forward at a gallop. -One can imagine the surprise of the “Gyppies” -when the entire battery came racing up one side of -the earthworks and down the other into their midst, -putting them fairly to rout!</p> - -<p>In 1883 broke out the Mahdi’s rebellion in the -Soudan, which was to give us endless trouble and to -cost the life of Gordon. After Hicks Pasha had -perished miserably at Shekan, and Colonel Valentine -Baker with his Egyptians had been routed at Tokar, -Gordon was sent out from England to conquer the -Soudan, and with him went Sir Gerald Graham, who -defeated Osman Digna, the Mahdi’s right-hand man, at -El Teb and Tamai.</p> - -<p>In the first of these battles, fought on February 29th, -1884, two V.C.’s were earned; one by a quartermaster-sergeant -of the 19th Hussars, who saved -his colonel’s life; and the other by a naval captain -who is now the well-known Admiral Sir Arthur -Knyvet Wilson, K.C.B. The latter won his Cross for -conspicuous bravery, which his chief, the gallant Sir -William Hewett, V.C., knew well how to appreciate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> - -<p>The Naval Brigade contributed to form a huge -square which moved steadily down upon the massed -Arabs, to whom this was a novel form of fighting. -As the troops approached closer little parties of the -enemy dashed out to fling themselves bravely but -vainly upon the bayonets of the front ranks or be shot -down ere they could get so far. The principal Arab -attack was directed against the side on which the -sailors were with their Gardner guns and here Captain -Wilson found his opportunity to distinguish himself.</p> - -<p>So impetuous was the Arabs’ rush at one time that -a slight gap was made in the square. Seeing this, -a fresh party dashed up to break through the opening, -but they had to reckon with Wilson. In a flash he -recognised the danger, and, springing out to meet the -enemy, he engaged them single-handed.</p> - -<p>The first Arab he ran through with his sword, but -with such vigour that the blade broke off at the hilt. -Nothing daunted at being thus left weaponless, the -stalwart captain clenched his fists and, as the other -Arabs ran in upon him brandishing their spears, let -drive right and left at them in true British style. -One after another in quick succession the sons of the -desert were sent rolling over on the ground, and then, -some of the Yorks and Lancasters coming to his -assistance, the enemy were dispersed.</p> - -<p>Wonderful as it may appear, Captain Wilson -received only a few slight wounds in this extraordinary -pugilistic encounter. In all probability the surprising -nature of his attack so disconcerted the Arabs that -they were at a loss to know how to act.</p> - -<p>At Tamai, which was fought on the 13th of the -following month, there were likewise two V.C.’s -gained. The first of these fell to the 60th Rifles.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -A private of the Royal Sussex having been badly -hit, Lieutenant Percival Marling of the Rifles took -him up on his horse, but the poor fellow fell off -almost immediately. Dismounting, the lieutenant -nobly gave up his horse for the purpose of carrying -the wounded man off the field, and although it was -a critical moment fought his way to safety on foot.</p> - -<p>Private Thomas Edwards, the second hero of the -fight, was a “Black Watch” Highlander who was on -transport service with the Naval men, having in his -charge two mules loaded with ammunition. His -gun of the battery was under the command of Lieutenant -Almack, R.N., “one of the bravest officers on -the field that morning,” to use Edwards’ own words.</p> - -<p>In a sudden rush of the enemy the gun—a Gatling—was -surrounded, and of the three standing by it -one, a sailor, was instantly speared. Two of the -“Fuzzy-Wuzzies” then made for Edwards, who put -his bayonet through both of them. The lieutenant, -however, was less lucky. Attacked by several -Soudanees, he succeeded in disposing of one with his -sword, but before he had time to recover another -nearly sliced his right arm off with a slashing cut.</p> - -<p>In a twinkling Edwards shot the Soudanee dead. -There then ran up, he says in his own account of the -incident, three more Soudanees, who threw themselves -upon the helpless officer as he leant against the gun-carriage -and ran their spears through his body. Seeing -that Almack was killed and that he could do -nothing more, the brave Highlander, who, by the way, -received a wound on the back of his right hand, took -his two mules and retired, keeping up a fire upon -the enemy as he fell back.</p> - -<p>Yet another V.C. hero of the Soudan was Gunner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> -Albert Smith, of the Royal Artillery, the scene of his -gallantry being Abu Klea.</p> - -<p>The story of this fierce battle makes exciting reading. -Late in December of 1884, Sir Herbert Stewart -with a “flying column” of 1500 men was marching -across the Bayuda Desert to Metemmeh, on his way -to relieve Khartoum and Gordon. He had under him -a picked fighting force, including some of the Guards, -and they started out from Korti with high hopes of -a speedy march to their goal. They little dreamt -of what lay before them.</p> - -<p>The water-bottles of the men were soon emptied, -and when it was necessary to refill them it was found -that the wily Mahdi had dried up the wells along -the line of route. Only after a toilsome journey of -eighty miles was water reached, though even then it -was hardly worth the name. Such as it was, however, -it was priceless to the Tommies, who were half mad -with thirst, and every available receptacle was filled -with water.</p> - -<p>Another march of a hundred and twenty miles -brought the column in sight of the wells at Abu Klea, -and in sight, too, of a strong force of the enemy. All -through the weary night the men waited impatiently -by their arms until morning came to give them a -chance of getting at the wells. Then, in the form -of a hollow square, the column advanced, “like some -huge machine, slow, regular, and compact, despite the -hail of bullets pouring in from front, right, and left, -and ultimately from the rear.”</p> - -<p>Altogether there were over ten thousand Arabs -opposed to the little force, hemming them in all -round. There was no avenue of retreat; the column -had to go forward and cut its way through.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then it was that for the first time in history a -British square was broken. With the utmost fury -the Soudanees swept down upon a corner of the -phalanx and by sheer weight of numbers forced a -way inside. It was indeed a critical moment. -Colonel Fred Burnaby, of the Royal Horse Guards, -was among the first to be killed, though not before -he had slain several of his assailants; and as more -spearsmen poured in, the slaughter was terrible. But -in time the troops rallied. The square was re-formed, -and not one of those daring black-skinned foemen -who got inside escaped to boast of his valour.</p> - -<p>It was in this desperate struggle of bayonet versus -spear and sword that Gunner Smith saw his officer, -Lieutenant Guthrie, prone on the ground and at the -mercy of the enemy. The gunner had only a handspike -for weapon, but with this he rushed forward, hurling -himself like a thunderbolt upon the Soudanees. He -was in the nick of time. One of the warriors was in -the very act of plunging his spear into Guthrie’s -breast when the handspike crashed upon his head and -stretched him lifeless.</p> - -<p>Standing over the fallen lieutenant’s body, Smith -kept the enemy at bay, and he was still at his post -when the ranks had recovered from the shock of the -onset and filled up the gap in the square. Then he -was relieved of his charge, but unfortunately his -gallantry had not availed to save the lieutenant’s -life. Guthrie had been mortally wounded when -he fell.</p> - -<p class="tb">Taking a leap of several years, I may fittingly tell -here of how some more recent V.C.’s of the Soudan -were won. At Omdurman, where on September 2nd,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -1898, the Khalifa was finally routed, the 21st -Lancers covered themselves with glory through a -famous charge, and three of their number inscribed -their names on the Roll of Valour.</p> - -<p>It was after the Khalifa’s futile attempt to storm -the zereba where the British troops lay strongly -entrenched that the Lancers’ opportunity to distinguish -themselves came. While the main body -of the army marched steadily forward in the direction -of Omdurman, the 21st, under Colonel R. H. Martin, -were sent to Jebel Surgham to see if any of the -enemy were in hiding there and to prevent any -attempt on their part to occupy that position.</p> - -<p>Away down the bank of the Nile rode the four -squadrons, A, B, C, and D, meeting with scattered -parties of dervishes who fired fitfully at them. Just -south of Surgham, behind the hills, some seven -hundred or more Soudanese cavalry and infantry were -suddenly espied hiding in a khor, or hollow, and -Colonel Martin passed the word that these were to -be cleared out.</p> - -<p>Forming in line, the Lancers galloped forward. -As they neared the khor a sharp musketry fire broke -out, which emptied a few saddles, and then to their -dismay they saw that instead of only a few hundred of -the enemy there were nearly three thousand Mahdists -concealed there. There was no time for hesitation. -Go forward they must. So, rising in his stirrups, -with sword on high, the colonel cried “Charge!” and, -closing in, the squadrons dashed into their foes.</p> - -<p>They went down a drop of three or four feet, -plunging into the thick of the Mahdists. Cutting and -thrusting fiercely, they forged their way through, and -with pennons proudly flying at last gained the steep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> -ascent beyond. Many men, however, were left behind, -and but for the devotion of some like Private Thomas -Byrne the number must have been still larger. Byrne -saw four dervishes pursuing Lieutenant Molyneux, -who was wounded and on foot, and although he was -himself crippled with a bullet in his right arm he -rode back to the rescue. He tried to use his sword, -but there was no strength in his arm; the weapon -dropped from his limp grasp, and he received a -spear wound in the chest. By this time Lieutenant -Molyneux was out of danger, so Byrne galloped off to -his troop, which he regained without further injury. -The brave Irish private got the Cross for his pluck, -and, as Mr. Winston Churchill comments in his -account of the deed,<a name="FNanchor_3" id="FNanchor_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> Byrne’s wearing it will rather -enhance the value of the Order.</p> - -<p>One of the officers to fall in the charge was -Lieutenant Robert Grenfell. To save him, or at least -recover his body, Captain P. A. Kenna and Lieutenant -de Montmorency, accompanied by Corporal Swarbrick, -dashed back into the midst of the enemy. They were -unsuccessful, De Montmorency’s horse bolting as they -tried to lift poor Grenfell on to it; but the attempt -was a courageous one, and both officers were gazetted -V.C. a little later, Corporal Swarbrick being awarded -the Distinguished Service Medal. Just before this -gallant action, I may mention, Captain Kenna had -distinguished himself by saving the life of Major -Crole Wyndham, whose horse had been shot under -him, an act which alone entitled him to the distinction.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> <cite>The River War</cite>, vol. ii. p. 141.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span class="smaller">V.C. HEROES OF THE INDIAN FRONTIER.</span></h2> - -<p>The closing years of the eighties and the opening -years of the nineties saw a good deal of fighting -at different places on our Indian frontier. Through -internal dissensions or the interference of some -foreign power, some of the turbulent hill tribes -were in a state of continual ferment, and order -had to be restored within their boundaries by force -of arms.</p> - -<p>In 1888 there was trouble in Upper Burmah. -The Karen-ni, or Red Karens, who form a group of -semi-independent tribes down by the Siamese border, -took to dacoiting again in a bold manner. An expedition -was accordingly sent into their district, with -the result that the disturbances were quickly quelled. -This “little war” comes within the scope of this book -for a notable display of devotion on the part of an -Army doctor which gained him a V.C.</p> - -<p>With the Indian troops that went into action -against the Karens near Lwekaw on New Year’s -Day, in 1889, was Surgeon (now Lieutenant-Colonel) -John Crimmin, of the Bombay Medical Service. He -soon had an opportunity for putting his skill to some -use, for several of the Bombay infantrymen were bowled -over by the dacoits. Regardless of his own danger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> -the surgeon proceeded to kneel by the fallen men’s -sides and dress their wounds.</p> - -<p>In the bamboo clumps very near to him the Karens -were being chased and cut down by the troops, but -now and then a red-turbaned, red-robed figure would -peep out of a patch and take a flying shot at the -doctor. Luckily for him and his patients, they were -poor marksmen.</p> - -<p>Having joined the firing line again, Crimmin made -himself useful with his revolver. Not for long, however; -the Red Karens are savage fighters, and our -sepoys had to pay for their victory dearly. The -surgeon was very soon busy once more, bandaging -shot wounds and knife cuts.</p> - -<p>A mounted sepoy had been told off to stand by -him, but he was slight protection. At one time the -surgeon was set upon by nearly a dozen of the enemy, -who leapt out of the bamboos upon his right with -wild yells. Dropping his lint and bandages, Crimmin -whipped out his sword, ran the first man through, -and was hard at work with another while the sepoy -dropped a third. This warm reception disheartened -the Karens, and with a parting shot or two they disappeared -as quickly as they came. Then the surgeon -coolly went on with his work, the wounded men -murmuring many a “God bless you, doctor sahib,” as -he bent over them.</p> - -<p>The winter of 1891 is memorable for the brilliant -little Hunza-Nagar campaign, which was brought about -by Russian intrigues with the rulers of some petty -states on the northern frontier of Cashmere. In the -storming of the mountain strongholds in Hunza and -Nagar three V.C.’s were won, by Lieutenant Guy -Boisragon, Lieutenant John Manners Smith, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -Captain Fenton John Aylmer, while many more were earned.</p> - -<p>The most striking event in Indian history of that -year, however, was the revolt in Manipur, where the -British Resident, Mr. Frank St. Clair Grimwood, and -other Europeans in the capital were brutally murdered. -In connection with this tragedy a young officer attached -to the 2nd Burmah Battalion of the Punjab -Infantry, Lieutenant Charles J. W. Grant, performed -a dashing deed which made him talked of far and -wide as “the hero of Manipur,” and added his name -to the list of those decorated “for Valour.”</p> - -<p>The state of Manipur lies up among the hills -between India and Burma. It is semi-independent, -like many of its neighbours, the Maharajah being -subjected to the control of a British Resident. In -1890 a family quarrel in the Maharajah’s own -household led to his deposition, his brother the -Senaputty (commander-in-chief of the army) placing -another brother on the throne as Regent.</p> - -<p>This turn of affairs was tacitly acquiesced in by -the Indian Government, who recognised that the -change was for the better, but on the late Maharajah, -Soor Chandra Singh, complaining to the authorities -of the bad treatment he had received (and deserved, -by the way), some notice of it had to be taken. So -Mr. Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam, was -despatched to Manipur with instructions to arrest -the head and front of the offending, the Senaputty.</p> - -<p>This gentleman, however, firmly declined to comply -with the request that he should surrender himself. -An attempt was then made to seize him in the -palace, but without success, and diplomacy was again -resorted to. A meeting was arranged for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -discussion of the matter, and one evening Quinton, -Grimwood, and several of the British officers had an -interview with the Regent and the Senaputty. Not -one of them was ever seen again alive. On their -refusal to accept the terms proposed by the Manipuri -chiefs they were all massacred.</p> - -<p>Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood, who was one of those -who escaped from the besieged Residency immediately -after the tragedy, has given us a graphic account of -her experiences. She was ignorant of the real facts -when forced to flee by her companions, the first -news being that her husband had been taken prisoner -with the others. Only at the end of her journey -did she learn the awful truth.</p> - -<p>Down in the cellar of the house Mrs. Grimwood, -like the brave lady she was, carefully tended -the wounded amid the crackle of musketry and the -crash of bursting shells. She was hit in the arm, -though fortunately not seriously, and only desisted -from her task when it became evident that they -must all leave the place. The rebels had set the -Residency on fire.</p> - -<p>With the wounded and an escort of sepoys, Mrs. -Grimwood and the officers who had survived made -a dash for the road, reaching it in safety. “I had -not even a hat,” she remarks, “and only very thin -house-shoes on. One of these dropped off in the -river, where I got wet up to the shoulders. We -were fired at all the way. I lay down in a ditch -about twenty times that night while they were firing, -to try and escape bullets.”</p> - -<p>After ten days’ marching through the jungle-covered -country, fording rivers and scrambling -through swamps, not to mention a sharp encounter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -with their enemies, the little party reached British -territory. They had just two cartridges left by that -time; one of them being reserved, it is noted, to -save Mrs. Grimwood from falling alive into the hands -of the Manipuris!</p> - -<p>One is tempted to dwell at greater length on the -story of that dramatic flight from the Residency, -but it is with Lieutenant Grant that we are mainly -concerned.</p> - -<p>Grant was at Tammu, a Burma village station -some distance to the south, when word arrived of -the outbreak in Manipur. No details of the massacre -or the escape were known, but in the hope of being -able to effect a rescue the young officer obtained -permission to lead a small force up to Manipur. -He took with him eighty men in all, Punjabis and -Ghurkas, with three elephants as carriers.</p> - -<p>Through the teak forests they marched steadily -though slowly towards their goal, having to constantly -beat off the Manipuris as they approached nearer. -At Palel a sharp engagement took place, in which -the gallant eighty dispersed a large number of the -enemy. From prisoners that were captured here -Grant learned for the first time of how Quinton -and Grimwood had been murdered.</p> - -<p>Believing still that Mrs. Grimwood and several -others were besieged in the Residency, he pushed -on with all speed, and at last reached the town of -Thobal, about half-way between Tammu and the -capital. At this place the Manipuris, a thousand -or more strong, offered a stout resistance to his -progress, but a furious charge at the head of his -followers cleared the entrenchments by the river-side, -leaving them free to be occupied by him.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> -<p>These trenches the lieutenant at once strengthened, -building up the walls with mud, rice-baskets, ration-sacks -and everything that would answer the purpose, -even using his own pillow-case as a sandbag. -Provisions were fortunately to be had with little -difficulty, for behind them, on the other side of the -river, were some paddy fields.</p> - -<p>The siege of his fortified position soon began, and -the enemy’s guns threw shell after shell into the -trenches before the Ghurkas could drive them off. -A brief halt was made in the hostilities while Grant, -as he records, had a lively correspondence with the -Regent and the Senaputty anent certain prisoners -whom they threatened to murder unless he retired. -Negotiations fell through eventually, and the attack -was renewed.</p> - -<p>In all the fighting Grant played a heroic part, -making sallies with a few of his Ghurkas, and -striking terror into the hearts of the Manipuris. -“Found myself in a bit of a hole,” he writes at one -place in his journal; “for thirty or forty were in -a corner behind a wall, six feet high, over which -they were firing at us.” This wall had to be cleared, -so Grant and seven men charged down on it headlong, -and had “the hottest three minutes on record.”</p> - -<p>The Ghurkas had a very proper appreciation of -their leader’s bravery. “How could we be beaten -under Grant Sahib?” they asked, when questioned -about this and similar exploits. “He is a tiger in -fight!”</p> - -<p>The struggle at Thobal lasted a week. At the -end of that time, just as Grant was noting with -dismay that ammunition was running very short, a -summons came to him from Burma to retire.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> -<p>The little force, without any further interference -from the enemy, who had suffered pretty severely, left -their entrenchments one evening during a terrible -thunderstorm, and set off on their return journey. -An advance party of a hundred and eighty men met -them near Palel, at which place some hours later they -fought another brisk action with the Manipuris.</p> - -<p>In all this fighting Grant had escaped unhurt, but -a few weeks afterwards, while again under fire at -Palel, he had a very narrow shave, a bullet passing -through the back of his neck. As he said himself, -his luck all through was marvellous: “Everything -turned up all right.”</p> - -<p>At the same time, making full allowance for the -element of luck, there is much, very much, to be -placed to his credit on the score of pluck and skill. -The difficulties before him when he set out for -Manipur on his gallant attempt at rescue were -tremendous, and only his undaunted courage and -resourcefulness carried him successfully through.</p> - -<p>The young lieutenant is now Major Grant, V.C., -having been gazetted two months after his dashing -exploit; and it is pleasing to note that every one of -his men who survived the march were also decorated, -receiving the Indian Order of Merit for their devotion -and heroism.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> -<span class="smaller">HOW SURGEON-CAPTAIN WHITCHURCH WON FAME.</span></h2> - -<p>There was some consternation in the quaint-looking, -five-towered fort at Chitral on the evening -of the 3rd of March 1895. Sher Afzul, the usurping -chief of the little mountainous state in the north-west -of India, was approaching with a large force, and -some two hundred of the 4th Cashmere Rifles had -gone out under Captain Townshend to try conclusions -with the rebels. After several hours’ brisk fighting -in the villages nestling at the foot of the hills, the -troops had withdrawn to the fort, but some men of -one section still remained to be accounted for.</p> - -<p>Captain Baird, with about a dozen Ghurkhas, had -not returned. He was lying somewhere out in the -darkness, on the hillside, where the white-robed -Chitralis were still firing. And with him was -Surgeon-Captain Whitchurch, who had bravely -hastened to his assistance on hearing that the captain -was wounded.</p> - -<p>“Where is Whitchurch? Where is Baird?” -Captain Gurdon and the other members of the little -garrison asked the question of each other anxiously -from time to time, hoping that the missing men had -found their way into the fort. The surgeon especially -was needed, for Captain Townshend’s reconnoitring -party had brought many wounded back with them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -But the answer still came, with an ominous shake of -the head, “Not in yet.”</p> - -<p>In the meantime, while the occupants of the fort -set about preparing for the expected siege, the few -stars that were beginning to peep out of the clouded -sky looked down upon a strange scene in a little -orchard nearly two miles away from the fort. There, -under the trees, a wounded officer was being bandaged -by the skilful hands of another who bent over him, -a dozen sepoys and four stretcher-bearers standing -patiently by.</p> - -<p>The operation finished, the sufferer was lifted -tenderly into a dhoolie. Then two bearers raised it -from the ground, the escort ranged itself alongside, -and the little party started out for the road leading -to the fort.</p> - -<p>“Feel any easier now, old chap?” asked the -surgeon, who was striding by the dhoolie.</p> - -<p>“Yes, thanks, Whitchurch; much easier,” replied -Captain Baird, suppressing a groan as one of the -bearers stumbled over a stone.</p> - -<p>Contrary to the general opinion expressed at the -fort, neither of the two missing men had been killed -or captured by the enemy. When Baird had fallen -with a bullet in his side, his men had carried him -quickly to the shelter of an orchard close at hand, -and here they had escaped notice. All around them, -however, lurked the Chitralis, on the look-out to cut -off any stragglers from the retreating force.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes Whitchurch’s party had filed -down the hillside and reached the road, but a cry of -warning from the native officer in front pulled them -up short.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> -<p>“We’re cut off, sahib,” he exclaimed, as the surgeon -hastened to his side. “The enemy have got in front -of us!”</p> - -<p>It was, alas! too true. Although he could see -nothing through the gloom, the shouts and occasional -shots that reached his ears told Whitchurch plainly -that the Chitralis were on the road ahead. What was -to be done?</p> - -<p>A sudden thought occurred to him. “Isn’t there -a way round to the fort by the river, Bidrina Singh?” -he asked of the officer.</p> - -<p>The other nodded affirmatively. There was a track -along the river bank, he said, but it would take them -a mile out of their way and across some very difficult -ground.</p> - -<p>“Never mind,” said the surgeon briskly. “We’ve -got to get to the fort to-night. So pull your men -together, Bidrina Singh, and make for the river at -once.”</p> - -<p>From his dhoolie Captain Baird called Whitchurch -over to him, and begged that he would consider his own -safety first. “I’m badly hit, old chap,” he said; “I -know I’m done for——” But Whitchurch shut him -up quickly. While there was breath in his body -he meant to stick to his comrade; there was to be -no talk of running away. So, picking up the wounded -man again, the native bearers took their place in the -middle of the escort, the latter closed up, and on -they moved across the polo ground towards the river -on their left.</p> - -<p>Thanks to the dense darkness, they made good -progress on their way for a quarter of an hour or so. -Then a scouting party of Sher Afzul’s followers -suddenly appeared in front, and with a joyful shout -gathered round them. At Whitchurch’s quick word<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> -of command the sturdy little Ghurkas closed in and -fired a volley into the midst of their foes. There -were yells of pain which told that some of the shots -had taken effect, but the yells drew other Chitralis -who were prowling near, and the answering shots of -the enemy became more frequent.</p> - -<p>Whitchurch’s revolver spoke more than once with -good effect, and his “Steady, men! Aim low,” rang out -encouragingly above the din. The Chitralis, thank -goodness, were firing somewhat at random, not knowing -the strength of those opposed to them; but one bullet -at last found its mark. A bearer dropped his end of -the stretcher with a cry, and tumbled over backwards, -dead. The jolt of the fall wrung a groan from poor -Baird, in spite of his iron nerve. Then another -stretcher-bearer stepped forward and lifted the -dhoolie, and on the little party pressed again.</p> - -<p>Firing steadily in volleys, the gallant Ghurkas -gradually cleared the way before them. The Chitralis -had no wish to stand in the way of those deadly -levelled barrels, preferring to circle round their prey -and drop in a shot as opportunity offered. Two more -bearers were killed, together with two or three sepoys, -and the surgeon now took one end of the dhoolie -himself.</p> - -<p>They had gone nearly half the distance when the -enemy rallied in stronger force and barred the track -ahead. Things were beginning to look serious. “Fix -bayonets!” Whitchurch called out, and there was a -rattle of steel in the sockets. “Charge!” And with -a cheer the Ghurkas dashed at the cluster of white-robed -figures, sending them scattering right and left, -while a few lay writhing on the ground.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> -<p>That charge taught the Chitralis to keep at a more -respectful distance, but a little later some daring spirits -ventured nearer, and the last of the bearers fell shot -through the body. Whitchurch put the dhoolie down -and lifted up the wounded man in his strong arms. -The Ghurkas were wanted, every man of them, to -protect Baird with their rifles; not one could be spared -for bearer-work.</p> - -<p>Again, it is said, the captain implored Whitchurch -to leave him and make a run for it to the fort. -Perhaps he felt already that his wound was mortal. -But again the brave surgeon refused to hear a word. -With Baird in his embrace, he struggled gamely after -the sepoys.</p> - -<p>Along the rough, rock-strewn path the party -stumbled, working their way ever nearer and nearer -to the fort. A low wall confronted them thrice, a wall -behind which the enemy were quick to post themselves. -But jumping over with the surgeon to lead them, the -nimble Ghurkas swept the way clear each time, and -Whitchurch, having returned to pick up Baird, half -carried and half dragged his weighty burden to the -more open ground.</p> - -<p>At last, after another fifteen minutes’ struggle, a -dark mass of trees loomed up ahead. It was the -grove of cedars by the eastern wall of the fort. They -were within sight of safety now. Still the Chitralis -hovered round, however, and a chance shot hit Baird -as he hung limp in the surgeon’s arms.</p> - -<p>“Make for the garden entrance!” cried Whitchurch; -and the Ghurkas turned to pass through the grove. -On their right, by the main gates, was a confused -sound of shouting and firing. The enemy had already -gathered in force there.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> -<p>As they neared the entrance in the garden and gave -a ringing cheer, the sentries saw them. In a minute -the gate was unbolted, and the little party scrambled -through, but not before Baird was yet a third time hit—on -this occasion in the face, as his head rested on -Whitchurch’s shoulder. How often has it happened -in similar rescues, that the wounded has been the -target for the enemy’s bullets, while the rescuer has -escaped scot free! It was the story of “Dhoolie -Square” repeated again, the story of McManus, Ryan, -and Captain Arnold.</p> - -<p>Inside the fort enclosure the officers gathered quickly -round Whitchurch as the glad cry went up, “They’ve -brought Baird in!” And tenderly, very tenderly, for -he was suffering greatly from his hurts, the wounded -officer was carried to the hospital, where without any -loss of time the surgeon followed to save, if possible, -the life that was so dear to them all.</p> - -<p>I should much like to add that he was successful; -but fate willed otherwise. Captain Baird lived only -a few hours, and the fort that he had helped to defend -so gallantly served as his grave.</p> - -<p>Chitral was relieved about the middle of April, -when a British column succeeded in fighting its way -to the fort through the mountain passes. Three -months later the <cite>London Gazette</cite> contained the welcome -announcement that the Victoria Cross had been awarded -to Surgeon-Captain Harry Frederick Whitchurch, of -the Indian Medical Service.</p> - -<p>Her Majesty Queen Victoria herself pinned the -Cross on the brave surgeon’s breast at Osborne, with -warm words of praise that were echoed by every one -who had heard the story of that plucky night-rescue -in far-off Chitral.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">WHEN THE AFRIDIS WERE UP.</span></h2> - -<p>One hundred and forty miles south of Chitral, as -the crow flies, is the border city of Peshawar, -standing like a sentinel on the north-western frontier -of India. It is, indeed, the guardian of the gate, -for before it winds westward the famous Khyber Pass, -which links Afghanistan with our great Eastern -Empire.</p> - -<p>Peshawar stands almost in the heart of the Afridi -country, surrounded with the hill tribes of Mohmunds, -Swats, Buners, Khels, Afridis and Orakzais. Fierce -warlike races are these, with whom from the beginning -of things we have had trouble. At one time we -thought we had tamed them, and we gave them the -rifles they had hitherto stolen, put them into khaki, -and made them wardens of the passes. But the wild -tribesmen cannot live without fighting; disputes over -boundaries arose, and these eventually culminated in -a rising that threatened to weaken our grip on these -frontier posts. Whence came the Malakand, Swat, -and Tirah campaigns of 1897-98.</p> - -<p>When in 1897 Sir William Lockhart, Commander-in-Chief -in India, moved towards the rebellious tribes -with an army numbering 35,000 men, it was evident -that there was a powerful combination between the -Mohammedan clans in the hills north, west, and south<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -of Peshawar, against British rule. It was, in a sense, -a Holy War, with Mad Mullahs as instigators, though -behind them was the sinister influence of the Amir -of Afghanistan.</p> - -<p>The campaigns were comparatively brief, but they -must ever rank as among the most difficult in modern -history. The fighting was never in the open. Our -soldiers—Highlanders, Dorsets, and Ghurkas alike—had -to scale precipitous cliffs, worm their way up -tortuous hillside paths, and storm the stone “sangars” -behind which their enemies were strongly posted.</p> - -<p>In the tangle of hills in which the engagements -took place the agile Afridis and their brother-clansmen -were perfectly at home. Rocks, caves, and -bushes afforded them ample shelter, and from the -heights that lined the passes they poured a deadly -fire upon the British troops. The work of dislodging -them, of driving them from their strongholds, taxed -the powers of our men to the utmost.</p> - -<p>Of the several V.C.’s won in this arduous mountain -warfare the first fell to Lieutenant Edward Costello, -of the Indian Staff Corps, for a gallant rescue of a -native lance-havildar at Malakand. The wounded -havildar lay out in the open, exposed to the enemy’s -fire, when the lieutenant saw him, on a piece of -ground, too, that was overrun with swordsmen. But -the young officer with a couple of sepoys ran out to -his assistance, and brought him into the hospital.</p> - -<p>A month later, in the Swat valley beyond the -Malakand Pass, three Crosses were earned for a very -brilliant action. At Landikai, on August 17th, 1897, -the advance guard of Sir Bindon Blood’s brigade -shelled the enemy from their position and drove them -out into the plain. Across this the Swatis retreated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> -at top speed, making for the shelter of the hills on -the other side.</p> - -<p>In pursuit of the flying tribesmen went Colonel -Robert Bellew Adams, Captain Palmer, Lieutenant -Greaves, and Viscount Fincastle, the latter being -present in the capacity of <cite>Times</cite> correspondent. -Palmer’s horse was soon hit, its rider being saved by -some of his men who galloped after him. Greaves’ -horse, becoming restive under the din of the firing, -suddenly bolted, and away went the lieutenant careering -among the enemy.</p> - -<p>Seeing him alone among the Swatis, Colonel Adams -and Viscount Fincastle spurred hastily to his rescue, -but before they could reach him the hapless lieutenant -had been struck down by a swordsman. In the hope -that he was not killed they pushed on, and with a -furious charge swept the ground clear around his -body.</p> - -<p>A well-aimed shot now brought down Fincastle’s -horse, leaving the young war-correspondent to meet -his enemies on foot. He at once endeavoured to -raise Greaves on to Adams’ saddle, but the wounded -man slipped off again, and a rush of Ghazis prevented -a second attempt for the time. Standing over -the lieutenant’s body, Fincastle bravely kept the -enemy at bay, being well aided by Colonel Adams. -Then two sowars rode up to them, and another attempt -was made to lift Greaves to the saddle. They -succeeded in their object, but another bullet hit the -poor fellow again as they raised him and killed him.</p> - -<p>By this time Lieutenant MacLean of the same -squadron had led the rest of the troopers to the cover -of some trees. Leaving them here, he dashed out -with three sowars to the others’ help. Shots fell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> -thickly among them from the Ghazis on the hillside, -but together they managed to get Greaves’ body on -to a trooper’s horse, and at once made off for shelter. -Fincastle and MacLean were on foot, the latter’s -horse having also been shot; and as they went along -the young lieutenant was hit in both thighs and -mortally wounded. Colonel Adams escaped with a -sword-cut in his right hand.</p> - -<p>Both Adams and Fincastle received the V.C. for -their brave attempt to rescue Greaves, while Lieutenant -Hector Lachlan Stewart MacLean was gazetted at the -same time as one who would have been awarded the -decoration had he lived.</p> - -<p class="tb">There was a sharp piece of fighting in the -Mamund Valley some weeks later, where two young -Engineer officers, Lieutenants Watson and Colvin, -distinguished themselves in driving the enemy from -the burning village of Bilot, and added V.C. to their -names. But I must pass on to tell of the famous -storming of the heights of Dargai and of how the -“gay Gordons” there covered themselves with fresh -glory.</p> - -<p>In the advance of the British troops from Shinwari -towards Karappa a large portion of the division -under Major-General Yeatman-Biggs was ordered to -take the route through the Chagru Kotal. As -soon as this movement was commenced, however, the -Afridis posted themselves in great force in the -Samana Hills along the Khanki Valley, giving them -the command of the track along which the army must -necessarily pass.</p> - -<p>The working parties on the Chagru Kotal were so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> -harassed by the Afridi sharpshooters that it became -important that the Dargai and other hills in the -vicinity should be cleared. On October 18th, Sir -Power Palmer, who was entrusted with the conduct -of the operations in place of General Yeatman-Biggs, -who had fallen ill, made a sweeping attack on the -Dargai position. The 3rd Ghurkas, led by Lieutenant -Beynon with a revolver in one hand and an alpenstock -in the other, led the dash up the cliff-side, and -successfully dislodged the enemy.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, for several reasons, the heights could -not be held. The water-supply was difficult of access, -and to have placed a detachment alone on Dargai -while the Afridis were masters of the Khanki Valley -would have been to risk a serious disaster. Under -orders from the Commander-in-Chief, the troops therefore -retired from the position.</p> - -<p>As soon as this retreat was accomplished, the enemy, -who had been greatly reinforced, reoccupied the -heights and set about constructing stone “sangars,” -in anticipation of another assault. This followed two -days later, after fresh preparations had been made. -General Yeatman-Biggs had proposed another route -avoiding the Chagru defile, but Sir William Lockhart -determined to adhere to his original plan, viz. to force -the passage of the Chagru Kotal.</p> - -<p>On Wednesday, October 20th, in the early -morning, the troops, strengthened by the addition of -two battalions and a battery from the first division, -left the Shinwari camp. The honour of carrying the -Dargai heights, which had to be stormed immediately -the Chagru Kotal was reached, was given to the 1st -Battalion of the 2nd Ghurkas, with the Dorset and -Derbyshire Regiments in the second and third lines<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> -respectively. Behind these came the 1st Battalion of -the Gordon Highlanders (the old 75th).</p> - -<p>To understand properly the difficult nature of the -task set them, something must be said about Dargai -itself. I cannot do better than quote the description -given by Captain Shadwell in his excellent book on -the campaign.</p> - -<p>“The village of Dargai lies on the northern side of -a small plateau. The eastern edge of this tableland -breaks off, at first, in an almost abrupt cliff; but some -distance lower down the ground, though very steep, -shelves away less precipitously. This slope is thrown -out from the bottom of the cliff in the form of a -narrow and razor-like spur, with the path or track -lying along its northern side, well within view and -range of the cliff-head. But by climbing along the -southern side of this spur, troops can move from -Chagru Kotal, or certainly from Mama Khan, a -village half-way between the former place and the -plateau, unseen by the enemy.</p> - -<p>“Connecting the crest of the spur, however, and -the foot of the cliff, there is a narrow neck or saddle -one hundred yards long by thirty broad, whose sides -are far too precipitous to allow of any movement along -them. Though devoid of all cover and completely -exposed to the heights above, this ridge had to be -crossed, so as to reach the path ascending to the -summit; and here it was that the casualties in the -attack by Brigadier-General Westmacott’s Brigade -(on the 18th) and the heavier losses of the 20th -occurred.”</p> - -<p>This, then, was the dangerous passage to be “rushed” -by our troops. In addition to its exposure to the -enemy’s fire, it may be added that the ground was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> -thickly strewn with rocks and boulders which greatly -impeded progress.</p> - -<p>As on the first assault, the post of honour was -allotted to those game little fighters, the Ghurkas. -The 1st Battalion of the 2nd Ghurkas, with a party -of specially trained scouts from the 3rd, under -Lieutenant Tillard, swarmed up the slope at the word -of command and dashed headlong across the zone of -fire. In the rush through the pitiless rain of bullets -that at once descended two officers fell, one shot dead -and the other mortally wounded, while thirty men bit -the dust, never to rise again; but the rest reached -cover on the opposite side.</p> - -<p>After the brave Ghurkas, the Dorsets and the -Derbys tried time and time again to follow, only to -be mowed down in heaps. All that succeeded in -crossing the ridge were a few who made a dash for it -singly or in small parties. How deadly was the -marksmanship of the Afridis is shown by the fact -that when Lieutenant Hewett, of the Dorsetshire -Regiment, led a section forward, he was <em>the only one</em> to -reach the crouching Ghurkas. Every one of the men -following him was killed.</p> - -<p>It was in a pause at this juncture that Private -Vickery, of the same regiment, made himself conspicuous -by running out repeatedly and at last -succeeding in dragging back to shelter a wounded -comrade who was lying out in the open; this and -several other acts of bravery gaining him a V.C. in -due course.</p> - -<p>For a time it seemed a sheer impossibility that the -position could be carried, though the artillery -was playing upon the enemy’s sangars continually. Noon -came, and still the three companies of Ghurkas were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -waiting under the cover of the rocks until their -comrades should join them for the final dash up the -heights.</p> - -<p>At last General Yeatman-Biggs ordered that the -position must be taken at all costs. Brigadier-General -Kempster, in command of the brigade, now brought -forward the 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders -and the 3rd Sikhs, and told them they were to make -the assault. Far up on the hillside the jubilant -Afridis were shouting defiance, amid the waving of -standards and beating of drums, confident that their -stronghold was impregnable. They rejoiced too soon.</p> - -<p>Drawing up his men, Colonel Mathias, of the -Gordons, said: “Highlanders! the General says the -position must be taken at all costs. The Gordons -will take it!”</p> - -<p>With their Colonel, Major Forbes Macbean, and -Lieutenant Gordon at their head, and their pipers, -Findlater and Milne, playing the familiar “Cock o’ -the North,” the Gordons dashed over the fiery zone, -with the Derbys, the Dorsets, and the Sikhs pressing -close behind them.</p> - -<p>Almost the first to be hit were Major Macbean, -who cheered on his men as he lay on the ground, -and the two pipers. Milne was shot through the -lung and fell senseless, but Piper “Jock” Findlater, who -was shot in both ankles, propped himself up against -a boulder and continued to play his pipes with -unabated energy. And to the inspiriting strains of -the old regimental air, the Highlanders and the others -got across.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;" id="illus10"> -<img src="images/illus10.jpg" width="390" height="560" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">PIPER FINDLATER … PROPPED HIMSELF UP AGAINST A BOULDER -AND CONTINUED TO PLAY HIS PIPES.—<i><a href="#Page_236">Page 236.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>It was perhaps owing to the suddenness of the -rush after the long wait, and to the renewed artillery -fire, that the Gordons accomplished the task with -fewer losses than had attended the previous attempts;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> -yet for all that the casualties were heavy. In the -charge up the steep slope, where some of the Afridis -were already turning tail, more men were to fall ere -the heights were won; but won they were, the enemy -being sent flying in all directions.</p> - -<p>It was a grand dash, worthy of the splendid -reputation of the Gordons, and well did they deserve -the burst of cheers with which the other regiments -spontaneously greeted them as they returned. Sir -William Lockhart, too, at a parade two days afterwards, -had a word or two to say about that exploit -which filled the Highlanders with pride.</p> - -<p>For his gallantry in continuing to play his pipes -while wounded “Jock” Findlater in time was awarded -the Victoria Cross. There were many who considered -that Piper Milne also merited the honour, but the -authorities thought differently, and his claim was -passed over.</p> - -<p>Two other Crosses on the same day were gained by -Private Lawson, of the Gordons, for rescuing Lieutenant -Dingwall and a fellow-private under a most -severe fire; and by Lieutenant H. S. Pennell, of the -Derbyshires, for a brave endeavour to save Captain -Smith of the same regiment. Only after a second -attempt, when he discovered that the wounded officer -was dead, did Lieutenant Pennell desist from his -efforts.</p> - -<p>What other gallant deeds were performed equally -deserving of reward it is impossible to say. In the -fierce swirl of the fight many must have passed -unnoticed, and many heroes must have fallen at the -moment of their self-sacrifice. But we do know that -it was not only British officers and men who distinguished -themselves in that memorable fight. For<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -the record speaks of one Kirpa Ram Thapa, a native -officer of the 2nd Ghurkas, who though badly wounded -in two places refused to fall out, and insisted on -leading his company to the very end.</p> - -<p>One other story that I may note has a humorous -touch about it, and is characteristic of the good terms -on which officers and men are in the Highland -regiments. As the Gordons streamed up the ascent -to the summit of Dargai, after their bold dash, Colonel -Mathias, who was not quite the man he was in his -younger days, showed signs of being winded.</p> - -<p>“Stiff climb, eh, Mackie?” he said, turning to his -colour-sergeant, who was by him; “I’m—not—so -young—as I—was, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, sir!” the sergeant is said to have -answered, slapping his colonel encouragingly on the -back and nearly knocking the remaining breath out -of him. “<em>Ye’re gaun verra strong for an auld man!</em>”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> -<span class="smaller">SOUTH AFRICA.—THE V.C.’S OF THE SECOND -BOER WAR.</span></h2> - -<p>The late war in South Africa, when—for the last -time, it is to be hoped—Briton and Boer strove -for supremacy, is too recent to need even an outline -of its history being given here. It was a war of -many blunders and disasters, and its record does not -make altogether pleasant reading; yet against the -gloom of it there is not a little to be set of which we -may be proud. After the war had entered upon its -second phase good generalship asserted itself; victory -followed victory in swift succession, and there was no -more looking back.</p> - -<p>Many reputations were lost, while others were -gained, in this difficult campaign, but there was one -person whose prestige from the first suffered no loss. -That was the British soldier. In the face of a foe -remarkable for “slimness” and marksmanship, Tommy -Atkins once more showed himself the splendid fighter -that he always has been. We have only to remember -the fierce battles on the Tugela River, at Colenso, at -Magersfontein, at Paardeberg, and elsewhere, to assure -ourselves on this point. Under the most terrible -fusillade—and how terrible it was at times can hardly -be conveyed in words—our gunners and our infantry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> -never hesitated or winced. Throughout the ranks -they fought with an indomitable courage that compelled -the admiration of the Boers, and in the pride -we feel at their bravery and devotion we are glad to -forget the incompetency displayed by many of their -leaders.</p> - -<p>Of the acts of individual heroism that were performed -pages and pages might be written without -exhausting the subject. In the leading of forlorn -hopes, and in the succouring of wounded comrades -under fire, officers and privates alike were ever ready -to risk their lives; and the fact that no fewer than -seventy-eight Victoria Crosses were won in the war -speaks for itself. How some of these rewards for -valour were gained it is my purpose to relate in the -present chapter.</p> - -<p>Among the first to be decorated was an Army -surgeon, a worthy successor to Jee, Home, and those -others of whom mention has been made. At the -battle of Colenso, in December 1899, Major William -Babtie, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, received -word that a number of wounded artillerymen were -in need of assistance. They lay in a donga, or hollow, -close by the guns of their batteries (the 14th and -15th), sheltered from the Boer marksmen, but suffering -considerable agony from their wounds.</p> - -<p>Without loss of time, and quite alone, Major Babtie -rode out to them. He knew full well that the -instant he appeared in the open he would become a -target for the enemy’s rifles, and few of those who -watched him go on his errand of mercy expected to -see him alive again. But although his horse was -struck three times, he himself by good fortune escaped -being hit. Reaching the donga, he found a score of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -poor fellows badly needing attention, and with -wonderful coolness he set about dressing their injuries. -The Boers, who had no scruples about firing upon the -wounded, made repeated attempts to get within range -of the intrepid surgeon and his patients, but with ill-success. -Babtie seemed to bear a charmed life, and -he was able to save many a gunner who but for his -prompt help must have died on the field.</p> - -<p>The Royal Army Medical Corps, it may be mentioned, -won three more Crosses in South Africa, making the -total placed to their credit seven. Lieutenants -Douglas, Nickerson, and Inkson were the other heroes, -the last-named being conspicuous for carrying a -wounded comrade for over three hundred yards under -heavy fire to a place of safety.</p> - -<p>It was at Colenso that the magnificent attempt to -save the guns was made which resulted in the sad -death of Lieutenant the Hon. F. H. S. Roberts, the -only son of Lord Roberts, then Commander-in-Chief. -Colonel Long, with the 14th and 66th Batteries of the -Royal Field Artillery, had pressed forward to drive -the Boers from their trenches along the bank of the -Tugela, expecting to be supported by reinforcements. -But under the deadly fire directed upon him he was -obliged to retire, leaving many dead and wounded -behind him, and leaving, too, twelve guns standing -ready for use, with their breech-blocks still in them.</p> - -<p>For a long time the guns stood deserted thus, -while the battle raged to right and left of them. -Then, as General Hildyard’s infantry, including the -Devons, the Queen’s, and the Scots Fusiliers, made -their dashing advance upon the Boer positions, a trio -of staff officers who were with Generals Buller and -Clery volunteered to save the guns if possible. These<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> -three were Captains Schofield and Congreve, and -Lieutenant Roberts.</p> - -<p>Other volunteers were soon forthcoming when it -was known that the attempt was to be made, and -corporals, linesmen, and some drivers of ammunition -waggons, with two or three spare teams, galloped out -after their leaders. The guns were reached, but at -once Boer shells and bullets began to drop thickly -around. Captain Congreve was almost the first to -be hit, being wounded in the leg. Then young -Roberts was struck, at the same time that a shell -burst under his horse, inflicting severe wounds upon -him. “He was looking over his shoulder at Schofield,” -says an eye-witness, “laughing and working his stick -with a circular motion, like a jockey, to encourage his -horse,” when his first bullet found him, and he fell -mortally wounded. In the meantime the gallant -gunners and drivers were limbering up with all speed, -and thanks to Captain Schofield’s exertions, two of the -guns were hauled back in safety.</p> - -<p>Later on, Captain Reed of the 7th Battery, Royal -Field Artillery, made another and partially successful -effort to rescue some of the remaining ten guns, -receiving a bad wound in his thigh in the attempt; -but almost all of them had to be abandoned. For -their gallantry, however, Captains Schofield, Congreve, -and Reed, with Lieutenant Roberts, were all recommended -for the V.C., the three first-named alone -surviving to receive the decoration. Poor Lieutenant -Roberts, as will be remembered, died at Chievely, two -days later.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus11"> -<img src="images/illus11.jpg" width="600" height="365" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE GUNS WERE REACHED, BUT AT ONCE BOER SHELLS AND BULLETS -BEGAN TO DROP THICKLY AROUND.—<i><a href="#Page_242">Page 242.</a></i></p> -</div> - -<p>As to the bravery of the men who helped them to -save the guns, both Captain Schofield and Captain -Reed have borne eloquent tribute. “Bosh!” said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> -Reed, when he was complimented on his exploit; “it -was all the drivers.” And if you ask Captain -Schofield, you will find he will make much the same -answer. While the rain of bullets poured on them -the drivers limbered up in a calm, business-like fashion, -as if there wasn’t a Boer within a dozen miles of -them.</p> - -<p>“Just to show you what cool chaps those drivers -were,” says Captain Schofield, “when I was hooking -on one of the guns, one of them said, ‘Elevate the -muzzle a little more, sir.’ That’s a precaution for -galloping in rough country, but I shouldn’t have -thought of it—not just then, at any rate. Pretty -cool, wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p>They were gallant men those drivers without -doubt, as gallant as Colonel Long’s gunners, who fell -one by one by their guns until only two were left, -two who continued the unequal battle alone, and when -the ordinary ammunition was exhausted fired their -last shot, the emergency rounds of case; after which -they stood at attention and waited for the end that -came swiftly. All could not be decorated, however, -though all deserved equal honour, and so Corporal -G. E. Nurse, of the Royal Field Artillery, was elected -to receive the V.C. as the most fitting representative.</p> - -<p>The next heroes on the list are two brave men of -the Protectorate Regiment, Sergeant H. R. Martineau -and Trooper (now Lieutenant) H. E. Ramsden. -During a sortie from besieged Mafeking Sergeant -Martineau’s attention was called to Corporal Le -Camp, who had been struck down by a Boer bullet. -The latter was lying in the open less than a dozen -yards from the enemy’s trenches and bleeding -profusely from his wound. Not far away were some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> -bushes which offered ample shelter, so making a dash -for the corporal, the sergeant carried and dragged him -thither as best he could. Then, kneeling by the -wounded man’s side, he carefully bandaged the gaping -shot-hole and stanched the flow of blood.</p> - -<p>Despite the shelter of the bushes, Martineau did -not escape being hit. He was shot in the side as he -stooped over the corporal, and he was struck yet -twice more when, at the order to retire, he picked up -Le Camp and carried him after his comrades, who -were falling back upon the town. That plucky rescue -cost the sergeant an arm, but it won him—though -small compensation, perhaps—a V.C.</p> - -<p>The same honour fell to Trooper H. E. Ramsden in -this fight, for carrying his brother out of danger in -very similar circumstances. The list of those who -figured in gallant actions of this kind, indeed, is -a long one. There was Second-Lieutenant John -Norwood (now a captain), of the 5th Dragoon Guards, -who while in charge of a small patrol party outside -Ladysmith, in October 1899, was nearly cornered by -the Boers. In retiring one of the troopers fell, -whereupon the lieutenant, galloping back, dismounted, -lifted the wounded man on to his shoulder, and with -his horse’s bridle over his arm walked back to rejoin -his comrades. And there was Lieutenant Sir John -Milbanke of the 10th Hussars, who saved the life of -one of his men while out on a reconnaissance near -Colesberg. The lieutenant himself was badly wounded -with a ball in his thigh, but disregarding this, he -went to the aid of the wounded man, who was exposed -to the Boer fire, and successfully brought him out of -range.</p> - -<p>Both these heroes gained the V.C., as, too, did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -Private Bisdee and Lieutenant Wylly, of the Tasmanian -Imperial Bushmen, for gallantry of a like order. -Having run into an ambuscade, the scouting party of -which the Tasmanians were members had to get out -of it as best they could. The Boers from their cover -kept up a hot fire, and men and horses dropped -quickly. Out of the eight in the party all but two -were hit, and one of the officers had his horse shot -beneath him. Seeing his predicament, Private Bisdee -offered him a stirrup leather to hold on to, but the -other was more badly wounded than he had supposed. -Jumping off his horse, therefore, he put his officer into -the saddle, and mounting behind him, galloped out of -action. Lieutenant Wylly in his turn gave up his -horse to a wounded private, afterwards taking up a -position behind a rock, and using his rifle to good -purpose to cover the retreat of the little party.</p> - -<p>It does one good to read of heroism such as this, -for it helps to keep alive our faith in those fine -qualities which have made Englishmen what they are. -If we still find something inspiring in the records of -the old sea-dogs, such as Benbow, who was carried on -deck in a basket after he had lost his leg, so that he -might continue to direct the fight, we may treasure in -our memories with no less reverence the deeds of -many humbler heroes. There is about them, too, -often enough, a truly British touch of dare-devilry, -cheek, pluck—call it what you will—that cannot but -strike one’s imagination.</p> - -<p>Take the story of Sergeant T. Lawrence of the 17th -Lancers, the “Death or Glory Boys.” He was in -charge of a patrol in the neighbourhood of Lindley, in -August 1900, while the Lancer Brigade was chasing -De Wet. Suddenly attacked by a body of fourteen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -Boers, the patrol was obliged to retire. In the -gallop for safety Private Hayman’s horse was bowled -over, and down came its rider to the ground with a -dislocated shoulder and broken collar-bone. In a -twinkling the sergeant saw what had happened. The -Boers were hard upon their heels, but taking his -chance, Lawrence rode back to Hayman’s assistance. -The private’s horse being useless, Lawrence dismounted -and raised the wounded man on to his own steed, a -dun pony, it is recorded. Then, setting the animal’s -head for the picket and bidding Hayman hold on for -his life, the sergeant gave the pony a vigorous kick -and started him off. This done, Lawrence made his -way back on foot, keeping up a warm fire with his -carbine; and for <em>two</em> miles he retired thus, successfully -holding off the Boers, until a party which had -ridden out in search of him brought the plucky -fellow into our lines.</p> - -<p>There is a true British ring about Sergeant -Lawrence’s action which is unmistakable, and few -South African heroes more deserved the V.C. which -was eventually bestowed upon him. He, thanks to -his skill with the carbine, and perhaps owing something -to luck, escaped without a scratch, but not all -were so fortunate. Writing of Lawrence reminds me -of another hero, Lieutenant and Adjutant G. H. B. -Coulson, of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who -won glory and death at the same time.</p> - -<p>It was during the rearguard action near Lambrecht -Fontein, in May 1901. A corporal of the Mounted -Infantry was wounded and helpless, so the lieutenant -pulled him up on to his own horse. As they rode along -the animal was itself struck, and it became evident -that a double burden was more than it could carry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> -There was only one thing to be done. Slipping off -the horse, Coulson told the corporal to “hang on” -and save himself; then, revolver in hand, he stayed -behind, in the faint hope that he might win back to -safety on foot. It was a vain hope. The Boers rode -down upon him, and—one man against a hundred—he -fell riddled with bullets. Afterwards, when the -corporal had told his story, they gazetted Lieutenant -and Adjutant Coulson V.C., as one to -whom the decoration would have been awarded had -he lived.</p> - -<p>Among other dead heroes of the South African -War, place must be found for Lieutenant Parsons of -the Essex Regiment and Sergeant Atkinson of the -Yorkshires. At Paardeberg, where a fierce battle was -fought in February 1900, many poor wounded fellows -lay in the sweltering heat suffering for want of water. -Water there was within reach, in the river that -wound round by the enemy’s trenches, but the task of -fetching it was attended with considerable danger. -Some four or five men made the attempt, only to fall -under the hail of Boer bullets. Nothing daunted, -however, both Parsons and Atkinson made several -dashes for the precious water, the former venturing -twice, and rendering much-needed relief to those -wounded near him.</p> - -<p>Atkinson, who had distinguished himself in the -fight by rescuing Lieutenant Hammick of the Oxfordshire -Light Infantry, went down to the river no fewer -than seven times, being under fire all the while. At -the seventh venture his fate found him. A bullet -struck him in the head, and the brave Yorkshireman -fell mortally wounded. He was a son of Farrier-Major -James Atkinson, of the Royal Artillery, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> -is stated to have been one of the party who captured -the original Sebastopol cannon from which the -Victoria Crosses are now cast. Although Lieutenant -Parsons survived Paardeberg, he never lived to receive -his Cross, being killed later at Driefontein.</p> - -<p>For bravery that distinguishes itself in the storming -of apparently impregnable positions and in the leading -of forlorn hopes, the Highland regiments perhaps bear -the palm. One remembers their deeds in the Mutiny -days and, more recently, at Dargai. In South Africa -they wrote their names large, at Magersfontein, -Paardeberg, and in many a minor action.</p> - -<p>One of their most dashing exploits was the capture -of Thaba Mountain, in April 1900, by the Gordons. -In this engagement Captain E. B. Towse, with but a -dozen men at his back, charged in the face of a -hundred and fifty Boers, who had climbed the hill -from the opposite side, and routed them. The -position was won and held, for the Highlanders—and -especially the Gordons—are men who like to have -their own way, but their brave leader paid dearly for -his victory. During the brief but fierce encounter -he was shot through both eyes and blinded for life. -This action at Thaba Mountain, together with his well-remembered -gallantry at Magersfontein, where in the -very fore-front of the battle he was seen helping -Colonel Downman, who was mortally wounded, gained -Captain Towse the V.C. Little wonder is it that as -she pinned it on the hero’s breast Queen Victoria was -moved to tears of sympathy and pity.</p> - -<p>There were several V.C.’s gained in and around -Ladysmith during the memorable siege of that town -which well deserve mention. Listen to the story of -how Privates Scott and Pitts of the Manchester<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> -Regiment won the coveted decoration. In one of the -Boer assaults early in 1900 the Manchesters were -given the task of holding Cæsar’s Camp, a position in -the long ridge of hills to the north-east of the town. -Here they erected circular stone sangars, in each of -which a few men were posted with a plentiful supply -of ammunition.</p> - -<p>When the attack was delivered, Cæsar’s Camp and -Waggon Hill in the vicinity received the brunt of it. -Before the Boer fire the Manchester Regiment in -particular suffered great loss, many of their sangars -being captured and occupied by the enemy; but there -was one spot in the defences that the Boers failed to -carry. In the little sangar where they had been -stationed Privates Scott and Pitts swore an oath that -they would never give up while breath was left in -their bodies, and for fifteen long hours their deadly -rifle fire kept the Boers at bay. In the end, as we -know, the enemy were compelled to withdraw baffled, -whereupon the two plucky privates who had “held -the fort” so manfully returned to camp smoke-blackened -and—in Scott’s case—wounded, to receive -the due reward of their heroism.</p> - -<p>Yet another brave man of Ladysmith fame was -Private J. Barry of the Royal Irish. In the night -attack on Monument Hill in January 1901, he was -helping to work a Maxim when the Boers surrounded -the little party. His comrades having been all shot -down, Private Barry was called on to surrender, but -this word was not in his vocabulary. He neither -intended surrendering nor yielding his gun to the -enemy, so hurling a defiance at the latter, he proceeded -to smash the breech of the Maxim and render -it useless. A few quick blows were sufficient for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> -purpose, and the work was done ere the infuriated -Boers raised their rifles and shot him dead.</p> - -<p>A distinguished fellow-soldier of Barry’s was -Colour-Sergeant (now Captain) Masterson, the hero -of Waggon Hill. In the furious hand-to-hand fight -on the hill he was a conspicuous figure, only being -overborne at last by sheer force of numbers, and -falling with ten wounds in his body and limbs. -None of his injuries were mortal, however, and he -survived to receive the V.C. and a commission.</p> - -<p>Captain Masterson’s name and rank, by the way, -vividly recall to one’s mind the exploit of a Royal -Irish Fusilier of earlier days, Sergeant Masterton, -the hero of Barossa. Masterton was known as “the -Eagle Taker,” for the dashing capture of a French -Eagle standard after a charge up a hill much in the -fashion of the Fusiliers at Waggon Hill, and he too -was rewarded by promotion.</p> - -<p>With another story of the gallant gunners I must -bring this chapter to a close. The scene is Korn -Spruit, on the road between Thaban’chu and Bloemfontein. -On March 31st, 1900, two batteries of -the Royal Horse Artillery were making their way -to the Orange Free State capital, when they fell -into a Boer ambush. Before the alarm could be -raised five guns of the leading battery and a large -section of the baggage train had been captured.</p> - -<p>Q Battery, under the command of Major Phipps-Hornby, -meanwhile was some three hundred yards -away from the spruit when the Boers opened fire, -and had time to wheel about into position. The -enemy’s force far outnumbered the British column, -but Major Phipps-Hornby and his gunners had no -idea of deserting their comrades. Having gained the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -shelter of some railway buildings near at hand, the -battery—minus one gun which had had to be -abandoned—re-formed and at full gallop came again -into action. Within close range of the Boers they -unlimbered and opened fire, while the teams of -horses were taken back to the rear of the buildings -for safety.</p> - -<p>For a long time the gunners served their pieces in -splendid style, but the order came at last to retire. -Realising how difficult it would be to hook the -teams on to the guns under the terrible fusillade -that the Boers were maintaining, Major Phipps-Hornby -decided to do without them. Under his -direction the men put their shoulders to the wheels -literally, helped by some officers and privates of -the Mounted Infantry, and by much pushing and -hauling they eventually got four of the five guns -round to the back of the buildings under cover, -saving some of the limbers at the same time.</p> - -<p>To rejoin the main body now entailed the crossing -of a couple more spruits and a donga which lay -within easy range of the Boer guns, a veritable -zone of fire. But the gunners had faced danger -like this before, and at the call for volunteers many -drivers stepped forward. As quickly as possible the -horses were put into the traces, the guns hooked on, -and off they set, one at a time, on their perilous -journey. It was a wild dash for safety, but they got -home—all, that is, save one gun and one limber, which -after several attempts had to be left behind, all the -horses belonging to it being shot down.</p> - -<p>It was a V.C. business, this saving of the guns, but -when it came to a question of making the award a -difficulty arose. Every man of the battery might be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -said to have an equal claim to be decorated. As a -few Crosses only could be awarded, however, Rule 13 -of the original Warrant had to be enforced, under -which the honour was conferred upon the battery -as a whole, one officer, one non-commissioned officer, -one gunner and one driver being elected by their -comrades as recipients. Of the two officers, Major -Phipps-Hornby and Captain Humphreys, who had -taken the leading part in the affair, each had displayed -conspicuous gallantry, and each with characteristic -generosity nominated the other for the decoration. -One would like to have seen both of them gazetted, -but the rule had to be adhered to, and, as senior -officer, the V.C. was presented to Major Phipps-Hornby. -Sergeant Parker, Gunner Lodge, and Driver -Glasock hold the other three Crosses of the corps -for this notable action.</p> - -<p>Yet another hero of Korn Spruit is Lieutenant -(now Lieut.-Col.) F. A. Maxwell, of the Indian Army, -then attached to Roberts’ Light Horse. When the -Boer fire was concentrated on Q Battery, he volunteered -his assistance and faced the blizzard of lead -five times, helping to save two guns and three -limbers. It was he, too, who aided in the gallant -but futile attempt to bring in the fifth gun, remaining -exposed to shot and shell until the last moment. -For his bravery Lieutenant Maxwell was awarded the -V.C., and it is worthy of note that in announcing the -fact the <cite>Gazette</cite> refers to his gallantry during the -Chitral campaign, when he recovered the body of -Lieut.-Col. F. D. Battye, of the “Guides,” under a -heavy fire from the enemy.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> -<span class="smaller">SOMALILAND—NIGERIA—TIBET.</span></h2> - -<p>Within the last four years we have seen three -campaigns of some importance which have -added several V.C.’s to the roll. In 1902-3 was -the punitive expedition against the Mad Mullah in -Somaliland, bringing distinction to Captain Cobbe -and others; in 1903 the rising in Nigeria, where, -at Sokoto, Captain Wallace Wright (of the Royal -West Surrey Regiment), with only one officer and -forty men, made a gallant stand for two hours against -the repeated charges of 1000 of the enemy’s cavalry -and 2000 infantry, eventually putting this large force -to rout; and in 1904 the Sikkim-Tibet Mission, which -yielded a V.C. to a young lieutenant of Ghurkas -named Grant. Of these campaigns that in Somaliland -heads the list with six Crosses, and the story -of how they were won well deserves to be told at length.</p> - -<p>The first act of distinction was performed by -Captain (now Lieutenant-Colonel) A. S. Cobbe, D.S.O., -at Erego, on October 6th, 1902. In the fight at this -place some of the companies were ordered to retire, -and Captain Cobbe suddenly found himself left alone -in the firing line with a Maxim. He saved the gun -from capture by the enemy, and bringing it back<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> -worked it single-handed with such good effect that -he may be said to have turned the fortunes of the -day at a critical moment in the action. Later on -he went to the rescue of an orderly who had fallen -under the Somalis’ bullets, exposing himself not only -to the enemy’s fire but to that of his own men, who -were replying vigorously. For his gallantry Captain -Cobbe was gazetted V.C., receiving the decoration -from the hands of General Manning at Obbia, some -four months later.</p> - -<p>With the fighting at Jidballi two V.C.’s are associated. -One is proudly worn by Lieutenant Herbert Carter for -saving the life of Private Jai Singh in the face of -a determined rush of dervishes; and the other by -Lieutenant Clement Leslie Smith, of the Duke of -Cornwall’s Light Infantry. The latter was serving -with the 5th Somali Mounted Infantry at the time. -In an onslaught made by the enemy from the bush -our men got broken up, and the combat resolved itself -into a hand-to-hand affair. Fighting desperately to -recover themselves, the Mounted Infantry rallied -bravely to their leader’s call, but little could be done -to stave off defeat. The loyal Somalis were driven -back, leaving many dead and wounded on the ground, -among the latter being one Rahamat Ali, a Hospital-Assistant. -Observing this man’s plight, Lieutenant -Smith and Dr. Welland of the R.A.M.C. made a -desperate attempt to save him.</p> - -<p>They had almost succeeded in getting the wounded -man on to a horse when one of the many bullets that -rained upon them found him, and he was killed. The -Somalis now hemmed in the two officers on all sides, -so the lieutenant sought to bring out Dr. Welland,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> -hastily helping him to mount again. The doctor’s -horse was shot, however, as was a mule which was next -seized, and immediately after there was a rush, and -Welland was speared. Smith stood by him to the -end, endeavouring to keep off the enemy with his -revolver, but he had done all that mortal man could -do, and it was time to think of his own safety. At -that time the dervishes were swarming round him, -and, as the <cite>Gazette</cite> notes, it was marvellous indeed -that he escaped with his life.</p> - -<p>But, notable as were these acts of bravery, it is -for the heroic attempt to rescue poor Captain Bruce -that the Somaliland campaign will perhaps be best -remembered. In that drama of savage warfare, -which brings home to us most vividly the difficulties -and dangers of bush fighting, three Crosses -were gained, inscribing the names of Rolland, Walker, -and Gough upon the roll of glory. This is the story -of it.</p> - -<p>On April 22nd, 1903, Major Gough’s flying column, -which had been operating in the Daratoleh district, -began to fall back upon Danop, owing to shortness -in ammunition and the large number of wounded on -its hands. All around the little force, in the dense -bush, the enemy swarmed thickly, maintaining a harassing -fire upon the troops. During the afternoon the -rearguard became cut off from the main body, and -dropped considerably into the rear. With this section -were Captain Bruce, R.A., Major Gough’s staff officer, -and Captains Rolland and Walker of the Intelligence -Department, and when in a little time Bruce fell -badly wounded, the look-out for the little party -seemed bad indeed.</p> - -<p>Having fired at and killed a savage whom he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -believed to have aimed the fatal shot, Captain Rolland -ran to his comrade’s assistance and dragged him to -one side of the forest path, where he would be less -exposed to the enemy’s fire. It was very evident -that the wound was mortal, but Rolland—who, by the -way, was an old Harrow boy, like Bruce—determined -to make every effort to save his friend’s body if he -could not save his life. While he attended to him -two Yaos (men of the King’s African Rifles), a Sikh -and a loyal Somali of the Camel Corps, bravely -stood by them, covering them with their rifles and -holding the enemy in check, the latter shouting -to each other in joyful anticipation of a speedy -victory.</p> - -<p>Captain Bruce was a very heavy man, of nearly -fourteen stone, and Captain Rolland, who turned the -scale at nine and a half, found he could not lift the -other. None of the four men could stop firing to -help him, or the Somalis would have made a rush, -so the despairing officer shouted to the disappearing -column in front to halt. But the winding path soon -hid it from sight, and Rolland saw that he was left -to his fate. The enemy, becoming enboldened, now -pressed closer in, and the captain had to leave the -wounded man’s side and use his carbine and revolver -to drive the Somalis back into the bush again. It -was hot work, for the natives were in strong force -and armed with rifles in addition to their broad-bladed -throwing spears.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Bruce got to his feet, and Rolland rushed -to hold him up; but it was the last flicker of life. -The wounded man lurched forward again and fell -on his face, dragging Rolland down with him. As -the latter turned him over on to his back, Bruce<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -opened his eyes and spoke for the last time. -“They’ve done for me this time, old man!” he -said, and a moment or two afterwards relapsed into -unconsciousness.</p> - -<p>To Rolland’s great relief, he looked up from his -friend’s body to see Captain Walker “trekking” -towards him. His shout had been heard, after all. -Together the two tried to carry poor Bruce between -them, but it was no use; so Rolland decided to make a -dash for the rearguard to get help. It was a terribly -long run, and he thought he must get hit every -moment, as the bullets pinged about him. He got -through safely, however, and seized a Bikanir camel. -As he was leading this back he met Major Gough, -who asked what was the matter, and on being told -at once hastened to Bruce’s aid.</p> - -<p>Rolland’s camel was desperately frightened at the -firing and shouting, and the captain had another bad -quarter of an hour as he coaxed it and urged it along -the bush path, but he reached the others without -mishap. With Gough and Walker he now lifted -Captain Bruce on to the kneeling camel, and as they -did so a third Somali bullet struck the wounded man, -almost immediately after which he died. At the same -time the Sikh, who had done his duty nobly in protecting -his officers, had his arm smashed by a fourth -bullet.</p> - -<p>The little party were not left alone until 5.30 p.m., -when, after some scattering shots, the enemy at last -drew off. “It was the hardest day of my life,” adds -Captain Rolland, in his account of the affair, and we -may well believe him. “I fired and fired in that -fight till my rifle was boiling hot; even the woodwork -felt on fire. Up to 3 a.m. a few biscuits and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -cocoa, then a 25-mile ride, a seven hours’ fight, and -25 miles back to camp; <i>i.e.</i> 50 miles that day; 25 -hours without food of any kind, from the 3 a.m. -biscuits and cocoa on the 22nd to the 4 a.m. dinner -on the 23rd. Oh, the thirst of that day! I had -two water-bottles on my camel, and drained them -both. Hunger I did not feel.”</p> - -<p>They buried Captain Bruce the next morning, -side by side with another officer who had been -killed, Captain Godfrey, laying them to rest just -as they were, in their stained khaki uniforms. The -silent African bush has many such graves in its -keeping.</p> - -<p>It was not until some time later that the part -Major Gough had played in the rescue of Captain -Bruce’s body was brought to light. He had promptly -reported the heroic conduct of Captains Rolland and -Walker, but modestly omitted all mention of his -own share in the incident. And when the late -Mr. W. T. Maud, the artist-correspondent of the -<cite>Graphic</cite>, attempted to send home to his paper a full -account of the affair, the Major rigidly censored -the despatch so that his name did not occur -therein. His heroism, however, could not be overlooked, -and as soon as he was free from Major -Gough’s censorship Mr. Maud made public the true -story of the action, whereupon the V.C. was bestowed -upon the Major as well as upon Captains -Rolland and Walker.</p> - -<p>It is interesting to note that Major John Edmond -Gough (now Lieutenant-Colonel) is a son of General -Sir C. J. S. Gough, V.C., and a nephew of that other -distinguished Indian veteran, General Sir H. H. Gough, -V.C. He thus establishes a record, for no other family<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -has ever yet possessed three members entitled to wear -the decoration.</p> - -<p class="tb">To Lieutenant John Duncan Grant, of the 8th -Ghurka Rifles, belongs the distinction of winning -the last Cross that has been awarded. The scene of -his exploit was Tibet, and the date July 6th, 1904. -On that day the storming of the Gyantse-jong, the -most formidable of the Tibetan strongholds, was -successfully carried out, the Ghurkas, as on many -a previous occasion, being called on to perform the -most ticklish part of the business.</p> - -<p>The jong, or fort, at Gyantse is perched high up on -a hill, the approach being rendered difficult for an -enemy by the bare and almost precipitous nature of -the rock-face. There is scarcely any cover available, -and an attacking party is exposed to the fire from -the curtain and the flanking towers on both sides. -All day the artillery had been thundering at the -walls with little success, but at last a small breach -was made in the curtain, and it became possible for -a storming party to force its way through. It -became possible, I say, but the task was a truly -hazardous one. So little room was there that only -one man could go up at a time, crawling on his hands -and knees to the hole in the curtain.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Grant, however, with his brave little -Ghurkas, was not to be daunted by such heavy odds. -Leaving the cover of the village at the foot of the -hill, he led the advance up the steep slope. Immediately -behind him came Havildar Karbir Pun, as eager -to come to close quarters with the enemy as was his -leader. Up the slippery face of the cliff they scrambled, -while a shower of rocks and stones poured down on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -them from the Tibetans above, to say nothing of -occasional volleys of jingal bullets; and as they -neared the top the lieutenant fell back wounded. -Nor did the havildar escape, being hurled back down -the rock for thirty feet or more.</p> - -<p>Despite their injuries the intrepid couple made -another attempt after a brief pause. Covered by the -fire of their men, they dashed for the breach, and this -time succeeded in their purpose. Grant was the first -through, with the faithful Karbir Pun at his heels, -their rifles clearing a path for them as they scrambled -inside the jong. Then the rest of the Ghurkas -quickly poured in, and the issue of the assault was -no longer in doubt.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Grant was gazetted in January of the -year following. Havildar Karbir Pun—the sepoys -of our Indian army not being eligible for the V.C.—received -the Indian Order of Merit, which is its -equivalent, being conferred for conspicuous bravery -in the field.</p> - -<p class="tb">And so this record of the Victoria Cross and its -heroes comes to a close. It is a brave record, indeed, -from Lucas down to Grant, and we may well be proud -of the gallant fellows, soldiers and sailors, British and -Colonials, whose names figure therein. Of late years -there has been some complaint that the decoration -is in danger of being cheapened by a too liberal distribution, -but I cannot think that such is the case. -The right to wear the coveted Cross is most jealously -guarded; only for acts of conspicuous bravery is it -granted; and he would be a bold man who dared to -place his finger on any one of the 522 names in the -list and say, “That man was not worthy.” How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> -jealously the recipients guard the honour of the -decoration for their part is shown by the fact that -Rule 15 of the original Warrant has never had to -be enforced. No wearer of the V.C. has been struck -off the roll for “treason, cowardice, felony, or any -infamous crime.” And if at times we read of a -Victoria Cross being sold (almost invariably for a -large amount) to some collector, we may be sure -that another V.C. hero has joined the great majority. -The instances in which a recipient of the Cross has -parted with his decoration in his lifetime are very -rare, and this despite the most tempting offers for -the same that are known to have been made. For -no medal that can be won by the officers and men of -either Service is so highly prized when gained as -the little bronze Maltese cross bearing the golden -words, “<span class="smcap">For Valour</span>.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="APPENDICES">APPENDICES</h2> - -<h3 id="APPENDIX_A">APPENDIX A.<br /> -<span class="smaller">ROYAL WARRANTS.</span></h3> - -<p>The following are the principal Royal Warrants that have -been issued in connection with the Victoria Cross.</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">War Department</span>, <i>February 5th, 1856.</i></p> - -<p>The Queen has been pleased, by an instrument under her -Royal Sign Manual, of which the following is a copy, to institute -and create a new Naval and Military decoration, to be styled -and designated “The Victoria Cross,” and to make the rules and -regulations therein set forth under which the said decoration -shall be conferred.</p> - -<p class="tb noindent"><span class="smcap">Victoria</span>, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great -Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, etc., to all -to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.</p> - -<p>Whereas, We, taking into Our Royal Consideration, that -there exists no means of adequately rewarding the individual -gallant services, either of officers of the lower grades in Our -Naval and Military Service, or of warrant and petty officers, -seamen and marines in Our Navy, and non-commissioned officers -in Our Army. And, whereas, the third class of Our Most -Honourable Order of the Bath is limited, except in very rare -cases, to the higher ranks of both services, and the granting of -Medals, both in Our Navy and Army, is only awarded for long -service or meritorious conduct, rather than for bravery in action -or distinction before an enemy, such cases alone excepted where -a general medal is granted for a particular action or campaign, -or a clasp added to the medal for some especial engagement, in -both of which cases all share equally in the boon, and those who,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> -by their valour, have particularly signalised themselves, remain -undistinguished from their comrades. Now, for the purpose of -attaining an end so desirable as that of rewarding individual -instances of merit and valour, We have instituted and created, -and by these presents for Us, our Heirs and Successors, institute -and create a new Naval and Military Decoration, which We are -desirous should be highly prized and eagerly sought after by the -officers and men of Our Naval and Military Services, and are -graciously pleased to make, ordain and establish the following -rules and ordinances for the government of the same, which -shall from henceforth be inviolably observed and kept.</p> - -<p><i>Firstly.</i> It is ordained that the distinction shall be styled -and designated “The Victoria Cross,” and shall consist of a -Maltese cross of Bronze, with Our Royal Crest in the centre, -and underneath with an escroll bearing the inscription “For -Valour.”</p> - -<p><i>Secondly.</i> It is ordained that the Cross shall be suspended -from the left breast by a blue riband for the Navy, and by a red -riband for the Army.</p> - -<p><i>Thirdly.</i> It is ordained that the names of those upon whom -We may be pleased to confer the Decoration shall be published -in the <cite>London Gazette</cite>, and a registry thereof kept in the Office -of Our Secretary of State for War.</p> - -<p><i>Fourthly.</i> It is ordained that anyone who, after having -received the Cross, shall again perform an act of bravery, which, -if he had not received such Cross, would have entitled him to -it, such further act shall be recorded by a bar attached to the -riband by which the Cross is suspended, and for every additional -act of bravery an additional bar may be added.</p> - -<p><i>Fifthly.</i> It is ordained that the Cross shall only be awarded to -those officers and men who have served Us in the presence of the -enemy, and shall have then performed some signal act of valour -or devotion to their country.</p> - -<p><i>Sixthly.</i> It is ordained, with a view to placing all persons on a -perfectly equal footing in relation to eligibility for the Decoration, -that neither rank, nor long service, nor wounds, nor any -other circumstance or condition whatsoever, save the merit of -conspicuous bravery, shall be held to establish a sufficient claim -to the honour.</p> - -<p><i>Seventhly</i>. It is ordained that the Decoration may be conferred -on the spot where the act to be rewarded by the grant of such -Decoration has been performed, under the following circumstances:—1. -When the fleet or army in which such act has been -performed is under the eye and command of an admiral or -general officer commanding the forces. 2. Where the Naval or -Military force is under the eye and command of an admiral or -commodore commanding a squadron or detached Naval force, or -of a general commanding a corps or division or brigade on a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> -distinct and detached service, when such admiral or general -officer shall have the power of conferring the Decoration on the -spot, subject to confirmation by Us.</p> - -<p><i>Eighthly.</i> It is ordained where such act shall not have been -performed in sight of a commanding officer as aforesaid, then -the claimant for the honour shall prove the act to the satisfaction -of the captain or officer commanding his ship, or to the officer -commanding the regiment to which the claimant belongs, and -such captain, or such commanding officer, shall report the same -through the usual channel to the admiral or commodore -commanding the force employed in the service, or to the officer -commanding the forces in the field who shall call for such -description and attestation of the act as he may think -requisite, and on approval shall recommend the grant of the -Decoration.</p> - -<p><i>Ninthly.</i> It is ordained that every person selected for the -Cross, under Rule 7, shall be publicly decorated before the -Naval or Military force or body to which he belongs, and with -which the act of bravery for which he is to be rewarded -shall have been performed, and his name shall be recorded -in a general order together with the cause of his especial -distinction.</p> - -<p><i>Tenthly.</i> It is ordained that every person selected under -Rule 8 shall receive his Decoration as soon as possible, and his -name shall likewise appear in a general order as above required, -such general order to be issued by the Naval or Military -commander of the forces employed on the Service.</p> - -<p><i>Eleventhly.</i> It is ordained that the general orders above -referred to shall from time to time be transmitted to Our -Secretary of State for War, to be laid before Us, and shall be -by him registered.</p> - -<p><i>Twelfthly.</i> It is ordained that, as cases may arise not falling -within the rules above specified, or in which a claim, though -well founded, may not have been established on the spot, We -will, on the joint submission of Our Secretary of State for War -and of Our Commander-in-Chief of Our Army, or on that of -Our Lord High Admiral, or Lords Commissioners of the -Admiralty in the case of the Navy, confer the Decoration, but -never without conclusive proofs of the performance of the act of -bravery for which the claim is made.</p> - -<p><i>Thirteenthly.</i> It is ordained that in the event of a gallant and -daring act having been performed by a squadron, ship’s company, -or detached body of seamen and marines not under fifty in -number, or by a brigade, regiment, troop or company in which -the admiral, general, or other officer commanding such forces -may deem that all are equally brave and distinguished, and that -no special selection can be made by them, then in such case the -admiral, general, or other officer commanding, may direct that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> -for any such body of seamen or marines, or for every troop or -company of soldiers, one officer shall be selected by the officers -engaged for the Decoration, and in like manner one petty officer -or non-commissioned officer shall be selected by the petty officers -and non-commissioned officers engaged, and two seamen or -private soldiers or marines shall be selected by the seamen, or -private soldiers, or marines engaged, respectively for the Decoration, -and the names of those selected shall be transmitted by the -senior officers in command of the Naval force, brigade, regiment, -troop, or company, to the admiral or general officer commanding, -who shall in due manner confer the Decoration as if the acts -were done under his own eye.</p> - -<p><i>Fourteenthly.</i> It is ordained that every warrant officer, petty -officer, seaman or marine, or non-commissioned officer, or soldier -who shall have received the Cross, shall, from the date of the -act by which the Decoration has been gained be entitled to a -special pension of £10 a year, and each additional bar conferred -under Rule 4 on such warrant or petty officers, or non-commissioned -officers or men, shall carry with it an additional -pension of £5 per annum.</p> - -<p><i>Fifteenthly.</i> In order to make such additional provision as shall -effectually preserve pure this most honourable distinction, it is -ordained that, if any person be convicted of treason, cowardice, -felony, or of any infamous crime, or if he be accused of any such -offence, and doth not after a reasonable time surrender himself -to be tried for the same, his name shall forthwith be erased from -the registry of individuals upon whom the said Decoration shall -have been conferred, by an especial Warrant under Our Royal -Sign Manual, and the pension conferred under Rule 14 shall -cease and determine from the date of such Warrant. It is -hereby further declared, that We, Our Heirs and Successors, -shall be the all judges of the circumstances requiring such -expulsion; moreover, We shall at all times have power to restore -such persons as may at any time have been expelled, both to the -enjoyment of the Decoration and Pension.</p> - -<p>Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace, this twenty-ninth -day of January, in the nineteenth year of Our Reign, and in the -Year of Our Lord, 1856.</p> - -<p class="center">By Her Majesty’s command,</p> - -<p class="right">(Signed) <span class="smcap">Panmure</span>.</p> - -<p><i>To Our Principal Secretary of State for War.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>On August 10, 1858, the <cite>London Gazette</cite> announced that by a -Warrant under her Royal Sign Manual, her Majesty was pleased -to direct that the Victoria Cross should be conferred, “subject to -the rules and ordinances already made, on Officers and Men of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> -Her Majesty’s Naval and Military Services, who may perform -acts of conspicuous courage and bravery under circumstances of -extreme danger, such as the occurrence of a fire on board ship, or -of the foundering of a vessel at sea, or under any other circumstances -in which, through the courage and devotion displayed, -life or public property may be saved.”</p> - -<p>As noted in chapter 15, it was under this clause that Private -O’Hea, Dr. Douglas, and several others were gazetted.</p> - -<p class="tb">Provision for the award of the V.C. to Messrs. Kavanagh, -Mangles, and McDonell, who were civilians, was made by a -supplemental Warrant, which was announced in the <cite>Gazette</cite> on -8th July, 1859, in the following terms:—</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p>The Queen having been graciously pleased by a Warrant -under her Royal Sign Manual, bearing date 13th December -1858, to declare that Non-Military Persons who, as Volunteers, -have borne arms against the Mutineers, both at Lucknow and -elsewhere, during the late operations in India, shall be considered -as eligible to receive the decoration of the Victoria Cross, subject -to the rules and ordinances, etc. etc. … provided that it be -established in any case that the person was serving under the -orders of a General or other Officer in Command of Troops in -the Field; her Majesty has accordingly been pleased to signify -her intention to confer this high distinction on the undermentioned -gentlemen, etc. etc.</p> - -</div> - -<p>The Warrant given below, which was issued in 1881, speaks -for itself. It merely restates in plain, unmistakable language -the purport of the original Warrant of 1856.</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="center"><i>Royal Warrant.—Qualification required for the Decoration of the -Victoria Cross.</i></p> - -<p class="center">(This Warrant applies also to the Auxiliary and Reserve Forces.)</p> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">Victoria R.</span></p> - -<p>Whereas doubts have arisen as to the qualification required -for the decoration of the Victoria Cross, and whereas the description -of such qualification in Our Warrant of 29th January, 1856, is -not uniform. Our will and pleasure is that the qualification -shall be “conspicuous bravery or devotion to the country in the -presence of the enemy,” and that Our Warrant of 29th January, -1856, shall be read and interpreted accordingly.</p> - -<p>It is Our further will and pleasure that Officers and Men of -Our Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (Naval and Military) shall be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> -eligible for the decoration of the Victoria Cross under the -conditions of Our said Warrant, as amended by this Our -Warrant.</p> - -<p>Given at Our Court at Osborne, this 23rd day of April, 1881, -in the forty-fourth year of Our Reign.</p> - -<p class="center">By Her Majesty’s Command,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Hugh C. E. Childers</span>.</p> - -</div> - -<p>In the same year, 1881, appeared another Warrant which -included as eligible for the Decoration members of the Indian -Ecclesiastical Establishment, provided that they were serving -under a general or other officer in command of troops in the -field. By this provision the Rev. J. W. Adams was gazetted V.C.</p> - -<p class="tb">Under a later Warrant, dated July 18, 1898, authority was -given to increase the Victoria Cross pension from £10 to £50 -a year, the condition to be satisfied in such cases being inability -to earn a livelihood, in consequence of age or infirmity occasioned -by causes beyond an Annuitant’s control.</p> - -<p>The last Royal Warrant to be issued bears date August 8, -1902, and runs as follows:—</p> - -<p>The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the -Decoration of the Victoria Cross being delivered to the <em>representatives</em> -of the undermentioned officers, non-commissioned -officers and men who fell during the recent operations in South -Africa, in the performance of acts of valour which would, in the -opinion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in the Field, -have entitled them to be recommended for that distinction had -they survived:—(Here follow the names of Captain Younger, -Lieut. Digby-Jones, and others.)</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="APPENDIX_B">APPENDIX B.<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF THE V.C.</span></h3> - -<p>The names of those who received the Victoria Cross at the first -distribution in Hyde Park, on Friday, June 26th, 1857, are given -below, in the order in which they were presented to her Majesty.</p> - -<h4><span class="smcap">The Navy.</span></h4> - -<table summary="Victoria Cross recipients in the Navy"> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Raby, H. J.</span></td> - <td>Commander.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bythesea, J.</span></td> - <td>Commander.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Burgoyne, H. T.</span></td> - <td>Commander.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lucas, C. D.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hewett, W. N. W.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Robarts, J.</span></td> - <td>Gunner.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Kellaway, J.</span></td> - <td>Boatswain.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cooper, H.</span></td> - <td>Boatswain.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Trewavas, J.</span></td> - <td>Seaman.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Reeves, T.</span></td> - <td>Seaman.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Curtis, H.</span></td> - <td>Boatswain’s Mate.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ingouville, G.</span></td> - <td>Captain of Mast.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<h4><span class="smcap">The Royal Marines.</span></h4> - -<table summary="Victoria Cross recipients in the Royal Marines"> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dowell, G. D.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wilkinson, T.</span></td> - <td>Bombardier.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<h4><span class="smcap">The Army.</span></h4> - -<table summary="Victoria Cross recipients in the Army"> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Grieve, J.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant-Major</td> - <td>2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Parkes, S.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>4th Light Dragoons (Queen’s Own).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dunn, A. R.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant</td> - <td>11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span><span class="smcap">Berryman, J.</span></td> - <td>Troop Sergt.-Maj.</td> - <td>17th Lancers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dickson, C.</span></td> - <td>Colonel</td> - <td>Royal Artillery.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Henry, A.</span></td> - <td>Captain</td> - <td>Royal Artillery.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Davis, G.</span></td> - <td>Captain</td> - <td>Royal Artillery.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cambridge, D.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>Royal Artillery.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Arthur, T.</span></td> - <td>Gunner and Driver</td> - <td>Royal Artillery.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Graham, G.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant</td> - <td>Royal Engineers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ross, J.</span></td> - <td>Corporal</td> - <td>Royal Engineers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lendrim, W. J.</span></td> - <td>Corporal</td> - <td>Royal Engineers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Perie, J.</span></td> - <td>Sapper</td> - <td>Royal Engineers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Percy</span>, Hon. H. H. M.</td> - <td>Colonel</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Russell</span>, Sir C., Bart.</td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ablett, A.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Palmer, A.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Goodlake, G. L.</span></td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Coldstream Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Conolly, J. A.</span></td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Coldstream Guards (late 49th).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Strong, G.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Coldstream Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lindsay, R. J.</span></td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Scots Fusilier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">McKechnie, J.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>Scots Fusilier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Reynolds, W.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Scots Fusilier Guards.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Grady, T.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>4th (King’s Own) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hope, W.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant</td> - <td>7th Royal Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hale, T. E.</span></td> - <td>Assist.-Surg.</td> - <td>7th Royal Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hughes, M.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>7th Royal Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Norman, W.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>7th Royal Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Moynihan, A.</span></td> - <td>Ensign</td> - <td>8th (The King’s) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Evans, S.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>19th (1st Yorkshire North Riding).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lyons, J.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>19th (1st Yorkshire North Riding).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">O’Connor, L.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant</td> - <td>23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Shields, R.</span></td> - <td>Corporal</td> - <td>23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Coffey, W.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>34th (Cumberland) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sims, J. J.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>34th (Cumberland) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">McWheeney W.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>44th (East Essex) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Walters, G.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>49th (Herts, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Owens, J.</span></td> - <td>Corporal</td> - <td>49th (Herts, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lumley, C. H.</span></td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>97th (The Earl of Ulster’s) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span><span class="smcap">Coleman, J.</span></td> - <td>Sergeant</td> - <td>97th (The Earl of Ulster’s) Foot.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Clifford</span>, Hon. H. H.</td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wheatley, F.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cuninghame, W. J. M.</span></td> - <td>Captain</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Knox, J. S.</span></td> - <td>Lieutenant</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade (late Sergeant Scots Fusilier Guards).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">McGregor, R.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Humpston, R.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bradshaw, J.</span></td> - <td>Private</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bourchier, C. T.</span></td> - <td>Brevet-Major</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="APPENDIX_C">APPENDIX C.<br /> -<span class="smaller">WARS AND CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH THE VICTORIA CROSS -HAS BEEN WON, FROM 1854 TO 1904.</span></h3> - -<table summary="Victoria Cross recipients by war/campaign"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="center">No. of<br />Crosses<br />gained.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Crimea and Baltic</td> - <td>1854-5</td> - <td class="tdr">111</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Persia</td> - <td>1856-7</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td>1857-9</td> - <td class="tdr">182</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>China (including the Taiping Rebellion)</td> - <td>1860-2; 1900</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td>1860-1; 1863-6</td> - <td class="tdr">15</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Umbeyla)</td> - <td>1863 </td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Japan</td> - <td>1864 </td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Bhotan)</td> - <td>1864-5</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>* Canada</td> - <td>1866 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>West Africa (Gambia)</td> - <td>1866; 1892</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>* Andaman Islands</td> - <td>1867 </td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Abyssinia</td> - <td>1867-8</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Looshai)</td> - <td>1871-2</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td>1873-4; 1900</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Perak</td> - <td>1875-6</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Quetta (Beloochistan)</td> - <td>1877 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>South Africa (Kaffir War)</td> - <td>1877-8</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td>1878-80</td> - <td class="tdr">16</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td>1879 </td> - <td class="tdr">23</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td>1879 and 1881</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Naga Hills)</td> - <td>1879-80</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>South Africa (First Boer War)</td> - <td>1880-1</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Egypt and Soudan</td> - <td>1882; 1884-5</td> - <td class="tdr">8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Burma</td> - <td>1889; 1893</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Manipur (N.E. India)</td> - <td>1891 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Hunza-Nagar)</td> - <td>1891 </td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>Chitral</td> - <td>1895 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Matabeleland</td> - <td>1896 </td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>India (Punjab Frontier)</td> - <td>1897-8</td> - <td class="tdr">11</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Soudan (Khartoum)</td> - <td>1898 </td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Crete</td> - <td>1898 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>South Africa (Second Boer War)</td> - <td>1899-1902</td> - <td class="tdr">78</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td>1902-4</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Nigeria</td> - <td>1903 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Tibet</td> - <td>1904 </td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr">Total</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr total">522</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>* Not gained in action.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="APPENDIX_D">APPENDIX D.<br /> -<span class="smaller">COMPLETE ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RECIPIENTS OF THE V.C.</span></h3> - -<p>[The date given in each instance denotes when the act of bravery -was performed for which the decoration was awarded. The names -printed in <i>italics</i> are those of recipients who are still living. To assist -identification, former, as well as present, titles of regiments are given -in cases where the V.C. was won before the Territorial System was -adopted. Example: 43rd R. (old title), now known as (1st Batt.) -Oxfordshire Light Infantry.]</p> - -<table summary="All recipients of the Victoria Cross, at time of publication" class="full-list"> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ablett</span>, Private A.</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards </td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Adams</span>, Rev. J. W.</td> - <td>Bengal Eccles. Establishment</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Adams</span>, Lt.-Col. (now Col.) R. B.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Upper Swat</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Addison</span>, Private H.</td> - <td>43rd R. (Oxf. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Aikman</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) F. R.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Aitkin</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) R. H. M.</td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Albrecht</span>, Trooper H.</td> - <td>Imperial Light Horse</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Alexander</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Allen</span>, Corporal W.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Anderson</span>, Private C.</td> - <td>2nd Dragoon Guards</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Anson</span>, Captain (late Lt.-Col.) the Hon. A. H. A.</td> - <td>84th (York and Lancs.) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Arthur</span>, Gunner T.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ashford</span>, Private T.</i></td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1880</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Atkinson</span>, Sergeant A.</td> - <td>Yorkshire R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Aylmer</span>, Captain (now Col.) F. J.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Nilt</td> - <td class="tdr">1891</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span><i><span class="smcap">Babtie</span>, Major (now Lt.-Col.) W.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Med. Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Baker</span>, Lieut. C. G.</td> - <td>Indian Police</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bambrick</span>, Private V.</td> - <td>60th Rifles (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bankes</span>, Cornet W. G. H.</td> - <td>7th Hussars</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Barry</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>Royal Irish R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Baxter</span>, Trooper F. W.</td> - <td>Bulawayo Field Force</td> - <td>Rhodesia</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Beach</span>, Private T.</td> - <td>55th (Border) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Bees</span>, Private W.</i></td> - <td>Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire R.)</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Beet</span>, Corporal H. C.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Bell</span>, Private D.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Andaman I.</td> - <td class="tdr">1867</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bell</span>, Captain (late Maj.-Gen.) E. W. D.</td> - <td>23rd R. (Royal Welsh Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Bell</span>, Lieut. F. W.</i></td> - <td>W. Australian Mt. Inf.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bell</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) M. S.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1874</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Beresford</span>, Captain (late Gen.) Lord W. L. De la Poer</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bergin</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>33rd (W. Riding) R.</td> - <td>Abyssinia</td> - <td class="tdr">1868</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Berryman</span>, Troop-Sergt.-Major (late Major) J.</td> - <td>17th Lancers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Bisdee</span>, Private (now Lieut.) J. H.</i></td> - <td>Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Blair</span>, Captain (late Gen.) J.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Blair</span>, Lieut. (late Gen.) R.</td> - <td>2nd Dragoon Guards </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bogle</span>, Lieut. (late Major) A. C.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Boisragon</span>, Lieut. (now Major) G. H.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Hunza-Nagar</td> - <td class="tdr">1891</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Booth</span>, Col.-Sergt. A.</td> - <td>80th (S. Staffs.) R.</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Boulger</span>, Lance-Corpl. (late Lt.-Col.) A.</td> - <td>84th (York and Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bourchier</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) C. T.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Boyes</span>, Midshipman D. G.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Japan</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Bradley</span>, Driver F. G.</i></td> - <td>Royal Field Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span><span class="smcap">Bradshaw</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bradshaw</span>, Assistant-Surgeon W.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Brennan</span>, Bombardier J.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bromhead</span>, Lieut. (late Major) G. S.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Brown</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) F. D. M.</td> - <td>101st R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Brown</span>, Trooper P.</td> - <td>Cape Mounted Rifles</td> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Brown-Synge-Hutchinson</span>, Major E. D.</i></td> - <td>14th Hussars</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Browne</span>, Lieut. (now Brig.-Gen.) E. S.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Browne</span>, Captain (now Col.) H. G.</i></td> - <td>32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Browne</span>, Brevet-Major (late Gen.) Sir S. J.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Buckley</span>, J., Deputy-Assist.-Commiss. of Ordnance, Bengal</td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Buckley</span>, Capt. C. W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Buller</span>, Captain (now Gen. Sir) R. H.</i></td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Burgoyne</span>, Capt. H. T.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Burslem</span>, Lieut. (late Capt.) N.</td> - <td>67th (Hampshire) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Butler</span>, Lieut. (late Major) T. A.</td> - <td>101st R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Byrne</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Byrne</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>68th R. (Durham L.I.)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Byrne</span>, Private T.</i></td> - <td>21st Lancers</td> - <td>Khartoum</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Bythesea</span>, Lieut. (late Rear-Admiral) J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Baltic</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Cadell</span>, Lieut. (now Col.) T.</i></td> - <td>104th R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Cafe</span>, Lieut. (now Gen.) W. M.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cambridge</span>, Sergt. D.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Cameron</span>, Lieut. (now Col.) A. S.</i></td> - <td>72nd (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Carlin</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>13th R. (Somerset L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span><i><span class="smcap">Carter</span>, Lieut. H. A.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Champion</span>, Sergeant-Major J.</i></td> - <td>8th Hussars</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Channer</span>, Colonel (late Gen.) G. N.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Perak</td> - <td class="tdr">1875</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Chaplin</span>, Ensign (now Col.) J. W.</i></td> - <td>67th (Hampshire) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Chard</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) J. R. M.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Chase</span>, Captain (now Col.) W. St. L.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1880</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Chicken</span>, G. B.</td> - <td>Royal (Indian) Navy</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Clements</span>, Corpl. J. J.</i></td> - <td>Rimington’s Guides</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Clifford</span>, Lieut. (late Major-Gen. Hon. Sir) H. H.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Clogstoun</span>, Capt. H. M.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Cobbe</span>, Capt. (now Lt.-Col.) A. S.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1902</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cochrane</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) H. S.</td> - <td>86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Cockburn</span>, Lieut. H. Z. C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Canadian Dragoons</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Coffey</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>34th (Border) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Coghill</span>, Lieut. N. J. A.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Coghlan</span>, Col.-Sergt. (now Sergt.-Major) C.</i></td> - <td>75th (Gordon) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Coleman</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>97th (Royal West Kent) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Collis</span>, Gunner J.</td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1880</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Colvin</span>, Lieut. (now Major) J. M. C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers (Indian)</td> - <td>Mamund</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Commerell</span>, Lieut. (late Admiral Sir) J. E.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Congreve</span>, Capt. (now Col.) W. N.</i></td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Connolly</span>, Gunner W.</td> - <td>Bengal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Connors</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>3rd R. (East Kent R., “The Buffs”)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Conolly</span>, Lieut. (late Lt.-Col.) J. A.</td> - <td>49th (Royal Berks) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span><span class="smcap">Cook</span>, Captain J.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1878</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cook</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cooper</span>, Boatswain H.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cooper</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Andaman I.</td> - <td class="tdr">1867</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Corbett</span>, Private F.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Egypt</td> - <td class="tdr">1882</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Costello</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) E. W.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Malakand</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Coulson</span>, Lieut. G. H. B.</td> - <td>King’s Own Scottish Borderers</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Craig</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>Scots Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Crandon</span>, Pte. H. D.</i></td> - <td>18th Hussars</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Creagh</span>, Capt. (now Maj.-Gen. Sir) O’M.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Crean</span>, Surg.-Capt. T. J.</i></td> - <td>Imperial Light Horse</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Crimmin</span>, Surg. (now Lt.-Col.) J.</i></td> - <td>Indian Medical Service</td> - <td>Burma</td> - <td class="tdr">1889</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Crowe</span>, Lieut. J. P. H.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cubitt</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) W. G.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Cuninghame</span>, Lieut. (late Col. Sir) W. J. M.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Curtis</span>, Private (now Corporal) A. E.</i></td> - <td>East Surrey R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Curtis</span>, Boatswain’s Mate H.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Dalton</span>, Assistant-Commissary J. L.</td> - <td>Army Service Corps</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Danaher</span>, Trooper (now Sergeant) J.</i></td> - <td>Nourse’s Horse</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Daniels</span>, Midshipman E. St. J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854-5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">D’Arcy</span>, Captain C.</td> - <td>Frontier Light Horse</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Daunt</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) J. C. C.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Davies</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) L. A. E. P.</i></td> - <td>King’s Royal Rifle Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Davis</span>, Captain (late Maj.-Gen.) G.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span><span class="smcap">Davis</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Day</span>, Lieut. (late Capt.) G. F.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">De Montmorency</span>, Lt. Hon. R. H. L. J.</td> - <td>21st Lancers</td> - <td>Khartoum</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dempsey</span>, Private D.</td> - <td>10th (Lincolnshire) R.</td> - <td>Ind. Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857-8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Diamond</span>, Sergeant B.</td> - <td>Bengal Horse Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dick-Cunyngham</span>, Lt. (late Lt.-Col.) W. H.</td> - <td>92nd (Gordon) Highlanders</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dickson</span>, Lieut. (late Gen. Sir) C.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Digby-Jones</span>, Lieut. R. J. T.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Divane</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dixon</span>, Captain (late Maj.-Gen.) M. C.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Donohoe</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Doogan</span>, Private J.</i></td> - <td>1st Dragoon Guards</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Douglas</span>, Assist.-Surg. (now Lt.-Col.) C. M.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Andaman I.</td> - <td class="tdr">1867</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Douglas</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) H. E. M.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Dowell</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) G. D.</i></td> - <td>Royal Marine Artillery</td> - <td>Baltic</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dowling</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Down</span>, Ensign J. T.</td> - <td>57th (W. Middlesex) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Doxat</span>, Lieut. A. C.</i></td> - <td>Imperial Yeomanry</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Duffy</span>, Private T.</td> - <td>102nd R. (Royal Dublin Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dugdale</span>, Lieut. F. B.</td> - <td>5th Lancers</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dundas</span>, Lieut. J.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Bhotan</td> - <td class="tdr">1865</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dunley</span>, L.-Corpl. J.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dunn</span>, Lieut. (afterwards Lt.-Col.) A. R.</td> - <td>11th Hussars</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Durrant</span>, Private E.</i></td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dynon</span>, Sergeant D.</td> - <td>53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Edwards</span>, Private T.</i></td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Soudan</td> - <td class="tdr">1884</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Edwards</span>, Lieut. (now Maj.) W. M. M.</i></td> - <td>Highland Light Infantry</td> - <td>Egypt</td> - <td class="tdr">1882</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span><span class="smcap">Elphinstone</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) H. C.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Elton</span>, Capt. (late Lt.-Col.) F. C.</td> - <td>55th (Border) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Engleheart</span>, Sergt. H.</i></td> - <td>10th Hussars</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">English</span>, Lieut. W. J.</i></td> - <td>2nd Scottish Horse</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Esmonde</span>, Capt. (late Lieut.-Col.) T.</td> - <td>18th (Royal Irish) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Evans</span>, Private S.</td> - <td>19th (Yorkshire) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Farmer</span>, Sergeant D.</i></td> - <td>Cameron Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Farmer</span>, Lance-Corpl. (now Corporal) J. J.</i></td> - <td>Army Hospital Corps</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Farquharson</span>, Lieut. F. E. H.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Farrell</span>, Q.-M. J.</td> - <td>17th Lancers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ffrench</span>, Lieut. A. K.</td> - <td>53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Fincastle</span>, Lieut. (now Maj.) Viscount</i></td> - <td>16th Lancers</td> - <td>Upper Swat</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Findlater</span>, Piper G.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>Dargai</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Firth</span>, Sergeant W.</i></td> - <td>West Riding R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Fitz-Clarence</span>, Capt. (now Maj.) C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Fusiliers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Fitzgerald</span>, Gunner R.</td> - <td>Bengal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Fitzgibbon</span>, Hospital-Apprentice A. F.</td> - <td>Indian Medical Service</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Fitzpatrick</span>, Private F.</i></td> - <td>94th R. (Connaught Rangers)</td> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Flawn</span>, Private T.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Flinn</span>, Drummer T.</td> - <td>64th (N. Staff.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Forrest</span>, Captain G.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Fosbery</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) G. V.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td>Umbeyla</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Fowler</span>, Private (now Sergeant) E.</i></td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Fraser</span>, Major (late Gen. Sir) C. C.</td> - <td>7th Hussars</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Freeman</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Gardiner</span>, Col.-Sergt. G.</td> - <td>57th (Middlesex) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Gardner</span>, Quarter-Master-Sergt. W.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span><span class="smcap">Garvin</span>, Col.-Sergt. S.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Gifford</span>, Lieut. E. F. (now Major Lord)</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1873-4</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Gill</span>, Sergt.-Major P.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Glasock</span>, Driver H. H.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Goate</span>, Lance-Corpl. (late Corpl.) W.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Goodfellow</span>, Lieut. (now Lieut.-Gen.) C. A.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Goodlake</span>, Capt. (late Lt.-Gen.) G. L.</td> - <td>Coldstream Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Gordon</span>, Capt. W. E.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Gordon</span>, Lance-Corpl. (now Sergt.) W. J.</i></td> - <td>West India R.</td> - <td>Gambia</td> - <td class="tdr">1892</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Gorman</span>, Seaman J. H.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Gough</span>, Capt. (now Gen. Sir) C. J. S.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Ind. Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857-8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Gough</span>, Lieut. (now Gen. Sir) H. H.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857-8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Gough</span>, Major (now Lt.-Col.) J. E.</i></td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Grady</span>, Private (late Sergt.) T.</i></td> - <td>4th (Royal Lancaster) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Graham</span>, Lieut. (late Lt.-Gen. Sir) G.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Graham</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Grant</span>, Lieut. (now Major) C. J. W.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Manipur</td> - <td class="tdr">1891</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Grant</span>, Lieut. J. D.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td>Tibet</td> - <td class="tdr">1904</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Grant</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Grant</span>, Sergeant R. (orig. gazetted Ewart)</td> - <td>5th R. (Northumberland Fusiliers)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Green</span>, Private (late Col.-Sergt.) P.</td> - <td>75th (Gordon) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Grieve</span>, Sergt.-Major J.</td> - <td>2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Griffiths</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Andaman I.</td> - <td class="tdr">1867</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Guise</span>, Major (Lt.-Gen.) J. C.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Guy</span>, Midshipman (now Lieut.) B. J. D.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span><span class="smcap">Hackett</span>, Lieut. (late Lt.-Col.) T. B.</td> - <td>23rd R. (Royal Welsh Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hale</span>, Assist.-Surgeon (now Surg.-Maj.) T. E.</i></td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hall</span>, Seaman W.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Halliday</span>, Capt. (now Major) L. S. T.</i></td> - <td>Royal Marine L.I.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hamilton</span>, Capt. (now Major-Gen.) T. de C.</i></td> - <td>68th R. (Durham L.I.)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hamilton</span>, Lieut. W. R. P.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hammond</span>, Capt. (now Col. Sir) A. G.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hampton</span>, Sergeant H.</i></td> - <td>The King’s (L’pool) R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hancock</span>, Private T.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hardham</span>, Far.-Major (now Lieut.) W. J.</i></td> - <td>4th New Zealand Contingent</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Harding</span>, Gunner (now Chief Gunner) I.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Egypt</td> - <td class="tdr">1882</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Harrington</span>, Lieut. H. E.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Harrison</span>, Boatswain’s Mate J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hart</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Gen. Sir) R. C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hartigan</span>, Sergt. H.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hartley</span>, Surg.-Major (now Lt.-Col.) E. B.</i></td> - <td>Cape Mounted Rifles</td> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Havelock</span>, Lieut. H. M. (late Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. M. Havelock-Allan, Bart.)</td> - <td>10th (Lincs.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hawkes</span>, Private D.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hawthorne</span>, Bugler R.</td> - <td>52nd R. (Oxf. L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Heaphy</span>, Major C.</td> - <td>Auckland Militia</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Heathcote</span>, Lieut. A. S.</i></td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Heaton</span>, Private W.</i></td> - <td>The King’s (L’pool) R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Henderson</span>, Trooper H. S.</i></td> - <td>Bulawayo Field Force</td> - <td>Rhodesia</td> - <td class="tdr">1896</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Heneage</span>, Captain (late Major) C. W.</td> - <td>8th Hussars</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Henry</span>, Sergt.-Major (late Captain) A.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span><span class="smcap">Hewett</span>, Lieut. (late Vice-Admiral Sir) W. N. W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hill</span>, Lieut. A. R. (now Major A. R. Hill-Walker)</i></td> - <td>58th (Northampt.) R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hill</span>, Sergeant S.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hills</span>, Lieut. J. (now Lieut.-Gen. Sir J. Hills-Johnes, G.C.B.)</i></td> - <td>Bengal Horse Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hinckley</span>, Seaman G.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1862</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hitch</span>, Private F.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hodge</span>, Private S.</td> - <td>4th West India R.</td> - <td>Gambia</td> - <td class="tdr">1866</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Holland</span>, Sergeant E.</i></td> - <td>Royal Canad. Dragoons</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hollis</span>, Farrier G.</td> - <td>8th Hussars</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hollowell</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Holmes</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>84th (York and Lan.) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Home</span>, Surgeon (now Surg.-Gen. Sir) A. D.</i></td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Home</span>, Lieut. D. C.</td> - <td>Bengal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hook</span>, Private H.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hope</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) W.</i></td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Hore-Ruthven</span>, Capt. Hon. A. G. A.</i></td> - <td>Highland Light Infantry</td> - <td>Soudan</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">House</span>, Private W.</i></td> - <td>Royal Berks. R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Howse</span>, Captain (now Major) N. R.</i></td> - <td>N. S. Wales Med. Staff Corps</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Hughes</span>, Private (afterwards Corpl.) M.</td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Humpston</span>, Private (afterwards Sergt.) R.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ind</span>, Shoe-Smith A. E.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ingouville</span>, Captain of Mast G.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Baltic</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Inkson</span>, Lieut. (now Capt. E. T.)</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Innes</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Gen.) J. J. M’L.</i></td> - <td>Bengal Engineers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Irwin</span>, Private C.</td> - <td>53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span><span class="smcap">Jarrett</span>, Lieut. (late Col.) H. C. T.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Jee</span>, Surgeon (late Dep.-Insp.-Gen.) J.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Jennings</span>, Roughrider E.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Jerome</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen.) H. E.</td> - <td>86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Johnstone</span>, Capt. R.</i></td> - <td>Imperial Light Horse</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Johnstone</span>, Stoker W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Baltic</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Jones</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) A. S.</i></td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Jones</span>, Captain H. M.</i></td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Jones</span>, Private R.</td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Jones</span>, Private W.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Kavanagh</span>, Assist.-Commiss. T. H.</td> - <td>Indian Civil Service</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Keatinge</span>, Capt. (late Gen.) R. H.</td> - <td>Bombay Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Kellaway</span>, Boatswain J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Kells</span>, Lance-Corpl. (late Trum.-Maj.) R.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Kenna</span>, Capt. (now Lt.-Col.) P. A.</i></td> - <td>21st Lancers</td> - <td>Khartoum</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Kennedy</span>, Private C.</i></td> - <td>Highland L.I.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Kenny</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Kerr</span>, Lieut. W. A.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Kirby</span>, Corpl. (now Sergt.) F.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Kirk</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>10th (Lincolnshire) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Knight</span>, Corp. H. J.</i></td> - <td>The King’s (L’pool) R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Knox</span>, Sergt. (late Maj.) J. S.</td> - <td>Scots Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Lambert</span>, Sergt.-Maj. G.</td> - <td>84th (York and Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lane</span>, Private T.</td> - <td>67th (Hampshire) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Laughnan</span>, Gunner T.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lawrence</span>, Lieut. S.H.</td> - <td>32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lawrence</span>, Sergt. (now Lieut.) T.</i></td> - <td>17th Lancers</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span><i><span class="smcap">Lawson</span>, Private E.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>Dargai</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Le Quesne</span>, Surg.-Capt. (now Maj.) F.S.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>Burma</td> - <td class="tdr">1889</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Leach</span>, Capt. (now Lt.-Gen.) E. P.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Leet</span>, Major (late Maj.-Gen.) W. K.</td> - <td>13th R. (Somerset) L.I.</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Leitch</span>, Col.-Sergt. P.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Leith</span>, Lieut. (late Major) J.</td> - <td>14th Hussars</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lendrim</span> (or <span class="smcap">Lindrim</span>), Corporal (afterwards Q.-M.-Sergt.) W. J.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lennox</span>, Lieut. (late Gen. Sir) W. O.</td> - <td class="tdc">” </td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lenon</span>, Lieut. (late Major) E. H.</td> - <td>67th (Hampshire) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lindsay</span>, Lieut. R. J. (late Lord Wantage)</td> - <td>Scots Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lloyd</span>, Surg.-Major (now Col.) O. E. P.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>Burma</td> - <td class="tdr">1893</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lodge</span>, Gunner I.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lucas</span>, Lieut. (now Rear-Admiral) C. D.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Baltic</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lucas</span>, Col.-Sergt. J.</td> - <td>40th (S. Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1861</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lumley</span>, Major C. H.</td> - <td>97th (West Kent) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Lyons</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>19th (Yorkshire) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lysons</span>, Lieut. (now Col.) H.</i></td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Lyster</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Gen.) H. H.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Bean</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen.) W.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Corrie</span>, Private C.</td> - <td>57th (Middlesex) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Crea</span>, Surg. J. F.</td> - <td>Cape Mounted Yeomanry</td> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Dermond</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>47th (N. Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Donell</span>, W. F.</td> - <td>Indian Civil Service</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Dougall</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>44th (Essex) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Gaw</span>, Lance-Sergt. S.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1874</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Govern</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>101st R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Gregor</span>, Private R.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span><span class="smcap">M’Guire</span>, Sergt. J.</td> - <td>101st R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Hale</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>5th R. (Northumberland Fusiliers)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Innes</span>, Gunner H.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Kechnie</span>, Sergt. J.</td> - <td>Scots Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">M’Kenna</span>, Col.-Sergt. (now Ensign) E.</i></td> - <td>65th (York and Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Master</span>, Assist.-Surg. V. M.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Neill</span>, Lieut.-Col. (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) J. C.</td> - <td>107th (Royal Sussex) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Pherson</span>, Col.-Sergt. S.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Quirt</span>, Private B.</td> - <td>95th (Derbyshire) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">M’Wheeney</span>, Sergt. W.</td> - <td>44th (Essex) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854-5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Macdonald</span>, Col.-Sergt. (late Capt.) H.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Macintyre</span>, Major (late Maj.-Gen.) D.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Looshai</td> - <td class="tdr">1872</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mackay</span>, Private D.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mackay</span>, Corporal (now Lieut.) J. F.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mackenzie</span>, Sergeant (now Capt.) J.</i></td> - <td>Seaforth Highlanders</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">MacLean</span>, Lieut. H. L. S.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Upper Swat</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">MacManus</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>5th R. (Northumberland Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Macpherson</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) H. T.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Madden</span>, Sergt.-Major A.</td> - <td>41st (Welsh) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Magner</span>, Drummer M.</td> - <td>33rd (West Riding) R.</td> - <td>Abyssinia</td> - <td class="tdr">1868</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mahoney</span>, Sergt. P.</td> - <td>102nd R. (Royal Dublin Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Maillard</span>, Surg. W. J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crete</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Malcolmson</span>, Lieut. J. G.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Persia</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Malone</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>13th Hussars</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mangles</span>, R. L.</td> - <td>Indian Civil Service</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span><span class="smcap">Manley</span>, Assist.-Surg. (late Surg.-Gen.) W. G. N.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mansel-Jones</span>, Capt. C.</i></td> - <td>W. Yorkshire R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Marling</span>, Lieut. (now Col.) P. S.</i></td> - <td>King’s Royal Rifle Corps</td> - <td>Soudan</td> - <td class="tdr">1884</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Marshall</span>, Q.-M.-S. (now Major) W. T.</i></td> - <td>19th Hussars</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1884</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Martin-Leake</span>, Surg.-Capt. A.</i></td> - <td>South African Constabulary</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1902</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Martineau</span>, Sergt. H. R.</i></td> - <td>Protectorate Regiment</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Masterson</span>, Lieut. (now Major) J. E. I.</i></td> - <td>Devonshire R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Maude</span>, Captain (late Col.) F. C.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Maude</span>, Major (late Sir) F. F.</td> - <td>3rd (East Kent) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Maxwell</span>, Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) F. A.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Maygar</span>, Lieut. L. C.</i></td> - <td>Victorian Mount. Rifles</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mayo</span>, Midshipman A.</i></td> - <td>Royal (Indian) Navy</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Meiklejohn</span>, Captain M. F. M.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Melliss</span>, Captain (now Lt.-Col.) C. J.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Melvill</span>, Lieut. T.</td> - <td>24th R. (S.W. Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Milbanke</span>, Captain (now Major) Sir J. P.</i></td> - <td>10th Hussars</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Millar</span>, Private D.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Miller</span>, Lt.-Col. F.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Miller</span>, Conductor (late Major) J.</td> - <td>Bengal Ordnance Corps</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mitchell</span>, Captain of the Foretop S.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Monaghan</span>, Trumpeter T.</td> - <td>2nd Dragoon Guards</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Monger</span>, Private G.</td> - <td>23rd R. (Royal Welsh Fusiliers)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Moore</span>, Lieut. (now Major-Gen.) A. T.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Persia</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Moore</span>, Colonel H. G.</td> - <td>88th R. (Conn. Rangers)</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1877</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span><span class="smcap">Morley</span>, Private S.</td> - <td>Army Service Corps</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mouat</span>, Surgeon (late Surg.-Gen. Sir) J.</td> - <td>6th Dragoons</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Moynihan</span>, Sergt. A.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mullane</span>, Sergt. (now Sergt.-Major) P.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1880</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Mullins</span>, Capt. (now Major) C. H.</i></td> - <td>Imperial Light Horse</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Munro</span>, Col.-Sergt. J.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Murphy</span>, Private M.</td> - <td>Army Service Corps</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Murphy</span>, Private T.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Andaman I.</td> - <td class="tdr">1867</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Murray</span>, Lance-Corpl. (now Corporal) J.</i></td> - <td>94th R. (Connaught Rangers)</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Murray</span>, Sergeant J.</i></td> - <td>68th R. (Durham L.I.)</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Mylott</span>, Private P.</td> - <td>84th (York and Lan.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Napier</span>, Sergeant W.</i></td> - <td>13th R. (Somerset L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Nash</span>, Corporal W.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Nesbitt</span>, Capt. R. C.</i></td> - <td>Mashonaland Mounted Police</td> - <td>Rhodesia</td> - <td class="tdr">1896</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Newell</span>, Private R.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Nickerson</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) W. H. S.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Norman</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>7th R. (Royal Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Norwood</span>, Sec. Lieut. (now Captain) J.</i></td> - <td>5th Dragoon Guards</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Nurse</span>, Corporal G. E.</i></td> - <td>Royal Field Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">O’Connor</span>, Sergt. (now Maj.-Gen.) L.</i></td> - <td>23rd R. (Royal Welsh Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Odgers</span>, Seaman W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">O’Hea</span>, Private T.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Canada</td> - <td class="tdr">1866</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Olpherts</span>, Capt. (late Gen. Sir) W.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Osborne</span>, Private J.</i></td> - <td>58th (Northampton) R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1881</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">O’Toole</span>, Sergeant E.</td> - <td>Frontier Light Horse</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Owens</span>, Corporal (afterwards Sergt.) J.</td> - <td>49th (Royal Berks.) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Oxenham</span>, Corpl. W.</td> - <td>32nd R. (D. of Corn. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Palmer</span>, Private A.</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Park</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>77th (Middlesex) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854-5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span><span class="smcap">Park</span>, Gunner J.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Parker</span>, Sergeant C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Parkes</span>, Private S.</td> - <td>4th Hussars</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Parsons</span>, Lieut. F. N.</td> - <td>Essex Regiment</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Paton</span>, Sergeant J.</i></td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pearson</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>86th R. (Royal Irish Rifles)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pearson</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>8th Hussars</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Peel</span>, Captain (Sir) W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854-5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Pennell</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) H. S.</i></td> - <td>Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby R.)</td> - <td>Dargai</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Percy</span>, Lieut.-Col. Hon. H. H. M. (afterwards Lord Percy)</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Perie</span>, Sapper J.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Phillips</span>, Ensign E. A. L.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Phipps-Hornby</span>, Maj. (now Col.) E. J.</i></td> - <td>Royal Horse Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pickard</span>, Lieut. A. F.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pitcher</span>, Lieut. (late Capt.) H. W.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Umbeyla</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Pitts</span>, Private J.</i></td> - <td>Manchester Regiment</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Prendergast</span>, Lieut. (now Gen. Sir) H. N. D.</i></td> - <td>Madras Engineers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Prettyjohn</span>, Colour-Sergeant J.</td> - <td>Royal Marine L.I.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pride</span>, Captain of After-Guard T.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Japan</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Probyn</span>, Captain (now General Sir) D. M.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Prosser</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>1st R. (Royal Scots)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Purcell</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Pye</span>, Sergt.-Major C.</td> - <td>53rd R. (Shrops. L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Raby</span>, Lieut. (now Rear-Admiral) H. J.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ramage</span>, Sergt. H.</td> - <td>2nd Dragoons (Scots Greys)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ramsden</span>, Trooper (now Lieut.) H. E.</i></td> - <td>Protectorate Regiment</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ravenhill</span>, Private G.</i></td> - <td>Royal Scots Fusiliers.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Raynor</span>, Captain W.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span><span class="smcap">Reade</span>, Surg. (late Surg.-Gen.) H. T.</td> - <td>61st (Gloucester) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Reed</span>, Capt. (now Major) H. L.</i></td> - <td>Royal Field Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Reeves</span>, Seaman T.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Rennie</span>, Lieut. (late Lieut.-Col.) W.</td> - <td>90th R. (Scottish Rifles)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Renny</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen.) G. A.</td> - <td>Bengal Horse Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Reynolds</span>, Surg.-Maj. (now Brig.-Surg.-Lieut.-Col.) J. H.</i></td> - <td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Reynolds</span>, Private W.</td> - <td>Scots Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Richardson</span>, Sergt. A. H. L.</i></td> - <td>Strathcona’s Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Richardson</span>, Private G.</i></td> - <td>34th (Border) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1859</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Rickard</span>, Q.-M. W.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ridgeway</span>, Capt. (now Col.) R. K.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Naga Hills</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Robarts</span>, Chief Gunner J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Lieut. F. S. (now Field-Marshal Lord Roberts)</i></td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Lieut. Hon. F. H. S.</td> - <td>King’s Royal Rifle Corps</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Private J. R.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Robertson</span>, Sergt.-Maj. (now Lieut.) W.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Robinson</span>, Seaman E.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Roddy</span>, Ensign (afterwards Col.) P.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Rodgers</span>, Private G.</td> - <td>71st R. (Highland L.I.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Rogers</span>, Sergt. J.</i></td> - <td>South African Constabulary</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Rogers</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen.) R. M.</td> - <td>44th (Essex) R.</td> - <td>China</td> - <td class="tdr">1860</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Rolland</span>, Capt. G. M.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Rosamond</span>, Sergt.-Maj. M.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ross</span>, Corporal J.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Rowlands</span>, Capt. (now Gen. Sir) H.</i></td> - <td>41st (Welsh) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span><span class="smcap">Rushe</span>, Sergt.-Major D.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Russell</span>, Captain (late Lt.-Col.) Sir C.</td> - <td>Grenadier Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ryan</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>102nd R. (Royal Dublin Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ryan</span>, Lance-Corpl. J.</td> - <td>65th (York & Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ryan</span>, Drummer M.</td> - <td>101st R. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Salkeld</span>, Lieut. P.</td> - <td>Bengal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Salmon</span>, Lieut. (now Admiral of the Fleet Sir) <span class="smcap">Nowell</span></i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Sartorius</span>, Capt. (now Maj.-Gen.) E. H.</i></td> - <td>59th (East Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Sartorius</span>, Capt. (now Maj.-Gen.) R. W.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Ashanti</td> - <td class="tdr">1874</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Schiess</span>, Corporal F. C.</td> - <td>Natal Native Forces</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Schofield</span>, Capt. (now Maj.) H. N.</i></td> - <td>Royal Field Artillery</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Scholefield</span>, Seaman M.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Scott</span>, Captain (late Maj.) A.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Quetta</td> - <td class="tdr">1877</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Scott</span>, Private R.</i></td> - <td>Manchester Regiment</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Scott</span>, Sergt. (now Lt.-Col.) R. G.</i></td> - <td>Cape Mounted Rifles</td> - <td>Basutoland</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Seeley</span>, Seaman W.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Japan</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sellar</span>, Lance-Corpl. (late Sergt.) G.</td> - <td>72nd (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Shaul</span>, Corporal (now Sergeant) J. D. F.</i></td> - <td>Highland Light Infantry</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Shaw</span>, Capt. (late Maj.-Gen.) H.</td> - <td>18th (Royal Irish) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1865</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Shaw</span>, Sapper S.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Shebbeare</span>, Capt. R. H.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sheppard</span>, Boatswain J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Shields</span>, Corporal R.</td> - <td>23rd R. (Roy. Welsh Fus.)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Simpson</span>, Q.-M.-Sergt. (late Major) J.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sims</span>, Private J. J.</td> - <td>34th (Border) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sinnott</span>, L.-Corpl. J.</td> - <td>84th (York & Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sleavon</span>, Corporal M.</td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Gunner A.</i></td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td>Soudan</td> - <td class="tdr">1885</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Lieut. C. L.</i></td> - <td>Duke of Cornwall’s L.I.</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1904</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Captain (late Col.) F. A.</td> - <td>43rd E. (Oxf. L.I.)</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1864</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Lance-Corpl. H.</td> - <td>52nd R. (Oxf. L.I.)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Corporal J.</td> - <td>The Buffs (East Kent R.)</td> - <td>N. W. F. India</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>Bengal Engineers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>102nd R. (Royal Dublin Fusiliers)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Lieut. (now Major) J. M.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Hunza-Nagar</td> - <td class="tdr">1891</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Smith</span>, Corporal P.</i></td> - <td>17th (Leicester) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Smyth</span>, Captain (now Major) N. M.</i></td> - <td>2nd Dragoon Guards</td> - <td>Khartoum</td> - <td class="tdr">1898</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Spence</span>, Troop-Sergt.-Major D.</td> - <td>9th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Spence</span>, Private E.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Stagpoole</span>, Drummer D.</i></td> - <td>57th (Middlesex) R.</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Stanlack</span>, Private (now Sergeant) W.</i></td> - <td>Coldstream Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Stewart</span>, Captain (late Major Sir) W. G. D.</td> - <td>93rd (Arg. and Suth.) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Strong</span>, Private G.</td> - <td>Coldstream Guards</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sullivan</span>, Boatswain’s Mate J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sutton</span>, Bugler W.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Sylvester</span>, Assistant-Surgeon W. H. T.</i></td> - <td>23rd R. (Royal Welsh Fusiliers)</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Symons</span>, Sergeant G.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Taylor</span>, Captain of Forecastle J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Teesdale</span>, Lieut. (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) C. C.</td> - <td>Royal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Temple</span>, Assist.-Surg. (now Lt.-Col.) W.</i></td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td>New Zealand</td> - <td class="tdr">1863</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Thackeray</span>, Lieut. (now Col. Sir) E. T.</i></td> - <td>Bengal Engineers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Thomas</span>, Bombardier J.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Thompson</span>, Lance-Corporal A.</td> - <td>42nd (Black Watch) Highlanders</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Thompson</span>, Private J.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span><span class="smcap">Tombs</span>, Major (late Maj.-Gen. Sir) H.</td> - <td>Bengal Artillery</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Towse</span>, Captain E. B. B.</i></td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>S. Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1899, 1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Travers</span>, Major (late Gen.) J.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Traynor</span>, Sergt. W. B.</i></td> - <td>West Yorkshire R.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Trevor</span>, Captain (now Maj.-Gen.) W. S.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Bhotan</td> - <td class="tdr">1865</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Trewavas</span>, Seaman J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Turner</span>, Lieut. (now Col.) R. E. W.</i></td> - <td>Royal Canadian Dragoons</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Turner</span>, Private S.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Tytler</span>, Lieut. (late Lt.-Col.) J. A.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Vickery</span>, Private (now Corporal) S.</i></td> - <td>Dorsetshire R.</td> - <td>Dargai</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Vousden</span>, Captain (late Col.) W. J.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><span class="smcap">Wadeson</span>, Ensign (late Col.) R.</td> - <td>75th (Gordon) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Walker</span>, Lieut. (late Gen. Sir) M.</td> - <td>30th (East Lancs.) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Walker</span>, Captain (now Lt.-Col.) W. G.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Somaliland</td> - <td class="tdr">1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Waller</span>, Lieut. (late Lt.-Col.) W. F. F.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Waller</span>, Col.-Sergt. G.</td> - <td>60th R. (King’s Royal Rifle Corps)</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Walters</span>, Sergt. G.</td> - <td>49th (Royal Berks.) R.</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wantage</span>, Lord. <i>See</i> <span class="smcap">Lindsay</span>.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Ward</span>, Private C.</i></td> - <td>Yorkshire L.I.</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ward</span>, Private H.</td> - <td>78th (Seaforth) Highlanders</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ward</span>, Sergeant J.</td> - <td>8th Hussars</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Wassall</span>, Private S.</i></td> - <td>80th (S. Staff.) R.</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Watson</span>, Lieut. (now Gen. Sir) J.</i></td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Watson</span>, Lieut. (now Capt.) T. C.</i></td> - <td>Royal Engineers</td> - <td>Mamund</td> - <td class="tdr">1897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wheatley</span>, Private F.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Whirlpool</span>, Private F.</td> - <td>109th (Leinster) R.</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span><i><span class="smcap">Whitchurch</span>, Surg.-Capt. (now Maj.) H. F.</i></td> - <td>Indian Medical Service</td> - <td>Chitral</td> - <td class="tdr">1895</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">White</span>, Major (now Field-Marshal Sir) G. S.</i></td> - <td>92nd (Gordon) Highlanders</td> - <td>Afghanistan</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wilkinson</span>, Bombardier T.</td> - <td>Royal Marine Artillery</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1855</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Williams</span>, Private J.</i></td> - <td>24th R. (S. Wales Borderers)</td> - <td>Zululand</td> - <td class="tdr">1879</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wilmot</span>, Captain (late Colonel Sir) H.</td> - <td>Rifle Brigade</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, Capt. (now Admiral Sir) A. K.</i></td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Soudan</td> - <td class="tdr">1884</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Wood</span>, Lieut. (now Field-Marshal Sir) H. E.</i></td> - <td>17th Lancers</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1858</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wood</span>, Capt. (late Col.) J. A.</td> - <td>Indian Army</td> - <td>Persia</td> - <td class="tdr">1856</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wooden</span>, Sergt.-Maj. (late Q.-M.) C.</td> - <td>17th Lancers</td> - <td>Crimea</td> - <td class="tdr">1854</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Wright</span>, Private A.</td> - <td>77th (Middlesex) R.</td> - <td class="tdc">”</td> - <td class="tdr">1854-6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Wright</span>, Capt. W. D.</i></td> - <td>Royal West Surrey R.</td> - <td>Sokoto</td> - <td class="tdr">1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Wylly</span>, Lieut. G. G. E.</i></td> - <td>Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td><i><span class="smcap">Young</span>, Sergt.-Major (now Major) A.</i></td> - <td>Cape Police</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1901</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Young</span>, Lieut. (late Commander) T. J.</td> - <td>Royal Navy</td> - <td>Indian Mutiny</td> - <td class="tdr">1857</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Younger</span>, Capt. D. R.</td> - <td>Gordon Highlanders</td> - <td>South Africa</td> - <td class="tdr">1900</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>Printed by <span class="smcap">Morrison & Gibb Limited</span>, Edinburgh.</i></p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of the V.C., by A. L. 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