FIGHTING FOR RUSSIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 308, 28 December 1915, Page 7

FIGHTING FOR RUSSIA.

YOUNG EXGLJSHMAN WHO ROSE FROM THE RANKS. While the British public is applauding the deeds of daring and fortitude that its eons nave been performing in all quarters of the globe during this war, it should be of interest to tlicm to know (says the 'Times" Petrosal correspondent) that one modest boy of English blood has been upholding in the Russian Army the traditions of services which are daily bcin;* vindicated in Flandcre and in the Dardanelles.

When the outbreak of war let loose the tide of carnage in Europe John Wilton then a frail boy of 17 secured by epecial permission of the Czar the right to serve in the ranks of one of the famous regiments of the Petrograd Guards. Early in October he joined hie regiment at the front, and became one of the mounted scout*. For six months h<» took part in practically every big battle in which the famous corps wae engaged, and these battles have been practically continuous.

Ho was with the party of scouts which penetrated to the nearest point to Cracow, and was at one lime within eight Bnilee of the city.

Young Wilton's record was such that after six months of sen-ice he was promoted, and became an ensign. His activities came repeatedly to the attention of the commanding officer of hie regiment, and at the end of five months he was in command of the mounted ecoute of the regiment, and since becoming an oflicer he has twice been recommended for decorations for service in the field. His latest feat was withdrawing from under a heavy fire his command of scoute which had been ambushed by a squadron of German cavalry. The young officer conducted this operation !so skilfully that he extricated his command with the loss of only one man. He has become well known in his regiment, and the example of the young Englishman rising from the ranks in six I months and twice distinguishing himself !as an oflicer in the next six months has caused much favourable comment among the Russian officers. I =——--— -