A VICTORIA CROSS HERO.

Evening Star, Issue 10242, 18 February 1897, Page 4

A VICTORIA CROSS HERO.

This case is one of the most romantic deeds of daring to be found even iu the annals of the Victoria Cross. Our fleet lay off the Island of Wardo, in the Baltic, on August 7, 185*, Lieut. Bythesea being an officer of the watch on board H.M.S. Arrogant, senior fligship, commanded by Captain YelvertoD. After paying an official visit to Sir Charles Napier one day, the captain came back to his ship and remarked to young Bythesea that Sir Charles had through him administered a gentle rebuke to the whole fleet. "He has learned," said Captain Yelverton, " that impoitint dei( a f chesfrom the Czar are constantly being landed on the island (Wardo) and then forwarded to the commanding officer at Bomarsund. And Sir Charles is surprised rather that no officer had had sufficient enterprise to put a stop to this kind of thing." This was more than enough for the young lieutenant, who there and then resolved to emulate the exploits of Dick Turpin. The moment his " turn " on deck was over he inquired, at the ship's office whether any man on board spoke Swedish. Yes, Stoker Johnstone did, having beeiiborn in the country ; and Stoker Johnstone found the adventure after his own hesrf. When Captain Yelverton heard of Bythesea's intention he suggested a stronger, "force" than two men for so perilous a mission. He was overruled, however, on the ground that a large party would be likely to attract attention, and bo ruin the whole affair.

On August 9 Johnstone and his officer landed in a small bay and strolled along to a farmhouse close by. Here the gallant stoker got into a conversation with the Finnish farmer, whose language was painful i and frequent and free. This was because the Russians had "hired" all his horses, bo he couldn't gather in his orops. Sympathy with these grievances brought valuable information and hospitality to the " expedition." Johnstone, prompted by his officer, remarked casually, "I hear that mails and despatches are carried through Wardo to Bomarsund ; they'd be important, I suppose?" " Important. 1" echoed the farmer. " I should think so, indeed. Why, the Russians repaired nine miles of the road to facilitate their transport." This was conclusive enough, for when the Rus sians take to road repairing they are usually actuated by something far more urgent than the well-being of the community. The farmer promised hia visitors feed and lodging in an outhouse, if not in the farmhouse itself. It soon became known, however, that a party had landed from the British fleet, and the Russians instituted searching inquiries in every direction, even goitfg as far as domiciliary visits. One night the very farmhouse in which Bythesea and hia companion slept was surrounded by Poldiers, and the adventurous twain had given dp all hope, when they were skilfully saved by their host's young daughter?, who disguised them beautifully as Finnish peasants. After this came several other narrow escapes of capture and certain death. One day these daring fellows met a Russian search party, whereupon they slouched flown to the beach, put off in a small boat, and rowed out to sea, this time masquerading as fishermen. On the morning of August 12—the fourth day of the adventure—Lieutenant Bythesea learned from his farmer friend that the Russian mail was landed, and that these, as well as the usual despatches, would be seat

on tfl tha fortress thafc night -In charge of the Emperor's aide-de-camp. "The escort will number five or ■bt>ri|«s»" contimwerthe farmer, " and will start as soon as t|*nioott, rises. They proceed until tihey reich that part of the island nearest the British fleets aod then they lie low until the moon has,] disappeared." Now, by this time the young officer knew every inch of the rottte traversed, ao at midnight he and his companion took up positions olose to the spot selected as a hiding place by the mail carriers and their escort. In a few minutes the whole Russian,- party came along quietly and concealed themselves at the roadside, one man almost touching the English officer. Suddenly up jumped the latter, his pistol covering the soldier nearest him. Johnstone did the same. Three of the five men were overcome with terror, thinking that a large foroe was upon them, but two of the carriers dropped their bags and took to their i heels. The remaining three were quickly disarmed and sternly ordered to get into the big boat close by, taking the mail bags and despatches with them. The moment the boat was launched the prisoners were compelled to row, Bythesea steering, while the chuckling stoker sat in the bow, revolver in hand. The adventurers were only just in time. Soon after their boat had glided away into the darknes?, the Russian guard came along to see whether the mails had been got through Bafely. Seeing nothing of the carriers they went back singing to report that all was well. When the prisoners had been put on board the Arrogant, the ma'ls and despatches were taken to Sir Charles Napier, whose surprise and admiration were unbounded. The senior officer, General Baraguay.De Hilliers, could not at first credit the story; but his scepticism gave way to enthusiasm on beholding the valuable papers in his own cabin.