A LONG RIDE.

North Otago Times, 22 May 1909, Page 1 (Supplement)

A LONG RIDE.

'An Indian officer reminds U8 of & fine performance made by the Southern Maratta Irregular Horse in the early days of the Indian Mutiny in 1857. When the 27th Native Infantry mutinied at Kolhaporc, they took up a rather formidable position outside the town, closo to tho gates, in a small outwork. Meanwhile aid was telegraphed for to Satarnh, which was eighty-one milos off, and Lieut. Kerr, with a detachment of fifty troopers of the Southern Maratta Horse was ordered to its relief.

Leaving Satarnh on the evening of the 2nd August he and his troopers reached Kolhapore in twenty-six hours, having covered a distance of eighty-one miles without a halt. And this, be is remembered, with five swollen rivers on their way, and a road up to their horses' fetlocks for it was tho season of the rains, and tho country mostly black cotton soil. Hut this was not all, for immediately on arrival Kerr and his gallant troopers were ordered to attack the rebel position. The mutineers, made a desperate resistance, but a secret entrance to the outwork having been pointed out to Lioiitennnt Kerr, he dashed in, followed by his troopers, whom he had caused to dismount, and fought his way to the interior of the building, which was carried, only three of the mutineers being unaccounted for. Lieut. Kerr, who, T believe, is still living, very deservedly received the Victoria Cross for his gallantry, while his men were warmly commended for the bravery and loyalty which they exhibited on this, as every other occasion during the mutiny.