Risen From the Ranks.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8421, 21 January 1899, Page 4

Risen From the Ranks.

Just seventeen years ago a young sergeant was promoted to a commission for his gallantry in the Afghan campaign. To-day he is a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and second in command of a famous cavalry regiment. This olticer is Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Finn, -.'lst Lancers, whose promotion to this rank has just been gazetted on account of his distinguished services in the recent, Egyptian fighting. Enlisting in )S7l, Colonel Finn was soon sent out to India, and, a few years later found himself sewing in the expedition under Lord Roberts. At the end of the campaign, in ISSI, he had received the modal for "distinguished conduct In the field," and a commission as second lieutenant. In sixyears from this date he had gained his I roop, and in lS94a majority. While in India he spent a good deal of time on the staff, and in Burmah served as assistant adjutant-general. In connection with this officer's career, it is interesting to note that had the present operation of the rules in respect to promotion from the ranks been in force, he would never have gained his first commission. This wojM also have been the ease with another distinguished soldier, Major-General Hector Mac-Donald, A.D.C., C.1!., D S 0