THE VICTORIA GROSS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16455, 6 June 1919, Page 3

THE VICTORIA GROSS.

GAINED BY MERCHANT CAPTAIN,

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright, LONDON, May 24.

Archibald Smith, captain of the steamer Otaki, which fought an action with a German raider inlVlarch, 1917, has been awarded the Victoria Cross. Captain Smith refused to obey the Moewe’s signal to stop, and engaged in a gpn duel for 20 minutes at a range of 2000 yards. The Otaki’s gun scored several hits, and the Moewe was set on fire, and the flames were not suppressed for three days. The Otaki suffered casualties and much damage, and when the ship was heavily on fire Smith ordered the crew into the boats, hut himself remained and went down with the Otaki colours flying. The Germans described the duel as “As gallant as naval history can relate.”—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.