LIEUTENANT SOAMES AND THE VICTORIA CROSS.

Western Star, Issue 281, 25 January 1879, Page 7

LIEUTENANT SOAMES AND THE VICTORIA CROSS.

T. Standish, Lieut. E. A. writes as follows to the Otago Daily Times: — Having seen a paragraph in the Times bearing date December 11th, 1878, referring to the capture of the Lieutenants Sullivan and Soames of the Eoyal Engineers, by brigands in Mexico, it will be interesting to the readers of the Times —more so, as Lieut. Soames, is at the present time stationed in Dunedin—to know something of bis past history. Lieut. Soames is the youngest surviving son of T. E. Soames, Esq., and grandson of Lieutenant Colonel Soames, late Bengal Horse; was born 1816, and entered the army at the early age of sixteen as cornet in the Hussars, and served with them in many parts of the world. "Was transferred to the Eoyal Engineers in 1868, and volunteered his service to the French at the commencement of the Franco-Prnssian War. This brave young soldier took a most active part in that war with the army of General MacMahon, and distinguished himself in every encounter with the enemy. On one occasion he was taken prisoner by the Prussians and sentenced to be shot as a spy but through the timely interference of the British Ambassador he was at once released, and for distinguished acts of bravery was invested with the Legion of Honor— the highest boner the French nation can bestow. One of the most heroic acts of bravery recorded during the war was in the siege of Paris, where a number of French officers were engaged in a consultation, and amongst them was Lieut. Soames, when a shell from a Prussian mortar came crashing through the roof of the quarters, when Lieut. Soames, with a presence of mind almost unequaled, took it up in his hands and deliberately pitched it out through the window into the street, where it immediately exploded, blowing in the front of the house, fortunately without injuring any of the occupants. He also took any active part in the Ashantee War, and for distinguished acts of bravery in that war was recommended for that honorable distinction which is dear to every soldiers heart—the Victoria Cross, and was invested with the same on his return to England. Never could the V. C. glitter on a braver breast. He was at Coommassie the gallant leader of the forlorn hope, and was struck down with the cheer of “ Victory !” on his lips, but strong arms raised him from the ground and bore him to a place of safety. He was severely wounded, being shot through the body ; but he thought little of his wounds when the next morning he received a visit from his general, commending him for the courage he displayed and the noble example he bad.set his comrades; but his generous heart led him to think more of others than himself. Long may he be spared to wear the Cross—a living witness that England can appreciate and reward such acts of gallantry. There is one incident worthy of special notice: Lieut. Soames at the storming of Coomassie was accompanied by a brother lieutenant, named Sulivan, who loved him with more than a brothers love. When he saw his brave comrade fall he rushed forward and raised him in his arms, under a murderous fire from the enemy, but shortly after shared the same fate. Lieut. Soames is at the present time on half-pay from his regiment.