BIG GUN DUEL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 588, 26 July 1913, Page 3

BIG GUN DUEL.

Even war, with all its urim nor tt, has now and thru a hit o: fun, and enemies, pitted against eael other in deadly struck, can rela? into friendly controversy, a genera relates a curious incident of the Crimean War. While the Army lay before Sevastopol mucl: speculation went on in regard to relative merits of certain Russian and certain British guns. One day, during M n armistice, ;, Russian otlicer oi artillery came tc the British lines and asked to sec the commander of the British artillery. "Your sixty-eight pounder that your people call " Jenny ' is a beautiful gun," said the Russian ; " but we have" one as good in the embrasure, and we should like a fail duel with her. - ' Arrangements were made that at twelve the next day all other finny should cease, and that the two guns should be put to the test At the appointed U'ime a large number of officers were assembled to view tke contest. The British sailors of the gun detachment took off their caps and saluted the Russians, who returned the compliment. The British gun, rs the senior, was allowed to fire first. It struck the side of the Russian embrasure. Then the Russians returned a good shot. The third shot from 'Jenny*' went clear through the enemy's embrasure. The bluejackets, thinking the victory was theirs, jumped upon the parapets and cheered. But they were, mistaken. In a minute out came the Russian gun again and delivered several accurate shots. "Jenny" got a had thump on her side, but it did no material harm. At the seventh shot from the British side the Russian gun was knocked clean over. The British fellows cheered vociiero'isly. and the Russian? mounted ths parapet and took otf their hats in acknowledgment of defeat. This ended the great duel, and more serious hostilities were resumed.