Death of a Naval Hero.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 461, 9 April 1890, Page 6

Death of a Naval Hero.

Vice-Admiral Edward Pelham Brenton Von Donop, who died on the 27th of January, at his residence, 31, Parkstreet, Bath, at the age of seventy-eight, was the second son of the late George, Baron Von Donop, and was born in November, 1811. He entered the navy in June, 1827’ passed his examination in 1833, and was promoted to a lieutenancy in June, 1838. Two years later, while serving in the Favourite on the East Indian Station, having landed with his captain ami a party of ninety officers, seamen, and marines at Tongataboo, one of the Friend ly Islands, for the purpose of assisting the native Christians in a war then raging between them and the heathen part of the population, he proceeded with some 1,500 native troops to attack a fortress of great strength, situated five miles in the interior. Being deserted by their allies while in the act of storming, the British, after losing their captain and many others, were forced to retire Mr Von Donop, on seeing his captain fall, and the first lieutenant being severely wounded, succeeded in command, and endeavoured to no purpose to rally his men. In this emergency, with singular valour, he rushed along over a narrow bridge, which crossed the fosse, and under a shower of musket balls, bore away his captain’s body. Scarcely had he, however, rejoined his party, who were in full retreat, when the colours were found to be missing. He returned to the scene of action with one man, and succeeded with much difficulty in securing them. On rejoining the Favourite he took command of the vessel, and continued so to act until shereached Sydney. He became commander in January, 1849, captain in September, 1855, and was placed on the retired list in April, 1871, being advanced to the rank of rearadmiral in August, 1873, and to that of viceadmiral in Marcn, 1878. Admiral Von Donop, who wa3 a magistrate for married in 1843 Louisa Mary Diana, second daughter of the late Mr John Brenton, of Fetcham, Surrey.