THE VICTORIA CROSS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 56, 24 July 1912, Page 6

THE VICTORIA CROSS

CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE. A very fine tiling in cinematography is to "be shown .at the Empire Theatre tonight (Wednesday) and the two succeeding evenings. It is a grand historical war feature film, entitled, "The Victoria Cross," or "The Charge of the Light Brigade." Lieutenant Cholmondeley aspires to the hand of his colonel's daughter, and although he has .won her heart, the father withholds his consent to the match until the young man has "won big «purs." War is declared with Russia, and the bright dream of the young couple is interrupted. as the lieutenant has to take ■his farewell and leave for the Crimea.

The hardships endured by the British Army in the campaign of 1854-55, were terrible in the extreme, for not only had they to face a powerful foe, but also to contend 'with the great severities of climate. Stirred by the sad tidings which reached England of the sufferings of the sick ;md wounded in the military hospitals. Florence Nightingale organised a band of nurses and hastened to their relief. Among those who enlisted for this noble work was the fiancee of Lieut. Cholmondeley, and she is recognised by It"i- father on iho arrival of .this devoted band at the front. At first the colonel ii. sitates to allow his daughter to expose herself to the dangers and privations which duty on the battlefield entail, but she is not to lie dissuaded from her selfimposed task, to which she proceeds .under her father's commendation. We see some of the terrible scenes of this bitter campaign, enacted under a fierce and blinding snowstorm, and in which the nurses are ministering to the wants of the stricken troops. At length, under tragic circumstances, Lieutenant Cholmondeley is given the opportunity of winning his spurs. The Light Brigade is ordered to take the Russian guns. The task is an unequal one, and as the small body of 600 cavalry form up one feels that they are being hurled to certain death.

"Forward the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!" he said. Into the valley of death, Rode the Six Hundred. The colonel's -daughter watches from the tent the departure of the little band of heroes, which includes her father and her lover. She turns her glasses on the distant, -well-defended Russian battery belching forth fire and shot, and is smitten with terror as she realises the wellnigh impossible task that the Light Brigade -has been called upon to perform. There is no faltering. Straight they ride though shot and shell tear through their ranks and nianv a saddle is emptied. They reach the guns, those that are left of them, and the gunners ihave fled in terror and surprise. Hope rises in the heart of the brave girl who so -anxiously watches, as she sees the serried ranks of the Light Brigade form to return, their task accomplished. Again the guns boom out, and to her horror the girl sees her father thrown to the ground, his horse shot under .him. Lieutenant Cholmondeley turns and dashes to his chief's assistance, he cuts down several Russians and hurls another to the ground. Placing the colonel upon his horse he brings him safely through the hail of shot and shell, and they take their stand with the sad remnant who rally after the gallant charge. They that had fought so well Game through the jaws of death, Back from the mouth of'hell, All that was left of them, Left of Six Hundred.

The campaign is over, the army returns to England and is welcomed by Queen Victoria, who, having learned of the heroic deed of Lieutenant Cholmondeley, fastens to his breast, with her own hands, the newly instituted order which bears her name. There is no longer any barrier to the happiness of the lovers and the colonel cordially receives the young V.C. as his future son-in-law. ''When can tlieir glory fade? Oh! the wild charge they made, All the world wondered. Honor the charge they made, Honor the Light Brigade, Noble Six Hundred." The management invite all Taranaki yrar veterans to the show on Friday evening. Their war medals will serve as tickets to the stalls.