A HERO OF THE CRIMEA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 188, 28 December 1912, Page 5

A HERO OF THE CRIMEA.

DEATH OF A WANGANUI RESIDENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, December 26. • A well-known resident of Wanganui, and an old and distinguished veteijmi in the person of Lieutenant Neville Thornton, passed away to-day at the ripe old age of 77. The deceased, who had been in failing health for some yearn, held the French decoration, the Legion of Honour for distinguished service in the Crimean War at the storming of the Mamalon. The Mainalon was a fortified post, the key of the Redan, from which the allies had been repulsed by the Russians several times. On the occasion of the last repulse Lieutenant Thornton seized a tricolour from the standard-bearer and rushed into the breach made in the wall by the French artillery. The men fol ; lowed, and victory crowned their efforts. I'or this signal act of bravery King Louis Napoleon pinned the distinguished honour on the hero's l))'t'it*t. Lieutenant Thoriton was afterwards appointed to a regiment in Algiers. Alter retiring from the M i-vice on a pension he came to Australia, where he lived for some years, subsequently coming to New Zealand. For some years he rcnided at Palmerston North, and latterly in Wanganui, where he was well-known and widely, .respected.