A VETERAN WINNER OF V.C.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1922, Page 9

A VETERAN WINNER OF V.C.

STIRRING EVENTS. Stirring events of the Maori War, the Zulu War, and other campaigns were recounted the other day by Captain Johnston, V.C., an aged veteran living in a humble one-roomed cottage at Raetihi, to a Wanganui Herald representative. At the advanced age of 84, the Captain’ is in full possession of all his faculties, enjoys good health, and maintains himself by working at odd jobs in the neighborhood. He carries his high honors very humbly, though he delights to have a friendly chat and recount his thrilling experiences, which he vividly recalls, as a campaigner for several years in New Zealand, two years in the Ashantee War, and a V.C. hero in the Zulu War. Captain Johnstdn was born on February 8. 1838, and in July 1563-. he arrived in New Zealand attached to the 18th Royal Irish.

The Maori King’s tribes in the Waikato were at that period in conflict with the British forces and the friendly natives and it was at Otahuhu where the regiment first came into action with the natives, and thereafter played no insignificant part all through the Waikato War, with other troops, finder the supreme. command of General Sir Duncan Cameron. Amongst the actions in which Captain Johnston participated were Otahuhu, Orakau, Rangiriri, Drury, Te Rangi, Ngaruwahia. Hamilton, Thames and the Gate Pah in Tauranga. It was in South Africa, however, that Captain Johnston gained the most prized decoration bestowed by the King. The occasion was the operations on the day following the battle of Isandawana. which was so costly to the British forces engaged in the Zululand campaign. While in the thick of the fray he saw a Zulu with the missing Colors of the 24th tied round his chest. There i<? little to tell. The fight was short and sharp, and Captain Johnston triumphantly secured the cherished Standard. His Cross bears the following inscription: “Captain Johnston V.C., Jan. 24. 1879, 6th Iniskillen Dragoons. For bravery; South Africa.”