BRAVE TO A FAULT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2483, 9 June 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

BRAVE TO A FAULT.

The following incident is recorded by Lieutenant Schoumker, an officer of the Dutch East Indian forces:—Near a fortified post of our foremost lines the Achinese had planted their ling upon a hill, while on the. outskirts of a wood in the immediate neighborhood a strong force of the enemy was posted to prevent the flag from being removed. The flag was only put there to entice us out, which naturally exasperated our soldiers. Several attempts to remove it, organised by the commandant had entailed considerable losses, so further attempts had to be renounced. Nevertheless volunteers were constantly presenting themselves for the work of taking down the piece of red cloth emblazoned with the Achinese arms (a cresent with crossed curved swords in the middle), but permission was as constantly refused. Hereupon the enemy came forth from their wood to taunt and revile us. So things had gone on for some days, when one morning a European fusilier stole unnoticed over our entrenchments and directed his steps towards the aforesaid hill. Fire was at once opened 011 hiin, sending our officers round to the bastion to learn what it was all about. 111 vain they called the daring fellow back, Appearing to be deaf, he tramped forward with the greatest coolness while the enemy directed an uninterrupted fire upon him. At every moment it was expected that he would fall. At last he reached the hill, stopped for a momant, and, with his hands behind his back, contemplated the flag-staff. Then he took up some sand from the ground with which he rubbed his hands, clambered up the staff, tore off the Achinese flag, drewfrom underhis coat the Dutch flag, and fastened it to the pole. Then he let himself to the ground, turned towards the enemy, wiped his boots with the captured flag, and burst into a laugh of derision, while the fire from the wood was still kept up. When he got back again he was placed under arrest for fourteen days for disobedience to orders, but lie soon afterwards received the cross "for valor and loyalty."