One of the most gallant acts which can be conceived is the seizing a
live shell and casting it away, so as to prevent mischief from its
explosion. A second's delay may be fatal, and the man who picks up the
shell cannot tell whether the second in question will be allowed him. If
it bursts in his hands it means certain death. Not only the greatest,
but also the promptest, courage is needed for such an act of courage.
Among the few who have performed such a feat is Sergeant Ablett, late
Grenadier Guards, whose own modest account is as follows:--
On the 2nd September, 1854, when in the trenches before
Sebastopol, the sentries shouted "Look out there!" a shell
coming right in the trenches at the same moment and dropping
amongst some barrels of ammunition. I at once pulled it from
them. It ran between my legs, and I then picked it up and threw
it out of the trench; it burst as it touched the ground. From
the force of it I fell, and was covered by its explosion with
gravel and dirt.
Sergeant Baker and others picked me up, and asked if I was hurt.
I said, "No; but I have had a good shaking." There was a great
number in the trenches at the time, but I am glad to say no one
was hurt. The Sergeant reported the circumstances to the officer
in charge.
On coming off duty I was taken before the commanding officer,
and promoted to the rank of Corporal, and then Sergeant. He also
presented me with a silk necktie made by her most gracious
Majesty. I was at the battles of Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman, and
the capture of Sebastopol after eleven months' siege. This is
all I think I need say as to myself and the Victoria Cross. My
likeness is to be found in Victoria Cross Picture Gallery,
Crystal Palace, and Alexandra Palace.
[Illustration: "I THREW IT OUT OF THE TRENCH."]