Captain Peel of the _Leander_ repeated the exploit of Mr Lucas, already
related, under even more exciting circumstances.
He was in command of a battery outside Sebastopol on the 18th of
October, when a live shell with fuse burning fell among the powder cases
outside the magazine. Had it exploded, it would in any case have
created great havoc, but there was the additional risk that it might
explode the magazine, in which case everyone near would have been
killed. The moment it fell, Captain Peel seized it and threw it over
the parapet, which was not quite the same as throwing it overboard at
sea, for it exploded as it fell, but happily, being outside the battery,
caused no mischief.
Captain Peel distinguished himself on many occasions during the war. At
the battle of Inkermann he joined the officers of the Grenadier Guards,
and assisted them in defending and saving the colours of the regiment
when hard-pressed in the Sandbag Battery. At the assault of the Redan
he volunteered to lead the ladder-party, and carried the first ladder
until disabled by a severe wound.