Note 120 — BATTLE OF SOBRAON. 10th. February, 1846.

A most gallant act was performed by Sergeant Bernard McCabe, of the 31st. Foot. Lieutenant Tritton, bearing the Queen’s colour, was shot through the head, and Ensign Jones, who carried the regimental one, was nearly at the same time mortally wounded. The regimental colour falling to the ground, was seized by Sergeant McCabe, who rushing forward, crossed the ditch, and planted it on the highest point of the enemy’s fortifications, maintaining his position under a most tremendous fire, the colour being completely riddled with shot. The men, cheering, scrambled into the works as best they could, and drove the enemy into the river, Lieutenant Noel bearing the Queen’s colour, the staff of which shivered in his hand. Sergeant McCabe was appointed to an ensigncy in the 18th. Royal Irish Regiment, on the recommendation of the late General Sir Harry Smith, who pronounced this deed to be one of the most daring he ever witnessed, and which he considered tended much to shorten the struggle. Captain McCabe, of the 32nd., to which regiment he was afterwards promoted, died of wounds, received while leading his fourth sortie, at Lucknow, on the 1st. of October, 1857.