THE Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross upon the undermentioned Warrant Officer of the Royal Navy, whose claim has been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for an act of gallant conduct performed by him during the Naval Attack, of 11th July last, on the batteries of Alexandria, in Egypt, as recorded against his name:-
Name and Rank.
Act of Bravery for which recommended.
Mr. Israel Harding, Gunner, of Her Majesty's Ship "Alexandra"
At about nine o'clock, on the morning of the 11th July, whilst Her Majesty's "Alexandra" was engaging the Forts at Alexandria, a 10-inch spherical shell passed through the ship's side and lodged on the main deck. Mr. Harding hearing the shout "there is a live shell just above the hatchway," rushed up the ladder from below, and, observing that the fuse was burning, took some water from a tub standing near, and threw it over the projectile, then picked up the shell and put it into the tub. Had the shell burst, it would have probably destroyed many lives.
