Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-10-29
PLUCKY CHARLEY COMBES.

One OF Cne TlOSC caring ledtS uuTluS LIle
recent rebellion in the Northwest was per-
formed by soldier in the ranks who went
with the regulars from Toronto. At the
risk of losing his life he performed an act
which had an important bearing on the f.
nal defeat and rout of the rebels. At the
commencement of the siege of Batoche the
Northcote, passing down the Saskatchewan
attracted the fire of the rebels from either
bank of the river. She was able to keep
up constant communication with the at
tacking column on land by blowing the
steam whistle. This displayed to the Gen.
eral the position of the rebels and also
showed that the boat had not been siezed.
The vessel was under heavy fire and the
brave defenders had to seek refuge behind
boxes of corned beef and bags Of oatmeal
piled on either side. Across the river was
an elevated cable beneath which the vessel
had to pass. 1t will be remembered that
the rebels lowered one end of the cable to
stop further progress. The boat, however,
went on and the smoke stacks, flag staff,
and steam whistle were broken off by the
cable Thus all communication with the
column was stopped. Assoon as the whist
ling ceased those on land attacking the
rebel stronghold thought the boat had been
seized. The Importance of keeping up
communication was recognized by all on
board. Maj. Smith of G Company had
hurried conference with the captain of the
boat to ascertain what could be done, but
satisfactory conclusion could not be arrived
at. The engineer was unwilling to risk his
life in trying to repair the damage. Maj.
Smith then called for volunteer to 60 up
and screw the whistle on. Private Charles
Combes of G Company Immediately offered
to undertake the hazardous job. In order
to fix the whistle on again it was necessary
to stand on top of the Wheelhouse and screw
it to the pipe. The chances of being shot
were very great, as the rebels were keeping
up continual fire. The ships carpenter
cut hole through the upper deck to the
wheelhouse. Private Combes got into the
wheelhouse through the hole and from
thence he climbed through the window to
the top of the structure. The bullets were
flying fast and it was momentarily expected
that he would be shot. He reached tn the
top in safety and began screWing on the
whistle to the pipe five feet above the roof
He was completely exposed to the fire of the
rebels. Fortune seemed to favor him, for
though the bullets were directed at him
they did not strike the mark. The pipe TO
which Combes was screwing the whistle
was struck twice, land the board on which
he was standing was pierced by balls, with
in two inches of his feet. At last, however,
the job was done, and amid the applause of
all on board he descended the same way as
he had gone up. The whistle worked all
right and communication was once more
restored with the column. Private Combes
was congratulated by the officers for his
bravery. Captain Bedson, chief of the
Transport Company, was warm in his con-
gratulations and promised the young hero
$50 as a reward for his brave conduct.
When the company arrived at Battleford
Col. Otter ordered parade of troops. He
called upon Private Combes to fall out, pre-
senting him with the check promised by
Capt. Bedson, said he was very proud Of
the brave action, and spoke highly OF the
service rendered. Private Combes is 16
years of age and of English birth. He has
lived in Toronto for the past few years.
His father is an old member of the Toronto
police force.