the British vessels were allowed to approach within half a mile before the enemy opened their fire, which proved extremely heavy, and raked the Satellite until she brought up by the stern with a bower anchor, the Diana hanging by her, at about forty yards distant from the enemy’s works, enfilading the whole of their right, and commanding their left abreast of her; in performing which Lieutenant Dobson and Mr. Winsor rendered Captain Chads much assistance. The Satellite’s broadside was then opened with great effect, and on board the Diana a detachment of the Bengal rocket-corps, under Captain Charles Graham, showed admirable practice; in a quarter of an hour the en«ny were seen in great confusion, and orders given to storm, which was done in gallant style. Lieutenant Keele and acting Lieutenant Hall, with their boats’ crews, “were the first to enter the enemy’s position, and,” adds Lieutenant-Colonel Godwin, “their conduct was most conspicuous. These were followed by Captain O’Reilly, with the grenadiers of H.M. 41st regiment.” The resistance within was trifling, although the place was garrisoned by two thousand fighting men. TTie enemy suffered severely, and were followed for a mile and a half; a few prisoners were taken, and many deserters came in the following day. The loss on the part of the assailants amounted to no more than one seaman drowned, and three soldiers, four British sailors, and two Lascars wounded[1].
- ↑ Upon approaching the stockade, Mr. George Wyke, midshipman of the Alligator, jumped overboard from that ship’s launch, holding his sword, by the becket, in his mouth, with a hope of getting on shore before any of his companions. The strong tide and great depth of water rendered his situation extremely dangerous; but fortunately he got hold of an oar, thrown to him by Mr. Valentine Pickey, and was rescued in time to enable him to enter the stockade amongst the foremost of the assailants. While Mr. Wyke was resting on the oar, the loom of it was carried away by one of the enemy’s shot.
On the 18th Dec. 1827, this young officer, then serving under Sir Thomas Staines, in the Isis 50, jumped from the taffrail of that ship, and saved the life of a valuable seaman, who had fallen overboard in the Mediterranean; the wind then blowing strong, the ship in stays, and the weather very cold. Mr. Wyke has since passed his examination.
