I have proved by living officers, generals, and noblemen that my statement is the living truth to-day, although 43 years have passed. Yet this Colonel Benson was allowed to turn Her Majesty’s and Prince Consort’s Noble Order and the Royal Warrant into mockery and the Victoria Cross into a sham. He was the cause of me receiving an official letter, dated 8th October, 1857, stating that all claims for the Victoria Cross must be founded upon facts. This Colonel Benson wrote the most cruel false statements to the Commander-in-Chief, and was the cause of me purchasing my discharge out of the 17th Lancers, and then losing promotion in the Yeomanry. He made false statements respecting my being promoted to sergeant. I can prove I was promoted in November, 1854, and he did not arrive in the Crimea till 22nd February, 1855. I have received all kinds of official letters telling me they see no reason to open my case. I received an official letter dated 22nd February, 1892, stating that the case cannot now be opened. If a brave British soldier cannot be heard by the authorities, what can he do but appeal to his countrymen? Truth never dies. The royal warrant states, that for the Victoria Cross there shall be no preference of age or rank, and the youngest soldier shall be rewarded for valour. My next article will be to prove that all claims for the Victoria Cross are not founded upon facts. Yet they wear it just the same. I will also prove by their own official letters I never had an investigation. For myself I have the proud consciousness of having done my duty to Queen and country. Fought Under Two Flags, AND A RECORD SECOND TO NONE FOR VALOUR. [Picture: Death or glory flags, skull etc.] NO British soldier that I ever read about did more distinguished proved valour. I received a letter from Major Jervis, late 13th Light Dragoons, dated December 5th, 1876. He says amongst other things “that he well remembers a young corporal of the 17th Lancers helping him to take the gun,” and from the fact named in my letter, it could be none other than myself.