HOLDERS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS

Details of Award
That fine, jovial-looking seaman, Chief-Gunner Israel Harding, gained his V.C. on board the Alexandra, at the bombardment of Alexandria. At first the practice of the Egyptian gunners was somewhat erratic, but it improved and very soon well-placed shells were dropping here and there on the British ships.
 
"One", says Mr. Harding himself, "fell close to the sheep-pen on the Alexandra and killed all the poor animals - the only damage the missile did. The next shell tore away our strong iron stanchions, bounded along between Captain Hotham and Staff-Commander Hoskins, then tore a chunk out of the main-mast, and finally went overboard, little regretted. A third shell exploded in our steam launch, killing one man and maiming many others. At this time I was passing through the main upper decks to inspect the supply of ammunition for the guns, when a huge shell from Fort Ada came plunging through the Alexandra's port bulwark - just past the feet of Commander Thomas, who was standing on the hammock netting. The projectile was deflected by a metal stanchion, and then entered the Commander's cabin, where it exploded with an appalling roar, tearing and destroying everything. I was then about to descend the ladder of the next deck leading to the after powder magazine, when another great shell pierced the ship's side and passed through the torpedo lieutenant's cabin. It then struck the strong iron combings of the engine-room, and bounded onto the deck among the blue-jackets, who instantly screamed "A shell" A shell".
 
"My own course of action was decided upon as quick as thought. I just picked up that shell, and flung it into a tub full of water. It was heavy, hot, and grimy. It is dreadful to think what would have happended had the shell exploded. Close at hand was the hatchway leading to the magazine which at that moment contained twenty-five tons of gun powder. For this act of duty, concludes Mr. Harding modestly, "I was promoted to chief gunner, and later on recommended for the Victoria Cross."
 
Israel Harding was invested with his Victoria Cross on the 14th November 1882, by Admiral Sir Frederick Beauchamp Seymour, C-in-C Malta. He died at his daughter's house, Silkstead House, Billinghurst, Sussex on the 22nd May 1917, aged 83, and was buried four days later in the Highland Road Cemetery, Portsmouth.
An extract from an article in "The Strand Magazine, dated 12th October 1896, entitled "Sailor VCs"
 
Life in Southsea
Harding is known to have lived in Albert Road, (1881-1882), Edmonton Terrace, (1884-1885), 9 (later renumbered 19) Lawrence Road, Southsea and at 84 St. Augustine Road.
 
Naval Career
1849 - HMS 'Arrogant' - Home Station
1853 - HMS 'Excellent' - Royal Naval Gunnery School
1854-55 - HMS 'Cressy' - Operations in the Baltic Sea against the Russians ( Baltic Medal )
1862 - HMS 'Barracouta' - Expedition to Mexico and occupation of Vera Cruz
1871 - HMS 'Gladiator' - South American Station (*)
1874 - HMS 'Victoria Emanuel' - West African Station ( Ashantee Medal )
1882 - HMS 'Alexandra' - Arabi Pasha Rebellion, Egypt, bombardment of Alexandria ( Egypt Medal )
1883 - took part in Admiral Markham's Arctic Expedition
 
[Portrait 2 published by kind permission of Ron Williams, Great Great Grandson of Israel Harding.]