Lot Essay
Private R. Cherrington was wounded during the Boer night attack on the garrison at Belfast on 8.1.1901, an action in which Private J. Barry, Royal Irish Regiment won a posthumous Victoria Cross.
The Boers attacked at midnight on 7.1.1901 under cover of a thick driving mist. It was a strong, brief and bloody assault that was eventually repulsed by the British and called off at dawn. The Gordon Highlanders defended the south section of the perimeter with such gusto that the Boers failed to make headway. The Times History noted that 'The south-western picket under Lieutenant McLaren, 2nd Lieutenant Sworder and 30 men of 'F' Company, bore the brunt of the attack and made a particularly fine defence of their trenches and sangars against a strong body of Boers.' The Gordon's losses were three killed and 14 wounded.
The Boers attacked at midnight on 7.1.1901 under cover of a thick driving mist. It was a strong, brief and bloody assault that was eventually repulsed by the British and called off at dawn. The Gordon Highlanders defended the south section of the perimeter with such gusto that the Boers failed to make headway. The Times History noted that 'The south-western picket under Lieutenant McLaren, 2nd Lieutenant Sworder and 30 men of 'F' Company, bore the brunt of the attack and made a particularly fine defence of their trenches and sangars against a strong body of Boers.' The Gordon's losses were three killed and 14 wounded.