Memorial cross, from grave of Lieutenant-Colonel WH Dick-Cunyngham, Gordon Highlanders

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This tin memorial cross is from the grave of Lieutenant-Colonel WH Dick-Cunyngham VC, a popular commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in 1900 during the South African War. A memorial cairn was erected on the spot where he was shot, with every man in the battalion placing a stone on it. The cross is made from a beef tin.

Gordon Highlanders - Cross, made from a beef tin, which marked the spot where Colonel Dick Cunningham was killed, 1900

Dick-Cunyngham was hit by a sniper's bullet during the siege of Ladysmith. Weeks earlier he had received an enthusiastic welcome from his men when he returned to the battalion after being wounded in the battle of Elandslaagte.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-002-333-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  M.1934.24
• Date: 1900
  
• Material: Made from beef tin
  Memorial cross
  
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• What: Memorial cross
  
• Subject: Miscellanea
  
• Who: Colonel Dick Cunningham
  Gordon Highlanders (British land forces)
  
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