Warrington marks Pieter's Hill anniversary of Boer War

SOLDIERS past and present came together on Sunday to commemorate those who lost their lives in one of the battles of the Boer War.

Silence fell over Queen's Gardens in Palmyra Square as veterans and serving soldiers, in the presence of the Mayor, Clr Jean Flaherty marked the 123nd anniversary of the battle of Pieter's Hill.

The ceremony traditionally takes place next to the statue of Lt Col W McCarthy O'Leary, who commanded the 1st battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment when it left Preston for South Africa.

The ceremony in Queen's Gardens on Sunday lunchtime

His words, as he led the charge on Pieter's Hill, have become a part of the regiment's history. He told his gallant troops: "Remember men, the eyes of Lancashire are watching over you."

But the Colonel and three of his men were sadly killed at the moment of victory on February 27, 1900.

The statue was unveiled seven years later on February 21, 1907, and has since been the venue for the annual commemoration parade.