The Boer War medal to Private J.H. Ainsley, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action at the little known but gallant defence of Lichtenburg

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal (4494 he., North'd. Fus.) nearly extremely fine and a scarce combination of clasps to the regiment .

Ex. Jack Wadey Collection

Private J.H. Ainsley was killed in action at Lichtenburg on 3 March 1901. 'In the second phase of the campaign the 9th was entirely non-existent as a brigade acting together. The 1st Northumberland Fusiliers at times alone remained with Lord Methuen, and often only a portion of the battalion accompanied the general on his endless treks during the latter part of 1900 and beginning of 1901. Three hundred men of the Northumberland Fusiliers and 200 Imperial Yeomanry were the garrison of Lichtenburg under Colonel Money when that place was, on 3rd March 1901, attacked by a Boer force of 1500. The attack commenced at 3 a.m. and continued till midnight, when the enemy retired, having been completely repulsed at all points, with a loss of 60 killed and wounded and 7 prisoners. The casualties of the garrison, who made a gallant defence, were 2 officers and 13 men of the Fusiliers, and 1 other killed and about 26 wounded, of whom the majoriry belonged to the battalion. Four officers and 7 non-commissioned officers and men of the battalion were mentioned in despatches for great gallantry on this occasion. (Ref 'Our Regiments in South Africa,' J. Stirling)