[PART II.]
THE CHARGE OF THE ULSTER DIVISION.
ULSTER’S SACRIFICE.
Ah! fair July of tear and sigh
Sad was the news you brought
To many an ancient noble Hall,
And humble peasants’ cot,
Within our old courageous land
Of honour, truth and worth
Grave Ulster of the Iron Will,
Proud Province of the North.
H. G. Gallagher.
The following account of the great battle is taken from different stories and official accounts given by Officers and men who came through that memorable day. It has been censored by several Commanding Officers in the Division, who ascertain to the correctness of it in detail. In a letter received by General Sir George Richardson, K.C.B., commanding the Ulster Volunteer Force, from General Nugent, commanding the Ulster Division, the following passages occur:—
“Before you get this we shall have put the value of the Ulster Division to the supreme test. I have no fear of the result. I am certain no General in the Army out here has a finer Division, fitter or keener. I am certain they will be magnificent in attack, and we could hardly have a date better calculated to inspire national traditions amongst our men of the North.[2] It makes me very sad to think what the price may be, but I am quite sure the Officers and men reck nothing of that.”
