Memorial to Harringay Boy Unveiled

                                                                                                                                          Photo: Metropolitan Police

This week a Victoria Cross commemorative paving stone was unveiled to honour  Private Robert Cruikshank. Born in Canada in 1888, Cruickshank moved to 16 Roseberry Gardens.

Cuickshank receuived the Victoria Cross for his action  in Egypt on 1 May 1918. His citation related the following tale.

The platoon to which Private Cruickshank belonged came under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire at short range and was led down a steep bank into a wadi, most of the men being hit before they reached the bottom. Immediately after reaching the bottom of the wadi the officer in command was shot dead, and the sergeant who then took over command sent a runner back to Company Headquarters asking for support, but was mortally wounded almost immediately after; the corporal having in the meantime been killed, the only remaining N.C.O. (a lance-corporal), believing the first messenger to have been killed, called for a volunteer to take a second message back.

Pvt Cruickshank immediately responded and rushed up the slope, but was hit and rolled back into the wadi bottom. He again rose and rushed up the slope, but, being again wounded, rolled back into the wadi. After his wounds had been dressed he rushed a third time up the slope and again fell badly wounded. Being now unable to stand he rolled himself back amid a hail of bullets. His wounds were now of such a nature as to preclude him making any further attempt and he lay all day in a dangerous position, being sniped at and again wounded where he lay. He displayed the utmost valour and endurance, and was cheerful and uncomplaining throughout.

Cruickshank died in 1961.

On Google Maps, the memorial is here.