Lance Corporal George Sellar of the 72nd Highlanders awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in Afghanistan 14th Dec. 1879 On 14th December 1879, during an attack by the Field Force
and its artillery on a large Afghan position on the Asmai Heights outside Kabul, the 72nd Highlanders reached the highest peak and attacked it at the point of bayonet. The attack, in which 600 Afghans were killed was witnessed by General Roberts through his glass, and Lance Corporal George Sellar was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry. His citation reads: “For conspicuous
gallantry displayed by him at the assault on the Asmai Heights, round Kabul, on the 14th December 1879, in having in a marked manner led the attack, under a heavy fire, and dashing on in front of the party up a slope, engaged in a desperate conflict with an Afghan who sprang out to meet him. In this encounter Lance Corporal Sellar was severely wounded.” (London Gazette 18 October 1881) |