b. 09/02/1835 Inverness, Scotland. d. 14/08/1902 London.
John Grant Malcolmson (1835-1902) was born on the 9th February 1835, in Muchrach, near Inverness, Scotland. He was the son of James Malcolmson. He entered the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, served in the Anglo-Persian War, and was present at the capture of Reshire and surrender of Bushire. He would later serve in the Indian Mutiny Campaign, and was present at the Central India operations from the siege of Ratghur to the fall of Calpe.
John G Malcolmson
VC MVO
During the Persian Expedition of 1856-57, Malcolmson would be one of three men to be awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette, 3rd August 1860) for his actions in this conflict. During an attack on the enemy on 8th February 1857, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Forbes, Lieutenant Moore, the Adjutant of the Regiment was first into the square. His horse was immediately hit by musket fire and fell dead, crushing down his rider and breaking his sword as he fell amid the broken ranks of the enemy. Lieutenant Moore speedily extricated himself, and attempted using his broken sword to break through the enemy, but his chances of survival were slim. At this point, Lieutenant Malcolmson, seeing Moore in trouble, fought his way through the enemy to get to the dismounted Moore. He offered Moore a stirrup, and pulled him up onto his own horse, and safely carried him through the crowds.
Malcolmson was presented with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria on 9th November 1860 at Home Park, Windsor Castle. He later became a Gentleman-at-Arms in 1870, and lived his later life in London. He died suddenly at his home, 29 Bramham Gardens, South West London on 14th August 1902. He was buried in the family mausoleum at Kensal Green Cemetery. His medals are now held by the National Army Museum, Chelsea.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, CHELSEA.
BURIAL PLACE: KENSAL GREEN CEMETERY, LONDON.
SQUARE 99-RS, FAMILY VAULT 14117
Acknowledgements:
Kevin Brazier – Cemetery Map.
Thomas Stewart – medal group at the National Army Museum.