Henry MacDonald VC

b. 28/05/1823 Inverness, Scotland. d. 15/02/1893 Glasgow, Scotland.

Henry MacDonald (1823-1893) was born in Inverness, Scotland on 28th May 1823, and it is believed his family was quite religious, as during this time before becoming a soldier, we know that Henry contemplated becoming a monk.

Henry MacDonald VC

His career took a path away from religion and he enlisted with the Corps of Royal Engineers sometime prior to the outbreak of hostilities on the Crimean Peninsula. He had risen to the rank of Colour Sergeant and his life would change dramatically following the events of 19th April 1855 during the Siege of Sebastopol. During the left advance of the right attack on Sebastopol, MacDonald was heavily engaged in effecting a lodgement in the enemy’s rifle pits. Then, when his commanding officer was hit by enemy fire and disabled, he took command and persisted in carrying on the action, notwithstanding the repeated attacks of the enemy.

MacDonald was recognised for his gallantry in the London Gazette on 4th June 1858 with the award of the Victoria Cross. Colour Sergeant MacDonald then became Garrison Quartermaster of Gibraltar and was promoted to Captain.

Following his army service, he retired back to Scotland, and died on 15th February 1893 in Glasgow. He was buried in the Western Necropolis, Glasgow. His medals are held by the Glasgow Resources Centre, and have been on display at the Kelvingrove Art Museum and Gallery in the past.

 

LOCATION OF MEDAL: GLASGOW MUSEUMS RESOURCE CENTRE.

BURIAL PLACE: WESTERN NECROPOLIS, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. SECTION K, LAIR 957.

Acknowledgement:

Thomas Stewart – The MacDonald VC Medal Group when on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, Scotland.