David MacKay (VC): Difference between revisions
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==Life== |
==Life== |
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Born at |
Born at Alterwall, Howe, Lyth, [[Scotland]], the son of a [[farm]] [[labourer]], he enlisted in the 93rd Highlanders (which became the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders and ultimately the [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders]]) on 23 December 1850. |
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==The VC== |
==The VC== |
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Revision as of 15:36, 18 August 2009
David MacKay VC (23 November 1831 - 18 November 1880) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces.
Life
Born at Alterwall, Howe, Lyth, Scotland, the son of a farm labourer, he enlisted in the 93rd Highlanders (which became the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders and ultimately the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) on 23 December 1850.
The VC
He was awarded the VC for an action during the Indian Mutiny.
Citation
From the London Gazette 24 December 1858:
- "For great personal gallantry in capturing an enemy colour after a most obstinate resistance, at the Secundrabagh, Lucknow, on the 16th of November 1857. He was severely wounded afterwards at the capture of the Shah Nujjif.
- (Elected by the private soldiers of the regiment). "
The medal
The whereabouts of the VC is unknown, Mackay sold it while he was still alive and it was auctioned around 1910.
Memorial
Mackay was awarded the VC in 1857 but was buried in Lesmahagow cemetery in an unmarked grave. A ceremony was held at the cemetery on 14 November 1998 to unveil a marker erected near the grave.
References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Strathclyde)
- Pte David MacKay VC (biography & VC action background)
- News Item (new memorial plaque)
- History of Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
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