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David MacKay

1831 – 1880

Recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About David MacKay

Lived 1831 – 1880 (aged 48). David MacKay was a British military personnel.

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 and served in the Crimean War.

The VC He was awarded the VC for an action at the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. His citation in the London Gazette dated 24 December 1858 reads:

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.

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Important facts

People in David MacKay's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was David MacKay?

Recipient of the Victoria Cross (1831-1880)

When was David MacKay born?

David MacKay was born on 23 November 1831 in Caithness.

When did David MacKay die?

David MacKay died on 18 November 1880 in Lesmahagow.

What was David MacKay's occupation?

David MacKay was a military personnel.

What nationality was David MacKay?

David MacKay was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: David MacKay

· Wikidata: Q5236993

· DBpedia: David MacKay (VC)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David MacKay. https://biography.guide/david-mackay-military-personnel/

MLA: "David MacKay." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-mackay-military-personnel/.

Chicago: "David MacKay." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-mackay-military-personnel/.

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