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Henry MacDonald

1823 – 1893

Scottish military officer (1823–1893); recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About Henry MacDonald

Lived 1823 – 1893 (aged 69). Henry MacDonald was a British engineer.

Henry MacDonald VC (28 May 1823 – 15 February 1893) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details MacDonald was 31 years old, and a colour sergeant in the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 19 April 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Colour-Sergeant MacDonald acted with great gallantry when engaged in effecting a lodgement in the enemy's rifle-pits in front of the left advance of the Right Attack. Subsequently, when the Engineer officers were badly wounded Colour-Sergeant MacDonald took command and he determinedly persisted in carrying on the sap notwithstanding the repeated attacks of the enemy.

Further information He later achieved the rank of honorary captain.

The medal This medal is now in the care of Glasgow Museums and is in open storage at the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, Glasgow. These stores are open to the public with daily tours and the medal can be viewed on request.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Awards
Victoria Cross; Distinguished Conduct Medal; Légion d'honneur

People in Henry MacDonald's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Henry MacDonald's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henry MacDonald?

Scottish military officer (1823–1893); recipient of the Victoria Cross

When was Henry MacDonald born?

Henry MacDonald was born on 28 May 1823 in Inverness.

When did Henry MacDonald die?

Henry MacDonald died on 15 February 1893 in Glasgow.

What was Henry MacDonald's occupation?

Henry MacDonald was an engineer.

What nationality was Henry MacDonald?

Henry MacDonald was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Henry MacDonald

· Wikidata: Q5725337

· DBpedia: Henry MacDonald

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry MacDonald. https://biography.guide/henry-macdonald/

MLA: "Henry MacDonald." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-macdonald/.

Chicago: "Henry MacDonald." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-macdonald/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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