Donald MacKintosh (VC)

Donald MacKintosh

Lieutenant MacKintosh's dying moments depicted on Fettes College war memorial
Born 7 February 1896
Glasgow, Scotland
Died 11 April 1917 (aged 21)
Fampoux, France
Buried at Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service 1914-1917 †
Rank Lieutenant
Unit The Seaforth Highlanders
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

Donald MacKintosh VC (7 February 1896 – 11 April 1917) 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

MacKintosh was educated at St Ninian's Preparatory School, Moffat and Fettes College, Edinburgh. He was 21 years old, and a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 11 April 1917 north of Fampoux, France, during the initial advance, Lieutenant Mackintosh was shot through the right leg, but although crippled, continued to lead his men, and captured the trench. He then collected men of another company who had lost their leader and drove back a counter-attack, when he was again wounded and although unable to stand, nevertheless continued to control the situation. With only 15 men left he ordered them to be ready to advance to the final objective and with great difficulty got out of the trench, encouraging them to advance. He was wounded yet again and fell.[1][2]

His dying moments are immortalised in Fettes College's War memorial, which features a statue of him urging his men onwards and bears the legend "Carry on".

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Highlanders Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection), Fort George, Scotland

References

  1. ↑ CWGC entry
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 31340. p. 6085. 15 May 1919. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
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