Quick Facts
AquariusBiography
Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Taylor MacPherson VC GCB KCSI (22 January 1827 – 20 October 1886) 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
He was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 78th Highlanders (later The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 25 September 1857 at siege of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC:
For distinguished conduct at Lucknow, on the 25th September, 1857, in setting an example of heroic gallantry to the men of the regiment, at the period of the action, in which they captured two brass nine-pounders at the point of the bayonet. (Extract from Field Force Orders of the late Major-General Havelock, dated 17th October, 1857.)
https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1973-02-10-5 https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1995-04-65-1
Further information
He became Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army in March 1886 and died in office, on the Irrawaddy, on 20 October 1886.
Family
In 1859, he married Maria Eckford, daughter of Lieutenant-general James Eckford, C.B.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of Queens Own Highlanders at Fort George, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
