Samuel McGaw

Samuel McGaw
VC
Born 1838
Kirkmichael, Ayrshire
Died 22 July 1878
Larnaca, Cyprus
Buried at British Cemetery, Kyrenia, Cyprus
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit 42nd Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars Indian Mutiny
Third Anglo-Ashanti War
Awards Victoria Cross

Samuel McGaw VC (1838 22 July 1878) 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

McGaw was about 36 years old, and a lance-sergeant in the 42nd Regiment of Foot (later The Black Watch Royal Highlanders), British Army during the First Ashanti Expedition when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 January 1874 at the Battle of Amoaful, Ashanti (now Ghana), Lance-Sergeant McGaw led his section through the bush in a most excellent manner and continued to do so throughout the day, although badly wounded early in the engagement.[1]

Further information

He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died of a fever whilst serving with his regiment in Cyprus. He is now buried in The Old British Cemetery in Kyrenia, North Cyprus.[2][3]

The medal

Samuel McGaw's Victoria Cross is on public display in the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London.[4]

References

  1. The London Gazette: no. 24082. p. 1921. 31 March 1874. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  2. "The Old British Cemetery". St Andrew's Church, Kyrenia. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  3. Hunter, David. "Sergeant Samuel McGaw - Victoria Cross". Maybole.org. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  4. "Lord Ashcroft VC Collection". Retrieved January 15, 2013.
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