Samuel McGaw VC

Name: Samuel McGaw

Conflict: Ashantee War

Gazetted: March 28, 1874

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Kirkmichael, Ayrshire/1838

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Lance Sergeant (later Sergeant)

Date of bravery: January 21, 1874

London Gazette citation:

42nd Regiment. Lance-Serjeant Samuel McGaw. Date of Act of Bravery, January 31 [in fact January 21], 1874.

For having at the battle of Amoaful led his Section through the bush in the most excellent manner, continuing to do so throughout the whole day, although badly wounded early in the engagement.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Pasha, near Larnaca, Cyprus/July 22, 1878

Grave/memorials: British Cemetery, Kyrenia, Cyprus; St Andrew’s Church, Kyrenia

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 1999

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum