William Fraser Mcdonell
Mr, Bengal Civil Service
- Register No.
- 773 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Mr (register: Civilian) all Civilians →
- Unit
- Bengal Civil Service all Bengal Civil Service VCs →
- Date of action
- 30 July 1857 on this day → all of 1857 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Indian Mutiny
- London Gazette
- 17th February, 1860. Time on this day → all of 1860 →
- Born
- 17th December 1829 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Died
- 31st July 1894 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Memorial / grave
- at St Peter's Churchyard, Leckhampton, Cheltenham
Digest of citation
During the retreat from Arrah, India, on 30th July 1857, Mr McDonell, along with 35 soldiers, were hoping to escape in a boat, but the rebels had removed the oars and tied the rudder to the side of the boat. Climbing out of the boat, under unceasing fire from the rebels, Mr McDonell, with extreme difficulty, managed to cut through the cord or ropes securing the rudder. Then guiding the boat himself, aided by a light breeze, crossed the river to safety
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
McDONELL, William Fraser. (reg No. 773).
Mr. Bengal Civil Service.
London Gazetted on 17th February, 1860. Time Born on 17th December 1829 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Died on 31st July 1894 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Memorial on grave at St Peter's Churchyard, Leckhampton, Cheltenham.
Digest of Citation reads: During the retreat from Arrah, India, on 30th July 1857, Mr McDonell, along with 35 soldiers, were hoping to escape in a boat, but the rebels had removed the oars and tied the rudder to the side of the boat. Climbing out of the boat, under unceasing fire from the rebels, Mr McDonell, with extreme difficulty, managed to cut through the cord or ropes securing the rudder. Then guiding the boat himself, aided by a light breeze, crossed the river to safety.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: at St Peter's Churchyard, Leckhampton, Cheltenham
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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