Donald MacKintosh

This article is about the soldier. For the Archbishop of Glasgow, see Donald Mackintosh (bishop).

Donald MacKintosh
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 Fettes College. 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]

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 Regimental Museum of Queens Own Highlanders, Fort George, Scotland

References

1. ^ CWGC entry

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)

Persondata
Name	Mackintosh, Donald
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	7 February 1896
Place of birth	Glasgow, Scotland
Date of death	11 April 1917
Place of death	Fampoux, France