John MacGregor (VC)

John MacGregor VC MC & Bar DCM ED (1 February 1889 - 9 June 1952) was a Canadian 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 29 years old, and a temporary captain in the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the period 29 September/3 October 1918 near Cambrai, France, Captain MacGregor acted with most conspicuous bravery and leadership. He led his company under intense fire, and although wounded, located and put out of action enemy machine-guns which were checking progress, killing four and taking eight prisoners. He then reorganised his command under heavy fire and in the face of stubborn resistance continued the advance. Later, after a personal daylight reconnaissance under heavy fire, he established his company in Neuville St. Remy, thereby greatly assisting the advance into Tilloy.

Further information

Also considered Scottish as he was born in Cawdor near Nairn, Scotland in 1889, moving to Canada in 1909. He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is buried at Cranberry Lake Cemetery, Powell River, British Columbia.

His biography has been published under the title "MacGregor V.C."

The medal

MacGregor's Victoria Cross and other medals are on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. [http://www.pch.gc.ca/newsroom/index_e.cfm?fuseaction=displayDocument&DocIDCd=7NR071]

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
*VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)

External links

* [http://canadaatwar.tripod.com/macgregor/book.html MacGregor, VC]
* [http://www.legionmagazine.com/features/victoriacross/06-01.asp Legion Magazine Article on John MacGregor]