John Grant Malcolmson | |
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Born | 9 February 1835 Inverness, Scotland |
Died | 14 August 1902 London, England |
Buried at | Kensal Green Cemetery |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | Bengal Army |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry |
Battles/wars | Anglo-Persian War Indian Mutiny |
Awards | Victoria Cross Royal Victorian Order |
John Grant Malcolmson VC MVO (9 February 1835 – 14 August 1902) 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.
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Malcolmson was 21 years old, and a lieutenant in the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, Indian Army during the Persian War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 8 February 1857 at the Battle of Khushab, Persia, the adjutant of the regiment (Arthur Thomas Moore) was probably the first in the attack, but his horse, on leaping into the square, fell dead, crushing his rider and breaking his sword. The adjutant extricated himself and tried with his broken sword to force his way through the enemy, but he would almost certainly have lost his life had not Lieutenant Malcolmson seen his plight, fought his way to his dismounted comrade and, giving him his stirrup, carried him to safety.
He later achieved the rank of captain.