John Carstairs McNeill VC GCVO (1831 - 1904)

Born 28 Mar 1831 in Isle of Colonsay, Argyllshire, Scotland

Ancestors

Died 25 May 1904 at age 73 in St. James' Palace, London, England

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kevin Sands [send private message]

John McNeill VC GCVO was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Biography

A born soldier, he entered the army in 1850 and served all through the Indian Mutiny. In 1861, he came to NZ and fought in the NZ Wars against the Maori.

During the Waikato Wars (New Zealand), as a Lt.-Colonel, he saved the life of one of his men (30 Mar 1864), when they were attacked by Maori. For this action he was awarded a Victoria Cross. He served in the 107th Regiment.

He then went on to serve in Egypt, and In later life, was equerry to Queen Victoria.

In 1870, John McNeill, brother of Duncan McNeill, became the 2nd Lord Strathcona when he purchased Colonsay & Oronsay.

In 1877, John Carstairs McNeill, nephew of John McNeill, became the 3rd Lord Strathcona when he purchased Colonsay & Oronsay. He never married.

When he died he held the title of Sir John C. McNeill, VC, GCVO, KCB, KCMG.

Sources

• John McNeill (Army Officer) - WikiWand.
• John McNeill (British Army Officer) - Wikipedia.
• New Zealand Wars.
• New Zealand Wars - Victoria Cross recipients.
• Obituary.
• The Victoria Cross.
• John C. McNeill - Royal Sussex Regiment.