Sir Hector Archibald Macdonald
Contents
Country
Scotland
Birth - Death
1853 - 1903
Occupation
Military
Notable Achievements
KCB, DSO
Description
Major General, fought in Afghanistan, Egypt, South Africa, Sudan, and Ceylon. Received plaudits for his military successes in numerous battles, including one of the most legendary in British imperial history, Omdurman. In 1889 he received the Distinguished Service Order for his conduct at the Battle of Toski. In 1901 was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) for his services. Subsequently was positioned to Ceylon as commanding officer of the British Forces. During this post he was summarily asked to return to Britain to face court-martial based on supposed irregular sexual activities. Committed suicide on his return trip to Ceylon to face trial. His suicide was a great shock to the public. Details of the charges have never been made public.