James McKechnie
Depiction of the battle of Alma
BornJune 1826
Paisley, Renfrewshire
Died5 July 1886 (aged 60)
Glasgow
Buried
Eastern Necropolis, Glasgow
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankSergeant
UnitScots Fusilier Guards
Battles/warsCrimean War
AwardsVictoria Cross

James McKechnie VC (30 June 1826 – 5 July 1886) 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

He was born to Colin McKechnie and Jane McKechnie (Nee McGregor) and was married to an Elizabeth McLean.

McKechnie was 28 years old, and a sergeant in the Scots Fusilier Guards, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 September 1854 at the Battle of the Alma, Crimea, when the shot and fire from the batteries just in front of the battalion threw it into momentary disorder, it was forced out of its formation, becoming something of a huge triangle, with one corner pointing towards the enemy. A captain was carrying the Queen's Colour which had the pole smashed and 20 bullet holes through the silk. Sergeant McKechnie held up his revolver and dashed forward, rallying the men round the Colours. He was wounded in the action.[1]

McKechnie was personally presented with the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at the first VC investiture held at Hyde Park, London, on 26 June 1857.[2]

In 2015, Kier Homes named a street in their Hawkhead Village development in Paisley, James McKechnie Avenue, in memory of him.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Scots Guards RHQ) in Wellington Barracks, Chelsea, London.

References

  1. ↑ "No. 21971". The London Gazette. 24 February 1857. p. 657.
  2. ↑ The Victoria Cross and the George Cross: The Complete History - Volume 1 1854-1914, Published by Methuen, London, 2013, ISBN 978-0-413-77218-3, pp. 8–9. An errata states that the biographical details for James McKechnie and William Reynolds were incorrectely listed under the other's name.
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