William Fraser McDonell (17/12/1829 – 31/07/1894) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Indian Mutiny.
The Citation, recorded in the London Gazette of Issue: 22357, Page: 557, reads:
“Mr. William Fraser M’Donell, of the Bengal Civil Service, Magistrate of Sarun
Date of Act of Bravery, 30th July, 1857
For great coolness and bravery on the 30th of July, 1857, during the retreat of the British Troops from Arrah, in having climbed, under an incessant fire, outside the Boat in which he and several Soldiers were, up to the rudder, and with considerable difficulty cut through the lashing which secured it to the side of the boat. On the lashing being cut, the boat obeyed the helm, and thus thirty-five European Soldiers escaped certain death”
He is buried in St Peter’s Churchyard, Leckhampton, Gloucestershire.
William Fraser McDonell VC.
17/12/1829 – 31/07/1894
St Peter’s Churchyard. Leckhampton, Gloucs.
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