George Sellar
George Sellar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1850 Keith, Banffshire |
| Died | 1 November 1889 (aged 38-39) Lairg, Sutherland |
| Buried | Lairg Cemetery |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 72nd Regiment of Foot |
| Battles / wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
George Sellar VC (1850 – 1 November 1889) 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
[edit]Sellar was approximately 39 years old, and a lance corporal in the 72nd Regiment of Foot (later The Seaforth Highlanders – Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the Second Anglo-Afghan War when the following deed took place on 14 December 1879 at the Asmai Heights, near Kabul, Afghanistan for which he was awarded the VC:
For conspicuous gallantry displayed by him at the assault on the Asmai Heights, round Kabul, on the 14th December, 1879, in having in a marked manner led the attack, under a heavy fire, and, dashing on in front of the party up the slope, engaged in a desperate conflict with an Afghan who sprang out to meet him. In this encounter Lance-Corporal Sellar was severely wounded.[1]
Further information
[edit]He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He is buried at Lairg Cemetery, Sutherland, Scotland.
The medal
[edit]His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Queens Own Highlanders, Fort George, Highland, Scotland.
References
[edit]- ^ "No. 25027". The London Gazette. 18 October 1881. p. 5140.
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
External links
[edit]- Location of grave and VC medal (Highland, Scotland)