Herbert Macpherson

Led his Highlanders at bayonet point against guns at Lucknow

Herbert Taylor Macpherson was born at Ardersier near Fort George in 1827. His father had served in the 78th Highlanders, the regiment Herbert joined as an ensign in 1845. He went to India the following year and served in the Persian campaign before the Indian rebellion of 1857.

At Lucknow on 25 September 1857, the 78th helped cover the advance across the Char Bagh bridge. Macpherson led his men against two brass guns at bayonet point. His example during the charge brought the Victoria Cross, announced in June 1858 and presented later that year. He was wounded during the rebellion and also served in the operations leading to the final capture of Lucknow.

His later Indian Army career included command of the 2nd Gurkhas and frontier expeditions in Hazara, the Lushai Hills and against the Jowaki. During the Second Afghan War he commanded a brigade, took part in the fighting around Kabul and accompanied Roberts's march to Kandahar in 1880.

In 1882 he commanded the Indian contingent sent to Egypt. His troops fought at Tel-el-Kebir, and the campaign led to further honours. The people of Inverness presented him with a ceremonial sword that December. He held the knight commander grades of the Orders of the Bath and Star of India.

Macpherson became commander-in-chief of the Madras Army in 1886 and took responsibility for forces in Burma. He died of fever near Prome on 20 October that year. His medals are preserved at the Highlanders Museum, Fort George.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For distinguished conduct at Lucknow, on the 25th September, 1857, in setting an example of heroic gallantry to the men of the regiment, at the period of the action, in which they captured two brass nine-pounders at the point of the bayonet. (Extract from Field Force Orders of the late Major-General Havelock, dated 17th October, 1857.)