Private James MacKenzie VC Victoria Cross
Service Number 8185
Campaign:
World War 1
Died:
19.12.1914
2SG
KIA Aged 30
Commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Panel 1
Private James MacKenzie VC (2 April 1889 − 19 December 1914) was a British Army soldier and a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
MacKenzie was born in 1889, son of Mrs. Marion Mackenzie, of 22, Terregles St., Maxwelltown, Dumfries. Heenlisted in the Scots Guards on 16 February 1912. He embarked for France on 5 October 1914. He was 25 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
For conspicuous bravery at Rouges Bancs on the 19th December, in rescuing a severely wounded man from in front of the German trenches, under a very heavy fire and after a stretcher-bearer party had been compelled to abandon the attempt. Private Mackenzie was subsequently killed on that day whilst in the performance of a similar act of gallant conduct.
Private MacKenzie has no known grave but his name is listed on panel 1 the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing in Berks Cemetery Extension near Ploegsteert in Hainaut, Belgium. There is a memorial tablet at Troqueer Parish Church, Maxwelltown. His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Scots Guards RHQ), London, England
Memorial(s):
| Country | Location | Name of Memorial | Campaign | Names | Date(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | On fenced lawn Main Street in front of Sweetheart Abbey New Abbey Nithsdale Dumfries And Galloway DG2 8BY | New Abbey War Memorial | World War 1 |
James MacKenzie | 19-12-1914 | View |
| Scotland | Junction of Rochelles Road and New Abbey Road New Abbey Road/Rochelle Road Maxwelltown Nithsdale Dumfries And Galloway DG2 7LZ | Maxwelltown and Troqueer War Memorial | World War 1 |
James MacKenzie | 19-12-1914 | View |
Further information:
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- Who or what formation of the Regiment is named on the memorial. What event, dates or other inscriptions on the memorial.
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Please sent any information that you find to: Michael Campbell-Lamerton
As the information on the database builds up Michael Campbell-Lamerton will be sending regular updates to Archives at RHQ who remains the point of contact about for inquiries on past members of the Regiment.
