Hector MacDonald

Hector MacDonald

Major General Sir Hector Archibald MacDonald, KCB, DSO (4 March 1853 – 25 March 1903), also known as Fighting Mac, was a distinguished Victorian soldier.

The son of a crofter, MacDonald left school before he was 15, enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders as a private at 17, and finished his career as a major general, "one of only a few British Army generals who rose from the ranks on his own merit and professionalism." He distinguished himself in action at Omdurman (1896), became a popular hero in England and Scotland, and was knighted for his service in the Second Boer War. Posted to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as Commander-in-Chief of British forces, he committed suicide in 1903 following accusations of homosexual activity with local boys.