World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Calcutta, British India, he served as a Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, British Army. On February 14, 1916 near Hooge, Belgium, when an enemy mine exploded Lieutenant McNair and a number his men were flung into the air and many were buried. Although much shaken, the he at once organized a party with a machine-gun to man the near edge of the crater and open rapid fire on the Germans who were advancing. They were driven back with many being killed. Lieutenant McNair then ran back for reinforcements, but the communication trench being blocked, he went across the open under heavy fire and held up the reinforcements until it was safe to advance to the forward position. For bravery in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Victoria Cross in March 1816. He died at age 24 of chronic dysentery at the base hospital in Genoa, Italy.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Calcutta, British India, he served as a Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, British Army. On February 14, 1916 near Hooge, Belgium, when an enemy mine exploded Lieutenant McNair and a number his men were flung into the air and many were buried. Although much shaken, the he at once organized a party with a machine-gun to man the near edge of the crater and open rapid fire on the Germans who were advancing. They were driven back with many being killed. Lieutenant McNair then ran back for reinforcements, but the communication trench being blocked, he went across the open under heavy fire and held up the reinforcements until it was safe to advance to the forward position. For bravery in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Victoria Cross in March 1816. He died at age 24 of chronic dysentery at the base hospital in Genoa, Italy.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
See more McNair memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
