Grange Cemetery

Edinburgh

William McBean VC (1818-1878)

William was born on 1st January 1818 in Inverness, to John McBean, a shoemaker, and his wife, Ann. William spent some time as an apprentice shoemaker, evidently following in his father’s footsteps, but he decided to enlist in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He did not have a very successful beginning to his career, with a poor relationship with his drill corporal, but he nevertheless vowed to one day command the regiment. He was commissioned as an Ensign on 10th August 1854, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 8th December that year. That same month, he served in the Crimean War, including the Siege of Sevastopol and the assaults on the Redan in June and September the following year.

He saw action in the Indian Mutiny, including the Relief of Lucknow, Cawnpore, the pursuit to Seraighat, Kalee Nuddee, the siege of Lucknow, Alligunge, the Battle of Bareilly and the evacuation at the fort of Mithowli. During the breach of the Begum Bagh at Lucknow on 11th March 1858, McBean killed 11 enemy combatants in hand-to-hand combat in the thickest part of the fighting. Being commended for his actions, which led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross, he replied that “It didna take me twenty minutes.” He was promoted to Captain on 16th August 1858, and was awarded the VC on 24th December that year. McBean continued to rise through the ranks and eventually became a Major-General, fulfilling his promise to command his regiment. He eventually died on 23rd June 1878 at Shooter’s Hill in London, and his body was taken back to Scotland for burial in Edinburgh.

Restored by Steve Davies