Valentine McMaster


Surgeon Valentine Munbee McMaster VC was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He graduated from the University of Edinburgh Medical School with an MD and LRCSE.
McMaster was 23 years old, and an assistant surgeon in the 78th Regiment of Foot during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 25 September 1857, at the Siege of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC:
He later achieved the rank of surgeon. McMaster died on 22 January 1872 in Belfast, Ireland and was buried in Belfast City Cemetery. There is a memorial to his memory in St. Columb's Cathedral in Derry. His widow went on to marry Campbell Mellis Douglas VC

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.