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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 258A

Pair: Major C. J. Mackay, Eastern Bengal Volunteer Rifles, late Behar Light Horse and United Provinces Horse

Indian Volunteer Officers Decoration, G.V.R. (Major C. J. Mackay E. B. Vol. Rfls.); Coronation 1911, good very fine (2)

Colin James Mackay was born in Madras in March 1863, one of the six children of Deputy Surgeon-General George Mackay and his wife Ellen. Sent to England for his education, he was a law clerk in Inverness by 1881. Returned to India, he was recorded as the manager of the Kurnol Industrial Company at Muzzerferpore, growing indigo in 1898.

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the Behar Light Horse in September 1901, McKay was appointed to the United Provinces Horse as Captain in September 1907. Taking his I.V.L.S.M. in August 1908, he went to England for the 1911 Coronation as part of the Indian Contingent (Medal). Promoted Major in March 1912, his I.V.D. followed in May 1917, most likely surrendering/returning his I.V.L.S.M. in exchange.

Retired to England, he died a bachelor whilst living with his sister at Havant, Hampshire in June 1953, having just seen the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Mackay was a true son of Empire and lived through the reigns of six monarchs.


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Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240