Major General Sir Hector MacDonald - Fighting Mac

[@chrishewitt4220]

As an ex-Gordon, and from Huntly, the home of the Gordons, with a long tradition of family service in the Gordons, going back to the Boer Wars, thank you for telling the story of 'our' Fighting Mac.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, glad you liked it. kzbin.info

[@bountyhuntermk2520]

Bore off

[@ok-vx9nh]

always wanted to join the gordons but when i moved to england i found out they dont exist anymore

[@timmo491]

Indeed. I have often shot on the Gordonstoun estate and I know Huntly it is a nice town.

[@hamishanderson6738]

The Gay Gordons?

[@TheSgtbk]

In 2015 as a member of a New Zealand Pipe Band I took part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. One of my most moving memories of taking part in the Tattoo was playing the tune "Hector the Hero" written as a tribute to Sir Hector McDonald. Its a very moving tune that I still play at times and always will. I was so taken by the tune and the story I made time to visit his grave which is not far from the Castle.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing that lovely memory. kzbin.info

[@jimmorrison5493]

Some years ago I chanced upon a hidden basement. This was in Portobello (Edinburgh) and there found a finely framed photograph of this man. He was a real hero

[@TheHistoryChap]

He was indeed. You might like my brand new video about "The Thin Red Line": kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV6viYWXq7OVgrc

[@nickmorales8146]

I never heard of fighting Mac but this was a great story whether he was gay or not has nothing to do with him being hounded and taking his own life but he was a great soldier and that's all that matters thank you for this great story of a great man

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nick, it is my pleasure.

[@Ralphieboy]

He looks a bit like Freddy Mercury. Coincidence?

[@desdicadoric]

Doesn’t sound massively gay having 5 kids. 😂

[@hamishanderson6738]

@@Ralphieboy Ceylonian Rhapsody: 'I'm just a poor man, nobody loves me!' 'He's just a poor man, from a poor family Spare him his life from this monstrosity!'

[@teawaruaedwards274]

Remember those were very different times around homosexaullity in Victorian Great Britain. It's stigma in those times wrought anti homosexual laws, bigotry, violence, mental asylums, in the end for the General it WAS the SHAME. HAS to be? I mean a WARRIOR like that....hmm! the SPARTANS??

[@sloanbooks]

I'm very grateful for your accounts. My father was a member of The Regiment, The Royal Hong Kong Volunteers. He was captured at the fall of Hong Kong and spend 4 years in a Japanese POW camp.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Stewart, thanks for sharing. I want to do a talk about the fall of Hong Kong at some stage.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Thanks so much for doing this story on "Fighting Mac." How very sad, that British "Society" of that time could utterly ruin careers of heroes such as Mc Donald and Emily Hobhouse. vis. (Kitchener`s scorched Earth & Concentration Camps among many others) As Robbie Burns said; "A man`s a man for a` that." Hector Mc Donald was a true hero - Long may his memory live on.

[@TheHistoryChap]

So true, Charles. Interestingly, I am thinking about doing a video on Emily Hobhouse and Kitchener's policies. Need to frame it right.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

MacDonald please, Mc the contracted spelling of Mac is never used in Scottish Gaelic which is pronounced Galik.

[@donlee7028]

Thank you ever so much for this...Hector the Hero was and is one of my favorable pieces of music. At one time I played the pipes myself. Love the Scots since I was born a MacDougl and am married to a Guthrie. The battle of Majuba would be interesting to see as well. Your presentations are the best bar none. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Don, thanks for your kind words. Impressed that you can play the pipes too!

[@ianb4401]

Thank you for doing this. Sir Hector is (was) my 1st Cousin 3x removed on my mother's side of the family who were all from the Black Isle and Beauly (just north of Inverness). Well summarised and covers his death in a fair and understanding way. One small correction: he was born in the croft of Rootfield in the village of Mulbuie in the Black Isle and the smaller memorial tower is in the village.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ian, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the update too.

[@stonemarten1400]

Related to Hector the Hero, hope you are living up to it?

[@Joeymac582]

Sir Hector Macdonald was a first cousin to my great grandfather.. I live in Adelaide South Australia..

[@samrodian919]

Thanks for that Chris, very informative and sensitively portrayed. A sad end for a very talented and brave soldiers soldier. RIP Sir Hector MacDonald.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@5ch4rn]

An exceptional soldier who should always be remembered for his achievements on the field of battle.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Stewart, I totally agree. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@beith28]

I had heard of Fighting Mac before but never knew his story was so fascinating. Thanks very much for sharing this video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@cheshirepiper9254]

I knew nothing of him, amazing story. Many thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

I've been watching this channel for a few weeks, binging videos on topics we don't hear a lot about in the States, and while watching this video I realized I wasn't yet subscribed! I changed that as quickly as I could! I look forward to whichever topic you cover next; this channel is a gem!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks for your support, Jon.

[@garygalt4146]

I was just like you. And so today I subscribed as well. Thank you for reminding me that well presented work takes time and skill and needs remuneration

[@b.k.s.sthcoast]

Great video about a remarkable man who rose through the ranks in the 19th century. From memory he visited Australia before being posted to Ceylon and large crowds gathered to hear him speak wherever he went. Quite a Victorian hero.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are absolutely right about his visit to Australia. He was so keen to be C-in-C that he paid for his own visit to show his enthusiasm. How things might have been different had he been appointed there.

[@b.k.s.sthcoast]

@@TheHistoryChap I think after his suicide, his Scottish regiment(I assume the one he joined as a young man) erased him from their history and friends and family were trying to get him mentioned many years after his death.

[@jimboase5005]

A very sad story of a very brave man. Thank you for telling it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@tonypetts6663]

Firstly thanks for telling the story of fighting Mac, when you suggested it I was happy to be one of those who asked for this great soldiers story to be told. Secondly please tell the story of the battle of Majuba as well, I will definitely look forward to that one. Finally I would just like to say how much I enjoy your presentations, your enthusiasm for the stories you tell is quite infectious and makes them all the more enjoyable.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Tony, I am so pleased that you are enjoying the channel. Thanks for your support.

[@Cjuo]

Hector is a distant relation mine on my Grandmother’s side. (He’s even got my Dads nose!) Thank you for this video. There is an excellent pipetune written in his honour too.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Must be great to have someone like him in your family tree

[@jasonannesley5889]

Great Story such a sad ending for a National hero. I have always been fascinated by the story of Hector McDonald. My dad a keen reader of army history told me about Sir Hector McDonald when I moved to Dingwall in the 90's from Essex. He remembered an article from the Readers Digest which stood out in his memory as Hector was a NCO & excelled up the ranks. I lived at Hill Terrace Dingwall which is situated at the bottom of the hill where the Hector McDonald Monument stands. My back garden which was very steep led up to the cemetry where the Hector McDonald Monument resides. The view from the top of the hill are the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. You can see Dingwall Town, The Cromaty Firth & surrounding areas. I always pay my respects & visit the monument when I pass through whilst visiting Scotland. If you are interested in Dingwall local history visit Dingwall Museum. Also if your are interested in military visit Fort George as it is a Garrison & museum. Dingwall is a beautiful quaint town in the Scottish Highlands which has hardly changed over the centuries.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Jason, thank you for posting such a thoughtful comment.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for covering the story of 'Fighting Mac '

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching. kzbin.info

[@jimplatts6172]

Thanks for sharing this story. Just goes to show things haven't changed that much. how many officers have been sent to their deaths through jealousy oft taking innocent NCO's and privates with them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@luigitosti7599]

Always thankful to hear you tell such important stories of characters and events in history, during the empire. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@paulspice4717]

A brilliant story told with passion and accuracy. Thank you for reporting history without a bias and giving all sides of the complex stories of British history

[@TheHistoryChap]

Paul, thank you for those kind words.

[@uptonsavoie]

James Scott Skinner's beautiful lament "Hector the Hero", composed in honor of MacDonald, demonstrates the reverence the Scots cherish for Fighting Mac. There are several renditions available on KZbin.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes, it is a beautiful composition.

[@douglasmoffat6560]

Agreed; I am a bagpiper and Hector the Hero is one of my favorite pipe tunes.

[@BobandBear1]

I've heard a few acoustic guitar arrangements of ' Hector The Hero' and wondered about the origins/ inspiration behind the tune. l've heard of Fighting Mac, but had no idea there was any connection.....well that's that but of intrigue cleated up !. Fascinating story

[@jameswhyman4127]

@@douglasmoffat6560 another piper here and grandson of a Gordon Highlander, that loves playing Hector the hero.

[@jeremysymes556]

I play melodeon in an English traditional band and we regularly play this tune. Always a joy to play.

[@harryshriver6223]

The first time I have ever heard of him and I think I know why because of the dubious claims concerning him. I am just hurting to see that rumor control once again claimed another victim in the military especially one as esteemed as Mac. I'm really glad you brought this story to light and gave it the attention it deserved, Kudos my friend and well done😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. When I first came across it, I thought it was such a sad ending.

[@robg5958]

Thank you once again Chris for a truly fascinating video. Macdonald was a true hero! My father always drank Camp Coffee and I remember its distinctive aroma; however, I never liked the stuff myself. Each to his own, I suppose.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It's a pleasure, Rob. Rather like you, I never did the hang of Camp Coffee.

[@simonabbott4430]

I've loved this story from the first time I read it, a true human ❤️

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks, Simon.

[@brianturvey1726]

Excellent commentary brings to life history in lovely manner

[@TheHistoryChap]

Brian, thank you for your kind words.

[@foolsgold9993]

It's a great story, told and illustrated on the highest level. The line of forgotten heroes is infinite, disappearing into the mist of history. Thank you for clearing this patch for us. A video about Majuba -and about the First Boer War in general- would be really nice. Please make it happen. P.s. Fighting Mac? It sounds like me every time I eat at a fast food joint. I show myself out.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oh, it was all going so well until your PS :) Majuba is on my hit list.

[@philipwilkes2780]

Once again, thank you for another excellent presentation on what is a highly emotive story. I would be very interested in a presentation on the Battle of Majuba Hill and the First Boer War in general. Please keep up your fine and enthusiastic work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you Philip. Majuba is now on my hit list. Watch this space!

[@hamishanderson6738]

Freddie Mercury.

[@MDsteeler1]

Interesting story. Great soldier. I’ve never heard his story before.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@bobp4]

Very informative and enjoyable mini-doc. I'm always fascinated by a man that rose through the ranks like Fighting Mac, it is the definition of both abilty and courage in military careers. So sad that we seem to treat these heroes so poorly, and yet grateful we can remember him as an inspiring figure all these years later.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.

[@mac2626]

You are without doubt the very best at what you do!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

That is very kind of you. Thanks. Please do subscribe to my channel.

[@colinthomas5462]

Thanks for telling this story of a great British warrior, amazing man and through personal heroism climbed the ranks to Major General. Sad ending to a distinguished career. I'm enjoying your interesting channel, brilliant story telling of great British military history. I have subscribed and notified to your channel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Colin, many thanks for your support.

[@davymckeown4577]

Thank you for finishing this man's story, I had heard of his, unusual for the time, rapid rise through the ranks. I was unaware however, of the tragic circumstances of his death. My best friend through basic training back in the 70s was from Dingwall, in fact I had a penpal there for a few years. Back in the days when it took 2 or 3 days to have a hand written letter delivered by snail mail.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Davy, kids today wouldn't be able to get their heads around a penpal. Mind you, it probably takes a couple of days to drive to Dingwall depending upon where you live in Britain!

[@davymckeown4577]

@@TheHistoryChap lol, we were boy soldiers at Army Apprentice College Arborfield. Too young to drive so it was train for Roddy and train and Liverpool ferry to Belfast for me when we went on leave. Took me two days and I don't think Roddy was any quicker. I'm still faster writing than typing lol. Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers mate.

[@doobiejones9388]

I'm ex US Army. 82nd airborne. Some of the best soldiers I have ever served with where gay. Men and Woman. Love your channel. I'd say Kick Ass. In England you'd say Brilliant. Enjoyed that.😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice one, Doobie! Thanks for your support.

[@doobiejones9388]

@@TheHistoryChap 😊😊😊

[@mreyes2575]

A great story l had not heard of Fighting Mac before it seems he was a truly great man... always good to tune into your KZbin videos to catch the untold stories and snippets of people and battles that most never get to hear about... Well done keep up the good work 👍😎👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Lots more to come, so please make sure that you subscribe so that you don't miss my next video.

[@mreyes2575]

@@TheHistoryChap will do and thank you 👍

[@johnredburn3760]

I was aware of Sir Hector but had no details of his life and death except for the poem "Fighting Mac " by Robert W. Service ( Songs of a Sourdough) I thoroughly enjoy your work. Cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching & commenting. kzbin.info

[@jackmcnally9237]

Kitchener was a homosexualist!

[@greymane4030]

Excellent clip Chris, i have only just discovered your channel and am now an avid follower. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your support. Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@redfog42]

We remember Hector with pride in the Highlands. Thank you for uploading his story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. You might enjoy my latest story about the bantam battalions in WWi, and in particular the "Devil Dwarves" from Glasgow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4q6Y3aOq6xlb7M

[@bobnicholas5994]

This would make a great movie script. Hollywood would distort the facts but it would be good either way they depicted it. It is incredible at the amount of battles he was in.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Bob, I'd love to see how Hollywood could knacker it up :)

[@11buster1000]

Brilliant, great summary at the end. What a soldier, and like me joined the army 3 day's after my 17 birthday, I lasted 4 years ha.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Darin, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Wow, a mention in despatches from Fighting Bob Roberts? That's impressive! Clever lad to choose the commision: you can't eat bronze. Sad to hear it all went wrong at the end.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@desdicadoric]

My great grandads brother also lied about his age to join up, died in the Gretna disaster having never even got out of Scotland. Age 15. RIP

[@TheHistoryChap]

I did a video about the Gretna disaster last year. Terrible tragedy.

[@desdicadoric]

@@TheHistoryChap I watched that one, it was indeed. So many lives wasted. My great grandad, who was in the household cavalry and lost all his teeth after being gassed and who’s military medal I have told my Grandad he was the luckiest laddie in the world when he failed the medical to be conscripted in WW2.

[@fredazcarate4818]

This indeed is the life of a humble man ; a formidable soldier, with a tragic ending. Sir thank you for producing video of a truly remarkable individual. Kudos Sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Those are lovely words.

[@claudedecruyenaere3161]

No damned music as too often. That's great. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@stigg333]

What a great story and you told it so well, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.

[@cameronbrown9080]

Great video today thanks Chris and what a fantastic man we would not have been a great nation without heroes like Hector and it would be great if you can do the video on the Battle you mentioned thanks for what you do

[@TheHistoryChap]

Cameron, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Battle of Majuba will be added to my list (which is getting longer and longer!)

[@cameronbrown9080]

@@TheHistoryChap that is great and looking forward to seeing it thanks

[@selvoselvo1]

A complicated life, driven by passion courage, and resolution, he was at his best at the frontline in the battle. Once when it was taken away...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@kensimdall705]

Another great presentation. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@bableta]

Immensely enjoy the military stories so well told by you. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@warrenmilford1329]

History Chap, thanks for your reply and your 'Flashman/Churchill reply last night.. For some reason my old computer has decided not to allow me to directly reply to your replies. Thank's for that info about his NZ visit. Heaps of Scots settled there. Their early settlers were English and Scots free settlers, whilst our ancestry in Australia started with English and Irish convicts, although many Scots also arrived here as free settlers (and some convicts) as well. I like your presentations. I just watched the Bonaparte being killed by Zulus one. Really interesting. Keep 'em coming. Stay well. :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Warren, I’m so glad that you are enjoying my videos. I’m enjoying making them too. Plenty more to come, so don’t forget to subscribe to my channel. Best wishes, Chris

[@jona826]

I did enjoy that, very much! I shall do some research myself now on Fighting Mac. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I believe that there is a section dedicated to him in Dingwall Museum. Just a bit of a journey for me down on this side of Hadrian's Wall !

[@christophernewman5027]

Cheers, Chris. I enjoyed that. If you want an example of rising through the ranks, how about telling the story of Sir William, "Wully" Robertson who rose from Private to become CIGS?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oooh, another one for my (ever-growing) list of future talks.

[@kentimmins9171]

Was a great man!👍💪

[@TheHistoryChap]

On so many levels. Crying shame that his life ended the way it did.

[@reactivearmour5126]

What if he really was a pedophile? Your documentary consistently uses the term “boys” instead of men. I don’t dispute MacDonald’s qualities as a soldier, but if the accusations are true then I could not call him “great”.

[@johnbuxton6009]

Well presented and many thanks. The thing is that only a innuendo is enough to destroy a life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, John. Sadly he wasn't the only person whose life was destroyed by innuendo.

[@johnbuxton6009]

Still true today.

[@jonmeek3879]

Amazing story thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adiljamil605]

An absolute treat, the story and the research & narration. Sincere thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your kind words. Please make sure that you subscribe so that you don't miss my next video.

[@hardknuckle8143]

I have only recently found your channel and now watched a few of your videos - absolutely love your format of an inspiring narrative back up by relevant pictorials - please keep up the great work. This video and your other videos should inspire many followers of military history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks for your kind words.

[@martinj429]

Great video and a timely topic. I was a fan of the Wiiliam Clive books growing up - particularly the Dando series follwing an ordinary, scruffy private in British Empire wars in India, China and Ethiopia. He wrote a fictionalised biography of Fighting Mac. Thank you and lease keep the videos coming.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words. Plenty more to come. kzbin.info

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

I absolutely loved the story. Definately deserved a VC for standing firm in ahmderman. He was praised by the men he lead and i believe he was hounded by the upper class and totally drove him to take his own life. If he would have just shown that he was married, i think even if he went through a court martial, he would have been vindicated.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I do wonder why he didn't just produce his wife. I guess a different era and probably a complex man too.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

@@TheHistoryChap well it is all academic now, and a terrible shame. Maybe one day we will find out why. But I doubt it.

[@Joeymac582]

Hi.. my great grandfather was a first cousin of Sir Hector Macdonald.. he was offered a choice by the King, a VC or a commission, he chose the commission & that what put him offside with the higher rank’s as he was a crofter’s son.. & he saved Lord Kitchner’s life.. Sir Hector & Winston Churchill were in the same unit..

[@nigelhamilton815]

Great story . Never heard of fighting Mac before. Our battles are always won by the fighting tommies from all over these islands.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. You might also enjoy my very latest video - The Thin Red Line. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV6viYWXq7OVgrc

[@raymondrichards4888]

Yet another first class and well researched vlog/broadcast. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@kw03hanel82]

I very much enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are very welcome. Make sure that you subscribe so you don't miss my next video.

[@sa25-svredemption98]

The tune "Hector the Hero" was written in commemoration of this great soldier. And I think, more than anything, it just goes to show that the popular press have always been a highly toxic and dangerous aspect of society, forsaking truth and integrity for a hot story and fiery claims. Even to this day, military and national heroes are a target of the popular press - look at the contemporary reporting on the British SAS, or the Australian Nine News and their claims against Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, MG. And as with Hector the Hero, the press of today are quite happy to distribute claims regardless of accuracy or verification.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to post that thought provoking comment.

[@andrewhart6377]

It is another 'Breaker Morant' type trial, except the overloads are not British this time, they are the U.N. Human Rights Commission that are calling the shots from their lounge chairs.

[@sa25-svredemption98]

@@andrewhart6377 there are significant differences between Breaker Morant and the cases I refer to. Firstly, and most significantly, Breaker Morant's case did not have the facts in doubt; it was the legality for him to do what he did that was challenged (and the point which he and his 2nd lost). In the cases of Fighting Mac, the British SAS and the Roberts-Smith case, the facts themselves were/are being debated. There is only rumour and speculation, conflicting narratives, nothing substantive. 2nd, it is the media and political establishment, not the UN specifically, who are pushing for things like the SAS and Roberts-Smith cases. They are even going so far as to put public pressure on the courts themselves, which is an atrocious thing! But because they have fancy lawyers and a militant mob, they can get away with it, where to anyone else it is justifiably illegal! Courts should never be put under any pressure but the Law itself. However, you are right that the media bias was big in the Morant case also, regardless of the legality or otherwise of his actions.

[@richardthompson9836]

Thanks so much Chris for another exciting adventure into our history. Richard in Orlando.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@KaitlynnUK]

I always keep a bottle of Camp Coffee in, I've loved it since I was a teenager, so I will think of Major General Sir Hector MacDonald every time I have a cup from now on :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Kaitlynn, thank you for commenting. Can't say I am a fan of Camp Coffee but I do like the logo.

[@peterkelsall1438]

I enjoyed this story very much, thanks. Nicely put together piece

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@gymynycricket1722]

What a true hero, brilliant British military commander. Thank you for this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@eisirt55]

There's a popular tune played in Scottish and Irish Traditional music sessions called Hector the Hero . I guess it was written in his honour .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes it was

[@nigelcowie6883]

What a great story - very happy I found your channel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your support. Here's my brand new video all about the origins of the British army's "Thin Red Line": kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV6viYWXq7OVgrc

[@alisonmclin]

Thank you for this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@lukasfortinthedogstar]

i discovered this 'fighting mac''through jake arnott....;a very sad story....merci for learning more

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@allancrotch2953]

I joined the guards at 15 strait from a paper round to the second most senior regiment ,this was 1972 i had grown up with stories from heroes from both world wars ,as a 6 or 7 year old I wanted kids TV to end so back when the BBC news was worth watching I could see if my prayers had been answered and Mad Mitch Argyll and Southern Highlanders had survived another day acting as bait to draw the snipers who had slaughtered the boys from the fusiliers in Aden .10 years later im training with the Scots Welsh and Irish Guards at the depot in Pirbright .Long live the Union and I sure as hell aint talking the European one .We (Gt Britain ) have had more heroes than the rest of the world put together ,some may talk of Alexandra and some of Hercules Hector bla bla bla But Iv gone off on one Never claiming to be a hero and if I had done 22yrs would still have been a trooper my services were no longer required along with a dozen or more Life Guards .My crime was inhaling a joint at a time when the News of the World had little else to report .A clue to what power the MSM had (to come) good luck Boris you didnt deserve this ,that was 1976 we have come a long way since.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to share your story of serving our country.

[@Allegedly2right]

You are not the last Squaddie to get booted out for nowt if you were Cops brushed under the carpet and pensioned of what’s the difference between Forces and cops it’s not right is it.What you boys went through what’s in your head anything to forget for a bit of time,Coke all your MPs are on it Allegedly

[@leggie65]

A draw of a joint that's hard mate thrown out for that.Drugs much harder than puff are used some being told to flush systems out as class A drugs can be removed in days if you drink plenty.Sadly cannabis is the drug that stays in the system the longest that's why many have been thrown out.

[@porkpie4594]

Both a brilliant and sad story. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Yes you are right on both counts.

[@wallisthescot6544]

Outstanding

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks

[@edthilenius7530]

My wonderful friend, another excellent report. Thank you for sharing this great story. 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@jimmyglasgow5047]

I must now purchase the book , In 1970 I served with the Queens Own Highlanders , The Seaforths and Camerons Highlanders.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Asiseeit13]

This Island has always been well served by its heroes. It's a pity so many of those self same heroes have been less well served by their Island homeland.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Totally agree.

[@43enfield]

Really fascinating video, I wonder if you have ever considered doing one on Sir William Robertson the only soldier in the British army who served as both a private and later a Field Marshal serving I believe in every rank along the way.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You aren't the first person to make that request following this vide. So I have added Sir William Robertson to my list. Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.

[@allanchurm]

thank you i love to sit down with a cup of coffee and listern to your storys

[@TheHistoryChap]

I am glad you enjoy them.

[@jimmyglasgow5047]

Thank you for this story of Sir Hector MacDonald, it's good to here the the truth be told .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Jimmy, many thanks.

[@Freddieduda]

Brilliant story and may l say brilliantly told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Andrew, that's very kind of you. Thanks.

[@KennethMacDonald-z1y]

Ive just found out he was my great grandfathers brother. Thanks for the video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & also for sharing your family story

[@Micktyb]

Excellent thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@owainjones9249]

Great video, great story. Very sad, I'm going to visit his grave next time I'm in Edinburgh.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great idea, Owain. Here's my brand new video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV6viYWXq7OVgrc

[@bydand2931]

As old Gordon Highlander we told storie as part Regimental History it see being told in this day age and keep up your good work Bydand (steadfast) regimental motto

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your support.

[@ontherunplmr1218]

Great Video, I was born in Macdonald Road Leicester, named after Sir Hector, well actually on the road in the ambulance ! I have visited Majuba and also Omdurman although the actual battlefield was off limits I had read many years ago that Sir Hector had left some papers with a solicitor to only to be opened 100 years after his death ? Just wondered if that ever happened and what if anything they revealed ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

I wasn’t aware I f those papers, I need to do some digging.

[@HughJason]

Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@jonathanjackson5255]

That was Brilliant

[@TheHistoryChap]

Jonathan, thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Monsoon-sd6vr]

What ever the truth we in 2022 cannot judge Sir Hector, fantastic story, the Gordons a fantastic Regiment

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@stuartmiller8053]

Working my way through your channel and really enjoying it. Keep up the good work. Cheers Stu NZ

[@TheHistoryChap]

Stu, thanks for watching. Please make sure that you subscribe so you don't miss any of my new videos.

[@philstanton231]

Thanks Chris - another really interesting story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed

[@joemuir2575]

Fantastic i was blubbing watching this, what a world then , a hero and as a Scotsman i am proud he received the send off he deserved. Although a different time shades of Alan Turing here

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Katc78]

My great grandfather was named Hector Macdonald and we’ve always wondered why. He was born in 1900 in London but I wonder whether this was his namesake.

[@TheHistoryChap]

How interesting. Maybe he was.

[@jona826]

There's a board/card game called "Legion of Honor" in which you play out a French soldier's escapades through the Napoleonic Wars. I now feel inspired to design a board/card game in which you play a soldier in Queen Victoria's army. It would be fun seeing what postings your soldier is given across the Empire and if he is promoted from the ranks like Fighting Mac.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I look forward to hearing of your entrepreneurial success.

[@jona826]

@@TheHistoryChap Thanks. What book would you recommend for an overview of all of Queen Victoria's wars?

[@jameseadie7145]

I read that he was the kilted figure on Camp coffee(remember that?)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Just like I mentioned at the end of the video.

[@MrChickster12]

Great video thanks 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@ernestoherrera2755]

Saw your video let me to listen to the bagpipe tune Hector the hero saw in those comments there might be lyrics to it, if they are do you know them just kind of interesting, thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Not sure there are lyrics, but the music is a beautiful lament.

[@ernestoherrera2755]

@@TheHistoryChap I found something by Thomas Mick Wilson I believe, also written in 1903 it was lyrics to the tune in question

[@ernestoherrera2755]

@@TheHistoryChap sorry about that, it was McWilliam

[@user-vs6qt4mg8g]

He was a man to be reckoned with

[@TheHistoryChap]

He certainly was.