Valentine McMaster

He graduated from the University of Edinburgh Medical School with an MD[1] and LRCSE.[2] McMaster was 23 years old, and an assistant surgeon in the 78th Regiment of Foot (later The Seaforth Highlanders Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's) 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:

For the intrepidity with which he exposed himself to the fire of the enemy, in bringing in, and attending to, the wounded, on the 25th of September, at Lucknow. (Extract from Field Force Orders of the late Major-General Havelock, dated 17 October 1857.)[3]

He later achieved the rank of surgeon.[4] 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,Eleanor Ann Burmister, went on to marry Campbell Mellis Douglas VC[5]

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

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

• Location of grave and VC medal (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
• Biography