Born 15th October 1820, in Strathgarve, Ross-shire, Alexander Mackenzie attended university in Edinburgh before purchasing an ensigncy with the 78th Highlanders on 7th February 1840. He obtained all his future promotions without purchase; unusual for officers of that era.

During the Indian Mutiny Campaign of the 1850’s, he was badly injured in the leg at the battle of Bithur. He recovered but was again badly wounded when his horse was killed from underneath him in the Defence of Lucknow. Later, he was mentioned in dispatches for his actions in fighting back Sepoy attacks during their assault on the Alam Bagh, March 1858. For his services he received a medal with two clasps, and a Brevet Majority (Honorary rank of Major) plus a year’s seniority.

Mackenzie took command of the 78th as Lieutenant Colonel at Gibraltar in July 1867, taking them to Halifax, Nova Scotia and was made a Companion of the Bath (C.B.) in Queen Victoria’s birthday honours list 1869.

He never married and retired on pension, on 27th of March 1878 as a Major General. He died on 5th March 1890 at the Manse in Avoch, Ross-shire, while staying with his nephew, the parish minister. His registered when he died was the United Services Club, Pall Mall!

Research by Roland Stewart

This transcript from the Highlanders’ Museum archive shows the roll of the Officers & men of the 78th Highlanders who were employed in the suppression of the Indian Uprising of 1857 – 1858; their names are listed alongside the battles they were engaged in and remarks on their status. Mackenzie is noted as having fought in the Relief of Lucknow and Operations against Lucknow. The list was written at Fort George, and is dated 11th February 1860.