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George Sellar

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George Sellar
Born1850
Keith, Banffshire
Died1 November 1889 (aged 38-39)
Lairg, Sutherland
Buried
Lairg Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service / branch British Army
RankSergeant
Unit72nd Regiment of Foot
Battles / warsSecond Anglo-Afghan War
1882 Anglo-Egyptian War
AwardsVictoria Cross

George Sellar VC (1850 – 1 November 1889) was a Scottish 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

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Sellar was approximately 39 years old, and a lance corporal in the 72nd Regiment of Foot (later The Seaforth Highlanders – Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the Second Anglo-Afghan War when the following deed took place on 14 December 1879 at the Asmai Heights, near Kabul, Afghanistan for which he was awarded the VC:

For conspicuous gallantry displayed by him at the assault on the Asmai Heights, round Kabul, on the 14th December, 1879, in having in a marked manner led the attack, under a heavy fire, and, dashing on in front of the party up the slope, engaged in a desperate conflict with an Afghan who sprang out to meet him. In this encounter Lance-Corporal Sellar was severely wounded.[1]

Further information

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He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He is buried at Lairg Cemetery, Sutherland, Scotland.

The medal

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His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Queens Own Highlanders, Fort George, Highland, Scotland.

References

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  1. ^ "No. 25027". The London Gazette. 18 October 1881. p. 5140.
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