George Malcolm (Indian Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Malcolm
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|---|---|
| Born | 10 September 1818 |
| Died | August 1897 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Indian Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Afghan War Second Anglo-Sikh War Anglo-Persian War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
Sir George Malcolm (born September 10, 1818 – died August 1897) was a brave general. He served as an officer in the Bombay Army and for the British East India Company. These were important groups that helped manage India when it was part of the British Empire.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Malcolm was born in Bombay (now Mumbai, India) on September 10, 1818. He was the only son of David Malcolm, a merchant in Bombay. George had famous uncles too: Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm and General Sir John Malcolm.
He went to school at Blundell's School in Tiverton, England. After that, he studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He also attended the Addiscombe Military Seminary, which was a special school for training officers for the East India Company's army.
A Career in the Military
George Malcolm joined the East India Company army on June 10, 1836. His first assignment was with the 1st Bombay Native Infantry on July 18, 1837.
First Anglo-Afghan War
He fought in the First Anglo-Afghan War. During this war, he helped manage supplies and baggage for the Bombay division. He was part of the important battle of Ghazni and the takeover of Kabul.
In August 1840, George Malcolm led a group of soldiers called the Sind Irregular Horse. They joined a force trying to help Kahan in Baluchistan. He showed great bravery during a difficult attempt to get through the Nafusk pass. His courage was even mentioned in official reports. He also took part in battles against Nusseer Khan and the Brahoes, capturing their camp near Kanda. For his service, he received a special medal.
He became a lieutenant on August 31, 1840.
Conquering Sind and the Second Anglo-Sikh War
Malcolm served under Colonel John Jacob during the time Sind was brought under British control. He was present at the battle of Shadadpur and the capture of Shahpur.
In the Second Anglo-Sikh War, he commanded the 2nd Sind Horse. He was involved in the long siege of Multan and the battle of Gujrat. Again, his actions were praised in official reports, and he received another medal. On June 22, 1849, he became a captain in his regiment and was also given the honorary rank of brevet major. He became a lieutenant-colonel on November 28, 1854.
Anglo-Persian War and Indian Mutiny
He also served in the Anglo-Persian War in 1856-1857. Later, he led a small group of soldiers during the Indian Mutiny. On November 29, 1857, he bravely attacked the strong village of Halgalli.
He took control of Shorapur on February 9, 1858. On June 2, he captured the fort of Nargund, which was known as the strongest fort in the South Maratha region. He was again mentioned in official reports, received a medal, and was given the CB award on March 21, 1859. He became a full colonel in the army on August 30, 1860, and a major-general on December 15, 1867.
Expedition to Abyssinia
In 1868, during the expedition to Abyssinia, he was in charge of the second division. This division was responsible for keeping the supply lines safe. For his efforts, he was thanked by the British Parliament. He was promoted to KCB on August 14, 1868, and received another medal.
He continued to rise in rank, becoming a lieutenant-general on May 29, 1875, and a full general on October 1, 1877. He retired from active service on July 1, 1881. On May 29, 1886, he received the highest honor, the GCB.
Sir George Malcolm passed away in Leamington, England, in April 1897.
Honors and Awards
General Sir George Malcolm received several important awards for his service:
