Reginald Macdonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Reginald Macdonald
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"Rim". Caricature by Spy published in Vanity Fair in 1880.
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| Birth name | Reginald John James George Macdonald |
| Born | 19 October 1820 Westminster, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 15 December 1899 (aged 79) Kensington, London |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Ferret HMS Hogue HMS Arethusa HMS Bellerophon East Indies Station Nore Command |
| Battles/wars | Eighth Xhosa War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India |
Admiral Sir Reginald John James George Macdonald (born October 19, 1820 – died December 15, 1899) was an important officer in the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. He rose through the ranks to become an Admiral. He was even in charge of the British naval forces in the East Indies, a very important job far from home.
Contents
Growing Up: Reginald's Early Life
Reginald Macdonald was born in Westminster, a famous part of London, England. His father, Reginald George MacDonald, was the chief of a Scottish family group called Clan Ranald. His mother was Lady Caroline Anne Edgcumbe.
Reginald Macdonald joined the Royal Navy in 1833 when he was just 13 years old. This was a common age for boys to start their naval careers back then.
Early Commands and Wars
He served as a Commander of HMS Ferret. During this time, he took part in the Eighth Xhosa War. This was a conflict in southern Africa.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1854, he was promoted to Captain. As a Captain, he commanded several ships. These included HMS Hogue, HMS Arethusa, and HMS Bellerophon.
In 1872, he became the Second-in-Command of the Channel Fleet. This was a group of naval ships that protected the waters around Britain. From 1873, he also became the 21st chief of the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald.
Important Leadership Roles
Reginald Macdonald was later promoted to rear-admiral. In 1875, he was made Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station. This meant he was in charge of all British naval forces in the East Indies. His main ship there was the HMS Undaunted.
In 1879, he became Commander-in-Chief, The Nore. This was another important command in Britain. He retired from the navy in 1884.
Reginald's Family Life
In 1855, Reginald Macdonald married Hon. Adelaide Louisa Warren Venables-Vernon. She was the daughter of 5th Baron Vernon. They had four children together:
- Capt. Allan Douglas MacDonald (1856–1908), who later became the Chief of Clanranald
- Angus Roderick MacDonald (1858–1944)
- Adelaide Effrida MacDonald
- Maud MacDonald
