Duncan Macpherson CB


Duncan Macpherson was born on 9 Oct 1833, the son of Ewen Macpherson CB of Cluny who also served in the 42nd, and Sarah, daughter of Henry Davidson of Tulloch. He was commissioned as an ensign in the 42nd Highlanders in June 1852. He served in the Indian Mutiny campaign and the Ashanti War, where he was severely wounded. After that campaign he was a brevet of lieutenant-colonel and awarded the CB. He commanded the 42nd from September 1877 to January 1883 during which time the changes of 1881 occurred, when the 42nd was linked with the 73rd to become the Black Watch. In 1882 Colonel Macpherson commanded the 1st Battalion in Egypt where they distinguished themselves at Tel-el-Kebir. In 1883 he went on to command the Regimental District at Perth until 1886 the year of his death. He was married to Emily Harris on 19 Dec 1867 but they apparently had no children. He died on 3 Oct 1886.


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