British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1901-2 (Captn. D. A. D. McVean, 45th Bl. Infy.) good very fine
£550-650

D.S.O. London Gazette 2 September 1902. ‘Captain Donald Archibald Dugald McVean, Indian Staff Corps’ ‘For services during the Mahsud Waziri Operations.’

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 27 June 1919. ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Archibald Dugald McVean, D.S.O., 45th Sikhs, I.A. (Mesopotamia). ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and ability as a battalion commander during operations at Sherqat, 24/30th Oct. 1918. He led his regiment into action after a series of most trying and arduous marches over difficult country, covering over 60 miles in 70 hours, and in the end through a heavy artillery and M.G. barrage. He displayed courage, determination and leadership of a high order.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 August 1902; 21 February 1919; 5 June 1919.

Donald Archibald Dugald McVean was born in Yokohama, Japan, on 22 July 1870, a son of Colin Alexander McVean, a Civil Engineer. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Liverpool Regiment in 1891 and transferred to the Manchester Regiment in 1893. He then transferred to the Indian Army, serving with the Indian Staff Corps in 1896. He served on the North West Frontier of India, 1897-98, and in the Malakand and Utman Khel Operations. Promoted to Captain in 1901, he served in Waziristan, 1901-02, and was severely wounded at Umar Raghza, 5 December 1901. For his services he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.O. Recovering, he then participated in the operations against the Zakka-Khels, 1908, and in the Mohmand Country as Orderly Officer, 2nd Brigade. Appointed Major in 1909, he was a General Staff Officer 2nd Grade, Derajat Brigade, 1913, and held that position throughout the Great War. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1917. In recognition of his services in the Great War, he was twice mentioned in despatches and awarded the bar to his D.S.O. After the war he served in the Iraq campaign and was awarded the G.S.M. with clasp. In 1921 he was promoted to Colonel and was awarded the C.S.I. Colonel McVear retired from the Indian Army in 1929 and died at Cullnasithe, Kilchrenan, Argyll, on 1 September 1937.

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