General Sir John Douglas, G.C.B.

 

General Sir John Douglas (1817 - 1888),  the son of General Sir Neil Douglas of Glenfinart, was the Commander of the Forces in Scotland.

He entered the army in 1833, and became a colonel in 1858; he served in the Eastern campaign of 1854-5 in command of the 79th Cameron Highlanders, including the battles of Alma and Balaclava, siege of Sebastopol, assault of 18th of June, expedition to Kertch and Yenikali, &c, for which he received a medal, three clasps, and the C.B.; created K.C.B. for his service during the Indian mutinies in 1859.

He was Commander of the Forces in Scotland.

He married Elizabeth Cathcart, daughter of the 2nd earl and Viscount Cathcart.

His son Charles also served in the 79th Highlanders.

His connection with the Freemasons and the Roslyn Templars has still to be determined.

He died in 1888 and is buried in his own tomb in the Kilmun cemetery.

Note:

•  The portrait of Sir John is held in the The Highlanders' Museum, Fort George, Inverness-shire. The Highlanders are the successors to the 79th Regiment.  It was a gift to the regiment by  Major A. J. A. Douglas.

See also: Douglas of Glenfinart and the Kilmun tomb

Sources: http://www.qohldrs.co.uk/html/cameron_hldrs_full_hist1.htm 

and http://www.cabarfeidh.com/1853.htm