John Randoll Mackenzie Explained

John Randoll Mackenzie
Birth Date:c. 1763
Death Date:28 July 1809
Allegiance:United Kingdom
Branch:British Army
Serviceyears:1778–1809
Rank:Major-General
Commands:3rd Division
Battles:Napoleonic Wars

Major-General John Randoll Mackenzie of Suddie (c. 1763 – 28 July 1809) was a senior British Army officer who saw action in the Napoleonic Wars.

Early life

MacKenzie was the son of William Mackenzie of Suddie and Margaret Mackenzie (daughter of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, 5th Baronet).[1]

Military career

Mackenzie was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1778.[1] After serving in India, he secured a commission as a captain in the 78th Regiment of Foot when it was raised in 1793 and was deployed to the Dutch Cape Colony in 1795.[1] He was elected as member of parliament for Tain Burghs in 1806 and then transferred to Sutherland in 1808.[1] Deployed to Spain for service in the Peninsular War, he commanded a brigade in the 3rd Division and also became the first General Officer Commanding 3rd Division when it was formed on 18 June 1809.[2] He was killed in action at the Battle of Talavera on 28 July 1809.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: MacKenzie, John Randoll (c.1763-1809), of Suddie, Black Isle, Ross. History of Parliament. 11 January 2021.
  2. Book: Reid, Stuart. Wellington's Army in the Peninsula 1809–14. Oxford. Osprey Publishing. 2004. 978-1-84176-517-4. 47.
  3. Mosley, Charles, editor. Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes. Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003.