Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Captain Murdoch Maclaine, 20th Foot, the only British officer to be killed at the battle of Maida, 4 July 1806

A rare Georgian officer’s silver regimental whistle and chain, reputedly worn by Captain Maclaine at Maida, the body of the whistle engraved with roman numerals ‘XX’ within a wreath; together with an oval silhouette of Captain Maclaine, approximately 70mm x 50mm, black ink on silk, in a contemporary gilt frame with biographical details on reverse, good condition for age £200-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Maclaine Family Medals.

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Murdoch Maclaine was born on 13 January 1777, 3rd son of Gillean Maclaine of Scallasdale, Isle of Mull, and a twin with his brother Archibald, later General, K.C.B., the ‘Hero of Matagorde’. His youngest brother John became a Major in the 73rd Foot and was killed in action at the battle of Waterloo; whilst his fourth brother, Hector, served with the 57th Foot in the Peninsula, won a Gold Medal at the battle of Nivelle and became a Colonel.

“Captain Murdoch Maclaine was a most promising officer, brave to a fault. At the battle of Maida, under Sir John Stuart, he was captain in the 20th regiment, and after several acts of personal valour, was killed on that field; and it may be worthy of remark, that he was the only officer killed on the side of the victorious British on that day.”