| Madden | George Colquhoun | | Major | MADDEN, GEORGE COLQUHOUN, Major, was born 9 February 1856, at, Brighton, son of Henry Riderwood Madden, MP, and Helen Madden (nee Cowan). He won the Dux Medal while a boy at school in Edinburgh. Entered the Army in 1875; was promoted Captain in 1877; served against the Jebus and Sofas, West Coast of Africa, 1892. "During the attack on the town of Toniataba, Major G C Madden, West India Regiment, who was in command of the troops, was superintending a party of twelve men who were endeavouring with a heavy beam to break down the south gate of the town, when suddenly a number of musket muzzles were projected through a double row of loopholes which had been masked. Some of these were within two or three yards of that officer's back, and before he realized what had happened, Lance Corporal Gordon threw himself between Major Madden and the muskets, pushing that officer out of the way, and exclaiming, ‘Look out, sir!‘ At the same moment Lance Corporal Gordon was shot through the lungs. By his bravery and self-devotion on this occasion, the Lance Corporal probably saved the life of his commanding officer". The above is the description (taken from the London Gazette of 9 December 1892) of how Lance Corporal W J Gordon (the first coloured man to be given the Victoria Cross) won his decoration. In the same year Major Madden accompanied the Expedition against the Jebus, Lagos, when he was mentioned in Despatches, received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette 30 September 1892]: "For his services during the recent operations against the Jebus. George Colquhoun Madden, Major, West India Regiment". Presentation by the Governor of Sierra Leone 2 January 1903. Two years later there was another expedition to the Gambia, against Fodey Silah, when Major Madden was again mentioned in Despatches, received a clasp, and was created a CB. Lieutenant Colonel Madden was placed on half-pay in 1895, and three years later retired from the Army. He was an athlete and won several cups for running and jumping. He died at 51, Gunterstone Road, West Kensington, London on 20 April 1912.
CB, DSO, E&W Africa (2) 1892 1893-94. Glendining Dec 89.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | West India Regiment |
