Personal info
- Name: John MACKENZIE
- D.O.B: 22nd Nov, 1870
- D.O.A: 6th Jul, 1900
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Sergeant, 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
1900 5th Ashanti War
1823-1900
THE ASHANTI WAR
After a disputed succession, Prempeh, the nephew of Kofi Karikari and Mensa, succeeded in establishing himself as King of the Ashanti in 1888. By 1890 he was faced with demands that his kingdom should become a British Protectorate but these he rebuffed. In January 1896 a new British expeditionary force which had been sent to Kumasi arrested him and his family and deported them. However, the Golden Stool, the symbol of the Ashanti nation, had been hidden. In March 1900 Sir Frederick Hodgson, the Governor of the Gold Coast, fearing that it might be a rallying point for future opposition, went to Kumasi and demanded that the Golden Stool be surrendered. He soon found himself besieged. The relief force sent to rescue him encountered stiff opposition.
Citation
On the 6th June, 1900,at Dompoassi, in Ashanti, Sergeant Mackenzie,after working two Maxim guns undera hot fire,and being wounded while doing so, volunteered to clear the stockades of the enemy which he did in the most gallant manner, leading the charge himself and driving the enemy headlong into the bush.