Mr William Fraser McDonnell (1829-1894), Bengal Civil Service, Magistrate of Sarun, winning the VC at Arrah, Indian Mutiny, 30 July 1857.

Oil on canvas, by Louis William Desanges (1822-1906), 1860 (c).

On 30 July 1857, during the retreat of the British troops from Arrah, Mr McDonnell climbed outside the boat in which he and some 35 European soldiers had taken refuge and, under incessant fire, cut through the lashing around the rudder, enabling them all to escape.
Associated with the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859).