John McNeill (British Army officer)

John McNeill (1831 – 16 May 1904) was a British Army officer who served with distinction in several campaigns during the late 19th century.

McNeill was born in Colonsay, Scotland. He entered the British Army as an ensign in the 48th Regiment of Foot in 1849. He transferred to the 107th Regiment in 1863 and then to the 105th Regiment in 1867. He served in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1858), including the siege and capture of Lucknow, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.

McNeill is perhaps best known for his role in the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882 and the subsequent Sudan campaigns. He served as a member of the Intelligence Department and was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1882.

In 1885, he commanded the Suakin Field Force during the Sudan campaign. His force was attacked at Tofrek, near Suakin, in March 1885, in an action known as the Battle of Tofrek. While his troops eventually repulsed the Mahdist attack, the engagement resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and highlighted the difficulties the British faced in confronting the Mahdist forces.

He reached the rank of Major-General and retired from the army in 1889. He was also an Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria. He died in London in 1904.