After service in India, in 1868 he took part in the Abyssinian Expedition under Sir Robert Napier, during which he was made Brevet Major.
At the capture of Magdala, he served alongside Harry Prendergast V.C., commander of the Madras Sappers,[2] and was mentioned in despatches as "having rendered valuable and important services."
Arthur Preston, grandson of William Beresford, 1st Baron Decies.
His second wife, Florence, was a daughter of Sir Henry Nightingale, 13th Bt., of Newport Pond.
Their elder brother, Major Charles MacDonnell (1823-1853) of the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot, was killed at the Battle of Sobraon.