James Macdonnell

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General James Macdonnell (1781-1857) was the third son of Duncan Macdonnell of Glengarry. He joined the 19th Foot in 1796 and was awarded the Gold medal for Maida in 1806. He joined the Coldstream Guards in 1811 as a Captain and served in the Peninsular War. He is most famous for his command of the troops defending Hougoumont at the battle of Waterloo, 1815, where he fought with great distinction, including leading the vital closing of the gates, with his sergeant, James Graham. He was wounded slightly in the battle.

Awarded CB, KMT and KCH for Waterloo. He rose to Major-General and was later appointed GCB Colonel-in-Chief of the 71st (Highland Light Infantry).

[edit] References

• Julian Paget & Derek Saunders (1992); Hougoumont: The Key to Victory at Waterloo; Pen and Sword Books (paperback 2001) ISBN 0-85052-716-3

[edit] External links

• Portraits of Sir James Macdonell, General at the National Portrait Gallery, London