James Graham (British Army soldier)

James Graham
Bornc. 1791
County Monaghan, Ireland
Died28 April 1845 (aged 53–54)
Royal Hospital, Kilmainham
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchBritish Army
Years of service1813–1830
RankSergeant
UnitColdstream Guards
12th Royal Lancers
Battles / wars
Awardsspecially cast gallantry medal
Waterloo Medal
recognition as "the bravest man in England"

James Graham (c. 1791–1845) was an Irish non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, recognised as the "bravest man in the army" by the Duke of Wellington.[1] Serving in the Coldstream Guards, he was commended for his gallantry during the defence of Hougoumont, at Waterloo. Graham saved the life of an officer, and his own brother, and was among the small group responsible for closing the North Gate at Hougoumont after a French attack – an act which won the Duke of Wellington's encomium. He was rewarded with a specially cast gallantry medal and an annuity. After later serving in the 12th Royal Lancers, Graham was discharged in 1830 for ill health, and died at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in 1845.

  1. ^ "Coldstream Guards Tribute". Archived from the original on 29 July 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2008.