James Graham | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1791 County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Died | 28 April 1845 (aged 53–54) Royal Hospital, Kilmainham |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1813–1830 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Coldstream Guards 12th Royal Lancers |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | specially 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.