In 1808, under Sir John Moore, Fullarton served in the operations in Spain at Galicia and fought in the Battle of Corunna.

Then he was sent to Portugal and fought in the Battle of Salamanca, under the command of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.

According to Sir William Henry Cope,[5] on 13 Jan 1814 There was a smart skirmish; and the enemy were driven into Antwerp.

The Riflemen distinguished themselves in this affair; and Sir Thomas Graham in his despatch particularly mentions ‘the rapid but orderly advance of the detachment of the 3rd Battalion of the Rifle Corps under Captain Fullarton’s command, ‘ with great praise.

[6] Years after the Netherlands campaigns, Brigadier-General Sir Charles Shaw wrote about being rescued by Fullarton, even though Fullarton himself had been wounded: Unable to move on, I remained behind the column, expecting to be taken prisoner; but an officer of the Rifles, who was well mounted, perceiving my situation, rode up to me, and although he could himself walk with difficulty, dismounted, and, tying his horse to a tree, bade me mount him when I found himself a little better.

It was Colonel James Fullerton, of the Rifles, who died about two years ago, in command of the 96th Regiment.

Colonel Fullerton is beyond the reach of my praise, and the expression of my gratitude is no values to him; but, in holding up such a character for example, I only perform by duty to the living.

[12][1] In September 1827 Fullarton was appointed to the 96th Regiment of Foot, stationed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he remained for the next seven years.