James Macdonell (British Army officer)

General Sir James Macdonell GCB KCH (1781 – 15 May 1857) was a Scottish officer of the British Army.

He joined the Coldstream Guards in 1811 as a lieutenant colonel, and served in the Peninsular War.

[2] He is best known for his command of the infantry defending the Hougoumont farmhouse at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, where he fought with great distinction, including leading the vital closing of the gates, with his sergeant, James Graham.

[3][4] The Duke of Wellington awarded him £1,000 for his part in the battle calling him "the bravest man in the British Army".

[1][5] In 1830, he was promoted to major general and posted to Ireland, where in 1837 he had to abate the troubles in Armagh.