James Waddell (11 October 1873 – 18 February 1954) was one of New Zealand's most highly decorated soldiers of the First World War.

Born in Dunedin Waddell attended Otago Boys' High School[1] and then Canterbury College in the evening to prepare for, and win, the first New Zealand government military scholarship.

[2] Waddell entered the British Army in 1895 and was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion (Duke of Wellington's) West Riding Regiment.

[3] Other factors reportedly contributing to his ostracism included his small build (5-foot tall) and a university background not shared by his fellow officers.

[6] Waddell subsequently served on the Western Front, and was appointed to Officier of the Legion of Honour on 10 June 1917 for his actions during the Battle of the Somme, where his personal example helped carry an attack on the village of Belloy-en-Santerre.

[9][not specific enough to verify] By the end of the War, Waddell had been awarded the Croix de Guerre seven times.

[11]: 134 Note that the "headstone" is a memorial, while the bronze plaque marks the grave in the military service part of the cemetery.