James Hamilton

Lieutenant colonel James Inglis Hamilton (born Jamie Anderson, 4 July 1777 – 18 June 1815) was a Colonel in the British Army killed at the Battle of Waterloo.

Early life He was born as Jamie Anderson on 4 July 1777 at a camp of the Saratoga Campaign in New York. He was the second son of William Anderson, a Sergeant-Major of the 21st Foot. Hamilton was baptized on 28 August 1777. General James Inglis Hamilton adopted him following the Battle of Bemis Heights, and funded his education at Glasgow Grammar School and the University of Glasgow .

Military career Hamilton's adopted father opened a spot in the British Army and Hamilton became a cornet in the Royal Scots Greys in 1792.

Battle of Waterloo Scotland Forever! by Lady Butler with Hamilton thought to be the central figure leading the charge. By the time of the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815 he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in command of the Royal Scots Greys.

On that fateful day Hamilton reported to Maj Gen. Sir William Ponsonby in the so-called Union Brigade, because it consisted of regiments from England (Royal Dragoons), Scotland (Greys) and Ireland (6th Dragoons).

Just after 1:30pm, with the French infantry advancing and threatening to break the British centre, overall cavalry commander, Earl of Uxbridge ordered the Household Brigade and the Union Brigades to attack the French infantry of D'Erlon's I Corps.

Although held in reserve, Lt Col Hamilton witnessed the 92nd Highlanders Regiment beginning to falter and on his own initiative, ordered the Scots Greys forward at the walk because the ground was broken and uneven. The arrival of the Scots Greys helped to rally the 92nd Highlanders, who turned to attack the French. Upon Hamilton's death, Payne was compensated £200.