James Alexander

We are able to date this picture as Alexander is wearing the uniform of the 13th, and although he had a long and distinguished military career, he only served in the 13th for 8 months from 20th January 1825 to 26th November 1825. His travels were extensive. From his time as a cadet in Madras in 1820 his career took him to;
BURMA - Burmese War 1824
PERSIA - served with Persian army against Russia 1826
BALKANS - Russo-Turkish War 1829
PORTUGAL - Miguelete War 1832-4
SOUTH AMERICA - Explored the Essequibo
SOUTH AFRICA - Kaffir War 1835, Led exploration of Namaqualand and Damaraland, receiving a knighthood as reward.
CANADA - With 14th Foot 1841 and again 1847-55
CRIMEA - 1855-6
ENGLAND - Raised and commanded 2nd battalion 14th Foot 1858
NEW ZEALAND - Maori War 1860-62.
He was a voluminous writer, his first book covering his travels from Burma, India, Persia and Turkey was entitled 'Travels from India to England'. He was also responsible for saving Cleopatra's Needle from destruction and shipping it back to England. He reached the rank of Lieutenant-General in 1877 and died on 2nd April 1885.

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