General Sir Thomas Graham, Lord Lyndoch died #OnThisDay 18 December 1843 aged 95.

A fierce scotsman who had served through the Revolutionary & Peninsular Wars, often leading from the front & earning his place at Wellington's side, he fought a personal war too.

1/

After an early political career in 1792 Graham's wife died whilst at sea with him. In bringing her remains back, French officials opened her casket & "violated" her remains".

This started what would be a personal vendetta against the French Revolutionaries for Graham.

2/

He fought at the Defence of Toulon in 1793 including leading an attacking column, picking up a fallen musket. During the seige he became lifelong friends with "Daddy" Hill.

Later he was posted as Sir Moore's ADC and was by his side at his mortal wounding at Corunna.

After commanding a division under Lord Chatham, in the fatal Walcheren expedition, he contracted the "fever" (malaria) & returned to Britain.

He was appointed as commander of the British defences in Cadiz, which was under seige, working with the Spanish.

@latelordchatham

It was during his attempt to relieve the city that one of his most famous battles was fought, Barossa.

Landing by sea to encircle the French, Graham's forces attacked the enemy, capturing guns & the First Eagle of the Peninsular War, the Spanish refused to move.

After Cadiz was secured, in 1812 he was by Wellington's side as acting Second in Command during the great seiges.

His failing eyesight meant recouping in Britain in 1813, but he was back leading troops by 1814 in the Pyrenees Campaign.

After which he returned to Scotland.

On his personal war.

Lord Lynedoch raised the 90th (Perthshire Volunteers) Regiment. Out of his own pocket.

During the Peninsular War a 2nd Battalion was requested. And though it was a great expense, he obliged.

It took part in the attack on Martinique & occupation of France.