James Waddell

Name
James Waddell

Available
Yes - available

Background

Waddell, James (1873-1954). New Zealand’s most highly decorated World War one soldier. Born in Dunedin and educated at Otago Boys’ High School. He was the first New Zealander to gain a commission into the British Army and suffered some prejudice for his colonial origins. In India he married a French woman and with her help gained a (highly unusual) direct commission as an officer in the French Foreign Legion in 1900. During World War One he was awarded the Croix de Guerre seven times (the first at Gallipoli). In 1920 he was made Commandeur de la Legion d’honneur. He retired in 1926 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and lived in North Africa until returning to New Zealand in 1954.

Locality

Category
Historical or notable people

Gender (if applicable)
Male

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