LIEUTENANT JAMES MACPHERSON, youngest son of Lachlan Macpherson of Ralia, distinguished himself at Badajoz, Spain on 6 April 1812 while serving with the 45th Nottinghamshire Regiment during the Peninsular campaign against the French occupiers. James' eldest brother, Euan's portrait and story are posted on Panel 39.

      The British forces under General Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington) were again attempting to take Badajoz held by a French garrison of about 5,000 men. Siege operations beginning in mid-March resulted in three practicable breaches in the walls which were assaulted by two British divisions on April 6, 1812. The attacks were pressed with great gallantry for five hours, but repeatedly beaten back with heavy loss until a detachment of the 45th Regiment of Foot succeeded in getting into the castle. The assault leader, Lt. James Macpherson, removed his red coatee and hoisted it to the top of the flagstaff in place of the French flag to indicate the castle's fall. This success encouraged the other British forces to renew their assault and these succeeded in taking the city.

      Lt. Macpherson's feat is commemorated on the 6 April each year when red jackets are flown on Regimental flag staffs and at Nottingham Castle. April 6 is also celebrated throughout the world as Tartan Day, the day that the Declaration of Arbroath -- Scotland's declaration of its independence -- was signed in 1320.