John Cameron (British Army officer, born 1773)

John Cameron (1773 – 16 June 1815) was a Scottish officer in the British Army, who served prominently during the Napoleonic Wars.

Cameron was born in Fassfern, Inverness-shire, the second son of Sir Ewen Cameron of Fassfern, 4th Baronet, and his wife Louisa Campbell. He entered the army as an ensign in the 42nd Regiment of Foot (Black Watch) in 1786.

He saw action in Flanders in 1794 and 1795. In 1798, he served in the suppression of the Irish Rebellion. Cameron participated in the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland in 1799, being wounded at the Battle of Bergen. He later served in Egypt in 1801.

During the Peninsular War, Cameron distinguished himself in numerous battles. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment of Foot, and was present at the Battle of Vimeiro in 1808. He played a crucial role in the crossing of the Douro River in 1809 and fought at the Battle of Talavera. He also saw action at Busaco in 1810, and Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811, where he was severely wounded. He later commanded a brigade.

Cameron’s most famous moment came during the Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815, two days before the Battle of Waterloo. Leading the 92nd Regiment of Foot (Gordon Highlanders), he was killed in action while leading a charge against French infantry. His bravery and leadership were widely praised.

He never married.