Colquhoun Grant (1780 - 1829)

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Biography

Colquhoun Grant is a member of Clan Grant.

Colquhoun was born in 1780. He was the son of Duncan Grant and his wife Jean Grant.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Grant was active as an Intelligence Officer. He operated behind French lines but refused to behave like a spy and wore military uniform at all times. When he was captured, instead of being shot, he was afforded the treatment of a captured officer. He was even invited to dine with Marshal Marmont.

Sent to Paris for interrogation, he considered this a breach of his parole and therefore he managed to escape. However before returning to England he was able to get out intelligence reports. Ultimately he returned to active service and served as Head of Intelligence for the Duke of Wellington. In that capacity he was present at the Battle of Waterloo.

It is said the character of Major Hogan in the popular drama called "Sharp" was based on his real character.

He is often confused with his kinsman Sir Colquhoun Grant who was a cavalry officer and commander.

His own son, Walter Colquhoun Grant at the age of 24 became the youngest captain in the British army.

Sources

• *Brodie Country: The History of the Clan and Family of Brodie 2nd Edition by James Brodie
• [Diary of Alexander Brodie]
• Stirnet
• [Brodie Family Chief Tree]
• http://www.thepeerage.com/p18824.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colquhoun_Grant_(British_intelligence_officer)