Private Alexander Grant was born in the Parish of Urquhart, Inverness and enlisted in the 78th Foot in August 1802, aged 24 years. During the course of his subsequent career of 15 years with the Colours, he was present in the Java operations in addition to those at Assaye and Argaum, these latter services resulting in him being awarded the 'Rosshire Buffs' Reward for Military Virtue' in 1819. Also the recipient of an appropriate Army of India Medal, Grant was discharged as 'worn out' in October 1817.