Sergeant James Pope was born in the county of Sutherland and attested for the 78th Foot at Thurso in June 1804, aged 16 years. He subsequently served in 'Gibraltar, Sicily and Egypt [and] was present at the Battle of Maida in 1806 and at the capture of Alexandria in 1807 and was one year and two months in Flanders'. Advanced to Corporal in February 1818 and to Sergeant in April 1825, Pope was finally discharged at Horse Guards in September 1830, his conduct being described as that of 'a very steady, correct and trustworthy soldier' (P.R.O. WO97 889 refers).