Fullarton started his military career as an Ensign in the 51st Regiment of Foot on 24 December 1802. He was then promoted to Lieutenant in July 1803 and deployed to Kandyan Wars in the Island of Ceylon, where he was wounded. He served in the Peninsula war October 1808 to January 1809 and then in August 1811-January 1812. In 1808, under Sir John Moore, Fullarton served in the operations in Spain at Galicia and fought in the Battle of Corunna. On 7 May 1809, he became a Captain in 3rd Battalion of the 95th Regiment under Major John Ross. In July 1811, Fullarton was posted to Cadiz and fought in the Battle of Barrosa. Then he was sent to Portugal and fought in the Battle of Salamanca under the command of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. He served in Holland 1813-1814 during the War of the Sixth Coalition. He was sent to attack Merksem and then bombard Antwerp on 6 Feb 1814. According to Sir William Henry Cope, on 13 Jan 1814
"There was a smart skirmish; and the enemy were driven into Antwerp. The Riflemen distinguished themselves in this affair; and Sir Thomas Graham in his despatch particularly mentions ‘the rapid but orderly advance of the detachment of the 3rd Battalion of the Rifle Corps under Captain Fullarton’s command, ‘ with great praise."
Years after the Netherlands Campaigns, Brigadier-General Sir Charles Shaw wrote about being rescued by Fullarton even though Fullarton himself was wounded:
"Unable to move on, I remained behind the column, expecting to be taken prisoner; but an officer of the Rifles, who was well mounted, perceiving my situation, rode up to me, and although he could himself walk with difficulty, dismounted, and, tying his horse to a tree, bade me mount him when I found himself a little better. I had never seen this officer before; I had no kind of acquaintance with him, nor he with me; and it may be imagined by those who have been in similar situations how I appreciated such conduct. I should do but half my duty did I not record the name of this good and generous man. It was Colonel James Fullerton, of the Rifles, who died about two years ago, in command of the 96th Regiment. A better man or a braver solder never served king or country. Something may be gained by adulation of the living, but what avails it to flatter the 'dull cold ear of Death.' Colonel Fullerton is beyond the reach of my praise, and the expression of my gratitude is no values to him; but, in holding up such a character for example, I only perform by duty to the living."
Fullarton then went to fight in the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815 where he served under Sir Frederick Adam's brigade and was "severely" wounded after he had taken command of his regiment after replacing Major John Ross who had also been wounded. As a result of his actions at Waterloo he was made a Companion of the Bath and a Knight of Hanover. In August 1821 he was posted to Paris and became Major. The Duke of Wellington became Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment in 1820. In Oct 1826 he became Lieut Colonel of 96th Regiment. In September 1827 Fullarton was appointed to the 96th Regiment of Foot, stationed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he remained for the next seven years. While in Halifax he was appointed a Knight of Hanover. He died at Government House in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 8 March 1834 and is buried in the Old Burying Ground. Fullarton's Waterloo Medal sold for 6500 pounds in 2002.
Family
Son of Lewis Fullarton, of Kilmichael, Isle of Arran. C.B. and bt. Lt.-col for Waterloo. He married on 7 August 1817, Jane, daughter of Colin McCleverty, M.D., of Chestervale, Jamaica. Lt. Col. 96th Regt. 1827. K.H. Died at Halifax, Nova Scotia 8 March 1834.
