James Lumsden

Who was James Lumsden?

James Lumsden was a Scottish soldier who served in the Swedish army of Gustavus Adolphus during the Thirty Years' War, and subsequently commanded Scottish Covenanter armies.

Having commanded a regiment of Scottish soldiers in Swedish service, and fought at the Battle of Lutzen, he left the Swedish Army in 1639 like many Scottish officers and returned to Scotland. He commanded troops during the Bishop's Wars, and in 1644 he was Sergeant Major General of Foot in the Covenanter Army which invaded England during the First English Civil War. He played a major part in the Battle of Marston Moor.

He was subsequently Lieutenant General of Horse in the Covenanter Army which, now fighting for King Charles II, was defeated at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. He was captured, and released in 1652.