James Waddell was my great uncle, the brother of my paternal grandmother Elizabeth Jolly nee Waddell.He visited and stayed at our family home in Papatoetoe in Auckland when he returned on visits back to NZ. He was a raconteur and told us many exciting stories about his exploits in the French Foreign Legion. Although I was very young at the time I have vivid memories of him and in particular one story about him confronting a tiger. We are very proud of our Uncle Jim and his exploits and remember him with affection.

James Waddell is my grand uncle (my grandfathers brother). My father told us stories about James when my brother and I were young boys and we were proud even though no one else knew about him. We even visited his grave once in Levin in the late 1970's. James stayed with my Dads family in Onehunga when he returned to NZ and my father learnt his stories first hand. He is now more widely known in NZ history and I look forward to reading his biography when it comes out. Remain rested in peace Great Uncle James - we are all very proud of your success and bravery.