*British, 1815, Waterloo Medal, Private David Jones, 23rd Regiment of Foot (Royal Welch Fusiliers)*
An original Waterloo Medal, correctly impressed on the rim:
“DAVID JONES. 23rd REGIMENT FOOT. R.W.F.”
Obverse with laureate bust of the Prince Regent and legend GEORGE P. REGENT. Reverse depicts Victory seated with palm branch, the word WELLINGTON above and WATERLOO JUNE 18 1815 below. Complete with correct steel clip-bar suspension and crimson ribbon with blue edges.
The medal roll confirms award to Private David Jones, 23rd Regiment of Foot (Royal Welch Fusiliers), who served in Captain Farmer’s Company No.7 (also listed under Captain Brown’s, No.4 Company).
Historical Note:
The 23rd Regiment of Foot (Royal Welch Fusiliers) fought with distinction at the Battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815. Positioned on the right of Wellington’s line, the regiment spent much of the day in square formation under repeated French cavalry attacks and also endured infantry assaults. Heavy losses were sustained, including their commanding officer Colonel Sir Henry Ellis.
The regiment’s conduct was praised by the Duke of Wellington himself, who wrote: “I saw the 23rd the other day and I never saw a regiment in such order. They are not strong in numbers, but it was the most complete and handsome military body I ever looked at.”
The Waterloo Medal was the first medal issued to all ranks of the British Army for a specific action, awarded to approximately 39,000 men who fought at Waterloo, Quatre Bras, and Ligny. For many veterans such as Private David Jones, this was their only decoration for service.
*Condition*
Medal in very fine condition, with light wear consistent with age and service. Edge naming is crisp and fully legible in impressed serif capitals. Obverse and reverse details are clear, with good surfaces showing only minor contact marks. Suspension and ring are correct original type. Ribbon an older but well-matched replacement. A highly presentable and collectable example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
