WATERLOO MEDAL

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30100, 6 April 1963, Page 8

WATERLOO MEDAL

Battles Of Ligny And Quatre Bras

[By

"MEREBIMUR")

Naturally I was interested in Mr Patrick Larter’s letter in “The Press” of April 2, and to learn that he, too, has a Waterloo Medal, which had belonged to a William Hilliard, of the 42nd of Foot (the Royal Highland Regiment). His description of the steel ring originally issued with the medal, and that many of the recipients had silver suspenders made to replace the ring, which was not a satisfactory fastening, is true. It is true, too, that the medal was issued to those who fought at Ligny on June 16 and those who fought at Quatre Bras on the June 17, as well as thbse who fought at Waterloo on June 18. The reserve division at Halle was also granted it, together with

men of the King’s German Legion. The medal was originally to be bronze, but silver was decided on, thus establishing the custom of awarding silver medals. Only in rare instances has any other metal been used since then. The 42nd of Foot (the Black Watch) were at Quatre Bras, and repulsed strong forces of French infantry. Two days later they were at Waterloo, and took part in the decisive battle. Here a grenadier of the 42nd saved the Colour of the 92nd of Foot (the Gordon Highlanders, previously numbered the 100th Begiment) by carrying the Ensign, who had been killed and was still clutching his Colour, back to the ranks of the 42nd in the face of heavy enemy fire. However, when a colonel of the French Imperial Guard saw this act he was so impressed that he ordered his men not to continue their fire on the Highlander.

Just a little of what Mr Larter says—a wealth of history around a piece of silver. No doubt the medals of the 42nd are scarce.