WATERLOO MEDAL

A FINE WATERLOO TO 1ST ROYAL DRAGOON WHO WAS CAPTURED DURING THE CAVALRY BATTLE AT MAGUILLA 11 JUNE 1812 AND WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO WHERE HIS REGIMENT FORMED PART OF THE UNION BRIGADE, LOOSING 50% OF ITS NUMBER DURING THE GREAT CHARGE

WATERLOO 1815 ‘WILLIAM MERRICK, 1ST OR ROYAL DRAGOONS’.

William Merrick was born in Bradley, Stafford and joined the Royal Artillery circa 1799. Transferring to the 1st or Royal Dragoons on 25 September 1806, he served in Captain Phipp's troop in the Peninsula and at Waterloo and was finally discharged in consequence of a diseased testicle on 12 December 1816, aged 42.

Merrick’s service papers are damaged and hard to read, but enough can be seen to see he was taken prisoners near Valencia Los Torres on 11 June 1812; the cavalry battle of Battle of Maguilla. He was also severely wounded at the battle of Waterloo. Frustratingly, a further note for August 1810 is incomplete but perhaps a muster check will reveal what this was.

Merrick also received the Military General Service medal with clasps; Fuentes d'Onor, Vittoria and Toulouse, He had also applied for Badajoz clasp but this clasp was not granted to the Regiment, despite its presence……………….

Condition; with steel clip and old replacement split ring suspension. Heavy edge bruising and contact wear, though naming still clear.

A most desirable regiment for Waterloo, especially as a casualty but a rare medal for a Maguilla casualty.