Full medal write up
WATERLOO 1815 ‘THOMAS YOUNG, 2ND BATT. GOLDSTREAM GDS.’
Private Thomas Young was present at the battle of Waterloo, where he was a Hougoumont defender, serving in the Light Company commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Wyndham. Wyndham’s company was one of those initially posted to Hougoumont and would fight there throughout the day. Wyndam was one of the main characters who played a part in perhaps the most famous incident during the fighting at Hougoumont, namely, the closing of the gates, upon which, Wellington later acknowledged, ‘rested the outcome of the day.’
The gallant defence of Hougoumont is a matter of history. More than once was the place nearly taken by the French. “The French however,” says Siborne, in his graphic account of the battle of Waterloo, “succeeded in forcing the gate; but the defenders betook themselves to the nearest cover, whence they poured a fire upon the intruders, and then rushing forward a struggle ensued which was distinguished by the most intrepid courage on both sides. At length Lt.-col. Macdonell, Capt. Wyndham, Ensigns Gooch and Hervey, and Sergt. Graham, of the Coldstream Guards, by dint of great personal strength and exertions, combined with extraordinary bravery and perseverance, succeeded in closing the gate against their intruders.” The struggle for possession of Hougoumont went on the whole day until the French retreat set in late in the evening.
Private Young is confirmed in both medal roll and musters as being in Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel Wyndham’s company. However his full service has yet to be researched.
Condition NVF several small EK’s and contact marks. Replacement clip and ring, the former covering a hole (barely visible) where the medal was once worn with a ring through it. Ex Spink 1975.
Certainly one of the most desirable companies for a Hougoumont and thus as Waterloo medal itself.