WATERLOO MEDAL

WATERLOO 1815 TO A PRIVATE OF THE 1ST KING’S DRAGOON GUARDS WHO WAS WOUNDED DURING THE BATTLE, HIS REGIMENT SUFFERING A 52% CASUALTY RATE. CONTINUING TO SERVE HE CAME TO SAD END WHEN HE SHOT HIMSELF AT STAMFORD ON 29 AUGUST 1832, WHILST ON THE MARCH TO PETERBOROUGH

WATERLOO 1815 ‘ABRAHAM BRIGGS, 1ST. REG. DRAGOON GUARDS.’ FITTED WITH ORIGINAL STEEL CLIP AND LATER SPLIT RING SUSPENSION.

Abraham Briggs, a labourer from Samlesbury, Lancashire, enlisted into the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards on 29 April 1811. Serving in Ireland until April 1815, Briggs and his regiment took part in the Waterloo Campaign, Briggs being one of the many men of his regiment to be wounded during the great battle of 18 June 1815. Initially sent sick to Brussels (musters confirm wounded), he returned to his regiment at some point in July 1815. Promoted Corporal on 9 January 1818 and Sergeant on 30 April 1825, Briggs came to sad end when he shot himself at Stamford on 29 August 1832, whilst on the march to Peterborough (pay lists confirm).

The 1st King’s Dragoon Guards formed part of the Household Brigade at the battle of Waterloo, charging with them and ‘highly distinguished themselves’ during the battle. This was not without great cost, for of the 520 men of King’s Dragoon Guards who were at Waterloo, 275 Officers and men were casualties. This a 52% casualty rate which was among the highest of any cavalry regiment. This in addition to the loss of 269 horses. It must be noted however, that around 20% of the 520 men who received the medal were on other duties or sick during the battle so as with all regiments the casualty percentage would have been far higher.

Condition EK’s and a little worn NVF. With copy roll include muster/pay list extracts for full service and pay list entry for July/Sept 1832.

A fine medal to a Waterloo casualty who met a sad end 17 years later.