Military Histories

His Waterloo

Details

Published on Monday, 25 March 2013 16:25

He was a captain serving with a regiment of foot during the Waterloo campaign. During the early exchanges of the Battle of Waterloo, his commanding officer was killed and he automatically succeeded him as Officer commanding the regiment. Throughout the battle he acquitted himself well even though he received a wound to the leg and had his horse shot from under him.

Wellington was jubilant in victory and promoted all commanding officers to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and knighted each of them. He rose from captain to Lieutenant Colonel (CB) almost overnight!

Much of the information was uncovered using the Officers’ Army Lists. Apart from listing the man's regiment and successive promotions, his war exploits were also recorded. Further information was gained using the officers' pension records and barrack-masters records. I also used regimental muster lists to record his early days as a cornet.