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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 9

Of American interest - the fine Military General Service Medal awarded to Sergeant S. Wade, 8th Foot, four times wounded during the War of 1812; captured by U.S. forces during the attack on Fort George in May 1813, he escaped to British lines and went on to fight at Chippawa and Lundy's Lane

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Martinique (Saml. Wade, 8th Foot), nearly extremely fine, fitted with an attractive silver riband bar

Samuel Wade was born at Ipswich, Suffolk in 1785, gaining civilian employment as a basket maker. After joining the West Essex Militia, he volunteered for the 2nd Battalion, 8th (King's) Regiment of Foot at Newport, Hampshire on 27 April 1805, gaining a bounty of £10 10s (about £900 today). The Regiment's Colonel at the time was Daniel Hoghton, of Albuhera fame, who had just returned from an appointment on Lord Mornington's staff in India.

On 25 December the Battalion boarded H.M.S. Ardent, 64 guns, for service 'on the continent' (WO/12-2572). It joined a 14,000-strong force under the 1st Earl Cathcart, dispatched to protect the Electorate of Hanover against French invasion. Napoleon's triumph at Austerlitz on 2 December shocked the Third Coalition, leading Pitt the Younger to an early grave. In the absence of this diplomatic heavyweight, a nervous Prussia made peace with France under the Treaty of Schönbrunn, which allowed Prussia to occupy Hanover as a buffer state. This gave Prussia an illusion of security, but it caused outrage in Parliament, as Hanover was rightfully British. Cathcart's troops, mere pawns in a political game, were evacuated to England in January 1806. Although Hanover was abandoned, thousands of Hanoverians took up arms against Bonaparte by joining the King's German Legion.

Transferring to the 1st Battalion, Wade took part in the Siege of Copenhagen in September 1807, and the capture of Martinique (clasp) in February 1809. Though the French garrison of Martinique outnumbered the British, the French were driven from their position with considerable loss, retiring into Fort Desaix. After a vigorous siege, the fort surrendered on 24 February. Three Eagles and several brass drums were captured.

Wade then embarked for Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the Fraville. Promoted to Corporal on 2 June 1810, he was four times wounded during the War of 1812. Stationed at Fort George in Upper Canada, he was wounded and taken prisoner when the Americans attacked on 27 May 1813. The 8th Foot suffered 202 casualties during this action. Wade managed to escape, reaching British lines. He re-joined his Regiment on 25 June, and was instantly promoted to Sergeant (see Muster 2575). During July 1814 he served on the Niagara Frontier at the battles of Chippawa and Lundy's Lane. He became Pay-Sergeant of his Division's Invalid Depot on 9 June 1823, and was discharged at Fort Pitt, Chatham on 25 November 1833, after 28 years and 264 days with the Colours; sold with copied service papers and research.


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Sold for
£2,600