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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 592

(x) The remarkable group of three to Private C. Chapman, 11th Light Dragoons; having acted as Wellington's Orderly at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, Chapman was specially chosen by "Old Atty" to be his valet, a role he ably fulfilled until the Duke's death in 1852

Fondly remembered by the Wellesley family, he received several 'mentions' in Muriel Wellesley's memoirs

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Salamanca (Christopher Chapman, 11th Light Dragoons); Waterloo 1815 (Christ. Chapman, 11th Reg. Light Dragoons.), original steel clip and split-ring suspension; Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Bhurtpoor (C. Chapman, 11th Lt. Dragns.), short hyphen reverse, light scratches and edge wear, very fine (3)

Christopher Chapman was born in 1787 at West Layton, County Durham (WO 97/28/91), gaining civilian employment as a labourer. He attested for the 11th Light Dragoons at Doncaster on 13 April 1805. The Regiment embarked for Portugal in April 1811, forming part of Major-General Anson's Brigade at the Battle of Salamanca (clasp) on 22 July 1812. Three months later, Chapman received a sabre wound to his left wrist when on an advanced picquet during the Siege of Burgos.

Chapman served with Captain Binny's Troop during the Waterloo Campaign, acting as Orderly to the Duke of Wellington (his discharge papers confirm). Over the next three years, during the Occupation, he remained in Paris as Wellington's valet. He then served with the Regiment in India for 18 years, fighting at the Siege of Bhurtpoor in January 1826. He was promoted to Corporal on 12 May, but reduced to Private on 24 July 1827. He was discharged at Cawnpore on 31 October 1837, his conduct described as 'very good'.

On retirement Chapman again entered Wellington's service, this time at Walmer Castle in Kent, Wellington having been appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Wherever possible, Wellington ensured that his servants were old soldiers. He often dined with them, carrying a supply of sovereigns in his waistcoat pocket if ever they were in need. Chapman remained the Duke's valet until his death on 14 September 1852, and was at his bedside. He may have assisted in the production of Wellington's famous Death Mask, still on display at Walmer. He died in 1866; sold with copied service papers.

Recommended reading:

Wellesley, M., Wellington In Civil Life Through The Eyes Of Those Who Knew Him (London, 1939), pp. 7-9.

www.lifeofwellington.co.uk.

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Sold for
£10,000