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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 441

(x) Waterloo 1815 (Corp. William Sallows, 2nd Batt. Gren. Guards.), highlights polished and naming worn but legible, good fine

The 2nd Battlion, 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, formed part of the 1st Brigade in the 1st Division of I Corps in the Allied Army during the Hundred Days Campaign. Commanded by Lt-Col Henry Askew, like all the Foot Guards battalions during the campaign they were at full strength and comprised 35 officers and 919 men. By the end of Waterloo, however, their complement stood at a mere 23 officers and 490 men - testament to their services during both battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. Additionally, it was the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 1st Foot Guards who repulsed the final French infantry assault of the battle; the Duke of Wellington was stationed immediately behind them, crying out to the brigade commander, Maj-Gen Maitland: "Now Maitland; now's your time! Stand up Guards, and at 'em!" These battalions of the Foot Guards, along with several other British regiments, delivered crashing vollies of musket fire at close range, breaking the French and causing them to recoil back down the slope. At this, the entire French army began to disintegrate and the day was won.

William Sallows (also spelt 'Sellows' on the Roll) served as a Corporal in Lt-Col D'Oyly's Company during the Waterloo Campaign. Born in 1795 in Essex St. Nicholas, Colchester, he appears to have volunteered from the Essex Militia on 30 December 1813, his occupation being noted as a Cordwainer and his age as 18. Severely wounded in the neck and hand at Waterloo, he was discharged on 29 December 1820, 'time expired'.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£900