Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 9

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Sahagun & Benevente (James Chatterton, 7th Light Dragoons.), very fine, a few minor edge knocks

James Chatterton was born at Bennington, Lincolnshire, circa 1786, and served with the 7th Light Dragoons from 1804 until 1819. The first Regiment to be converted to Hussars, they arrived at Corunna in July 1808 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hussey Vivian, seeing action at Sahagun on 21 December 1808 and again at Benevente on 29 December 1808. At Benevente, a group of 100 men of the 7th, 10th, and 15th Light Dragoons charged 600 Chasseurs a Cheval of the Imperial Guard into the River Esla.

Chatterton returned to England in January 1809 aboard the transport vessel Sykes, where he remained until entering the Peninsula in 1813. While the unit participated in the Battles of Orthes and Toulouse, these engagements were missed by Chatterton who was taken prisoner by the French near Bayonne soon after his arrival in France. He rejoined his depot 'from French Prison' and was able to return to England in 1814 alongside his Regiment. They were ordered to Belgium in 1815 and participated at Waterloo as part of the 5th British Cavalry Brigade; Chatteron's involvement is confirmed by his presence on the Roll. The unit was heavily involved in the retreat from Quatre Bras and made several cavalry charges during the course of the battle.

Chatterton was discharged at Manchester aged 32 with 'good' conduct, having served 14 years and 230 days. Census records reveal that he moved to Butterwick, Lincolnshire, married, and had two daughters. He died there in 1854 of pneumonia and haemoptysis, aged 68, with his profession recorded as a small farmer; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£550