“Horse Guards, March 10th., 1816.
“The Prince Regent has been graciously pleased, in the name and on the
behalf of His Majesty, to command, that in commemoration of the
brilliant and decisive victory of Waterloo, a medal should be
conferred on every officer, non-commissioned officer, and soldier of
the British Army, present upon that memorable occasion.
“His Royal Highness has further been pleased to command, that the
ribbon issued with the medal, shall never be worn but with the medal
suspended to it.
“By command of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent;
FREDERICK, Commander-in-Chief.
H. TORRENS, Major-General and Military Secretary.”
[Illustration:
COIN OF ELIS, about 450, B.C.
]
The distinction for Waterloo became the more valuable, from the fact
that there was only one ribbon and one medal for all ranks of the army,
from the Commander of the Forces to the youngest drummer.
The 35th., 54th., 59th., and 91st. regiments forming the brigade of Sir
Charles Colville, which was detached, were granted the medal, but these
regiments do not bear “Waterloo” on their colours.
The Prince Regent also ordered that medals should be given to the
Brunswickers who survived the actions of the 16th., 17th., and 18th. of
June. This medal, of bronze, was made from the captured guns. Obverse,
bust of Duke Frederick William, who fell at Quatre Bras, with the
legend, “Friedrich Wilhelm Herzog.” Reverse, the date 1815, within a
wreath of oak and laurel; legend, “Braunschweig Seinen Kriegern—Quatre
Bras and Waterloo,” the ribbon yellow, with a light blue border.
The Hanoverian troops present at Waterloo, received a silver medal.
Obverse, laureated head of the Prince Regent, with the legend, “George
Prinz Regent, 1815.” Reverse, “Waterloo, June 18th.,” above which is a
military trophy, below, laurel branches; legend, “Hannoverscher
Tapferkeit.” Ribbon, red with blue border.
To the soldiers of the Duchy of Nassau, a small silver medal was
awarded, worn with a dark blue ribbon, yellow edge.