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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 13

(x) Waterloo 1815 (James Fleetcroft, Royal Artill. Drivers.), suspension replaced with silver bar and clip, worn overall, nearly very fine

James Fleetcroft is confirmed upon the Waterloo Roll as a driver in Captain W.H. Humphrey's 'H' Troop.

At the time of the Waterloo Campaign, the Royal Artillery Drivers were a relatively recent addition to the army, having been established only in 1793. Prior to its formation, the movement of artillery guns, ammunition and supplies was instead trusted to civilian contractors; the introduction of a trained corps made such movement faster and more reliable.

At the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815 the Royal Artillery had 10 companies of foot artillery with 119 guns and 13 rocket sections, and about half of the 5,300 artillerymen present were artillery drivers, one of them being Fleetcroft. During the Battle, the British Artillery was positioned on the ridge behind the Hougoumont farm. By the day's end, the Royal Artillery had suffered 29 officers and 265 men killed or wounded.

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

Sold for
£650

Starting price
£550