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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 268

(x) The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion's Chapel Stall Plate, gilded brass with engraved and painted image of a C.B. Badge, inscribed 'Charles de Petersdorff Esquire Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and Major in the 8th Line Battalion of the King's German Legion Companion of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath Nominated 22nd June 1815.', 191mm x 115mm, in wooden frame, some minimal paint loss but otherwise very fine

Charles de Petersdorff initially served with the 1st Line Battalion, King's German Legion before transferring to the 8th Line Battalion on 17 March 1812 at the rank of Captain of Company with temporary rank. Before 1812, it was common in the King's German Legion for ranks to be temporary likely because the regiment had only been newly formed in 1803 just months after the French dissolution of the Electorate of Hanover. After 1812 however, the War Office announced that on the 18 August 1812,: "In consideration of the King's German Legion having so frequently distinguished themselves against the enemy, and particularly upon the recent victory obtained near Salamanca, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent is pleased... to command that the officers who are now serving with temporary rank in the several regiments of that corps, shall have permanent rank in the British army from the date of their respective commissions.".

Petersdorff was then promoted to Major and served at the Battle of Waterloo. For "conduct in the battle of Waterloo", the Prince Regent, on behalf of the king, promoted a number of brevet captains and majors as thanks for their service on 18 July 1915. Petersdorff was second in command of the 8th Line Battalion at Waterloo, one under Lieutenant Charles Best. They served in the 3rd Division Artillery in the 2nd Brigade, meaning they fought right at the centre of Wellington's battle line. Historian Mark Adkin comments that "The KGL deserved better at Waterloo. They fought long and hard, suffering unnecessary losses due to tactical errors by senior commanders" (The Waterloo Companion, p. 179 refers). It was a relentless and bloody battle for the battalion - they suffered high numbers of wounded and killed and even lost a flag. As a result, Petersdorff is on the Waterloo medal roll and was later promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

The King's German Legion was disbanded the following year in 1816 and members of the regiment got absorbed into the Hanoverian Army.

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

Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400