Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Waterloo 1815 (Serj. John Greniers, 2nd Batt. Coldstream Gds.) neatly plugged and fitted with replacement scroll suspension, toned, nearly very fine £2000-2500

John Greniers was born in Ghent, Flanders, and enlisted into the Coldstream Guards in London on 21 April 1800, aged 22 years, for unlimited service. He was promoted to Corporal in August 1801, and to Sergeant in May 1805. Sergeant Greniers fought in Lieutenant-Colonel James Macdonell’s Company at Waterloo. ‘Macdonell’s gallant defence of Hougoumont is a matter of history. More than once the place was nearly taken by the French. “The French, however,” says Siborne, in his graphic account of the battle of Waterloo, “succeeded in forcing the gate; but the defenders betook themselves to the nearest cover, whence they poured a fire upon the intruders, and then rushing forward a struggle ensued which was distinguished by the most intrepid courage on both sides.

At length Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonell, Capt. Wyndham, Ensigns Gooch and Hervey, and Sergt. Graham, of the Coldstream Guards, by dint of great personal strength and exertions, combined with extraordinary bravery and perseverance, succeeded in closing the gate against their intruders.” The struggle for the possession of Hougoumont went on the whole day until the French retreat set in late in the evening.’

John Greniers was discharged in London in the rank of Colour Sergeant on 7 September 1819, ‘being infirm, the effect of long service’. Sold with copy discharge papers.