Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Waterloo 1815 (Corpl. James William, 1st Batt. 71st Reg. Foot.) fitted with original steel clip and ring suspension, rank engraved, nearly very fine £1600-1800

Confirmed as Corporal James William on medal roll (TNA) but as James Williamson in muster records.

James Williamson was born in 1793 and enlisted as a boy entrant in the 71st on 25 April 1809. He served in the 2nd Battalion at Glasgow Barracks and commenced his men’s service on 25 October 1809, on attaining his 18th birthday. In January 1814, he transferred to the 1st Battalion on active service in France where he was present at the battle of Toulouse (entitled to medal and clasp). Promoted to Corporal on 25 December 1814, he served in Captain Gordon’s Company at Waterloo. He was reduced to Private on 8 November 1815, and was discharged without pension from the Army of Occupation in France on 21 May 1818, at the termination of his engagement.