Orders, Decorations and Medals

WATERLOO 1815 (Trump. Major Wm. Dixon, 1st Reg. Dragoon Guards) fitted with original steel clip and replacement ring suspender, edge bruise, otherwise nearly very fine and a rare rank

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Important Collection of Waterloo Medals.

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William Dixon was born in Newbury, Berkshire, in 1772 and enlisted as a Trumpeter, for unlimited service, in the 1st Dragoon Guards, at Dorchester on 15 October 1790. He was present with his regiment, which formed part of the British force under the Duke of York, in the campaign in Flanders 1793-94. This force together with Prussian and Austrian troops, was sent to prevent the French from capturing Holland. Dixon was present at the actions of Premont and Cateau, and at the battle of Beaumont where, on 26 April 1794, General Otto led the allied cavalry against 20,000 unbroken French infantry, resulting in a loss to the French of 7,000 casualties, of whom 1,200 were killed by sabre wounds. He was next present at the battle of Tournai on 22 May 1794, and took part in the disastrous retreat to Germany during the following winter. A major blizzard, which lasted for several days, resulted in 6,000 men and many horses being frozen to death whilst the army was crossing Gelderland. Dixon was promoted to Trumpeter-Major on 25 September 1810, and was present at Waterloo in that rank in June 1815. He was discharged in consequence of long service, at Hamilton, Scotland, in December 1818, his conduct being described as 'most excellent in every respect.