Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Waterloo 1815 (John Fowler, Rifle Brigade, 1st Batt.) fitted with original steel clip and ring suspension, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £2,400-£2,800

Provenance: Sotheby, September 1992.

John Fowler was born at Mincheaston, near Braintree, Essex, in about 1795. He enlisted into the 1st Battalion, 95th Foot, at Braintree on 20 August 1813, aged 18 years, for unlimited service. He completed service of 7 years 26 days, including 2 years for Waterloo, and was eventually discharged at Cambray, France, on 24 July 1818, in consequence of ‘a gunshot wound received on the 18th June 1815 at the battle of Waterloo by which means the hip bone was fractured, so as to prevent him from wearing his Side-Arms.’

He served in Captain Glasse’s No. 9 Company at Waterloo, which was positioned behind the second row of hedge to the left of the crossroad above La Haye Sainte. Rifle Green at Waterloo states that Fowler was on the strength of the 1/95th from 10 August 1813; ‘sick absent, June & July. Not on Mint or Waterloo Roll. WO 100/15B shows in action 16, 17 & 18th and received Waterloo Medal.’ The regimental designation as shown on his medal indicates that it is a slightly later but original issue. Fowler was invalided to England where he was finally discharged on 15 September 1818, his conduct as a soldier being described as ‘Very good. Served at Waterloo where he received a wound for which he is now discharged.’ Sold with copied discharge papers, Chelsea Hospital admission entry and full muster records.