A good Waterloo Medal 1815, replacement steel clip and ring suspension, awarded to Private John Bex, 51st Regiment of Light Infantry who saw service in Captain Peter Smellie’s Company at the Battle of Waterloo on 18th June 1815 when the 51st covered the allied right in the sector covering the approaches towards Braine-l’Alleud. Throughout the day the 51st was subjected to prolonged artillery fire and several probing attacks by French infantry and cavalry. Smellie’s company remained in line for long periods under fire, maintaining formation and discipline while supporting neighbouring units and helping to secure the right wing of the army.
Waterloo Medal 1815; with replacement steel clip and ring suspension; (JOHN BEX, 51ST REG. LIGHT INFANTRY.)
Condition: some contact wear and minor edge-bruising, Very Fine
Private John Bex saw service as part of Captain Peter Smellie’s Company of the 51st Regiment of Light Infantry at the Battle of Waterloo on 18th June 1815.
The 51st Foot was brigaded under Major-General Sir John Lambert in the 6th British Division. The regiment was positioned on the Allied right , in the sector covering the approaches towards Braine-l’Alleud, a flank area Wellington was determined to hold against any turning movement. Throughout the day the 51st was subjected to prolonged artillery fire and several probing attacks by French Infantry and cavalry, but they were not involved in the central set-piece fighting around Hougoumont or La Haye Sainte. Smellie’s company remained in line for long periods under fire, maintaining formation and discipline while supporting neighbouring units and helping to secure the right wing of the army.
Late in the afternoon and evening, as Napoleon’s attacks failed and the Imperial Guard was repulsed, the 51st advanced with the rest of Lambert’s brigade during the general Allied push. Captain Smellie’s company took part in this forward movement, helping to press back the retreating French and consolidate ground gained on the right. Although the 51st did not suffer casualties on the scale of the heavily engaged centre, the regiment’s steadiness in holding a vulnerable flank was an important part of Wellington’s overall defensive plan. Smellie’s company shared in this duty, contributing to the secure anchoring of the right wing at a critical moment in the battle.
John Bex also lived to claim a 9 clasp Military General Service Medal which is known to be extant.
