The Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo is a few months away. I was wondering how many locals we have that served at Waterloo, or in the Peninsular War generally. That is any we know about!
Being a collector of medals, the odd snippet of information comes my way through the auction houses. Here for instance is the Military General Service Medal to
John Burn from Felton, Peninsula War veteran, wounded at Salamanca. He was out of the war in 1813 so missed Waterloo, although I think his regiment, the 38th Foot, wasn't present at the battle anyway.
We have 'Captain William Parry' or "Troop Sergeant Major William Perrie", of Amble 'Waterloo' pub, alleged 2nd Dragoons at Waterloo.
We have a William Finn, born in Warkworth, appears to have served an astonishing 39 years, including 14 years with the 58th Foot from 1797 to his discharge in 1812. It is quite possible he also served at Salamanca, as well as a number of other famous battles.
I also recall that the 'Northumberland Militia' AKA 'The Northumberland Buffs' Regiment was ordered in 1799 to transfer ('Volunteer!') 25% of its strength to the Regular Army; this amounted to more than 266 men; who were they and where did they end up? Quite possible they were battling Napoleon's army in Egypt in 1801.