71st Foot Service Medal

71st Foot Service Medal. Old Contemporary 20 Year Service Medal.

In excellent condition, on old large ring with a Waterloo ribbon.

71st (HIGHLAND) REGIMENT OF FOOT (LIGHT INFANTRY) 

The Regiment was formed in 1777 known as Macleod's Highlanders were experienced in battle, having fought in the Peninsular War at battles such as Victoria & Nive years before Waterloo.

The 71st played a crucial role at Waterloo as part of Major-General Sir Henry Clinton's, 2nd Division in Adam's Light Brigade, holding the Right Flank of the Allied line near Hougoumont on June18th 1815.

They famously withstood over 2 hours of heavy Artillery fire, and repulsed 7 French Cavalry Charges, during one of which the Duke Of Wellington took refuge in their square.

They participated in the final, decisive charge against the French Imperial Guard. The 71st was credited with capturing a French Battery and firing what is thought to be the final shot of the battle.
Suffering 16 Officers and 171 men Killed and wounded, over 25% of the Regiment

Following the victory the 71st marched to Paris as part of the Army of occupation.

A RARE MEDAL