Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of bronze. The obverse presenting the left-facing bust portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm with field cap in uniform, surrounded by the inscription "FRIEDRICH WILHELM HERZOG". The reverse presents the year 1815, circumscribed by a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right, bordered by the inscription "BRAUNSCHWEIG SEINEN KRIEGERN QUATREBRAS UND WATERLOO" (Brunswick to its warriors, Quatre-Bras and Waterloo). The medals can be both named and unnamed.

History

The Waterloo Medal was founded on July 11, 1818 by Prince Regent Georg IV in remembrance of the campaign of 1815 and the heroism of the Brunswick Corps. The medal was conferred upon the troops of the Brunswick Corps who had directly participated in the campaign, or who had aided the soldiers during the campaign. In addition, the next-of-kin of fallen soldiers were also given the medal in memory of their fallen family members.

The Waterloo Medal was cast from the metal of captured French cannons and features the portrait of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm, who fell at the battle of Quatre Bras. The edge of the medal features the recipient’s name and unit. The medals conferred upon Officers were gilt.