Description
Waterloo Medal 1815, Gunner William Buckland, Royal Horse Artillery, served in D Troop under Captain Mercer. With service papers.
Officially impressed; “Will. Buckland, Gunner, Royal Horse Artillery.”
Rusted iron clip and split ring suspension.
Good condition for a Waterloo, naming all good and clear filling out the whole rim.
Confirmed on the medal roll, which records him as present in D Troop RHA, under Captain Alexander Cavalie Mercer.
At the Battle of Waterloo, Gunner Buckland served as part of D Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, initially under the command of Captain Mercer, however during the actual battle Mercer took command of G Troop, leaving D Troop to be commanded by Captain George Beane.
During the Battle, Major George Beane aka “Handsome George” was killed in action, Major Beane (Bean) was very experienced in battle and was remarkably brave with numerous , having spent almost 20 years fighting for his country, he was “Killed by a Cannon Ball in the 36th year of his age at the head of his troop.”
During the battle “They were hotly engaged in repulsing the attack on Hougoumont Farm.” D Troop had also seen service in the Peninsular War being present at Vittoria and the pursuit of the retreating French Army, however if he was present Gunner Buckland looks to have died before the institution of the Military General Service Medal.
The History of the RHA recalls:
“In the Second Act of the Drama, the attack on La Haye Sainte, Captain Whinyates’s troop and Major Rogers’ field brigade were first engaged; and it is important to remember, with a view to the argument, which is to come, that it was during this act that the Artillery of the reserve was brought up.
Sir Hew Ross’s and Major Beane’s Troops suffered at this time great loss. Among the Officers alone, Major Beane was killed, and both 2nd Captains and 2 Subalterns were wounded.”
William Buckland was born in the village of Datchet, in what is now the Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor, at the time being part of Buckinghamshire circa 1784.
He first attested for service on 20th November 1803 at the age of 22 and would go on to serve for 12 years and 214 days.
He would be awarded an extra 2 years towards his pension for his service at Waterloo.
Following the end of the Battle of Waterloo there was a large reduction of the Army and he was discharged on 19th June 1815 due to “Reduction is pensioned at five pence per diem commencing 20th June 1815.”
It was later added that his pension was “Increased to 1/0 Board Order 16th March 1829.”
By the time of his discharge and the end of the war in Europe, he was 34 years old, standing 5 foot 9 inches tall, with dark hair and a dark complexion.
