Soldiers
Over 200,000 soldiers fought in the Battle of Waterloo, men from every class and from all around the world. Many said it was the most important moment of their lives - and for the 65,000 killed or injured, the most terrible. The Battle changed the way society saw the Army. For the first time in British history, every soldier who fought in the Waterloo Campaign was given a medal, regardless of their rank or role.
Explore the stories of the soldiers who fought, triumphed, and died at Waterloo, through these objects, articles, and videos.
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Coatee of a British Officer Wounded at Waterloo
This is the uniform coat of Lt. Henry Anderson, who was shot in the shoulder at the Battle of Waterloo. On the reverse of the coat, underneath Anderson’s left armpit, you can see the dried bloodstains.
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Waterloo Lives: Descendants Speak Out
Captivating stories surrounding the people and events on the Battlefields of Waterloo.
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Soldier’s Story: Charles Ewart, the “Most Illustrious Grey”
Discover more about the life of soldier Charles Ewart
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Private Soldier’s Waterloo Medal
The Waterloo medal was the first ever “campaign medal” issued by the British Army, given to every soldier regardless of their rank or role. It was awarded to all soldiers present at the Battle of Waterloo and the actions during the two previous days.
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Soldier’s Story: James Hamilton, Rags to Riches
Discover more about the life of soldier James Hamilton.
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Read a Letter from Waterloo
An account of the Battle of Waterloo was written by Lieutenant C.W. Short, aged 15 ½.
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Soldier’s Story: James Ormsby, from Waterloo to Wilderness
Discover more about the life of soldier James Ormsby.
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Soldier’s Story: John Leworthy, a British Grenadier
Discover more about the life of soldier John Leworthy
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Soldier’s Story: Matthew Anderson, a One-Legged Scot
Discover more about the life of soldier Matthew Anderson
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Read a Letter from Waterloo
An account of the Battle of Waterloo was written by Lieutenant C.W. Short, aged 15 ½.
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Soldier’s Story: Thomas Chambers, “a Strange Mortal”
Discover more about the life of soldier Thomas Walker Chambers
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Waterloo Lives: Descendants Speak Out
Captivating stories surrounding the people and events on the Battlefields of Waterloo.
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Soldier’s Story: William Wharton
Discover more about the life of soldier William Wharton
