Original Waterloo 1815 medal Gunner David Thompson 3rd Regiment Royal Artillery
Artillery was used extensively at Waterloo, and the preceding battles at Ligny and Quatre Bras, by both Wellington and Napoleon, and proved amongst the crucial deciding factors for the final outcome. The British are technically the equal of the French artillery with mostly 9-pounders and 5.5 inch howitzers, plus some mobile 6-pounders for the horse artillery and Congreve rockets.
A dozen 18-pounder siege cannon did not see any action as they were left behind due to the rapid deployment of Wellingtons forces. One wonders however, what might have happened if these 18-pounders were present on the battlefield to unleash their carnage on the French. It would be presumptive to say that they would have made all the difference, nevertheless they would certainly have been of concern to Napoleon, and could have forced him to proceed more cautiously. Each battery on both sides consists of four to six guns and two howitzers. The guns are fired on a flat trajectory, while the howitzers short barrels permit high-angle fire.
The battery proper comprises 90-150 artillerymen, with a separate squadron of 75-150 men who transport spare ammunition, and do repairs. Artillery Tactics During The Battle of Waterloo Napoleon started his military career as an artillery lieutenant in the French army and his battles reflect this experience.
He prefers to use his artillery offensively, battering the enemys infantry with shot and shell until they are sufficiently softened up to send in his infantry or cavalry. He deviates from this tactic at Waterloo, by not permitting his artillery to complete their grim work before committing his cavalry and infantry. This fatal mistake is repeated time and again during the battle.Wellington too, has a sound grasp of effective artillery tactics, with the advantage of being on the defensive, considered an advantage in warfare in this era. Wellington prefers to wait, moving individual batteries into action as circumstances dictate. Thus he keeps his guns uncommitted until Napoleons cavalry or infantry are within 1000 to 1200 meters range, using solid shot.
When they are within 300-400 meters, he opens up with case shot in his guns and howitzers, sometimes double-loading the last round or two. Estimates after the battle are that Wellingtons artillerymen accounted for 60-120 casualties per gun per hour, about 33% of the overall casualty total, far higher than the proportion of artillerymen in his army (about 10%). Original Waterloo 1815 medal Gunner David Thompson 3rd Regiment Royal Artillery.
1815 Waterloo medal awarded to Gunner Thompson RA Genuine antique silver 1815 Waterloo campaign medal awarded to Gunner David Thompson 3rd Regiment Royal Artillery, official impressed DAVID THOMPSON GUNNER 3RD REG. ROYAL ARTILLERY", also very finely engraved in copper plate script heads side with memorial to soldier "Who died May 18th 1819 at Port Royal Jamaica aged 26. In extremely fine condition, replacement ring suspension, steel clip looks original re-attached. Few minor light contact marks, superior condition and not the usual over poilshed worn battered examples you see on offer at this price. Includes medal roll extract included confirming medal. Showcase your items with Auctiva's. The item "Original Waterloo 1815 medal Gunner David Thompson 3rd Regiment Royal Artillery" is in sale since Wednesday, December 8, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectables\Militaria\19th Century (1800-1899)\Medals/ Ribbons".The seller is "theonlineauctionsale" and is located in England. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Country/ Organization: United Kingdom
- Issued/ Not-Issued: Issued
- Theme: Militaria
- Time Period: 19th Century (1800-1899)
- Type: Medals & Ribbons
- Conflict: Waterloo 1815
- Service: Army
- Era: 1751-1815