Germany, Duchy of Brunswick. A Waterloo Medal 1815 to Soldat Johann Pommerene, 1st Light Infantry Battalion

(Waterloo Medaille) Instituted in 1818. In bronze from captured French cannons, full size, officially impressed IOH. POMMERENE. 1. IAEC. BAT. , original steel fitted clip, light contact marks, in very fine condition.  

Footnote: 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 1st Light Infantry Battalion of the Duchy of Brunswick was an elite unit within the Brunswick Corps that fought during the Waterloo Campaign of 1815. Known for their distinctive black uniforms and aggressive light infantry tactics, the battalion was composed of well-trained skirmishers capable of operating independently ahead of the main force. Under the command of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm, the battalion saw heavy action at the Battle of Quatre Bras on June 16, where it helped hold the line against superior French forces. Despite suffering significant casualties and the death of the Duke himself, the unit continued to fight at the Battle of Waterloo two days later, supporting Wellington’s left flank. Their discipline, mobility, and resilience made them a vital part of the Allied effort to defeat Napoleon once and for all.