United Kingdom. A Waterloo Medal to Private Patrick McCullin, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards

Instituted July 29, 1815. A Waterloo Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim PATRICK M’CULLIN, 2nd BATT. COLDSTREAM GDS., privately made crown suspension with a delicately curved bar, along with a replacement ribbon, minor contact marks including edge bruises evident (typical of age), dark patina overall, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: Patrick McCullin enlisted on December 5, 1803, serving during the period of December 25, 1811 until December 24, 1816. He is present on the Waterloo Medal Roll in Lt. Colonel Sir. R. Arthbuthnots Company, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, as Patrick “McCullen” (misspellings were common during the period). McCullen is also named on multiple Army Muster Books and Paylists between 1814-1816 further corroborating his active duty. 

At the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards played a crucial and multifaceted role in the defeat of Napoleon. Most famously, they were instrumental in the defense of the fortified farm complex of Hougoumont, positioned on Wellington’s right flank. Early in the battle, French forces launched repeated and determined attacks on the position, hoping to break through the Allied line. The 2nd Battalion was among the first reinforcements sent to support the small garrison already holding the farm. Fighting in brutal close-quarters combat, the Coldstream Guards helped repel numerous French assaults throughout the day. One of the most legendary moments of the battle occurred when a group of Coldstreamers helped to close the north gates of Hougoumont after French troops forced their way in—an action later described by Wellington as pivotal to the outcome of the battle.

While part of the battalion was engaged at Hougoumont, other companies remained in line with the 1st Guards Brigade under Major General Peregrine Maitland, positioned just behind the ridge at Mont-Saint-Jean. These troops endured sustained artillery bombardment as they waited in reserve. Late in the afternoon, they played a decisive role in one of the battle’s climactic moments: the repulse of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. As the elite French troops advanced toward the Allied center in a last effort to turn the tide, the Guards, including elements of the 2nd Battalion, rose from behind the ridge and delivered devastating volley fire followed by a bayonet charge that shattered the French column and triggered a general rout across Napoleon’s line.

The battalion paid a heavy price for its bravery. Of the approximately 440 to 450 men who went into battle, nearly 200 became casualties. Around 44 were killed, with 150 to 160 wounded, and a small number reported missing or captured—amounting to nearly 45 percent of their strength. Despite these severe losses, the battalion maintained its cohesion and fighting spirit throughout the day, contributing significantly to the survival of Wellington’s right flank and the ultimate Allied victory. Following the battle, the 2nd Battalion advanced with the Allied army into France and took part in the occupation of Paris. Their courage and discipline at Waterloo, combined with their earlier distinguished service in the Peninsular War, solidified the battalion’s reputation as one of the British Army’s most formidable and reliable units.