United Kingdom. A Waterloo Medal to Private James Sharpnell, 3rd battalion, 1st Regiment Foot Guards

A Waterloo Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim JAMES SHRAPNELL, 3rd BATT. GRENAD. GUARDS., original steel clip and large iron ring, contemporary replacement ribbon bearing discolouration due to iron and light fraying, notable contact marks to obverse and edge bruises, dark patina on the reverse, in very fine condition.

Footnote: James Sharpnell was born about 1784 in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. He is included in the Waterloo Medal Roll as “James Sharpell” within Lt. Colonel Reeve’s Company of the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Regiment Foot Guards. Sharpnell was admitted to the Royal Hospital in December 1818 for a wounded back. He died in April 1831.

At the Battle of Waterloo, the 3rd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards (then part of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards) played a pivotal role in the final and most critical phase of the battle. Positioned near the center of Wellington’s line, they spent much of the day under relentless artillery and infantry fire, holding firm alongside other elite British units. Their most famous action came late in the day during Napoleon’s final assault, when the Imperial Guard advanced to break the Allied center. The 3rd Battalion, alongside other Guards units, rose from behind the crest of the ridge and delivered devastating volleys at close range, halting and then repelling the French assault. This marked a turning point in the battle, triggering the general French retreat. Their discipline and courage helped secure victory, and the regiment was later awarded the distinguished title "Grenadier Guards" in honor of their role in defeating Napoleon’s elite troops.