United Kingdom. A Waterloo Medal to Gunner John Caird, Royal Horse Artillery

A Waterloo Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim JOHN CAIRD, GUNNER, ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY., original steel clip and iron ring, replacement ribbon with adhesive on the reverse, minor edge contact evident, clip is slightly loose and ring exhibits minor rust, lovely patina, in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: Gunner John Caird is present on the Waterloo Medal Roll, under Lt. Colonel Gardiner’s “E” Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery. Gardiner's Troop E supported Vivian's British cavalry brigade on the Anglo-Allied left and took an active role in pursuing and breaking the last French resistance on the evening of June 18. 

As a gunner, Caird’s primary role was to rapidly deploy and fire artillery pieces, often supporting cavalry charges and disrupting enemy formations. Gunners were trained to quickly unlimber (detach) their guns, fire a variety of ammunition (like grapeshot, shells, or round shot), and then limber up (reattach the guns to their caissons) and move to a new position.

At the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, Gardiner’s Troop E of the Royal Horse Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Robert Gardiner, played a dynamic role in supporting the Allied right flank and cavalry operations. Armed with five 6‑pounder guns and a 5½‑inch howitzer, the troop was initially deployed with Vivian’s British cavalry brigade on the left–center sector. Throughout the day, Troop E provided crucial mobile fire support, rapidly repositioning to back up cavalry squadrons as they engaged French forces. 

Although suffering only light casualties during the battle, their impact was felt later in the evening when they joined in the pursuit of the defeated French army, helping to break the remnants of Napoleon’s forces as they retreated. Gardiner’s skill in maneuvering his guns and timing his volleys ensured that the troop remained effective and responsive, demonstrating the hallmark of Royal Horse Artillery mobility.