United Kingdom. A Waterloo Medal to Serjeant Isaac Smith, 3rd Battalion, 14th Regiment of Foot

A Waterloo Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim SERJ. ISAAC SMITH, 3rd BATT. 14th REG. FOOT., original steel clip and iron ring, minor edge contact evident, ring and clip exhibiting areas of rust, replacement ribbon, bright, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Serjeant Smith (C.S) I. is present on the Waterloo Medal Roll in Captain Henry Morton’s Company, of the 3rd Battalion, 14th Regiment of Foot. 

The 3rd Battalion of the 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment of Foot, raised in 1813 and led at Waterloo by Major Francis Tidy, made a commendable and unexpected impact despite comprising many young and inexperienced soldiers. Positioned on Wellington’s right flank in the 4th British Brigade of Sir Charles Colville’s 4th Division, they initially occupied a ravine and saw little action until around 3 p.m., when they advanced to a crest under heavy French cannon fire.

Once in position, the battalion was ordered to form square in the face of successive charges by French cuirassiers. Despite their inexperience, the 3rd/14th executed with remarkable steadiness—successfully repelling repeated attacks and intimidating the French cavalry with their disciplined defense. The battalion remained on the field through the evening and, as night fell near the Château of Hougoumont and amid the aftermath of the Imperial Guard’s defeat, they bivouacked amid the battlefield’s carnage.

Although they suffered casualties—official returns record seven enlisted men and one officer killed, and 21 wounded—this youthful battalion earned respect for holding firm under intense pressure, dispelling early doubts about their readiness. Their resolute performance contributed significantly to shoring up the Allied right flank at a critical phase of the battle.