United Kingdom. A Waterloo and Military General Service Pair to Pte. French, 1st Battalion, 71st Highland Light Infantry Regiment

A Waterloo Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim FREDERICK FRENCH. 1st BATT. 71st REG. FOOT., privately made steel suspension in the form of a wide bar, dark patina, suspension clip loose, small edge bruises, in very fine condition.

A Military General Service Medal, in silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim F. FRENCH, 71ST FOOT., with four clasps (NIVELLE, NIVE, ORTHES, TOULOUSE), dark patina around edges, light contact marks to rim with small scratches to both obverse and reverse, very fine. 

Footnote: Frederick French was born about 1796 in Sullamore Kings, England. He enlisted at the age of 14, and fought with the 71st Highland Regiment of Light Infantry. He was discharged in 1836 at the age of 40. When his military pension began, he had achieved the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant. Frederick French is on the Military General Service Medal Roll with 4 clasps, and on Waterloo Medal Roll under Captain James Henderson’s Company. 

The 1st Battalion, 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) fought with Kempt’s Brigade in Picton’s 5th Division at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. Positioned near the centre-left of Wellington’s line, the 71st helped repel the initial French attacks by d’Erlon’s Corps and later endured heavy artillery and cavalry assaults throughout the day. Fighting in line and square formations, the battalion showed notable steadiness under pressure and took part in the final advance as the Allied army drove the French from the field.