United Kingdom. A Waterloo Medal to Private Thomas Woods, 2nd Battalion, 30th Regiment of Foot

 In silver, full size, naming officially impressed on the rim THOMAS WOODS. 2nd BATT. 30th REG. FOOT., original steel clip and large iron ring, small contact marks and edge knocks, replacement ribbon, lovely patina, in better than very fine condition. 

Footnote: Private Thomas Woods is present in the Waterloo Medal Roll, under Captain Arthur Gore’s Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Regiment of Foot. 

The 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1702. The 2nd Battalion fought at the Siege of Badajoz in March 1812: the battalion's losses were 6 officers including the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel George Grey, and 132 other ranks. It also saw action at the Battle of Salamanca in July 1812; went on to fight at the Siege of Burgos in September 1812 before returning home in December 1812. The battalion subsequently landed in Holland and fought at the Battle of Quatre Bras and the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. 

At the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, the 2nd Battalion of the 30th Regiment of Foot (later known as the East Lancashire Regiment) played a vital role in the defense of the Allied center, serving under Lieutenant Colonel John Hamilton Elphinstone as part of Major General Sir Colin Halkett’s 5th British Brigade, within Lieutenant General Sir Charles Alten’s 3rd Division.

The 30th Foot was positioned near the crossroads at Mont-St-Jean, close to the vital central area of Wellington’s line, just behind the ridge that the Allies used to shield themselves from French artillery. Throughout the day, the battalion was heavily engaged, repelling repeated French infantry assaults, particularly those from d’Erlon’s I Corps and later parts of the Imperial Guard. They faced intense musket and artillery fire for most of the battle and held firm under tremendous pressure. At one point, they formed squares to defend against French cavalry charges, a key infantry tactic used to resist mounted troops.

Toward the end of the battle, the 30th was part of the Allied line that withstood and ultimately helped repel the final assault by Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, a critical turning point in the battle. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the 2/30th maintained their position throughout the day and contributed significantly to holding the line when it was most needed.

In recognition of their courage and steadfastness, the regiment was later awarded the battle honour "Waterloo", and their actions became a proud part of their regimental history.

At the battle, the 2nd Battalion had a strength of 615, and suffered a total of 279 casualties between the officers and non commissioned soldiers.