#70 • British 22nd Light Dragoons Medal of Merit - 1815

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $200.00

Status: Sold

British 22nd Light Dragoons Medal of Merit - 1815 Regimental medal for merit and faithful service from the 22nd Light Dragoons. Medal (37mm) presents obverse with center crown above, a rose, shamrock, and thistle with text surround reading "Reward of Merit and Faithful Service". Reverse presents text "L. XXII.D" at center with 1815 below all surrounded by a wreath of laurel with text surround reading "Seringapatam, 1799 Conicul, 1800; Java1811". Medal presents some wear, edge knock, surface abrasions and is in very good/fine condition. Medal presents correct yellow ribbon. Medal is silvered copper. Balmer #R108B. Estimate: $400 - $600 Historical Background: The British 22nd Light Dragoons Medal of Merit, dating from 1815, was an honor bestowed within the regiment, likely recognizing exceptional service, bravery, or long commitment during a pivotal period in military history. This was the year of the Battle of Waterloo, a conflict in which the 22nd Light Dragoons were not directly engaged, but their service was still vital to the broader campaign against Napoleon. Regimental awards such as this "Medal of Merit" often served to foster morale and publicly acknowledge the contributions of non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, distinguishing them within the ranks for duties performed honorably. While specific design details of this particular regimental medal may be scarce, awards of this era typically featured patriotic motifs, perhaps including the royal cipher, the regimental number, or an inscription signifying merit. Such pieces were personal tokens of distinction, held in high regard by the recipients and their families. Their issuance reflects the hierarchical and commemorative practices of the British Army at the close of the Napoleonic Wars, celebrating internal excellence even as the larger conflict concluded. The 22nd Light Dragoons were a cavalry regiment of the British Army that played a significant role in the Fourth Anglo Mysore War, which culminated in the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799. This conflict was the final confrontation between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Tipu Sultan, a powerful ruler who had long resisted British expansion in South India. The Dragoons were deployed as part of the larger British and allied forces under the command of General George Harris. Their duties often involved reconnaissance, protecting supply lines, and engaging in light cavalry actions against the forces of Mysore. The regiment's participation in the Mysore Campaign demonstrated their effectiveness in the rugged conditions of the Indian subcontinent. Their presence was crucial during the advance on Seringapatam, where the decisive battle took place. Following the successful siege and the death of Tipu Sultan, the regiment continued to serve in India, contributing to the establishment of British dominance in the region. The campaign is a notable chapter in the 22nd Light Dragoons' history, highlighting their contribution to the expansion of the British Empire in the late 18th century.