#71 • Brunswick Waterloo Medal - 2nd Line Battalion

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

High bid $300.00

Status: Sold

Brunswick Waterloo Medal - 2nd Line Battalion. Brunswick (German) Waterloo medal. Naming is officially impressed "HEINR. REUPER. 2. LIN. BAT.". Medal exhibits repaired/filled hole (3mm) at upper right obverse, polishing wear, some edge knocks and some surface scratches and exhibits spotty toning. Medal lacks ribbon. The medal was awarded to troops and officers from Brunswick who participated in the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. The 2nd Line Battalion of the Brunswick Corps as part of the Brunswick contingent on Wellington's center-right. The 2nd Line Battalion maintained an unbroken square during the battle facing Napoleon's Empress Dragoons during the French cavalry charges. Estimate: $500 - $700 Historical Background: The Brunswick Waterloo Medal was a campaign medal established by the Duchy of Brunswick on June 11, 1818, to honor its officers and soldiers who participated in the Waterloo Campaign, specifically the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo, which took place between June 15 and July 7, 1815. The medal specifically referencing the 2nd Line Battalion indicates it was awarded to a soldier belonging to that particular unit within the Brunswick forces. The medal itself is significant as one of five national medals struck by the nations of the Seventh Coalition for their troops involved in the campaign. The medal is round, 34 mm in diameter, and made of bronze cast from captured French cannons; medals for officers were gilded. Its design features a left-facing profile of the fallen Duke of Brunswick, Frederick William, on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription "Braunschweig Seinen Kriegern" (Brunswick to her Warriors) above, and "Quatrebras und Waterloo" below. It is suspended from a yellow ribbon with blue edge stripes. The appearance of the medal serves as a lasting tribute to the Brunswick soldiers' service in these critical battles. The 2nd Line Battalion of the Brunswick Corps was a contingent of soldiers from the Duchy of Brunswick who fought for the coalition against Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. They were part of the larger Brunswick Corps, famously led by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick, who was known as the Black Duke due to the dark uniforms worn by his troops. This force was notable for its distinct black attire and skull badges, signifying their vow to give no quarter to the French. The Brunswick Corps played a significant role in the campaign leading up to the Battle of Waterloo, participating in various engagements in the Low Countries. At the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, the 2nd Line Battalion, like the rest of the Brunswick Corps, fought under the command of the Duke of Wellington. They were positioned in the center of the Anglo-Allied line and endured heavy fighting. Their performance at Waterloo, despite suffering severe casualties, including the death of their Duke early in the battle, solidified their reputation for bravery and dedication to the allied cause. The unit is remembered as an integral part of the allied force that secured victory, contributing to the final defeat of Napoleon.