Waterloo Medal to Corporal John Crossley 2nd Batt Gren Guards / Severely wounded in the Jaw at Waterloo

Waterloo 1815, correctly impressed Corporal John Crossley. 2nd Batt. Grenad. Guards.

 

The medal is fitted with a contemporary replacement silver suspender. 

 

Condition VF

 

Provenance - Chris Dixon 2011

 

John Crossley was born in Eccles, Manchester, in 1780. He was a Weaver by trade; he enlisted on December 6th 1813, at Bolton, having previously served in the Derbyshire Militia. 

 

He rose to the rank of Sergeant in Lieutenant Colonel Tinlings Company in the 1st Battalion. He was a Corporal at the time of the Battle of Waterloo, where he was severely wounded through the jaw while saving a Corporal in the 2nd Bn, which Lieutenant Colonel Hills commanded. 

 

At Quarre Bras on June 16th, the light companies of the regiment were heavily involved in the fighting in Bossu Wood. During the main battle on the 18th, the light companies helped defend the post of Hougoumont although they were later withdrawn to rejoin their battalions on the main position atop the ridge of Mont St. Jean where the 1st Guards spent the day under fire. 

 

When Napoleon decided to commit his imperial Guards to the attack at the crucial moment of the battle, the 1st Foot Guard bore the brunt of the attack. The Imperial Guards reached the crest of the Allied positions, but at the vital moment, Mairlands Guards rose to deliver a series of devastating volleys into the ranks of Frenchmen who were driven back in disorder, and the battle was as good as won. 

 

As recognition of their part played, the Prince Regent bestowed upon the 1st Foot guards the title of Grenadier. 

 

Crossley was discharged on March 29th 1817, with a pension; he resided in Bolton until his death on January 25th 1844.