Guelphic Medal for Gallantry, Corporal Georg Oelmann, 1st Regiment of Hussars, King’s German Legion
Guelphic Medal for Gallantry, gallantry award, foreign award
Accession Number
NAM.1989-07-79-1
Description
Guelphic Medal for Gallantry 1815. Silver. From a collection of medals awarded to Cpl Georg Oelmann, 1st Regiment of Hussars, King’s German Legion. The Guelphic Medal for Gallantry was instituted in 1815 for award to non-commissioned officers and men of the Hanoverian Army who had distinguished themselves by acts of gallantry. On the reverse it is inscribed: ‘VERDIENST / UMS / VATERLAND’ which translates as Merit for the Fatherland. Oelmann earned this medal in 1811 near Coimbra in Portugal. On patrol with eleven hussars, he helped to overpower an enemy cavalry force. The 1st Hussars were generally considered to be the finest light cavalry in Wellington’s army.