NAM.2025-01-25-1-1

Portrait of a bandsman wearing the Waterloo Medal, believed to be Thomas James, 1820 (c) The most likely candidate for the sitter is Thomas James, Private of the 18th Hussars. He was present at Waterloo with Captain Lloyd’s Troop, but not actually on the battlefield. He was with the officers’ baggage and severely wounded late in the afternoon of the 18th of June when the Duke of Cumberland’s Hussars, who notoriously fled the battle, looted the 18th’s officers’ baggage en route to Brussels (Mallinson, Light Dragoons : the making of a regiment). Thomas James received the Waterloo Medal likely because he put up a spirited defence and was severely wounded as a result. This could also be the reason why such a lovely portrait was painted of him in his uniform. (Thomas James’ records: TNA WO 12/1423, WO 25/292, WO 67/1, WO 97/72/76, WO 97/181/86, and WO 67/1)

Waterloo, Battle of, 1815 (Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo 1815)