This medal was executed in pursuance of an order given by the Prince Regent in 1819, who desired to commemorate the battle of Waterloo by the production of a medal of surpassing magnitude and beauty. It was intended for presentation to each of the allied sovereigns as well as to the two commanders, Wellington and Blucher; but this object failed, as Pistrucci, who was directed to execute the work, did not accomplish the task till 1st January, 1849, and Wellington then alone survived. This medal has not been issued, as the dies have never been hardened; but it has been reproduced by the electro process, of which the above is an example.
553. Duke of Wellington, 1810. Obv. Head r., bare. LIEUT. GEN. LORD VISCOUNT WELLINGTON K.B. MDCCCX. T. WYON JUR. F. Rev. Victory r., on mountain, holding wreath and palm; at her side, shield, arms of St. George and Portugal impaled; at her feet, broken French standard. T. WYON JUṚ FECIT. Copper. Size 1·95. By T. Wyon, jun.
Arthur, Duke of Wellington, general and statesman, b. 1769, raised to the peerage as Viscount 1809, created Marquis 1812, Duke 1814, d. 14 Sep. 1852. This medal was struck about the time of the battle of Busaco and of Wellington's famous defence in the lines of Torres Vedras, 1810—11.
554. Sir John Moore, 1809. Obv. Head l., bare. LIEUT. GENERAL SIR J. MOORE K.B. MILLS F. Rev. Soldiers defending wounded comrade against attack of eagle with thunderbolt; in background, prow of ship. DEATH OF SIR JOHN MOORE; in ex., CORUNNA. 16 JANUARY 1809. MUDIE D. COURIGUER SC. Copper. Size 1·6. By Mills and Couriguer.
Sir John Moore, general, b. 1761, served in the West Indies 1795, in Egypt at the battle of Alexandria 21 Mar. 1801, and afterwards in the Peninsular War 1808—9; killed at the battle of Corunna, 16 Jan. 1809.
555. Lord Hill, 1812. Obv. Head l., bare. LIEUT. GENERAL LORD HILL, MILLS F. H. Rev. The river Tagus, over which broken bridge; above, Victory flying r., conducting Britannia. ALMARAZ. MAY XIX. MDCCCXII. MUDIE D. GAYRARD F. Copper. Size 1·6. By Mills and Gayrard.
Rowland, Viscount Hill, general, b. 1772, served in the Egyptian Campaign 1801, in the Peninsular War 1809—1814, raised to the peerage 1814, commanded at Waterloo 1815, appointed Commander-in-chief 1828—42; d. 1842. This medal records the destruction by Hill, 19 May, 1812, of the French fortifications which covered the bridge of boats over the Tagus at Almaraz, the only means of communication between the armies of Soult and Marmont.
556. Sir Thomas Picton, 1812. Obv. Bust, three-quarters l., in uniform, wearing star of the Bath. LIEUT. GEN. SIR T. PICTON K.B. Webb. Rev. General Picton l., planting English flag on battlement. BADAJOZ. APRḶ VI. MDCCCXII. MUDIE D. MILLS F. Copper. Size 1·6. By Webb and Mills.
Sir Thomas Picton, general, b. 1758, commanded in the West Indies 1794—1797, where he was appointed Gov. of Trinidad; commanded in Holland 1809, and in the Peninsular War, being present at the battles of Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Vittoria, &c.; killed at Waterloo 1815. This medal commemorates the capture of Badajoz, Picton and his division leading the assault on the citadel.
557. Lord Lynedoch, 1813. Obv. Head r., bare. LIEUT. GENERAL LORD LYNEDOCH. MODELED BY P. ROUW. MUDIE DIR. WEBB F. Rev. Greek warrior facing, head r., standing on battlements, holding sword and crown; in background, city in flames; before which, ships. S. SEBASTIAN. AUG. XXXI. MDCCCXIII. MUDIE D. MILLS F. Copper. Size 1·6. By P. Rouw, Webb, and Mills.