This article was published in the August 2015 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society

The battle of Waterloo on the 18th June 1815  was the culmination of the 100 day campaign by Napoleon and his defeat led to his second abdication and eventual exile to Elba where he died. A grateful British nation struck a medal in honour of the victory and all survivors were granted an extra two years service to their pensions. The dead were less looked after and their teeth were used to create false teeth and their bodies collected to make fertilizer in Yorksire!

Here are a few of the men who fought in the battle:

Aaron Sewell, Gunner  – Royal Horse & Foot Artillery.

Isaac Sewell, Private – 1st Battalion 52nd Regiment. Born in Braintree Essex he served for 25 years in the Peninsular, France and South America before being discharged after 25 years due to rheumatism.

John Sewell, Private – 10th Hussars.

Samuel Sewell, Private – 1st Battalion 95th Regiment, enlisted in Limerick but was born in Halstead, Essex. Twice wounded, he served for 25 years before being discharged ‘old and worn out’.

William Sewell, Private – 1st Battalion 52nd Regiment. Born in Southminster Essex was wounded at Waterloo and discharged after 12 years’ service.

Thomas Solley, Gunner – Royal Horse & Foot Artillery. Born in Birmingham. Discharged due to being kicked by a horse after 21 years and emigrated to the Cape.

Henry Sollis, Private – 1st Battalion 4th Regiment

Henry Sooley, Private – 52nd Regiment. Born Ash, Kent served in Peninsular and America for 21 years before being discharged. Married Ruth Lillywhite in 1830 and died in Portsmouth 1840.

Does anyone have anymore information on these men? If so please email your research co-ordinator and the editor and I will report back in the next journal.  

Waterloo Medal, front and back. Image by Jack1956 at English Wikipedia