Waterloo Medal (Brunswick) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterloo Medal |
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Obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the Brunswick Waterloo Medal
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| Type | Campaign medal |
| Eligibility | Officers and soldiers of Brunswick |
| Awarded for | Service in the Waterloo Campaign from 15 June to 7 July 1815. |
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| Established | 11 June 1818 |
The Waterloo Medal was a special award given out by the Duchy of Brunswick. This was a small German state back in the 1800s. This medal was given to soldiers and officers from Brunswick. They earned it by fighting bravely in the famous Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. These battles were very important in history.
Contents
What the Medal Looks Like
The Waterloo Medal is round. It was made from bronze, which came from French cannons captured in battle. Medals given to officers were covered in a thin layer of gold. Each medal is about 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) wide.
Front and Back of the Medal
The front of the medal shows a picture of the Duke of Brunswick, Frederick William. He was a leader who died in battle. Around the edge, it says FRIEDRICH WILHELM HERZOG in old German writing. This means "Frederick William Duke."
The back of the medal has the year "1815" in the middle. This date marks when the battles happened. A circle of oak and laurel leaves surrounds the date. These plants are symbols of strength and victory. Around the outside, it says Braunschweig Seinen Kriegern at the top. This means "Brunswick to her Warriors." At the bottom, it says Quatrebras und Waterloo, naming the two main battles.
How the Medal Was Worn
The medal hangs from a metal clip and ring. This attaches to a ribbon that is about 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) wide. The ribbon is bright yellow. It has blue stripes on each edge, which are about 9.5 millimeters (0.375 inches) wide.
Other Waterloo Medals
The Duchy of Brunswick was not the only group to give out a medal for the Waterloo Campaign. Five different nations created their own medals for their soldiers who fought. These nations were part of the Seventh Coalition, a group of countries allied against Napoleon.
Here are some of the other Waterloo Medals:
- This medal, made for the soldiers of Brunswick.
- The Waterloo Medal for British soldiers and troops from the King's German Legion.
- The Hanoverian Waterloo Medal from Hanover.
- The Nassau Waterloo Medal from Nassau.
- The Prussian Waterloo Medal from Prussia.
