Historical Record of the First, or the Royal Regiment of Dragoons: Containing an Account of Its Formation in the Reign of King Charles the Second, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1839Cannon, Richard
History
Historical Record of the First, or the Royal Regiment of Dragoons: Containing an Account of Its Formation in the Reign of King Charles the Second, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1839
Cannon, Richard
Great Britain. Army -- History; Great Britain. Army. Dragoons, 1st (Royal)
After returning from the charge, the ROYALS resumed their post in
position, and were exposed to a heavy cannonade. In the afternoon
the brigade was moved to its right; and, Colonel Muter having been
wounded, Lieut.-Colonel CLIFTON of the ROYALS took the command of
the three regiments; when the command of the ROYALS devolved on
Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Dorville. The enemy made several attacks on
various points, but was uniformly repulsed. At length the Duke of
Wellington assumed the offensive. The ROYALS again advanced, and
the allied army made a simultaneous rush upon the enemy, who was
overthrown, cut down, and pursued with dreadful slaughter from the
field of battle. Thus ended a day glorious to the British arms
beyond precedent. The distinguished services of the HEAVY CAVALRY
did not fail to excite admiration:--by their powerful attacks
they more than once restored the battle; and they were especially
noticed by the Duke of Wellington in his despatch.
The ROYAL DRAGOONS had Captain Windsor, Lieutenant Foster, Cornets
Magniac and Sykes, Adjutant Shepley, six serjeants, eighty-six
men, and one hundred and sixty-one horses killed: Brevet Major
Radclyffe[66], Captain Clark, Lieutenants Gunning, Keily,
Trafford, Wyndowe, Ommaney, Blois, and Goodenough, with six
serjeants, eighty-two men, and thirty-five horses, wounded; also
two men wounded and taken prisoners.
On the following morning the allied army advanced, directing its
march upon Paris, which city was surrendered in the early part
of July. The ROYALS accompanied the army, and on the 7th of July
marched into quarters at Nanterre, a village situate about seven
miles from the French capital. The Bourbon dynasty was restored to
the throne, and the campaign terminated.
[Sidenote: 1816]
The ROYALS left Nanterre on the 30th of July, and proceeded to
Rouen, and in October to Montevilliers; from whence they marched,
in December, to the vicinity of the coast; and in the early part
of January, 1816, embarked at Calais. The regiment landed at Dover
and Ramsgate on the 15th of that month, and proceeding from thence
to Ipswich barracks, arrived there on the 23rd; and, on the 25th,
the establishment was reduced from ten to eight troops. For their
distinguished gallantry on the 18th of June, 1815, permission was
granted for the ROYAL DRAGOONS to bear the word "WATERLOO" and an
"EAGLE" on their standards and appointments: every officer and man
present at that engagement received a silver medal to be worn on
the left breast, and the subaltern officers and soldiers had the
privilege of reckoning two years' service for that day, towards
increase of pay and pension.
The following officers of the ROYAL DRAGOONS received medals and
marks of royal favour for their services during the war:--
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.
COLONEL ARTHUR BENJAMIN CLIFTON.
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