The Outstanding Waterloo Medal to Captain August von Reden; Wounded at Hougoumont

Item #G25122

$5,000

The Outstanding Hanoverian Waterloo Medal to Captain August von Reden, Who Commanded the Feldjägerkorps During Their Valiant Attempt to Hold the Woods at Hougoumont. He Rallied His Men to Fight On, Despite Being Wounded and His Force Being Outnumbered 4 to 1: (CAPTAIN AUGUST VON REDEN, FELDJÄGERKORPS 1.COMPAGNIE). Naming is officially impressed in large capitals, inverted, ghosted impressed "F" over the comma after "REDEN". Original ribbon, edge nicks, contact marks, fine. Accompanied by assorted research papers.

Footnote: Captain August von Reden commanded the Feldjägerkorps (Military Police Corps) at Waterloo. His command was comprised of two companies, as part of Major General Graf von Kielmannsegge's 1st Hanoverian Brigade Von Reden and his men occupied the wood that screened Hougoumont's buildings from artillery fire from the south. The wood was approximately 300 metres long and 200 metres wide. It was defended by about 470 Hanoverians and Nassuers. The Allies were driven from the woods by 11:35 am on the day of the battle. The French force outnumbered them 10 to 1. Von Reden fought a valiant rear-guard action and was wounded. Two of his men, Feldjäger Julius Brinkmann and Feldjäger Wilhelm Brinkmann, were awarded the Guelphic Medal for their gallantry in support of their commanding officer: "Both men were with parts of their unit at Hougoumont on a small knoll of woods. This was attacked by a superior French force which pushed the defenders out. Captain von Reden and a group of soldiers, including these two, were surrounded by the enemy. Wilhelm made his escape, although wounded, and rounded up several other Feldjägers; and with some English Guards pushed back the enemy and rescued those who were surrounded. Julius never left Captain von Reden although wounded, and once rescued he continued to fight the French."