Photographic copy of a letter from Captain Alexander Kennedy Clark, Royal Dragoons, to the Marquess of Anglesey, Norwich, 18 June 1817

In this letter Clark gives an account of how he captured the eagle of the French 105th Regiment during the Battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815. He describes how he slew the bearer and that the eagle fell against the horse of Corporal Stiles (or Styles) and that he then ordered Stiles to take this prize to the rear. This version was contested by Corporal Stiles who claimed that he himself had wrested the eagle from its bearer, a claim that was backed up by his commanding officer, Lieutenant George Gunning. A regimental investigation upheld Clark's version but there was sufficient doubt over the matter to prevent Clark being honoured for the achievement. Indeed, Stiles was the only person involved to be rewarded, being promoted to sergeant and then commissioned. This may have been an indication that Stiles' version was, in fact, regarded by the authorities as being the most credible.