Gold Interlocking Rings, 1815
Inscribed "Robert.Amelia", these two interlocking rings together form a single ring. They belonged to Quartermaster Sergeant Robert Porter of the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment, who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. Sergeant Porter claimed that after the Battle, he was unable to get a letter to his wife Amelia to let her know that he had survived. However, he was able to send this token of their affection, proving that he was well and still remembered her.
Family legend tells that after Waterloo a comrade of Sergeant Porter delivered the rings to Mrs Porter as proof of her husband's survival, because correspondence from enlisted men (not officers) was forbidden. In fact, many letters did fly from Belgium to England after the battle. In any case, you might think the word of Sergeant Porter's comrade would be proof enough. The ring is an intriguing and touching choice.
Sergeant Porter and the 28th were engaged at Quatre Bras on 16th June. They marched to the aid of the hard-pressed 42nd and 44th Regiments, forming square while under continuous attack from French cavalry.
Two days later at Waterloo the 28th confirmed its steadiness, playing a part in defeating the attack of D'Erlon's French 1st Corps. It was the only English Regiment mentioned by name in Wellington's Waterloo Dispatch.
The date that the rings were made is unknown, as they have no hallmark. Their glass presentation case was probably made in 1815.
NAM Accession Number
NAM. 1969-07-39-1
Copyright/Ownership
National Army Museum Copyright
Location
National Army Museum, Study collection
Object URL
https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1969-07-39-1
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