Medal commemorating the Battle of Ramillies, 1706

The reverse of this bronze medal depicts Britannia united with Holland, overlooked by the busts of their respective generals, the Duke of Marlborough and Henry, Count of Nassau, Lord of Overkirk.

Ramilies (23 May 1706) was one of Marlborough's greatest victories of the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713). After Marshal Villeroi had left the safety of the lines of Brabant and crossed the River Dyle, the duke and his Dutch counterpart attacked him at Ramillies.

Marlborough put pressure on the enemy left wing, causing the French to reinforce it with troops from their centre and right. He then shifted his reserves to the right. After a close-fought cavalry battle, in which Marlborough himself led a counter-charge, the French were routed. The victory enabled the Anglo-Dutch to drive the French from almost the whole of the Spanish Netherlands.