Waterloo Medal 1815 awarded to Surgeon William Jones, 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment

The surgeons in Wellington's army were barely able to cope with the thousands of casualties after Waterloo (1815). Additional medical officers and civilian volunteers were sent from England to help, even then they were hopelessly overstretched.

The Waterloo Medal was the first ever 'campaign medal' issued by the British Army, given to every soldier regardless of their rank or role. It was awarded to all soldiers present at the Battle of Waterloo and the actions during the two previous days.