Lieutenant John Reid, 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment of Foot, 1816 (c)

Oil on canvas by unknown artist, 1816 (c).

Reid wears the Waterloo Medal which indicates he took part in the campaign of 1815. This was the first medal awarded and officially named to all ranks who took part in a specific campaign. The medal was presented to those who took part in the actions at Ligny (16 June), Quatre Bras (17 June) or Waterloo (18 June).

Reid was placed on half-pay in 1816 and his circumstances soon declined. In October 1821 he is recorded petitioning Earl Talbot, the Lord Lieutenant at Dublin Castle, requesting a commission in the revenue police or a similar situation. He was then residing at Kilmainham debtors' prison in Dublin.