September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
The 71st Highland Regiment of light infantry was reformed and embarked for Portugal in 1808 for service in the Peninsular War, they were renamed the Glasgow Highland Regiment. The 71st saw action at the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro, the Battle of Almaraz, the Battles of Rolica, Vimeiro, and Corunna. They then pursued the French Army into France and fought at the Battles of Pyrenees, Nivelle, of the Nive, Orthez, and Toulouse. In 1815, they embarked for Ostend and saw action as part of the 3rd Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo. Sir Denis Pack was born in 1772 and died in 1823, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 71st Highlanders in 1800 and then was promoted to Major General in 1813. Pack commanded the Oporto Brigade of the Portugese Army in Spain. He was made a Knight Commander of The Order of Bath in 1815 and commanded the 9th Brigade of Sir Thomas Picton's 5th Division at the Battle of Waterloo and became known as a hero of Waterloo. This solid silver medal measures 1-1/2" in diameter with a raised lip around the diameter. The edge is engraved "LIEU. COL. PACK" on the bottom. The front features an engraved crown above "71" with a banner above, which reads "FOR COURAGE LOYALTY & GOOD CONDUCT" and below "16 Years Service". The back has a banner across the top with the Latin phrase "TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO", meaning "three joined in one". In the center, there is an engraved thistle, flower and three-leaf clover. A silver ring holds the medal to the silver ribbon bar, which is still complete. Excellent condition showing wonderful grey patina, all markings are clear. This is a very rare and historic Napoleonic War medal from an important regiment!