The Royal Welch Fusiliers
The Royal Welch Fusiliers 23rd foot, was first formed when Lord Herbert of Chirbury
was given a warrant " to raise volunteers for a regiment of foot" on the 16th March 1689.
The Regiment is the oldest infantry regiment of Wales. Originally raised by William III
to oppose James II and his French allies in Ireland. The regiment first saw action at the
battle of the Boyne in 1690. Our interest in the Regiment is it's involvement at the
Battle of Waterloo. Just before the great battle Wellington wrote :
"I saw the 23rd the other day, and I never saw any regiment in such order. They were not strong, but it was the
most complete and handsome body I ever looked at "
When the battle started the Royal Welch
were in a reserve position but Colonel Sir Henry Walton Ellis soon found a position in
which they would be of use and moved them up in square behind Hougoumont. There they met
innumerable cavalary charges and took part in the final rout of the Imperial Guard.
As a reward for the victory every man received a medal, prize money ranging from £433. 2. 4
for a field officer to £2 11. 4. for a private.
Jenny Jones's first husband Lewis Griffiths was attested to the 23rd on the 6th April 1814 at the age
of 19, he served in the No 7 company at Waterloo, and was wounded in action. He stayed in
the army until his discharge on the 6th April 1821.
It was during these years that Jenny his wife became well known in the regiment acting as
laundry maid and nurse during the many battles raging around Europe.
If you have
any information on Jenny Jones please e-mail me
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