Back

Great Britain - 1815

A Scottish Soldier

Obverse:

Bust of a soldier in Highland dress.

Legend:

NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (No-one shall injure me with impunity).

Size:

41 mm.

Reverse:

Inscription within wreath. MDCCCI / EGYPT PORTUGAL / SPAIN / FRANCE / BELGIUM / MDCCCXV.

Mudie:

No. X.

A SCOTTISH SOLDIER.

THE late war shed one common blaze of glory upon the arms of the United Kingdoms, and it would be impossible, even if it were desirable, to separate the respective shares which each country contributed towards the production of that glory. England, Ireland, and Scotland—the sons of the Thames, the Tweed, and the Shannon, stood gallantly forth to assert the liberties of mankind, and approving Heaven smiled upon their cause. If there was rivalry among them, it was the noble rivalry of which should be foremost in the discharge of a general duty: if there was pre-eminence, it was won from opportunity alone. No individual, no regiment of England, achieved deeds which would not have been equally achieved by an individual, or a regiment of Scotland and Ireland. The same may be predicated alternately of each country.
With respect to the national valour, which is commemorated by this medal, its exploits will grace many a fair page in the future history of the country. Upon the arid plains of Egypt, in the mountainous passes of Spain and Portugal, on the soil of France, and in the bloody field of Waterloo, Scottish heroism won imperishable fame. We cannot, however, better describe its martial qualities, than in the glowing language of Scotia’s own inspired bard.

" But bring a Scotsman frae his hill,
Clap in his cheek a Highland gill,
Say, such is royal George’s will,
An there’s the foe,
He has nae thought but how to kill
Twa at a blow.
" Nae cauld, faint-hearted doubtings tease him,
Death comes—wi’ fearless eye he sees him ;
Wi' bluidy hand a welcome gies him,
An when he fa's,
His latest draught o' breathin lea'es him
In faint huzzas."

BURNS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL.

OBVERSE. — The bust of a Scottish Soldier, in his military accoutrements, with the motto, "Nemo me impune lacessit." The meaning and spirit of this motto has been felt and understood by the enemy in the late campaigns. It is properly coupled with the national emblem of the thistle, on the reverse of this medal.
REVERSE. — United branches of the laurel and thistle, with the dates and names occupying the middle of the Medal, and shewing the different countries in which Scottish valour had signalised itself within the two stated periods.

scan from Mudie...

BHM:

AR, AE WM 41 by E. J. Dubois.

AR R; AE N; WM R.
C.P. 176/5; M. 10.
AM; HC; NMA.

The reverse inscription is intended to honour the places in which the Scottish regiments had distinguished themselves between the two dates on the medal.
One of Mudie's series of National medals (see No. 1057) issued in 1820. Examples of this medal occur in white metal and are probably restrikes and were not included in the series. This medal is believed to have been struck in gold but no specimen has been met with.

from British Historical Medals, p. 205

A Scottish Soldier