AS the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18 approaches, the Ealing Times has been contacted by a researcher looking into connections to his home territory of Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth.

David Eason writes: “One of those I discovered is Lt John (James) Clement Wallington of the 10th (Prince of Wales's Own) Hussars, who died and is buried here in Royal Leamington Spa.

“He was born in Ealing on the July 5 1792, and I thought your readers would be interested in it.

“On June 18, we will be holding a special service at our parish church of All Saints in remembrance of those, including John (James), who fought in the Battle of Waterloo.

“The service will be held in conjunction with the 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, based in Tidworth, whose present serving members will be laying two wreaths for those who we have identified as being from that regiment, who fought and who also died and are buried in Leamington.

“I am myself a regimental descendant of John (James) as i served with the Royal Hussars (PWO) and the present regiment, The King's Royal Hussars (1980-1993) including the 1991 Gulf War.”

In 1969, the 10th and 11th Hussars merged to form the Royal Hussars (PWO) and in 1992 the Royal Hussars (PWO) and the 14th / 20th Hussars amalgamated in Munster, Germany, to form The King's Royal Hussars "Cherrypickers".

Mr Eason also sent family details of Lt John (James) Clement Wallington, 10th (Prince of Wales's Own) Hussars (1715-1969, formerly of the 12th Dragoons) 6th British Cavalry Brigade (Maj-Gen Sir Richard Hussey Vivian, KCB) Cavalry Corps (Gen Sir Henry Paget Earl of Uxbridge and Second in Command to the Duke of Wellington).

They are too detailed to carry in this report but could be obtained from him at warwickdistrict1815@yahoo.co.uk

During the Battle of Waterloo, the 6th Brigade was posted on the Duke of Wellington's left flank.

In the late afternoon, the 6th Brigade, along with the 4th Brigade, were moved to support the centre, as Napoleon threw in his massed infantry in a last-ditch attempt with his Old Guard in the vanguard.

Once the Imperial Guard had been repulsed the 6th Brigade made the last charge of the day between Hougomont and La Haye Sainte "sweeping everything before them."

It is unclear if, during the last charge or an earlier one that John had his charger shot from under him by a cannonball. It passed through his mount and went on to kill a fellow officer behind him.

The very same canon ball is held in exhibition at the Imperial War Museum.

After Waterloo, John and the Regiment were sent to the coast from Chichester to Rye, where they patrolled as smuggling increased, supporting customs officers.

From 1818-20 John and the Regiment would be engaged in similar duties in Hampshire, Dorset, Wales and parts of Kent before spending several tours in Scotland and finally returning to Brighton.

By at least 1868, John had taken up residence at 5 Beauchamp Walk (Avenue) Leamington, where during Monday night, August 25, 1872, he died, aged 82 years and 31 days.

Notice of his death was reported in the Royal Leamington Spa Courier & Warwickshire Standard on August 31, the day after his funeral at All Saints Parish Church, Leamington .

In April 2004, John's Waterloo Medal went on sale at Dix Noonan Webb Auctioneers, under Lot 17: "Waterloo 1815 (Lieut, J.C. Wallington, 10th Royal Reg. Hussars) fitted with contemporary silver clip and bar suspension, edge bruising and contact wear, otherwise nearly very fine".

Estimated between £2,000 and £2,500, it was finally sold for £3,600.