Orders, Decorations and Medals

Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Egypt, Maida (John Haywood, 27th Foot) very light contact marks to obverse, otherwise good very fine

John Haywood was born in the Parish of Gloucester and enlisted in the 27th Foot at London in November 1798. He served in Egypt as a drummer in Captain William Barstow’s Company, and at Maida in Captain James Harvey’s Company. It was in this campaign that the 27th acquired the nickname “The Skins” by which they have long been known. After the fighting was over, while the regiments were bathing by turns and the 27th was actually in the sea, it was mistakenly reported that French Cavalry were at that moment bearing down on them. The Inniskillings rushed from the water, seized belt and musket, and in a matter of moments the whole battalion had fallen in - stark naked.
John Haywood fought at Waterloo as a Corporal in No. 6 Company and was wounded in the battle, his regiment suffering most severely. He served in the West Indies from January 1824 to July 1829, and was discharged the following August in consequence of repeated attacks of fever which rendered him incapable of performing any duty. Sold with copy discharge papers and medal roll details.