In an unassuming grave in a Carshalton cemetary lies the body of a cavalryman who helped defeat Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo 200 years ago today.
Private James Simmons fought in one of history’s most famous battles against the forces of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in modern day Belgium.
Little is known about Private Simmons other than he fought with the 7th Hussars during the battle of Waterloo while in his early 20s, and died at his home, Waterloo Villa, Carshalton Grove, at the grand old age of 90.
At Waterloo the 7th Hussars made between 12 and 14 cavalry charges into Napoleon’s Army over the course of the battle, but were most famous for being particularly well dressed, earning the nickname “the Saucy Seventh”.
The allied forces, led by General Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and made up of UK, Prussian and Dutch troops, faced the advancing French Army led by Bonaparte, who had escaped from his exile on Elba, an island off the coast of Italy.
After the battle, roughly 24,000 British and allied servicemen and 41,000 French soldiers lay dead on the Belgian battlefield.
Sources vary, but what is known is that many of the 7th Hussars were killed during the battle and only a handful of men survived the fighting.
Pte Simmons was one such survivor and when he died, on April 6, 1882, he was buried at All Saints Church, in Carshalton.
Records show he left behind a personal estate of £2,118 and 15s , the equivalent of more than £800,000 by modern standards.
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