Richard Ansdell: The Fight For The Standard (1847)

(Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland)

A painting by the British artist Richard Ansdell (1815 – 1885) . This painting shows a famous episode during the battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815. Depicted is the Scottish Ensign Charles Ewart (1769 – 1846) from the Royal North British Dragoons (more commonly known as the Scot's Greys, now known as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards). During the battle Charles Ewart managed to capture the regimental eagle of the French 45e Régiment de Ligne (45th Regiment of the Line) after a fight with several French soldiers. The capture of the eagle is one of the most prized honours of the Scots Greys and, in commemoration of this, their cap badge shows the eagle. The eagle itself is still preserved and is on display in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards museum at Edinburgh Castle, their Garrison/HQ. Painting from 1847.