Waterloo Medal to Peter Bourke, drummer with the 30th Regtiment of Foot. The Waterloo  Medal retains the original impressed stars (start  & end) , then impressed name, 'PETER BOURKE', followed by a blank area (where the word 'Drummer' has been removed), followed by '30th Regt.Foot.' The medal with original steel clip and ring suspension. Ribbon present.

Condition report: The medal in overall excellent condition with most detail present to obverse and reverse. The impressing deep and clear. The area with the designation 'DRUMMER' removed, but still faintly visible. The ribbon showing some use. 

Note:The designation 'drummer'  had negative association at the time of the Napoleonic wars, primarily due to the term ‘drummer boy’ implying inexperience; many 'drummer boys' were infact  seasoned soldiers. In addition to this, it was left to the drummers, to wield the lash on their comrades who were charged with misdemeanours. Other Waterloo Medals conferred to 'drummers,' with the designation ‘Drummer’ removed, are known. The Waterloo Medal conferred to  John Killan, Drummer with the 27th Regtiment of  Foot shows the engraved wording ‘Soldier’ as a replacement.

Additional notes: Photocopied papers from the OMRS magazine Autumn 1982, 'Did Waterloo Drummers scrub Their Medals', by Major Samson. Copies of the Roll. Bourke is shown as a private in the Roll, which undoubtedly gives extra merit to why he wouldn't want the designation 'Drummer' on his medal. Further research could prove interesting.