Mystery black soldier identified by art experts

"National Army Museum Art experts believe they have solved the mystery of a portrait of a previously unidentified black solider that hangs in the National Army Museum. The painting dates back to the aftermath of the Duke of Wellington's 1815 victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and depicts one of the few black British army soldiers to have received a Waterloo Medal."

"The museum's director Justin Maciejewski said the "remarkable" work was a reminder the British army has always relied on personnel from many different backgrounds coming together for a "common cause". The painting is considered special as it was "exceptionally rare" for a non-white veteran of Waterloo to appear in a portrait in 19th-century art, the museum says. Having acquired the artwork earlier this year, trustees of the Chelsea museum wanted to uncover the story behind it."

The painting dates to the aftermath of the Duke of Wellington's 1815 victory at the Battle of Waterloo and shows a black British soldier wearing a Waterloo Medal. The sitter is likely Thomas James, a Montserrat-born man who served with the 18th Light Dragoons, the only cavalry regiment with a significant role at Waterloo. The soldier's fur pelisse and cymbal indicate cavalry service. Records show James was badly injured while guarding officers' baggage during the battle, a deed that may have prompted an officer to commission his portrait. The work is exceptionally rare for depicting a non-white Waterloo veteran.

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