Civilian vest worn by Lieutenant-Colonel William Miller, 3rd Battalion, 1st Foot Guards, 1815 circa (fabric)

Civilian vest worn by Lieutenant-Colonel William Miller, 3rd Battalion, 1st Foot Guards, 1815 circa. William Miller (1784-1815) was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the 3rd Battalion on 3 March 1814, having served with the latter during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). While in Spain and Portugal he had also served as a deputy assistant adjutant general during the Corunna campaign, and as a brigade major with the 1st Brigade. Miller also fought at Cadiz, Bidassoa, Nivelle, Nive, Adour and Bayonne. Miller was wounded at the Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815. He immediately sent for his friend, Colonel C. Thomas (himself killed two days later at Waterloo), and stated ‘I feel I am mortally wounded, but I am pleased to think it is my fate rather than yours, whose life is involved in that of your young wife.’ After a pause, he went on: ‘I should like to see the colours of the Regiment before I quit them for ever.’ According to the plaque on his tomb at the Brussels cemetery at Evere, the Colours ‘were brought and waved round his wounded body. His countenance brightened, he smiled, declared himself well satisfied, and was carried from the field.’ Miler died of his wounds in Brussels the following day.