Shabraque, Lieutenant-Colonel John Dawson (1781-1845), 2nd Earl of Portarlington, 23rd Light Dragoons, c.1815 (shabraque)

Shabraque, Lieutenant-Colonel John Dawson (1781-1845), 2nd Earl of Portarlington, 23rd Light Dragoons, 1815 (c). The 23rd Light Dragoons were originally raised 1795 as the 26th Light Dragoons. They were renumbered in 1803 as 23rd Light Dragoons. John Dawson transferred to the 23rd Light Dragoons in 1809 from the 46th Foot. This shabraque, or saddle cover, bears the battle honour ‘Egypt’ recording the Regiment’s service in the Egyptian Campaign against Napoleon in 1802. The Regiment was disbanded in 1819. Dawson fought in the Peninsular War (1808-1814). His participation in the Waterloo campaign of 1815 has gained him some notoriety. He commanded the 23rd at the Battle of Quatre Bras on the 16 June but was not present, two days later, when the 23rd went into action at Waterloo. Dawson only joined the battle later in the day, fighting with the 18th Light Dragoons. He resigned his commission soon after the battle.