Sir John Moore’s pocketwatch
This timepiece was retrieved from the body of a British general who was killed in battle during the Peninsular War
Read how this precious timepiece survived the Peninsula War
After Sir Arthur Wellesley and other generals were recalled to Britain following the Convention of Cintra, Lieutenant General Sir John Moore took command of British forces in the Iberian Peninsula. Moore was a popular military reformer who was regarded as a relatively humane commander by his troops.
The British advanced deep into Spain in late 1808 and Moore’s intention was to link up with Spanish forces against the French. Nevertheless Napoleon I invaded with 200,000 men and captured Madrid. Moore’s army was forced to retreat in horrendous winter conditions that included foul weather, frequent skirmishing and long marches. The British soldiers were weakened by hunger and cold but Moore was able to maintain their morale.
After withdrawing to the northern Spanish port of Corunna the British prepared to evacuate but a French force led by Marshal Soult attacked them. Moore fought a skilful rearguard action on 16 January 1809 that prevented the French from attacking the embarking army but he was mortally wounded by cannon shot. He lived long enough to learn the battle had been won and some of his last words were, “I hope my country will do me justice!”
This gold watch was found on Moore’s body after his death before he was buried in the ramparts of Corunna.
“HE WAS A BRAVE SOLDIER, AN EXCELLENT OFFICER, AND A MAN OF TALENT” – Napoleon Bonaparte