A commemorative plaque honouring a hero of the Battle of Waterloo has been unveiled in Davyhulme on the 210th anniversary of the historic battle.
Born in 1769, Ensign Charles Ewart enlisted in the 2nd Royal North British Dragoons (Scots Greys) in 1789 and served with distinction in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he famously captured the eagle standard of the French 45th Regiment – a symbol fiercely defended in battle – earning him national acclaim and promotion to Ensign by the Prince Regent.
After 32 years of loyal service in the British Army, Charles Ewart retired to Hampson Street, Salford with his wife, Margaret. They later settled at Feathers Cottage on Bent Lanes, Davyhulme – now the site of 56/58 Bent Lanes – where he died in 1846.
Originally buried in Salford, his remains were later moved to a place of honour on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle in 1938, where they lie beneath a granite memorial.
Organised by Trafford Council’s Local Studies team, the unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday 18 June and was attended by residents, historians and Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Jane Brophy.
Speeches celebrated Ewart’s legacy, military service and connection to the area. Stuart Kennedy, Curator of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum, travelled from Edinburgh to speak about Ewart’s early life in Kilmarnock and his illustrious military career.
The new plaque in Urmston now serves as a lasting reminder of Ensign Ewart’s courage, and of the area’s connection to a defining moment in British military history.Hero of
