Duke of Wellington signed military documentA rare official military document signed by the Duke of Wellington Dated September 1826 signed during his military career Sir Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington (1769 1852) was one of Britain's greatest military leaders. As commander of the British Army he famously defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The 'Iron Duke' died a veteran of some 60 battles across the Empire, a leading statesman and twice a British Prime Minister.