STANDING FIRM AT WATERLOO

1-202923

This volume deals with the specific role of the Netherlands field army on both days of 17th and 18th June, 1815. In great detail the endeavors, events and the hard fighting of its infantry, cavalry and artillery are described. All this is based on dozens of memoirs by veteran soldiers from Holland, Belgium and Nassau serving together in the Netherlands field army.

Their own words lavishly illustrate and enliven the text. The history presented in this volume adds to the knowledge on the 1815 campaign and the Battle of Waterloo, and shall change the perception on the Netherlands field army. Its men fought brave, showed courage and ultimately firmly stood their ground.

In various chapters this history amongst other shows the important role of Prince Frederik's army corps in the preconceived position south of Halle, while the troops at Waterloo were engaged in battle under the command of Wellington and the Prince of Orange. Sappers cleared the road behind the battlefield to ensure a steady flow of reserve ammunition from Brussels.

The infantry brigade of General van Bijlandt was already in cover behind the reverse slope, well before the French grand battery opened fire and Comte d'Erlon's army corps attacked the position. Throughout the entire battle the Nassau battalion commanded by Captain Busgen formed a vital part of the defense force of Hougoumont. The light cavalry of General Ghigny made several charges on the left wing, after the British cavalry regiments were thrown back in disorder. Colonel von Sachsen-Weimar's Nassau soldiers fought a skirmish battle for the farms of Papelotte and La Haye and the Smohain hamlet, that changed hands during the battle.

The exact circumstances how the Prince of Orange was wounded are presented. And finally the role of General Chasse and his troops is presented in the final stages of the battle, when the Garde Imperiale attacks. Chasse's men were not directly involved, but nonetheless immediately took part in the pursuit at the end of the battle.

In several sidebars this history also examines topics that could not be incorporated in the main narrative, but are nonetheless worthwhile to present. These include the death of General van Merlen, how a single lieutenant recaptured Charleroi on 19th June, who escorted the thousands of French prisoners to Brussels during the battle, whether or not Napoleon used the observatory tower, examples of surgery during the battle, and much more.