battle battle second battle second world war battle fought french campaign battle german operational plan fall case yellow offensive hilly heavily forested allied armies belgium north eastern france german_army group crossed river intention capturing pushing northwards channel coast order allied forces advancing east belgium allied plan strategy situated east bank river capture germans base capture bridges cross river occur german divisions advance open french countryside english channel captured resistance following days germans defeated french defences surrounding west bank largely achieved luftwaffe result german bombing low morale french defenders unable mount coherent defence germans captured bridges allowing pour forces including armour river allied air forces royal_air_force raf air french air_force tried destroy bridges prevent german reinforcements reaching west bank luftwaffe prevented large air battles allies suffered high losses depleted allied bomber strength campaign crossing enabled germans break strategic depths rear allied advance english channel significant opposition french attempted launch counter attacks german held fell victim delay confusion days consolidating german_army reached channel victory achieved operational goal fall encircled strongest allied armies including british expeditionary force resulting battles destroyed remaining french army effective fighting force expelled british_army continent leading defeat france june battle instrumental fall france background german plan invaded netherlands belgium netherlands germans steady progress parts german_army group closing amsterdam central belgium germans close reaching river east brussels response invasions allied army group command containing french seventh army french ninth army french army british expeditionary force advanced river order form solid line plan defensive strategy halt german advances belgium offensive army group diversion main thrust fall conducted army group southern belgium lightly defended areas negotiated army group 19th tank corps command strike france located river capture enable german advance depths france english channel rear allied mobile forces advancing belgium result strategic level offensive der german high command gave army group powerful concentration german armour forces army group allocated tanks total german tanks largely light tanks opposed iii heavier tanks handed army group required best machines conduct critical operation army group contained tanks heavier types following world war french general staff ruled idea future german thrust sector french certain terrain crossed tanks marshal described described geographical feature europe best tank obstacle barrier appeared sound strategic defence feature future enemy french concluded best german assault reach weeks start german offensive taking days penetrate french assessments credible light military exercises carried year general took command manoeuvres created scenario german_army launched assault seven divisions including infantry divisions tank brigades type remaining given french defences collapsed result defeat comprehensive nature wisdom publishing questioned morale damaged late march french report named defences fortified position open country france entirely inadequate correctly identified landscape relatively easy terrain armour cross concluded germans hours reach day cross estimate prove hours late germans achieved crossing hours french army authorised fresh attempts increase strength fortifications autumn severe winter weather prevented pouring concrete delivery necessary materials april general charles asked divisions work defences refused french defences french defences weak neglected french long believed german_army attack sector concentrated effort brigadier general french 55th infantry division category division allocated sector line ended kilometres east fort constituted westerly position extended line ran north river lay gap stretch unprotected terrain covered french defences natural obstacles reason significant number french generals insisted strengthening sector ignoring french constructed fortifications luftwaffe reconnaissance aircraft picked activity reported steep slopes banks added appeared photographic reconnaissance formidable barrier defence lines caused field marshal von commander chief army group question wisdom choosing point maximum effort identify strong fortifications team photographic specialists called evaluate pictures analysis concluded appeared strong fortified positions construction sites half built purposes shells contribution specialists attack plan favour general happy rely concrete ensure safety rejected idea germans attack second army built cubic metres concrete fortifications little sector protected outbreak war september additional built incomplete lacking gun port artillery casemates lacked rear doors making vulnerable infantry north northern bend town overlooked crossing points river german armour deliver heaviest blow gap kilometres bunker bunker bridge allowed attacker coming north use good road routes saint axis enter north defences lacked mines french second army guarding kilometres given mines number given cavalry divisions intended delay german advance southern belgium points franco belgian border left defence river 55th infantry division got laid barriers moved bunker construction sector german approach german_army advanced southern belgium general von clashed main point effort fall immediate superior commanding von consisting corps corps pressed main point come west argued blow avoid double river crossing canal west blow strike dividing line french ninth army french second army saw things differently pointed thrust lines plan flank advance range fortress artillery kilometres north west shift operations north disperse concentration disrupt intense planning german tactical units training attack advance north west months felt period delay assault hours allow french bring reinforcements agreed delay unacceptable agreed plan accepted insisted offensive concentration point west canal reaffirmed letter april operations began ignored completely wanted large kilometre rapid occupation high ground surrounding plan straightforward 2nd division north form right flank assaulting force reached near 1st division reinforced infantry regiment battalion assault engineers divisional artillery 2nd 10th divisions main attack crossing north seizing heights overlooking city 10th division cross south protect southern flank corps day large masses troops equipment assembled north preparation river crossing forces involved german forces german forces consisted 1st 2nd 10th divisions 1st division command general major major general friedrich strength iii 2nd division command lieutenant general hand iii 10th division command ferdinand iii total muster men vehicles tanks artillery pieces aircraft problem lack mobile artillery intention halting breakout order wait additional artillery units moved place assault instead requested maximum support luftwaffe days german air arm support army group air support provided air fleet initially limited numbers air units luftwaffe workload greatly increased nearer time battle luftwaffe commit 1st air corps robert von viii von units came fighter leader significant unit viii nicknamed close support air corps contained dive bomber wing powerful concentration dive bomber units equipped precision ground attack aircraft powerful air concentration numbered aircraft medium bombers light bombers french forces sector river meet french ninth army french second army chiefly poor quality divisions reinforcements minimal units equipped obsolete weapons resources disposal series divisions 55th later infantry divisions bear attack weak regular officers broken war conditions contact enemy 55th infantry division guarding little time combat training time spent construction work division consisted mainly age little attempt improve poor combat quality division officer lieutenant 1st battalion fortress infantry regiment arrested confined days ordering firing practice anti tank gun nearby quarry division commanding officer general faith fortifications training believed compensate weakness division men division lacked confidence fight battle took place organisation french 55th infantry division chaotic units involved construction work constantly moved different tactical positions companies position holding respective positions days familiar premier infantry regiments infantry regiment removed line altogether replaced regiment cases infantry regiments different companies different battalions different regiments example infantry regiment 6th company 2nd battalion different companies drawn different battalions belonging different regiments actions damaged units initially strong fortress regiment backbone 55th infantry division occupy bunker positions start unit high morale good constant changes organisation unit battalions torn apart relieve 55th infantry division french infantry division ordered reserve presence infantry shortened kilometres increase density fighting strength immediate area partially complete scheduled completed days german attack divisions artillery pieces german forces opposing share force divisions short anti tank anti aircraft guns critical short coming crossing capture main problem confronting method inadequate artillery support batteries stuck traffic rely artillery batteries divisions depended support luftwaffe general der hugo commander planned conventional method brief bombardment ground forces moved preparatory raids medium dive bombers smash french defences concentrated blow lasting minutes raid planned infantry crossed collaboration developed concept rolling raid idea single strike abandoned german air units attack small formations constantly day deemed effect french artillery eliminated effect continuous raids damage enemy morale smaller formations systematic accurate targets unknown von immediate superior contacted banned proposed long systematic approach favour big assault complained ignored following morning rejected method went ahead agreed rolling bombing discussed later official order hugo arrived late changes nightfall rolled reported sign enemy city secured strike south defended rear turn protected large bunker complex located ridge piece high ground covering river south fundamental choices obey tactical necessity protect french counter attack south strike west paris corps carry dash channel remembering chief operations 1st division saying hit don feel fingers decided option lack german artillery early hours 10th division slipped position upstream north east ready strike designated crossing point near town downstream 2nd division moved position cross 1st division prepared strike centre tactical northern bend loop luftwaffe maximum effort supplement air support stripped divisions artillery positioned directly opposite artillery regiments lacked ammunition sustained damaging bombardment impossible luftwaffe going work reported corps artillery pieces french north south french corps french corps artillery fortress add artillery shell units crossed slow advance artillery units added german numerical afternoon german artillery appearance little effect 2nd division forced attack artillery support reasons decided outcome depended quality air support acting flying artillery luftwaffe assault commanded hugo supported commanded albert executed heaviest air bombardment world witnessed intense luftwaffe war luftwaffe committed dive bomber wings assault flying sorties french positions flying individual missions total sorties flown bomber wing units strength planned aerial assault hours committed units attack flew missions whilst managed bomber wings flew missions von viii viii total mission count compared missions luftwaffe target heights lay south east contained fortified artillery positions dominated approaches strategic operational depths luftwaffe hours late appearing effort considerable attacks group strength line maximum resistance enemy gun line restrict enemy movements communications german fighters swept area cut land lines fortifications shooting radio antennae command posts attacks isolated forward defence lines struck morning hours sorties flown luftwaffe defenders breaking psychologically gunners backbone defences abandoned positions time german ground assault begun cost luftwaffe aircraft french 55th infantry division prepared attack french soldiers commented massive psychological effect bombardment particular war discovered destroyed direct hits french casualties suffered indirect effect damage cables destroyed laid open bombing division communications psychological damage crippled defensive capacity ensuing psychological damage contributed panic report french artillery observer passed incorrectly german tanks approaching town false reports spread french 55th infantry division deserted positions german sources german tank crossed river hours later time error realised abandoned heavy equipment 1st central ground assault conducted 1st division supported infantry regiment battalion 43rd assault engineer battalion 1st single rifle regiment attached 1st division remainder campaign unit breach defences hill high ground dominating regiment surprise discovered luftwaffe failed destroy enemy enemy small arms fire ensured crossing river bridge rubber assault boats intended regiment retreated reconnaissance found enemy bunker active location guarded making dangerous german infantry attempting crossing platoon infantry guns short barrel artillery failed knock dual purpose gun brought job succeeded following crossing failed machine gun fire came flanking position spotted dealt 2nd battalion remainder regiment crossed river rest day regiment moved french defences 2nd battalion 6th 7th 8th companies gradually knocking bunker despite battalions held south central hill taken regiment penetrated kilometres french defences hill west rifle regiment col helped position nightfall help 3rd company 34th assault engineer battalion succeeded knocking bunker positions regiment westward able 2nd division extreme west flank 1st attacking bunker position near knocked rifle regiment 1st crossed boundary 2nd territory eased 2nd passage knocking eastern flank succeeded cutting road infantry succeeded knocking casemates area teams destroy infantry failed surrender quickly bunker surrender hours time elements 1st 2nd divisions negotiated river 2nd 2nd given difficult job advance trapped delayed nearly kilometres traffic consequently arrived late 1st 10th divisions initiated assaults combination late attacks sister units enemy defences alerted advance 2nd offensive crossing extreme western end sector axis forced advance open terrain reaching subjected division fire castle artillery casemates located slightly east town boats tied dragged tanks knocked bulk artillery pieces available french concentrated 2nd division located south river sector french infantry division batteries joined north west way respond 2nd division handed heavy 1st division guns arrive battlefield arrived couple shells gun owing logistical attempts land southern failed fortunately 1st division succeeded crossing centre completed headed right eastern flank french units cleared bend assault engineers 1st division guns castle cleared bunker positions river rear artillery falling 2nd division eastern flank stopped threat artillery fire right flank removed units 2nd left flank crossed river french positions opposite heavy french fire continued south darkness regular missions enabled reinforcement german 10th 10th division like 2nd division detached heavy artillery batteries support neighbouring units left light batteries short ammunition luftwaffe helped 10th division air attacks support 1st division central sector meant french artillery machine gun positions area added newly inserted infantry division french corps area prevented 10th division making quick progress division advance river open flat terrain metres near town engineers assault infantry gathered prepare boats crossing artillery barrage french positions destroyed rubber boats plan attack included assault infantry regiments loss boats meant infantry regiment able conduct crossing infantry regiment kept reserve follow reinforcements 10th division assaults failed success came small man team engineers 2nd company 49th engineer battalion placed 1st battalion infantry regiment acting initiative small force led walter opened decisive breach knocking seven bunker positions follow units 1st battalion rifle regiment crossed stormed remaining hill main french defence positions located end day consolidated objective taken allied air strikes central sector germans began moving light infantry field artillery provide support infantry river bridge erected armoured cars began french reports spoke german tanks crossing bridges reports error crossed prior masses armoured cars traffic passed tanks capture expansion alarmed french called total effort divisions general commander french army group right flank urged bridges destroyed air attack convinced pass victory defeat general commander allied tactical air forces ordered concentrate priority squadron squadron raf raf advanced air striking force flew sorties targets early morning process suffered loss forced landing raf bombers took escorted allied fighters impressive escort offset presence german fighter units outnumbered allied escort fighters wing raf lost battles bristol wing raf lost battles wing raf lost battles bombers dispatched bombers lost meaning loss rate percent lost hurricanes flew sorties lost percent strength group raf contributed sorties bombing results poor bridges damaged possibly destroyed french air forces command commandant des forces commander forces cooperation est cooperation north east rarely supported british efforts despite substantial reinforcements flew average sortie day including strategic defensive missions reason heavy french bomber losses previous days battle netherlands bomber groups squadrons reduced leo left muster aircraft seven groups sent escort given fighter groups iii took escorted missions cost french bombers ground fire date french bomber forces eliminated fight major efforts allied bombers received poor protection fighter sorties french flown french lost fighters operation german air defence soon reinforced fighter wings premier german fighter units responsible heavy loss rate fighter wing later engaged french bombers tried succeed failed attacks failed fighter aircraft germans assembled powerful concentrations battalions 1st 2nd 10th divisions numbered anti aircraft guns force built regiment rapid fire weapons heavy defensive fire allied bombers concentrate target allied bomber pilots called hell allies flew sorties french losing source states raf losing fighter aircraft heavily damaged raf bombers dispatched shot meant aircraft lost target called day fighter german generals particular relieved luftwaffe prevented allied bombers knocking supply bridges nightfall tanks including 2nd division use 1st division bridge owing theirs having constructed german victory air battle decisive french counter offensive charles commanding second army capture collapse french defences face air attack expected considerable french reserves particularly corps forces french commander disposal formidable decision strike north west left 10th division protecting force corps armoured division infantry division 5th light cavalry division 1st cavalry brigade second group consisting light cavalry division tank division reinforced corps 12th reconnaissance battalions elements infantry division infantry regiment 4th tank battalion join attack french nearly tanks main battle tanks consisting hotchkiss french tanks heavier armour armament armour hotchkiss protection main armament gun german tanks open field engagement armour stood little chance thirds units equipped order battle crucial disadvantage french tanks considered broad low endurance needed hours slow speed high tempo operations missed chance general moved 55th infantry division command post position heights kilometres south french prepared extent german breakthrough accordingly placed corps available counter attack occupy position axis strike terrain included heavily wooded areas units left convinced general charles commander french second army able hold germans able exploit tactical victory germans suffered seven hour delay getting armour bridge disastrous divisions french initiated plans counter attacks armour german held night delays bringing forces inclined adaptation defensive local overall french command large worse resulting confusion panic retreat infantry abandoned positions artillery panic attack possible morning commander corps artillery colonel tried units reluctantly ordered retreat decision resulted corps artillery battalions abandoning heavy artillery pieces caused collapse 55th infantry division panic partial collapse infantry division killed days later germans vulnerable strong attack point french armoured units prevented breaking changed outcome campaign french commanders deeply defensively focused broad doctrine warfare located far rear meant lacked real time date picture battle intelligence filter date prove fatal especially coupled case matter french large plus expecting considerably prolonged process initial german assault phase overall attack effort race race ridge began french armour advanced ridge view seizing high ground vacated infantry 55th infantry division main primary objective destroy german possible odds shifted french corps attack involved strike left flank infantry regiment 7th tank battalion right flank infantry regiment 4th tank battalion right flanking force arrived late infantry 7th tank battalion advanced north axis thought reach area hour minutes 7th tank battalion hours hours original order advance lead french tanks reached ridge found germans beaten minutes hours afternoon spent hours terrain trying contain reason fleeing routing scores french 55th infantry divisions travelling area regimental headquarters looking corps commander general deliberately terrain time relative point time order attack meantime assessing local command personnel owing delayed issuing orders tactical attack units time germans consolidated divisions combined arms infantry teams advancing inland mission plan defeat germans retake waited order proceed need order contrary unit actions germans operated efficient mission command system ultimately valuable hours essential prompt timely potentially decisive counter attack effort french opportunity throw germans missed chance owing poor staff work 1st division struggled advance quickly liked jammed roads leading german soldiers exhausted day advance quick counter thrust infantry regiments tank battalions germans crisis failed attack holding allowed formations second french army tank units including french 3rd armoured division general jean louis robert powerful french corps moving line area south said additionally french lacked relatively mobile tanks relatively intended tanks local area battle broad western european theatre war campaign military operations time french military doctrine dictated tanks predominantly primarily designed intended basically defensive oriented infantry support units advance infantry speed designed faster reason speed mph took french armour traverse kilometres ridge lead elements 1st 2nd divisions reached ridge minutes having travelled kilometres time initial clash germans favour instead making sure medium iii tanks priority crossing germans sent van advance contained lightly armed lightly armoured faster battle initial encounters took place battle fought belgium results southern face general friedrich commander 1st division suffered tactical saw shells anti tank guns bounce heavily armoured french tanks number german tanks knocked rapid succession germans hold french ridge forced send tanks tactics hated decided german tanks radio equipment enabled quickly communicate change point defence attack quickly speed german tanks enabled offset combat power french tanks iii speed rear french formations closing quickly knocking french armour rear germans noted particular weakness chassis turret french tanks vulnerable fire french artillery concealed wooded areas proved potent tanks german 1st company wiped french artillery pulled battle worthy tank company retreated cover ridge moved single tank forth presence german tanks diverted success near 2nd company rushed spot managed delay french armoured advance infantry regiment late arrival scales managed eliminate anti tank lines entrenched french infantry left ridge germans encountered french tanks support infantry near germans advance intended strike south town french reacted quickly ordering anti tank set guns struggled halt french armour position moving west infantry advanced south east german right flank fortunately 43rd assault engineer battalion 8th company 2nd battalion 2nd regiment arrived pushed french town sur bar kilometres south west south ordered retreat finally got heavy artillery infantry regiment dual role artillery guns heavier iii reached area battle time french 7th tank battalion wiped infantry regiment devastated french tanks remained pitched battles 7th tank battalion fought day lost delays right flank meant infantry regiment 4th tank battalion reach starting line time battle left wing lost attacks right little sense 1st division victory parade held cut short luftwaffe bombed square mistake inflicting casualties battle german high command want exploit victory german infantry divisions caught divisions madness throw away victory allow enemy time recover formidable armoured units decided push channel meant ignoring high command hitler ordered 10th division infantry regiment hold 1st 2nd divisions struck north west channel pushing largely open door 1st 2nd divisions advanced french rear speed safe french forces south decided better mount aggressive defence given lack suitable anti tank weapons defensive battle better option attack defend advance 1st 2nd divisions assisted progress ran defeated elements corps near french corps heading withdrew southward engagement potential threat german western flank removed original plan called south line mask intention thrust channel general dropped fall resurrected ordered 10th division infantry regiment attack plateau town vicious day battle took place germans came face face premier french tank time tanks commanded proved german anti tank fire took hits knocked german tanks iii number anti tank guns french concentrated armour mount attack battle took place town changed hands times ultimately failure french hold meant final failure eliminate french offensive vital importance town remained base situated high ground overlooking french use base launch long term attacks battle began french committed company 49th tank battalion 1st company 45th tank battalion company 4th tank battalion 1st battalion infantry regiment 1st company 51st infantry regiment french infantry slow advance meant armour tanks tried attack failed time held 1st battalion supported regiments anti tank artillery guns french pressed forward weak german defence struggled hold ground german platoon managed knock french french tank crews panicked drove away south psychological victory germans encouraged continued defence position attacks held positions fought town fall hours offensive followed counter attack 10th sent 1st battalion infantry regiment support hard pressed germans retook town fourth time hours germans reinforced defences night corps consisting 16th division 24th infantry division timely deployment time lost men need rest 14th anti tank company lost guns lost dead wounded destroyed french tanks german knocked corps supporting german defence counter attacks town captured 17th final time aftermath french defeat left allied army groups belgium sparse flank protection german attack especially breakout fast hardly major french soldiers shock taken prisoner offer resistance explains low casualty rates sides assault engineer battalions achieved important success eliminating sector 1st 2nd divisions possible achieved single casualty consensus military historians battle sealed fate belgium france allied forces failures deployment effectively lost campaign advance channel trap soldiers expel allies western_europe unfortunately germans bulk british_army escaped port german_army eventually won ensuing battle forcing allied armies leave large amounts equipment failed controversial circumstances eliminate british manpower trapped pocket destroyed best units french army including prisoner war total significant forces escape british french french forces return france participate battles june surrendering rest french armed forces june


battle battle fought sunday june near present day belgium united_kingdom netherlands french army command napoleon defeated armies seventh coalition anglo led allied army command duke wellington prussian army command von prince battle resulted end reign french empire set chronological milestone serial european wars decades relative peace napoleon return power march states opposed formed seventh coalition began armies wellington armies close north eastern border france napoleon chose attack hope destroying join coordinated invasion france members coalition decisive engagement campaign napoleon according wellington battle nearest run thing saw life defeat ended napoleon rule emperor french marked end days return exile napoleon days later july coalition forces entered paris battle wellington withdrew simultaneous battle withdrew parallel wellington drawing napoleon forces away separate simultaneous battle learning prussian army able support wellington decided offer battle saint jean brussels road repeated attacks french afternoon aided progressively arriving evening napoleon committed reserves desperate final attack narrowly beaten breaking french right flank wellington anglo allied army counter attacked centre french army routed battlefield located municipalities kilometres south brussels kilometres town site battlefield today dominated large monument lion mound mound constructed earth taken battlefield contemporary topography battlefield near mound preserved prelude march days napoleon reached paris powers congress vienna declared outlaw days later united_kingdom russia austria prussia armies defeat napoleon critically outnumbered napoleon knew attempts seventh coalition allies invading france failed chance remaining power attack coalition napoleon succeeded destroying existing coalition forces south brussels reinforced able drive british sea knock war turn armies austrians russians additional consideration french speaking belgium french victory trigger friendly revolution british troops belgium largely second line troops veterans war sent north_america fight war wellington initial intended counter threat napoleon coalition armies moving south west brussels cut wellington communications base pushed army closer napoleon manipulated wellington fear loss supply chain channel ports false intelligence june napoleon raised total army strength men force disposal size nearly loyal experienced soldiers divided army left wing commanded marshal right wing commanded marshal reserve command elements remained close support crossing frontier near dawn june french rapidly overran coalition outposts securing napoleon central position wellington armies late night june wellington certain attack main french thrust early hours june richmond ball brussels received dispatch prince orange shocked speed napoleon advance hastily ordered army concentrate prince orange brigade prince holding position soldiers left wing orders secure crossroads necessary later swing east reinforce napoleon napoleon moved concentrated prussian army june reserve right wing army attacked defeated battle prussian centre gave way heavy french assaults flanks held ground found crossroads lightly held prince orange repelled initial attacks gradually driven overwhelming numbers french troops reinforcements wellington arrived took command drove securing crossroads early evening late send help defeated battle day prussian defeat wellington position day withdrew northwards defensive position previous year low ridge saint jean south village forest prussian retreat went seemingly unnoticed french bulk rearguard units held positions midnight elements following morning ignored french retreat east lines communication instead fell northwards parallel wellington line march supporting distance communication rallied corps engaged strong position south intelligence prussian defeat wellington organised retreat napoleon reserves late start june joined attack wellington army found position french pursued wellington retreating army way weather head start napoleon advance allowed wellington apart cavalry action substantial engagement leaving napoleon ordered commander right wing follow retreating men late start uncertainty direction taken orders given meant late prevent prussian army reaching march support wellington end june wellington army arrived position main body napoleon army following army gathering miles east city armies armies involved battle napoleon multinational army wellington prussian army french army consisted infantry cavalry artillery guns napoleon conscription fill ranks french army rule men campaign troops mainly veterans considerable experience fierce devotion emperor cavalry particular numerous formidable included fourteen regiments armoured heavy cavalry seven highly versatile wellington claimed infamous army weak ill equipped inexperienced staff troops consisted men infantry cavalry artillery guns british king german legion british_army troops regular soldiers war veterans addition dutch belgian troops nassau troops coalition armies inexperienced dutch army established following earlier defeat napoleon exception british fought british_army spain professional soldiers coalition armies spent time french army armies allied napoleonic regime historian states army difference british foreign troops prove significant fire wellington short heavy cavalry having seven british dutch regiments duke york imposed staff officers wellington including second command earl commanded cavalry wellington commit forces discretion wellington stationed troops miles away west recalled participate battle serve position battle lost composed dutch troops prince orange younger brother prince frederick netherlands placed guard possible wide flanking movement french forces act rearguard wellington forced retreat antwerp coast according best dutch troops questions reasons placement prussian army reorganisation reserve regiments volunteer formations wars process absorbed line militia regiments arrived belgium prussian cavalry similar state artillery best performance guns equipment continued arrive battle setting prussian army excellent professional leadership general staff organisation officers came schools developed purpose worked common standard training system marked contrast conflicting vague orders issued french army staff system ensured quarters prussian army concentrated battle hours notice prussian army defeated able supply train intervene decisively battlefield hours half prussian army corps men engaged brigades commander corps attacked corps parts corps engaged battlefield position strong consisted long ridge running east west perpendicular main road brussels crest ridge ran road deep sunken lane near crossroads brussels road large tree roughly centre wellington position served command post day wellington deployed infantry line crest ridge following road reverse slope times previously wellington concealed strength french exception artillery length battlefield relatively short miles allowed wellington draw forces depth centre right way village expectation reinforce left day ridge positions fortified extreme right garden orchard large built country house initially hidden trees house faced north sunken covered lane usually described british hollow way supplied extreme left hamlet fortified garrisoned anchored wellington flanks commanded road use send reinforcements wellington position western main road rest wellington line farmhouse orchard garrisoned light infantry king german legion opposite road disused sand quarry rifles posted position presented formidable challenge attacking force attempt turn wellington right taking entrenched position attack right centre mean attackers march fire left attack fire adjoining attempt turning left flank fighting lanes surrounding garrisoned buildings flank wet ground french army formed slopes ridge south napoleon wellington positions drew forces brussels road right corps infantry cavalry plus cavalry reserve left corps infantry cavalry cavalry reserve centre road south inn alliance reserve including corps men infantry imperial guard cavalry reserve right rear french position substantial village extreme right paris wood napoleon initially commanded battle farm entire battlefield moved position near alliance early afternoon command battlefield largely hidden view delegated battle preparation wellington rose june wrote letters dawn earlier written confirming battle saint jean provide corps retreat brussels late night council chief staff august von wellington strategy persuaded march join wellington army morning wellington duly received reply promising support corps wellington field supervising deployment forces prussian corps designated lead march best shape having involved battle taken casualties corps marching days covering retreat corps prussian army battlefield posted away battlefield progress slow roads poor condition night heavy rain men pass streets artillery pieces matters helped fire broke blocking streets intended route result corps left hours leading elements moved men followed corps corps napoleon silver plate house spent night suggested recalled join main force napoleon said beaten wellington think good general tell wellington bad general english bad troops affair eating breakfast napoleon surprisingly dismissive statements taken face value given emperor maxim war morale praising enemy wrong reduces morale seen engaging pre battle morale number occasions past morning battle deal chief staff respond persistent objections senior generals later told brother gossip british officers lunch king spain inn march napoleon declared need days recover dealt surprisingly gossip aside french commanders present pre battle conference information proximity suspect men start field battle great numbers hours later napoleon delayed start battle owing ground cavalry artillery difficult addition forces south alliance response dispatch received hours earlier sent reply telling head north order draw near west push arrive soon possible napoleon drafted general order corps left corps right attack village saint jean abreast order assumed wellington battle line village forward position ridge enable division initial attack napoleon expected draw wellington reserves loss threaten communications sea reserve artillery corps bombard centre wellington position corps attack wellington left break roll line east west memoirs napoleon wrote intention separate wellington army drive sea historian andrew roberts notes curious fact battle absolutely certain actually began wellington recorded dispatches clock napoleon commenced furious attack post sources state attack began house immediate defended light companies guards wood park 2nd nassau initial attack brigade emptied wood park driven heavy british artillery fire cost life british guns distracted duel french artillery second attack brigade succeeded reaching north gate house lieutenant french officer broke gate open axe french troops managed enter courtyard 2nd guards 3rd foot guards arrived help fierce melee british managed close gate french troops streaming trapped courtyard killed young drummer boy spared fighting continued afternoon surroundings heavily invested french light infantry coordinated attacks troops wellington army defended house hollow way running north afternoon napoleon personally ordered house shelled set fire resulting destruction chapel brigade king german legion brought forward defend hollow way senior officers eventually relieved foot british infantry regiment adam brigade reinforced hugh 3rd brigade successfully repulsed infantry cavalry attacks sent held end battle occupied post detachment general brigade guards position rear time command lieutenant colonel colonel home happy add maintained day gallantry brave troops notwithstanding repeated efforts large bodies enemy obtain possession reached lloyd abandoned guns stood near minute scene grand description wood sent broad flame dark masses smoke field beneath cloud french visible waving mass long red feathers seen sheet steel showed moving cannon forth fire death shouting gave idea volcano bodies infantry cavalry pouring time leave moved columns standing square fighting characterised attack draw wellington reserves escalated day battle drew french reserves instead fact good case believe napoleon wellington thought holding key winning battle battlefield napoleon clearly continued direct resources surroundings afternoon battalions troops similarly house contained large number troops wellington devoted battalions troops course afternoon keeping hollow way open allow fresh troops ammunition reach buildings moved artillery batteries hard pressed centre support later stated success battle turned closing gates french infantry attack guns napoleon drew centre opened fire according lord hill commander anglo allied corps sources time noon far aim accurately troops regiments pack 2nd dutch division employing wellington characteristic reverse slope defence bombardment caused large number casualties projectiles buried soft soil found marks reverse slope ridge bombardment forced cavalry union brigade line left scots reduce casualty rate napoleon saw columns village saint miles hours march army away right flank napoleon reaction marshal send message telling come battlefield attack arriving executing napoleon previous orders follow sword far away reach advised subordinate march sound guns stuck orders engaged prussian iii corps rear guard command lieutenant general baron von battle letter ordering quickly join napoleon attack actually reach little corps attack began like encountered wellington spain aware british commander favoured tactic short range drive infantry columns use usual deep french columns deployed abreast division advanced closely spaced battalion lines allowed concentrate fire leave room change formation formation initially effective division advanced farmhouse defended king german legion french battalion engaged defenders following battalions support squadrons succeeded farmhouse king german legion defended farmhouse time french tried scale walls outnumbered germans held prince orange saw cut tried reinforce sending forward battalion line concealed fold ground caught destroyed minutes rode past crest ridge covered left flank attack developed started advance divisions men metres yards wellington left wing point aimed faced men line consisted dutch 1st brigade van 2nd dutch division flanked british brigades pack second line consisted british troops sir thomas lying dead ground ridge suffered badly addition brigade ordered deploy hollow road forward slope rest brigade lying road moment rejoining parent battalions brigade ordered feet started return fire left brigade 7th dutch militia stood files shot opening line occurred battalion reserves unable close gap troops pushed gap line remaining battalions brigade 8th dutch militia belgian 7th line battalion forced retreat square 5th dutch militia reserve troops rear command colonel van van moment later prince orange ordered counterattack actually occurred minutes later wounded retired field passing command brigade men ascended slope advanced sunken road ran continued east lined sides thick brigade road british brigades lying yards road pack left right men engaged brigade men division centre division pushed brigade right french advance division led brigade consisting followed somewhat men brigade regiments opposing road pack 9th brigade consisting scottish regiments royal scots 42nd black watch 44th foot totaling men fight british french infantry occur french advance drove british reached sunken road pack men stood formed deep line formation fear french cavalry advanced opened fire anticipated french infantry accordingly advanced linear formation fully deployed line returned fire successfully pressed british troops attack centre line right started killed shortly ordering counter attack british troops began way pressure numbers pack regiments ranks deep advanced attack french road began fire french instead charging 42nd black watch halted resulting fire fight drove british foot leading french burst cheering sunken road french forcing allies british line clock afternoon napoleon winning battle charge british heavy cavalry officers cavalry acquired trick consider situation think enemy provide reserve crucial ordered brigades british heavy cavalry formed unseen ridge charge support hard pressed infantry 1st brigade known household brigade commanded major general lord edward somerset consisted guards regiments 1st 2nd life guards royal horse guards blues 1st king guards 2nd brigade known union brigade commanded major general sir william called consisted english 1st scottish 2nd scots irish 6th regiment heavy years warfare eroded numbers suitable cavalry mounts available european continent resulted british heavy cavalry entering campaign finest horses contemporary cavalry arm british cavalry received excellent mounted training inferior french large formations attitude unlike infantry units experience warfare scots example action according wellington superior individual horsemen lacked tactical ability considered squadron match french didn like british opposed french numbers increased order course necessary unwilling risk men having superiority numbers brigades combined field strength official strength charged year old leading inadequate number squadrons held reserve evidence gave order morning battle cavalry brigade commanders commit commands initiative direct orders forthcoming support movements appears expected brigades sir john dutch cavalry provide support british later regretted leading charge person saying committed great mistake organising adequate reserve forward support household brigade crossed crest allied position charged downhill guarding left flank dispersed swept deeply sunken main road routed sunken lane acted trap flight french cavalry right away british cavalry found steep sides sunken lane confused mass infantry rifles firing north lane somerset heavy cavalry pressing novelty fighting armoured foes impressed british recorded commander household brigade blows sounded like work continuing attack squadrons left household brigade destroyed brigade despite attempts recall continued past found hill blown horses facing brigade formed squares left union brigade suddenly swept infantry lines giving rise legend gordon highland regiment accompanied charge centre royal destroyed brigade capturing eagle routed brigade division scots came lead french regiment 45th reforming having crossed sunken road broken row pursuit british infantry captured eagle 45th overwhelmed brigade eagles captured french battle wellington extreme left division time form squares fend groups household cavalry officers found difficult troops lost having taken casualties trying scots rest union brigade found main french lines horses blown disorder idea collective objective attacked nearby gun batteries battery time means disable cannon carry action gun crews killed fled battlefield sergeant major stated regiment rallied going attack french artillery hamilton regimental commander holding cried men charge charge guns napoleon promptly responded ordering counter attack brigades regiments corps light cavalry division disorganized valley alliance scots rest british heavy cavalry taken surprise joined baron 1st cavalry division tried rally men french attacked captured nearby party scots saw capture attempted rescue brigade commander french captured killed lance kill scots attempted rescue time died momentum entirely returned favour french drove union brigade valley result heavy losses british cavalry british light major general dutch belgian light major general left wing dutch belgian major general trip centre repelled french cavalry figures quoted losses cavalry brigades result charge estimates casualties noted day battle battle historians example believe official rolls tend number present squadrons field battle losses result considerably higher numbers paper suggest union brigade lost heavily officers men killed including commander william colonel hamilton scots wounded 2nd life guards king guards household brigade lost heavily colonel fuller commander king killed 1st life guards extreme right charge blues formed reserve kept consequently suffered significantly fewer casualties rolls official paper strength brigades given estimate actual strength official recorded losses heavy cavalry brigades battle horses historians assert british heavy cavalry destroyed viable force following epic charge states scots grey practically wiped regiments union brigade suffered comparable losses historians clark kennedy wood citing british eyewitness accounts describe continuing role heavy cavalry charge heavy brigades far ineffective continued provide valuable services french cavalry numerous times brigades halted combined cavalry infantry attack household brigade bolster morale units vicinity times crisis filled gaps anglo allied line caused high casualties infantry formations brigades service rendered high cost close combat french cavalry fire infantry deadly artillery fire steadily eroded number brigades clock afternoon union brigade field squadrons french cavalry losing half number process end fighting brigades time combined muster squadron french troops corps committed attack corps driven rout valley costing napoleon casualties including prisoners taken valuable time lost charge dispersed numerous units hours shaken corps reform elements began appear field right napoleon ordered corps right flank hold attack began french cavalry attack little noted apparent exodus wellington centre movement casualties rear beginnings retreat sought exploit following defeat corps infantry reserves left infantry committed futile attack defence french right tried break wellington centre cavalry initially reserve cavalry corps light cavalry division imperial guard committed repulsed heavy cavalry corps heavy cavalry guard added assault total cavalry squadrons napoleon saw charge said hour soon wellington infantry responded forming squares hollow box formations ranks deep squares smaller usually depicted paintings battle man battalion square feet length vulnerable artillery infantry squares stood ground deadly cavalry horses charge wellington ordered artillery crews shelter squares cavalry approached return guns resume fire retreated witnesses british infantry recorded assaults probably includes successive waves general attack number general assaults undoubtedly far fewer recognising attacks tried reserve elite brigade joining eventually spotted insisted involvement british eyewitness french cavalry attack officer foot guards recorded impressions somewhat enemy artillery ceased firing sudden saw large masses cavalry advance man present survived forgotten life awful charge discovered distance appeared overwhelming long moving line advancing like stormy wave sea catches sunlight came got near whilst earth beneath mounted host suppose resisted shock terrible moving mass famous old soldiers distinguished europe incredibly short period yards shouting word command prepare receive cavalry given man ranks wall steel held steady hands presented infuriated essence type cavalry attack relied entirely psychological shock effect close artillery support disrupt infantry squares allow cavalry penetrate operation french cavalry artillery impressive french artillery close anglo allied infantry sufficient numbers decisive artillery fire charges produce mounting casualties fire relatively long range indirect targets ridge infantry attacked held firm square defensive formations panicked cavalry little damage french cavalry attacks repeatedly repelled infantry squares fire british artillery french cavalry slopes decisive wellington light cavalry regiments dutch heavy cavalry brigade remaining household cavalry artillery officer wellington order seek shelter adjacent squares charges captain commanded troop royal horse artillery thought troops kept battery pounders action cavalry great effect allowed advance head column yards gave word fire effect terrible nearly leading rank fell round shot penetrating column carried confusion extent discharge gun followed fall men horses like grass reasons remain unclear attempt spike allied guns french possession line wellington orders gunners able return pieces fire french cavalry withdrew attack numerous costly fruitless attacks saint jean ridge french cavalry spent casualties easily estimated senior french cavalry officers particular generals experienced heavy losses divisional commanders wounded wounded killed testament courage habit leading reports numbered ranks june june empress lost period overall guard heavy cavalry division lost strength second french infantry attack eventually obvious cavalry achieving little organised combined arms attack division regiment division corps plus french cavalry remained fit state fight assault directed route previous heavy cavalry attacks halted charge household brigade cavalry led british cavalry unable break french infantry fell losses fire recorded tried lead dutch major general trip renew attack refused follow members british cavalry staff commented occurrence support incident dutch belgian sources men cavalry supports hard hit fire artillery adam infantry brigade eventually fell french cavalry caused direct casualties wellington centre artillery fire infantry squares caused wellington cavalry sir john sir brigades far left committed fight taken significant losses situation appeared desperate cumberland cavalry regiment present fled field spreading alarm way brussels french capture approximately time combined arms assault centre right wellington line rallied elements corps spearheaded 13th renewed attack time successful partly king german legion ammunition ran germans held centre battlefield entire day stalled french advance moved horse artillery wellington centre began infantry squares short range 30th regiments suffered heavy losses combine form viable square possession french dangerous incident uncovered centre anglo allied army established enemy yards centre french lost time taking advantage pushing forward infantry supported guns enabled maintain destructive fire left right success napoleon needed continue offensive occurred verge breaking allied centre artillery fire multitude french occupied dominant positions poured effective fire squares situation dire 33rd regiment colours brigade colours sent rear safety described historian measure precedent wellington noticing fire staff rode closer french appeared building fired british command struggled away road ordered single battalion fifth recapture farm colonel chased french french fell open flank killed destroyed battalion took colour dutch belgian cavalry regiment ordered charge retreated field instead fired infantry light cavalry brigade charged french artillery taking position near shot pieces brigade fell apart netherlands cavalry division wellington cavalry reserve centre having lost half strength useless french cavalry despite losses masters field compelling allied infantry remain square french artillery brought forward french battery advanced yards 1st nassau square causing heavy casualties attempted attack battery ridden squadron battery deployed flank battery shot horses pushed later recalled precision fire shot took effect certainly expected annihilated saddle bags instances torn horses backs shell saw explode finest wheel horses troop dropped french occupied dominant positions especially overlooking square 27th unable break square drive french infantry presence french cavalry artillery remain formation endure fire fire nearly annihilated 27th foot lost thirds strength hours banks road garden wall determined fire artificial bank intent destroying 27th time literally said lying dead square loss fallen awful satisfaction having scarcely fired shot troops rear ridge similarly situated time wellington generals aides killed wounded including somerset canning situation critical wellington trapped infantry square ignorant events desperate arrival help later wrote time occupied approaching watch stuck fast arrival prussian corps night come prussian corps arrive strength corps objective intended use rear french positions intended secure right paris road wellington exchanging communications agreed advance wellington centre attack general noted way lay open time time french cavalry attack 15th brigade corps sent link wellington left flank area brigade horse artillery battery additional brigade artillery deployed left support napoleon sent corps intercept rest corps proceeding 15th brigade threw troops determined bayonet charge proceeded heights french pounder artillery fire pushed sent corps retreat area driving past rear right flank directly threatening line retreat 16th brigade pushed forward battalions napoleon dispatched battalions young guard reinforce seriously pressed young guard counter attacked hard fighting secured counter attacked driven napoleon sent battalions middle old guard ferocious bayonet fighting fire muskets force recaptured village flank march late afternoon corps arriving greater strength area north general prussian liaison wellington rode meet corps time brought 1st brigade concerned sight casualties nassau units wellington left prussian 15th brigade troops appeared withdrawing fearing troops caught general retreat starting away wellington flank prussian main body near received direct order support marched aid saw movement away persuaded support wellington left flank warned battle lost corps immediately support english army resumed march support wellington directly arrival troops allowed wellington reinforce centre moving cavalry left french expecting march support corps appeared instead shock shattered french morale sight arrival caused turmoil rage napoleon army corps proceeded attack french troops french position bent rough shape ends line based left right centre taken positions series attacks retreated opposing prussian 24th regiment retook 24th advanced new french position repulsed returned attack supported 1st french initially fell renewed assault began seriously contest ground attempting regain hold houses 24th regiment linked battalion far right 13th regiment cavalry support threw french positions attacks 13th 15th brigade drove french division finding charged squadrons corps cavalry reserve retreated battlefield soldiers corps alongside attack division broke fled panic west french middle guard assaulting wellington centre prussian corps advanced brussels road line retreat available french attack imperial guard wellington centre exposed fall temporarily napoleon committed reserve hitherto undefeated imperial guard infantry attack mounted intended break wellington centre roll line away celebrated passages arms military history unclear units actually participated appears mounted battalions middle guard old guard old guard battalions forward formed attack second line remained reserve directly assault allied line saw regiments middle guard conducted emperor arriving troops wished renew attack penetrate centre enemy ordered lead generals officers soldiers displayed greatest body troops weak resist long time forces opposed enemy soon necessary renounce hope attack moments inspired napoleon oversaw initial deployment middle old guard middle guard formed battalion squares men strong 1st 3rd led generals right road left rear general leading square 4th 1st 3rd general 2nd 3rd finally large single square battalions soldiers 4th led general batteries imperial guard horse artillery accompanied sections guns squares square led general marshal mounted 5th horse day led advance reserve battalions old guard right left 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd napoleon left conduct assault led middle guard oblique allied centre right instead attacking straight centre napoleon send senior colonel order adjust unable time troops rallied support advance guard left infantry corps engaged cavalry advanced right rallied elements corps ascended ridge engaged allied line brigade broke skirmish order moved north west provided fire support 1st 3rd guards received fire battalions return fire forced retire brigade line consisting 30th foot traded fire driven confusion 33rd regiments shot face seriously wounded brigade retreated mob allied troops began way counter attack remains brigade allied second line led prince orange thrown prince orange seriously wounded general brought 4th allied centre danger breaking moment timely arrival dutch general turned tide favour allies relatively fresh dutch division sent led battery dutch horse artillery commanded captain battery opened destructive fire victorious 1st 3rd flank stop guard advance ordered brigade colonel charge outnumbered french bayonet broke 4th seeing comrades retreat having suffered heavy casualties wheeled right retired left 4th squares 1st 2nd 3rd angled west suffered artillery fire advance mounted ridge found apparently abandoned covered dead suddenly british foot guards lying protect french artillery rose devastated point blank deployed answer fire began falling volley killing general bayonet charge foot guards broke british losing order pursuit 4th battalion strong came flank british battalions british foot guards lost slope disorganized crowd pursuit crest came battery caused severe casualties 1st 2nd 3rd opened fire swept away gunners left flank square came fire heavy formation british drove replaced 52nd light infantry led john wheeled line flank poured devastating fire returned sharp fire killing wounding men 52nd 52nd charged onslaught broke guard retreated panic passed french lines news spread garde guard retreating man wellington stood copenhagen hat air signal general advance army rushed forward lines threw retreating french surviving imperial guard rallied reserve battalions sources south stand charge adam brigade battalion plus relatively fresh cavalry brigades right threw confusion left semi cohesive units retreated alliance retreat guards invited surrender famous garde guard dies surrender prussian capture time prussian 5th 14th 16th brigades starting push assault day church fire graveyard french centre resistance corpses guard battalions deployed support young guard virtually committed defence remnants corps key position proved woods south corps arrived brigades reinforced attack corps advancing woods 25th regiment battalions threw old guard woods forcing retreat old guard retreated good order met mass troops retreating panic rout prussian corps advanced find masses french retreating disorder british pursuit unable fire fear hitting wellington units fifth final time changed hands french forces retreating guard surrounded positions eliminated asking offering quarter french young guard division reported cent casualties thirds corps ceased exist despite great courage stamina french guards fighting village began signs church fire columns red flame coming windows doors village scene bitter house house fighting burning adding confusion major von manoeuvre accomplished french guards saw flank rear threatened began withdraw guard general formed rearguard remnants guard left great rush leaving large masses artillery equipment ammunition wagons wake retreat evacuation led loss position cover withdrawal french army guard fell direction unlike parts battlefield cries instead cry nos let save eagles heard french french right left centre failed cohesive french force consisted battalions old guard stationed alliance placed act final reserve protect napoleon event french retreat hoped rally french army retreat turned rout forced withdraw alliance square protection coalition cavalry persuaded battle lost leave napoleon commanded square left inn adam brigade charged forced square engaged dusk fell squares withdrew relatively good order french artillery fell hands allies retreating guards surrounded thousands fleeing broken french troops coalition cavalry pursuing far ordering halt napoleon abandoned carriage captured containing diamonds left rush escape king friedrich prussia crown major 15th received pour oak leaves feat time guns prisoners taken including generals remained squares old guard protect retreat brave choice army forced retire yielded ground foot foot till overwhelmed numbers entirely annihilated moment movement declared army formed confused mass total rout cry stated bulletin middle position occupied french army exactly height farm sic called alliance march prussian columns directed farm visible napoleon battle gave orders hopes victory ruin decided happy chance field marshal lord wellington met dark mutually sources agree meeting commanders took place near alliance occurring historian peter written wellington met signifying end battle aftermath cost wellington dead wounded suffered unit 18th regiment served 15th brigade fought won iron crosses napoleon losses killed wounded included captured additional subsequent battle following days june morning went visit field battle little village plateau saint jean arrival sight horrible felt sick stomach obliged return multitude wounded men limbs unable having wounds dressed hunger allies course obliged formed spectacle shall forget wounded allies french remain equally state june general following orders defeated general withdrew good order cost french troops reached battlefield wellington sent official dispatch describing battle england june arrived london june published london gazette extraordinary june wellington coalition forces advanced paris napoleon announced second june final skirmish napoleonic wars marshal napoleon minister war defeated july allegedly napoleon tried escape north_america royal_navy blockading french ports finally surrendered captain frederick hms july campaign french fortresses held september treaty paris signed november louis restored throne france napoleon exiled saint died royal exposed factions divide country great powers europe terminated political career come like throw sur british people claim royal laws throw powerful constant generous enemies 1st foot guards defeated guard thought defeated faced newly raised middle guard awarded title guards recognition feat adopted style britain household cavalry likewise adopted recognition success armoured french counterparts effectiveness lance noted participants weapon subsequently widespread europe british converted light cavalry regiment uniforms polish origin based imperial guard analysis historical importance decisive battle sense generation europe outbreak world war looked turning point dictated course subsequent world history retrospect seen event concert europe era characterised relative peace material prosperity technological progress battle definitively ended series wars europe involved regions world french revolution early ended french empire political military career napoleon greatest commanders history followed decades international peace europe major conflict occurred war changes configuration european states included formation holy alliance governments intent revolutionary democratic ideas holy roman empire german confederation increasingly marked political dominance prussia prompted renewed attention economic legacy battle century relative peace followed views reasons napoleon defeat general baron leading military writers napoleonic art war number explanations reasons napoleon defeat opinion principal causes led disaster influential arrival combined false movement favoured arrival second admirable british infantry joined sang chiefs horrible weather ground rendered offensive movements till clock attack morning fourth formation corps masses deep grand attack wellington wrote official dispatch london justice feelings marshal prussian army attribute successful result day timely assistance received operation general enemy flank decisive found situation attack produced final result forced enemy retire attacks failed prevented taking advantage unfortunately succeeded despite differences matters discussed length von study campaign wellington famous essay reply prussian theorist historian agreed wellington assessment viewed battle prior prussian intervention mutually exhausting stalemate impending french victory advantage leaning wellington modern authors share view wellington faced imminent defeat prussian help example writes army beat napoleon played prussian troops actual moment imperial guard repulsed difficult wellington defeat centre shattered reserves committed french right remained imperial guard intact totally responsible victory napoleon deserved credit preventing british defeat writes arrival diverted vital reinforcements forced napoleon accelerate effort wellington tide battle turned hard driving pushed napoleon flank wellington able shift offensive battlefield today portions terrain battlefield altered appearance tourism began day battle captain noting june carriage drove ground brussels inmates proceeded examine field netherlands king william ordered construction monument lion giant mound constructed cubic metres earth taken ridge centre british line effectively removing southern bank wellington sunken road aware variously inclined plains engagement napoleon wellington took place longer june taking field monument real relief taken away history longer finds sake wellington years later altered field battle great pyramid earth lion rises day descended easy slope road highway elevation measured height great road brussels english tomb left german tomb right french tomb plain france alleged remark wellington alteration battlefield described hugo documented terrain features notable landmarks field remained virtually unchanged battle include rolling farmland east brussels road buildings alliance apart lion mound conventional noteworthy monuments battlefield cluster monuments brussels crossroads marks mass graves british dutch king german legion troops monument french dead entitled wounded eagle marks location believed imperial guard units formed square closing moments battle monument prussian dead located village site artillery batteries took position graves fallen located saint martin church ways hamlet municipality seventeen fallen officers buried british monument brussels cemetery remains year old soldier named discovered slightly metres tall hit chest french bullet rifle coins position battlefield identified fighting king german legion coin controversy celebration battle belgium euro coin depicting lion monument map field battle france officially protested issue belgian government noted french mint sells medals coins released issue melted instead belgium issued identical commemorative coin non standard value legally valid issuing country unlikely brass packaged sold belgian mint euro coin showing wellington troops silhouette napoleon available silver