Waterloo and The Somme

Ive been reading a lot about the Napoleonic wars, inspired by re-watching Sharpe, and reading the books. Its hard to imagine fighting a war, the way it was fought then, insane. To think that if you were in at least the forward ranks of the French columns, you must have known you would die. The discipline, self and imposed must have been solid iron.
 
The Advance of the Imperial (Old) Guard was Napoléon’s last desperate attempt to win the Battle of Waterloo. From around 7pm the advance on the British and Allied centre (roughly where the Lion Mound stands today) came in 3 seperate waves. In Wellington’s own words “it was a close run thing”!
Each wave was repulsed by British Artillery and concerted firepower. When the last attempt failed what remained of the Old Guard went into retreat. With the rest of the watching French army crying out “La Garde recule” (The Guard is retreating) and all knew that the French battle was over and finished.
The remnants of the Old Guard tried to rally for the last time near La Haye Sainte but were quickly surrounded by cannons and bayonets. When called on to surrender either by British General Charles Colville,or it may have been General Maitland, the French General Pierre Cambronne is credited to have replied “La Garde muert mais ne se rend pas” (“The Guard dies but does not surrender”) other sources say that he finally shouted out “Merde” (“shit”).
At this point the British Artillery opened fire at point blank range before the Foot Guards moved in to finish the job with bayonets.
 
My Dad was born exactly 12 hours before the slaughter started.
I know it’s got nothing to do with this thread really , but I always remember him when reading or seeing anything about that fiasco.
 
astleyfox said:
Ive been reading a lot about the Napoleonic wars, inspired by re-watching Sharpe, and reading the books. Its hard to imagine fighting a war, the way it was fought then, insane. To think that if you were in at least the forward ranks of the French columns, you must have known you would die. The discipline, self and imposed must have been solid iron.
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Have had a big interest in Wellington and the Napoleonic wars for what seems like forever. So of course read all the Sharpe books and have the dvd box set.
If you have not come across it, I can recommend " The recollections of Rifleman Harris " by Christopher Hibbert..basically the true story of Ben Harris who became a Rifleman in the 95 rifles in 1802 and his experiences fighting in Spain and Portugal.
A very good read about a real chosen man !
Lots of used copies on line .
 
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