The Battle of Waterloo

The Regiment was disbanded on 12 May 1814 and re-raised at once as the 42e. Renumbered 45e by Napoleon it spent the start of the Waterloo campaign marching between Quatre Bras and Ligny with out contributing to the outcome of either conflict. At the Battle of Waterloo it formed part of d'Erlon's' Corp.

D'Erlon's Attack
At 1.30pm the Emperor gave Ney orders to attack the British left and centre. This was preceded by an artillery bombardment from over 80 cannon which lasted for around 40 minutes. It had little effect on the allies mainly because of the wet condition of the ground and the ability of the mud and water to absorb the impact of the roundshot and shell. D'Erlon's four divisions were marched in echelon with about 400 yards between each of them. From the left Allix's Division formed the first echelon, Donzelot's the second. Marcognet's the third and Duruette's the fourth. Each echelon was arranged by battalion, deployed and in close ranks. These divisions, with the exception of Duruette's, thus presented 3 compact phalanxes of between 160 to 200 files width and 24 ranks depth. This was an unusually cumbersome formation unsuited to rapid deployment and passage over uneven, wet, boggy and very sticky ground.

Irritated at not having fought the day before, the soldiers were burning to attack the enemy. They rushed forwards with shouts of Vive L'Empereur! and descended into the valley. The ground soon began to rise and by now many men had lost shoes and equipment that had stuck fast in the mud. As they approached the enemy a line of skirmishers ran on ahead, stopping to fire and then running on again. The officers led the massive columns of marching men and the drums beat the pas de charge. Inside these irresistible columns though it was very difficult for the men to hear the commands of their officers due to the shouting and the drumming. They slipped and struggled as the long stalks of rye became tangled around their legs and their feet became heavy with mud. Many could see nothing but the men in front of them and the muskets of all but the first three ranks were rendered practically useless. The formations made excellent targets for the British artillery which was firing ball, shell and canister.

Each division broke off to attack different parts of the allied line. The tightly packed columns marched bravely onwards through the enemy canister fire as shot and shell tore through the ranks. Allix's division fell on La Haye Saint to the left. They pushed the English Rifles from the sand pit, poured into the orchard and sealed the boundary walls. Here they came under a murderous fire from the KGL still defending the farm buildings. The divisions of Donzelot and Marcognet in the centre pushed on towards the British line. A Belgian brigade already weakened by the French artillery barrage promptly turned and ran. On the right Durutte's division captured Papelotte. English rifle fire began to take its toll but the drums increased their tempo and the officers shouted, En avant!

Next: the charge of the Scots Greys.