The 400 Men Who Decided The Battle Of Waterloo

On June 18, 1815, the Battle of Waterloo changed the course of European history forever. The defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and his French army by the combined forces of the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Blücher marked the end of the Napoleonic era and ushered in a new era of peace in Europe. While many brave men fought on both sides, it is widely believed that the outcome of the battle was decided by a small group of 400 men.

These 400 men were the backbone of Wellington's army, known as the British and allied forces. They were soldiers from various nations, including Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany, who were united under a common cause – to defeat Napoleon and preserve the balance of power in Europe. They were highly trained and disciplined troops who had fought together in previous battles, forming a bond that would prove crucial in the face of the French onslaught.

As the Battle of Waterloo raged on, it became evident that Wellington's forces were facing an enormous challenge. Napoleon had assembled a formidable army, known as the French Imperial Guard, which consisted of battle-hardened veterans who had triumphed in numerous campaigns. But it was the unwavering determination and unwavering resolve of the 400 men that would tip the scales in favor of Wellington.

The Longest Afternoon: The 400 Men Who Decided the Battle of Waterloo

by Brendan Simms(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1438 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages
Hardcover	:	150 pages
Item Weight	:	13.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.38 x 9.21 inches

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The 400 men formed the core of Wellington's defensive position at the farmhouse of La Haye Sainte, a key strategic point on the battlefield. They withstood relentless attacks from the French, who desperately sought to seize this crucial position. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the 400 men held their ground with unwavering courage and refused to yield to the French onslaught.

Their fierce resistance bought valuable time for Wellington to reinforce his lines and regroup his forces. This allowed him to counter-attack at a critical moment, effectively breaking the momentum of the French advance. The 400 men's unwavering defense of La Haye Sainte became a turning point in the battle, as it forced Napoleon's troops to divert their attention from the main assault on Wellington's center.

While the 400 men held their position at La Haye Sainte, Wellington's troops launched a devastating counter-attack, pushing back the French and eventually gaining the upper hand. Napoleon's Imperial Guard, upon witnessing the resolute defense put up by the 400 men, began to falter in their assault, as doubt and exhaustion crept into their ranks. This opened the door for Wellington and Blücher's forces to deliver the final blow, sealing Napoleon's defeat.

The brave actions of the 400 men at the Battle of Waterloo had a lasting impact on the course of history. Their unwavering courage and determination changed the tide of the battle, ensuring victory for the Allied forces. Their sacrifice and resilience are a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought in the name of freedom and justice.

Today, their story serves as a reminder of the power of unity and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity. The 400 men who decided the Battle of Waterloo will forever be remembered as heroes who played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Europe.

, the Battle of Waterloo was a defining moment in history, and the 400 men who fought with unwavering bravery and determination were instrumental in securing victory for the Allied forces. Their actions on that fateful day changed the course of European history and ensured a lasting peace in the continent. Their story serves as a reminder of the valor and sacrifice displayed by those who fought for a greater cause. The 400 men will forever be remembered as heroes of Waterloo.

The Longest Afternoon: The 400 Men Who Decided the Battle of Waterloo

by Brendan Simms(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1438 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages
Hardcover	:	150 pages
Item Weight	:	13.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.38 x 9.21 inches

FREE

From the prizewinning author of Europe, a riveting account of the heroic Second Light Battalion, which held the line at Waterloo, defeating Napoleon and changing the course of history.

In 1815, the deposed emperor Napoleon returned to France and threatened the already devastated and exhausted continent with yet another war. Near the small Belgian municipality of Waterloo, two large, hastily mobilized armies faced each other to decide the future of Europe-Napoleon's forces on one side, and the Duke of Wellington on the other.

With so much at stake, neither commander could have predicted that the battle would be decided by the Second Light Battalion, King's German Legion, which was given the deceptively simple task of defending the Haye Sainte farmhouse, a crucial crossroads on the way to Brussels. In The Longest Afternoon, Brendan Simms captures the chaos of Waterloo in a minute-by-minute account that reveals how these 400-odd riflemen successfully beat back wave after wave of French infantry. The battalion suffered terrible casualties, but their fighting spirit and refusal to retreat ultimately decided the most influential battle in European history.