Waterloo is one of the most written-about battles in history, so what more can you possibly say about it?
Well, it turns out, quite a lot.
Dr Graeme Callister, who previously appeared in episode 91 of the show, has undertaken the most incredibly detailed research into the men of the French I Corps, the part they played in the battle and the men of the British and Allied forces opposite them on that fatal field who prevented them from marching straight through Wellington’s lines and on to Brussels.
I’m extremely grateful to Graeme that he gave up nearly three hours of his valuable time to discuss his new book Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps in considerable detail. I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely loved this volume, the extraordinary stories it uncovers that tell us a great deal about the men involved and the ways in which that helps us to understand what happened at that climactic moment of the battle, which could so easily have been the climax of the battle.
Anyone who is a Napoleonics fan will be rapt by Graeme’s description not only of the action that took place on 18th June 1815, but also the days and weeks preceding it as Napoleon attempted to forge a new army to drive a wedge between the Allied powers and conquer all before him. We knew he came very close indeed to achieving that and this work uncovers many of the reasons why he so nearly succeeded, but also why he ultimately failed.
This epic recording is definitely an episode to get out your brushes and listen along as you paint up a couple more regiments of Warlord Epic British or French*, or get basing some Voltigeurs to take on the British lights in a Sharp Practice scuffle across the sunken lane! Or perhaps you’ve got your copy of the book and can listen along and consider the points raised with a beverage and some biscuits on one of these long, winter evenings (or a brew and a barbie for our Antipodean listeners!).
Henry
*Other excellent brands are available.
Scotland forever!
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