The French army at the battle of Waterloo
The last army led by Napoleon, the Army of the North, was made up of several veteran generals who had re-joined Napoleon after his exile. With nearly 20 years of war-torn battles, the country was exhausted, and some cavalry regiments were merged due to lack of resources and cavaliers. The troops lack of trust in their commanders, as many were seen as royalists and traitors. Despite this, the French army remained a formidable force. At the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was supported by senior officers such as Marshal Ney, General Kellerman and General D’erlon. Marshal Grouchy was assigned to lead the III Corps in pursuit of Marshal Blucher after the Battle of Ligny two days before Waterloo. In our game, we've included the option of changing the course of history with the arrival of Marshal Grouchy in support of Napoleon.
The army of the North commanders
Emperor Napoleon I, commander in chief
Emperor Napoleon I was one of the most influential military commanders in the history of warfare. He was the leader of the French forces during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon had a well-organized and disciplined army of over 70,000 soldiers, which he used to great effect during the battle. He made use of his artillery to launch surprise attacks on the enemy, and also deployed his cavalry to outflank the opposing forces. He also employed the use of skirmishers to keep the opposing
forces from advancing. In the end, Napoleon's tactics proved to be unsuccessful, and his forces were defeated. Despite this, Napoleon's legacy as a military commander
will live on for generations to come. He was a brilliant strategist who changed the way wars were fought, and his legacy will remain in the annals of history
Marshal Michel Ney, second in command
Marshal Michel Ney was a legendary French military commander. He was one of the most successful officers in the Napoleonic Wars, and is best remembered for his role
in the retreat of the grande armée after the disastrous campaing in Russia. Ney was an experienced and skillful commander, able to rally his troops and inspire them to fight on in the face of overwhelming odds. He was also a masterful tactician, able to anticipate his opponents' movements and adjust his strategy accordingly. At Waterloo, Ney led the Imperial Guard infantry in the last minutes of the battle and several cavalry charges that failed to break Wellingtons center by then formed in square fromation, but ultimately failed to turn the tide of battle. Ney's courage and leadership in the defence of the grande armée's rear guard in Russia earned him the title of "The Bravest of the Brave" from Napoleon himself. Ney was later executed by firing squad for his supporting Napoleon in his last battle, but his heroic actions at Waterloo will forever stand as a symbol of courage and bravery in the face of adversity.
Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy
Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy was a prominent French general in the Napoleonic Wars. He was a loyal follower of Napoleon and was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield. Grouchy was a master of cavalry tactics and his lightning-fast maneuvers often gave the French an advantage in battle. Grouchy was given command of the French Army of the North at the Battle of Waterloo in
1815. His army was tasked with preventing the Prussian Army from joining the British forces led by the Duke of Wellington and preventing them from attacking Napoleon's
position from the rear. Grouchy was unable to accomplish this task and the Prussian Army arrived in time to join the British forces in the attack. Grouchy's tactical blunder at Waterloo ultimately led to Napoleon's defeat and the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Despite his blunder, Grouchy remained a loyal follower of Napoleon and was even
chosen to lead the funeral procession after his death. Grouchy's legacy is one of bravery and loyalty, despite his failure at Waterloo. He was one of the most capable and respected generals in Napoleon's Army, and his cavalry maneuvers have been studied by military strategists to this day.
General François Étienne de Kellermann
General Kellerman was a highly regarded military commander who played a crucial role in the Battle of Waterloo. He was head of the III Corps of the French army
and was placed in charge of the left flank of Napoleon's army. He was a highly experienced officer, having fought in numerous battles and campaigns throughout his military career. At the Battle of Waterloo, he led his troops with skill and courage. He successfully repelled several British assaults, and managed to hold his ground against superior numbers. His troops inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, but weren’t able to break the formations of the British, ultimately leading to their defeat
General Jean-Baptiste Drouet, Comte d'Erlon
General D'Erlon was a French military commander who played a key role in the Battle of Waterloo. He was responsible for a major attack against the allied forces. On
the morning of the battle, D'Erlon was instructed by Napoleon to lead his troops against the center of the Allied line. D'Erlon's troops marched forward in a massive
column, engaging the Allied forces in fierce fighting. Despite the heavy losses suffered by his men, D'Erlon managed to break through the Allied line and create a gap in their defensive position. However, the attack was eventually repealed and D'Erlon was forced to withdraw his troops. By the end of the battle, the French army had suffered a crushing defeat, with General D'Erlon's Corps suffering the highest casualty rate of any French unit. Despite his valiant efforts, D'Erlon's attack ultimately failed to turn the tide of the battle in favor of the French
The infantry
Voltigeurs light infantry
The Voltigeurs Light Infantry was a unique and effective military unit used by Napoleon’s army during the Napoleonic Wars. The Voltigeurs were skilled and
experienced light infantry soldiers, trained specifically for fast-paced combat tactics. They were adept at quick maneuvering and attacking, making them a formidable
opponent in open-field battles. The Voltigeurs were also well-versed in the use of skirmish tactics, as they were able to utilize their light weapons and small group sizes to outmaneuver and confuse the enemy. The Voltigeurs were also known for their speed and mobility, allowing them to quickly move from one position to another. This gave them the ability to flank and outmaneuver larger formations of
the enemy or to make surprise attacks in a short amount of time. They were also agile enough to move quickly to protect their own forces and to launch a successful
counterattack when the opportunity arose. Overall, the Voltigeurs Light Infantry were an incredibly effective military unit, and they played an integral role in many of
Napoleon’s greatest victories. With their tactical skills and mobility, the Voltigeurs were able to outmaneuver and
outgun their opponents
Infanterie de ligne
The Infanterie De Ligne was a tactical military unit of the Napoleonic period. It was composed of infantry soldiers and was used to form the basis of the French Grande
Armée. The unit was trained to fight in a linear formation, with the soldiers standing side by side in three lines. This formation was designed to maximize the fire power of the troops and to increase their overall effectiveness in combat. The unit was also trained to quickly respond to changing conditions on the battlefield and to rapidly
deploy at key locations in order to turn the tide of battle. The Infanterie De Ligne was also highly mobile, able to march long distances with relative ease. This allowed
them to quickly move around the battlefield and to take advantage of strategic opportunities. The unit was also highly disciplined, and its soldiers were expected to
remain in formation and follow orders even in the heat of battle. The combination of all of these tactics allowed the unit to be one of the most effective military forces of the Napoleonic period.
Old guard grenadiers
The Napoleonic Old Guard Grenadiers were elite infantry units of the French Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Highly trained and well-equipped, they were the last units to enter battle and usually the first to break enemy lines. The Old Guard Grenadiers were renowned for their bravery and discipline and were used to spearhead important attacks. As a result, they were often the last line of defense and expected to hold off the enemy until reinforcements arrived. Tactically, the Old Guard
Grenadiers were used to break enemy lines, engaging in close-quarters combat with bayonets and muskets. They were also used to storm enemy fortifications, where they would lead the charge. This was done in two columns, with one column providing cover fire while the other advanced towards the enemy. The Old Guard Grenadiers were also adept at forming square formations, which provided a defensive position against cavalry charges.
Old guard chasseurs
The Old Guard Chasseurs were a formidable force in the Napoleonic army. They were highly trained and disciplined soldiers, renowned for their bravery and skill in battle.
They were often used as shock troops on the battlefield, tasked with launching surprise attacks and taking on the toughest enemy positions. Old Guard Chasseurs would typically use light infantry tactics such as skirmishing and ambushes to gain the upper hand in battle. They would often attack in waves, using their superior speed and agility to outmaneuver the enemy and inflict maximum damage. In addition to their tactical prowess, the Old Guard Chasseurs were also renowned for their resilience. They would often continue to fight even when outnumbered and outgunned, refusing to back down until the enemy was defeated. In fact, Napoleon himself praised the Old Guard Chasseurs for their courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds. Overall, the Old Guard Chasseurs were an invaluable asset to the Napoleonic army. Their expertise in surprise attacks and light infantry tactics allowed them to successfully engage the enemy and gain the upper hand in battle.
Middle guard grenadiers
The Middle Guard Grenadiers were a key component of Napoleon Bonaparte's military forces. They were the most experienced troops of the French army, and were used to great effect in combat. The Middle Guard Grenadiers were
renowned for their ability to deploy rapidly and fight in a disciplined manner. They were also highly trained in the use of muskets and bayonets. The Middle Guard
Grenadiers were well-known for their effectiveness in tactical maneuvers. They used a variety of tactics to outmaneuver the enemy and gain the upper hand in
battle. They were adept at forming squares and columns, as well as launching surprise attacks. These tactics allowed them to quickly overwhelm their opponents and secure victory. The Middle Guard Grenadiers were also highly skilled in the use of artillery. They were able to fire with precision and accuracy, even in the face of enemy fire. They were also adept at detonating explosives, allowing them to create breaches in enemy fortifications. The Middle Guard Grenadiers were essential to
Napoleon's success in battle. Their skill and experience proved invaluable in combat, and contributed greatly to the French military's success.
Middle guard chasseurs
The Middle Guard Chasseurs was an elite light infantry unit of the Napoleonic Army. They were renowned for their courage and expertise in combat. They were known for
their fast-paced and aggressive tactics, which allowed them to be incredibly effective in both offensive and defensive situations. They were well-trained in close-combat fighting and would often be used to break enemy lines or to launch surprise attacks. Their light equipment allowed them to move quickly and to engage in hit-and-run tactics on their opponents. They also were known to be very effective in skirmish warfare and could rapidly deploy to meet an enemy threat. They were an essential part of the Napoleonic Army, and their tactical use in combat was largely responsible for the success of Napoleon's many campaigns.
Young guard tirailleurs
The Napoleonic Young Guard Tirailleurs were a military unit of light infantry known for their agility and tactical use in combat. Highly trained in skirmishing and
marksmanship, they were often used to outflank enemy formations or to launch surprise attacks. Their light equipment made them very mobile and capable of quick
maneuvers, allowing them to cover large distances in a short amount of time. The Young Guard Tirailleurs were often used as scouts and vanguards, as their light
equipment and training allowed them to better navigate difficult terrain and observe enemy forces. They were also used to launch surprise attacks and raids on enemy
positions, often using their renowned marksmanship to inflict maximum casualties. In addition to their offensive capabilities, the Young Guard Tirailleurs were also very
effective in defensive operations. Their agility and light equipment allowed them to quickly move in and out of enemy formations, while their marksmanship and
skirmishing tactics were used to keep the enemy at bay. All in all, the Young Guard Tirailleurs were a highly effective tactical unit in the Napoleonic era and their use in
combat is still highly respected today
Young guard voltigeurs
The Voltigeurs of the Young Guard were an elite Napoleonic military unit. The Voltigeurs were light infantry and the most mobile of all Napoleonic forces. They were trained in the use of skirmish and skirmish-like tactics and were capable of fighting in both open and close formations. They were especially suited to fighting in
difficult terrain, such as forests and mountains, and were adept at harassment and reconnaissance. Voltigeurs were armed with smoothbore muskets, short sabres, and
bayonets. The Voltigeurs were used to great effect by Napoleon in the Battle of Austerlitz, where they were used to harass the Austrian forces. At the Battle of Waterloo, the Voltigeurs were used to draw the enemy's fire, allowing the French lines to close in and attack. The Voltigeurs were also used as a screening force to protect the flanks of advancing French forces. The Voltigeurs were also used to break up enemy formations on the battlefield. Their speed and agility allowed them to flank
and outmaneuver the enemy, and they were often used to disrupt supply lines and communications. The Voltigeurs were also used to cover the retreat of French forces, and to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting enemy units. The Voltigeurs of the Young Guard were an invaluable asset to Napoleon’s army, and were incredibly effective in both offensive and defensive roles. Their superior mobility and tactical acumen made them an integral part of Napoleon’s military machine.
The cavalry
Chasseur à cheval
The Chasseur à cheval were light cavalry units in the Napoleonic Army. They were highly mobile, maneuverable, and well equipped, and were often deployed to create rapid surprise attacks against the enemy. Chasseurs were typically deployed in
reconnaissance and screening roles, as they could quickly scout ahead of the main army and report back on enemy movements. They were also used to disrupt enemy supply lines, and to harry enemy troops with hit-and-run tactics. Chasseurs could also be used to launch flanking attacks, or to break through enemy lines as a shock force. They were also used to pursue fleeing enemies, as their horses were much faster than those of regular infantry. On the battlefield, chasseurs relied mainly on their swords and carbines for close-quarters combat, and could also employ lances for increased reach and penetration.
Chevaux légers lanciers
The chevaux légers lanciers was an elite light cavalry unit of the Napoleonic army. They were known for their superior mobility, allowing them to move quickly and
efficiently in order to outmaneuver and outflank the enemy. Their primary weapon was the lance which gave them a great advantage in close-quarter combat. They
were also trained in swordsmanship and pistol use, giving them a distinct edge in engagements. Tactically, the Chasseur légers lanciers would be deployed in skirmish
lines, often in conjunction with other cavalry units, to break
up enemy formations like sqauare formations by the infantry and outflank them. Their speed and agility allowed them to rapidly pursue retreating forces, and their lances were effective at breaking through enemy lines. In addition, their swords were used to great effect in the pursuit and mop up of enemy forces. The Chasseur
légers lanciers were an essential part of Napoleon’s military force and played an important role in his victories. Their mobility and skill in close combat allowed them to quickly turn the tide of battle in Napoleon’s favor.
Chasseur à cheval de la Garde
The Chasseur a cheval de la Garde, or “Horse Mounted Guards”, were part of the elite cavalry of Napoleon's army. They were renowned for their discipline and bravery, and were used as a decisive shock force during battle. The Chasseurs were well-trained in the use of sabers and pistols, and were used to attack enemy positions in a swift and sudden manner. They were also able to swiftly maneuver around the battlefield and were able to break up enemy formations with superior speed and agility. The Chasseurs would often be used to ambush or outflank enemy forces, and their ability to quickly move around the battlefield allowed them to take advantage of the enemy's weaknesses and defeat them before they could regroup. The Chasseurs were also used to protect Napoleon and his generals on the battlefield, and their courage and tenacity were unmatched. The Chasseurs à cheval de la Garde were an integral part of Napoleon's army and their tactical use in combat proved to be hugely successful during the Napoleonic wars.
Lanciers de la Garde Polonais
The Lanciers de la Garde Polish were a military unit of the Napoleonic army that was known for their elite cavalry skills and tactics. The unit was composed of Polish
noblemen and veterans of the Napoleonic Wars and was known for their courage and discipline in battle. The Lanciers de la Garde Polish employed a unique style of
cavalry tactics that made them particularly effective in battle. This style included the use of heavy lances, or pikes, which allowed them to penetrate enemy formations
and create openings for other units to exploit. Additionally, their cavalry skills allowed them to swiftly move around the battlefield and exploit any weaknesses in the enemy’s formations. The Lanciers de la Garde Polish were also known for their bravery and discipline in battle. Their courage and loyalty to Napoleon often led them to charge straight into the enemy’s lines, allowing them to break through enemy defenses and create openings for other units to exploit. Overall, the Lanciers de la Garde Polish were an elite Napoleonic military unit whose skills and tactics made them invaluable to Napoleon’s armies. With their heavy lances and cavalry tactics, they were capable of quickly exploiting any weaknesses in enemy formations.
Dragons de ligne
The Dragons de ligne was a type of heavy cavalry unit employed by the French army during the Napoleonic Wars. They were the largest type of cavalrymen in the
French army, and were considered elite troops. They were characterized by their bright, distinctive uniforms and fierce fighting style. The Dragons de ligne were typically used in a spearheading role in battle, charging at the enemy's lines to break them up and create an opening for the infantry to exploit. They were also adept at
counter-charging enemy cavalry, using their weight and momentum to break through enemy lines. This was particularly effective against the Russian and Prussian
cavalry, which was much lighter than the French. In addition, the Dragons de ligne were often used to pursue retreating enemy troops, and were noted for their tenacity and ferocity in pursuit. Overall, the Dragons de ligne proved to be a highly effective military unit, and played a major role in many of Napoleon's victories. Their
combination of size, strength and fearlessness made them a formidable force, and as such they were a key part of the French military strategy.
Cuirassier
The Napoleonic Cuirassiers were a heavy cavalry unit that played a pivotal role in Napoleonic warfare. They were known for their powerful and effective shock tactics, which allowed them to penetrate deep into enemy lines and create panic and confusion. Cuirassiers were outfitted with a breastplate and metal helmet for protection, and were armed with a long straight sword and a pair of pistols. The
combination of their protective gear and their powerful weapons made them a formidable force on the battlefield. Cuirassiers were highly disciplined and well trained, allowing them to execute complex maneuvers and utilize their speed and strength to their advantage. Their tactics involved charging in close-knit formations, relying on their momentum to break through enemy lines. They were also
adept at using their swords to break up enemy formations and disperse them. In addition to their shock tactics, Cuirassiers could also be used to protect flanks, or to
pursue fleeing or retreating enemy forces. Overall, Cuirassiers were a versatile and powerful force that could be used in a variety of ways depending on the situation
Empress dragoons
The Empress Dragoons were a Napoleonic military unit that was renowned for their tactical prowess on the battlefield. They were heavily armored and carried heavy
cavalry sabres and muskets, allowing them to be highly mobile while still delivering devastating firepower. The Empress Dragoons were renowned for their ability to
charge into the enemy lines, disrupting their formations and disrupting their morale. The Dragoons were also extremely effective in skirmishing, providing covering fire
and harassing the enemy while staying out of range of their own fire. The Dragoons were also adept at scouting, often leading the way for other units and gathering
intelligence on enemy positions. Their tactical skills allowed them to be highly effective in both offensive and defensive roles, often turning the tide of battle in
Napoleon's favor.
Carabiniers
The Carabiniers were a military unit of the Napoleonic army, established in 1800. The Carabiniers were renowned for their mobility and agility on the battlefield,
with their primary function being to provide reconnaissance and to launch surprise attacks. They were also employed in heavy cavalry charges and as a mobile
reserve. The Carabiniers were typically equipped with a carbine, a short bladed sword and two pistols; their weapons were chosen for their ability to be fired quickly
from the saddle. The Carabiniers' fast-paced approach to battle was highly effective and as a result, Napoleon's armies often relied on them to break through enemy lines. In addition to their combat use, the Carabiniers also acted as a communications link between different units of the Napoleonic army. Their speed and agility enabled them to deliver orders quickly and efficiently, allowing the army to maintain military coherence. The Carabiniers were an integral part of Napoleon's successful military operations and their tactical use was instrumental in ensuring his
success on the battlefield.
Grenadier à cheval
The Grenadier a cheval was a heavy cavalry unit of the Napoleonic military. This unit was composed of highly trained and experienced soldiers who were mounted on
fast and powerful horses. They were nicknamed "The Gods", "Les Dieux" in French. They were designed to provide a more mobile and agile force than regular infantry. In battle, they were used in a variety of tactics such as scouting, flanking, and screening. They were also capable of rapid advances and retreats, allowing them to both cut off enemy retreats and protect their own forces. This gave the Napoleonic military a great advantage in battle, as the Grenadiers à cheval could move into and out of positions quickly, often surprising their opponents. Their speed and maneuverability also made them difficult for the enemy to target, as they could change their position quickly. The Grenadier a cheval proved to be a valuable asset to the Napoleonic military, providing a fast and flexible unit that
could be used in a variety of tactics.
Mamelukes
The Mamluks were a Napoleonic military unit consisting of soldiers recruited from Egypt, Syria, and Sudan. The Mamluks were noted for their bravery and ferocity in
battle, and became an important part of Napoleon's forces and personal guard. They were used mainly in cavalry charges, but also fought in skirmishes and assaults, and their primary tactic was to ride into enemy formations and cause chaos and disruption. This disruption could be used to disorient the enemy forces and cause them to retreat, or to open up gaps in their lines for infantry to exploit. The Mamelukes also excelled in hand-to-hand combat, making them a formidable opponent in close-quarters fighting. Their use of shock tactics and aggressive maneuvers made them an invaluable part of Napoleon's forces, and helped him to
achieve many of his military successes.
The artillery
Field artillery
The French field artillery played an important role in the Battle of Waterloo. Composed of horses and cannons, the field artillery provided the French forces with the necessary firepower to support the French main attack. The cannons were effective in taking out large numbers of enemy troops and were able to fire with accuracy over long distances. The horses were used to move the
cannons quickly, allowing them to reposition when needed. This gave the French forces the mobility they in maximum artillery cannonades on the allies.