The Prussian army at the battle of Waterloo
The Prussian army was secretly rebuilt after their defeat in the Battle of Jena. Conscripts were mostly from the landwehr or the inexperienced militia and led by a Marshal who was determined to take revenge on the French after suffering many defeats on the battlefield. The Prussians arrived just in time in support of the allied left flank, coming through the woods of Plancenoit, they were determined to strike Napoleon's forces with everything they had. Marshal Blucher himself said: "No Prisoners". The arrival of the Prussian forces on the battlefield of Waterloo turned the odds in favor of the Allies.
The army commanders
Field Marshal Blucher
The battle of Waterloo was a decisive victory for the Allies due to the skillful military tactics of Commander Marshal Blucher. A Prussian Field Marshal and hero of the
Napoleonic Wars, Blucher advanced to the battlefield in a hurry to support the British and Dutch forces led by the Duke of Wellington. He and his Prussian Army crossed
the border of Belgium and arrived to the battlefield just in time to aid the Allies. Blucher's arrival to the battlefield was a crucial factor in the Allies' success. He ordered his troops to attack the French Army from the rear, taking them by surprise and preventing them from fleeing. Blucher's tactical genius and bravery enabled him to lead the Prussian army to a decisive victory over the French. His success in the Battle of Waterloo was a major contribution to the Allies' victory, and is remembered to this day as an example of courage and leadership in the face of adversity.
The infantry
Prussian landwehr
The Prussian Landwehr was one of the most important units for the allied forces in the Battle of Waterloo. They were a militia force, made up of volunteers from the
Prussian army. The Landwehr was comprised of both infantry and cavalry regiments. They were well-trained and well-equipped, and were the backbone of the
Prussian army in the battle. The Prussian Landwehr was instrumental in the Allied victory at Waterloo. They were a key part of the successful Allied defense against the
French attack. Their disciplined and relentless assault allowed the Allied forces to hold their ground and eventually turn the tide of the battle. The Prussian Landwehr was also essential in the Allied counter-attack against the French, which eventually led to their defeat. The bravery and skill of the Prussian Landwehr was a crucial factor in the Allied victory at Waterloo. Their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds was a testament to the strength and tenacity of the Prussian army. Without the Landwehr, the Allied forces may very well have been defeated by the French. The Prussian Landwehr proved to be one of the most important and effective units in the Battle of Waterloo.
Prussian infantry
The Prussian infantry was an important part of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo. This unit was composed of well-trained and experienced soldiers, many of whom had seen service in the Napoleonic Wars. The Prussian infantry was well-equipped and organized, making it a formidable force in the battle. They were known for their discipline and their ability to move quickly and efficiently in the face of enemy fire. They were also able to make use of the terrain to their advantage, using their superior knowledge and experience to outmaneuver their opponents. The Prussian infantry was instrumental in the Allied victory at Waterloo, and their skill and bravery are remembered today.
The cavalry
Prussian landwehr cavalry
The Prussian landwehr cavalry was an integral part of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo. This unit was composed of citizens of Prussia who were called to arms
for the fight against Napoleon. They were mainly recruited from the rural areas and were not as well-trained as the regular Prussian cavalry. Despite this, they were
determined fighters and provided an invaluable contribution to the Allied victory. At the Battle of Waterloo, the Prussian landwehr cavalry was placed on the right
flank, where they faced the French cavalry. Despite their inexperience and lack of training, the Prussians held their own against the French and were able to hold the line. This allowed the Allied forces to regroup and launch a decisive attack that ultimately led to their victory. The courage and determination of the Prussian landwehr cavalry was key to the Allied victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Without their bravery and dedication, the Allied forces may not have been able to secure victory. This unit of citizen-soldiers stands as a testament to the power of the Prussian people and their dedication to protecting their homeland.
Prussian Dragoner
The Prussian Dragoner-Regiment was an elite cavalry unit of the Prussian Army. It was a heavily-armored regiment of horsemen that had been in existence since the early 18th century. They were renowned for their bravery and their strength in combat. In the Battle of Waterloo, the Prussian Dragoner-Regiment played a key role in the Allied forces' victory. They were sent in to charge the French cavalry and were able to break through their lines. This allowed the Allied forces to gain a strategic
advantage and ultimately win the battle. The Dragoner-Regiment was also used to pursue and harass the retreating French forces. They were able to break through the lines and disrupt the enemy’s supply lines, causing confusion and chaos among the French troops. This allowed the Allies to gain an upper hand and ultimately win the battle. The bravery and skill of the Prussian Dragoner-Regiment was a major factor in the Allied victory at Waterloo. They were able to break through the enemy lines, harass the retreating French forces, and disrupt the enemy’s supply lines. Their
strength and courage were essential to the victory of the Allied forces at Waterloo.
Prussian Uhlans
The Prussian Uhlans were a formidable force used by the Allies at the Battle of Waterloo. Uhlans were cavalry with lances. This gave them the advantage of mobility and speed, allowing them to quickly maneuver around the battlefield and flank enemy forces and hit them. At the Battle of Waterloo, the Uhlans were used to great effect. They were able to quickly move around the battlefield and harass the French forces, creating confusion and disruption in their ranks. In addition, their mobility allowed them to quickly retreat should the enemy counterattack. The Uhlans' bravery and tenacity earned them a great deal of respect from the Allied forces. They played a key role in the Allied victory at Waterloo, and their contribution was recognized by their commander, the Duke of Wellington. The Uhlans are remembered as one of the most effective units in the Allied forces during the Battle of Waterloo.
The artillery
Prussian field artillery
The Prussian field artillery was a pivotal unit in the Battle of Waterloo, providing the Allied forces with an invaluable aid in their battle against Napoleon's French forces. The Prussian field artillery consisted of horse-drawn cannons, as well as a large number of infantry soldiers. The cannons were used to bombard the French lines at the village of Plancenoit and its suroundings defended by the French infantry and Young guard especially at the village church. The field artillery was particularly effective in providing direct and indirect fire support, allowing the Allied forces to break through the French lines. The artillery was also able to provide support for allied infantry units, allowing them to break through French lines with fewer casualties. The Prussian field artillery played an integral role in the success of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo, and is an example of how effective the use of artillery can be in a battle situation.