WATERLOO
DAY TRIP
BrusEsx e ls or London
We explore the Battle of Waterloo which involved nearly 200,000 men, of whom some 55,000 became casualties; the Battle hung in the balance all day (“A damned near run thing” as Wellington was to call it) until the Imperial Guard was driven off at dusk. Napoleon’s army then collapsed under Wellington’s counter attack and the break through by the Prussians. We survey the scene from a series of viewpoints on the French and Allied lines, and recreate the main actions. We begin with a stop at the Visitors Centre where there is also a bookshop, a panoramic and The Lion Mound (pictured right). Climb Lion Mound (227 steps, at your own discretion!) for an aerial view of the battlefield. Continue to Hougoumont Farm, where the light troops of the British Foot Guards heroically defended this key position, although heavily outnumbered and under attack all day. We examine the charges of both the Union and Household Cavalry and the damaging consequences: we contrast the attacks by Ney’s massed cavalry against the British Infantry squares. DATES
Rhydian Vaughan or Guide Brian Shaw
Dates May – September 2015 La Belle Alliance, Napoleon’s vantage point and where Wellington met Blucher after the battle was won. We look at the French front lines of d’Erlon’s Corps and where Napoleon’s ‘darling daughters’ were arrayed. Lunch in Plancenoit – defended by the Imperial Young Guard against the Prussians and assisted at times by elements of the Old Guard, this village changed hand three times during the late afternoon. The streets ran with blood as no quarter was asked for nor given. The Charge of the Heavy Cavalry under Uxbridge. Assisting in the route of d’Erlon’s Corps, the Union Cavalry lost control, charged far too far and were picked off by French Cuirassiers and Lancers.
£181 per person ITINERARY Ex London: Depart St Pancras 0650 hrs Eurostar (checkin 0615 hrs). There will be a light breakfast available either on the train or in the departure lounge (at own expense) Arrive Brussels 1007 hrs. Ex Brussels: Transfer to luxury coach and drive the eight miles to the battlefield. Climb the Lion Mound for a complete view of the battlefield (optional!) and view the Panorama mural and the newly constructed Museum. We will examine the reverse slope positions where the British infantry hid in the Rye crops. We visit Hougoumont Farm , newly restored to its former glory, where the Light companies of the Coldstream and 3rd Guards, Hanoverians, Nassaus & Lunerbergers repelled French attacks all day. Holding Hougoumont was key to the success of the entire battle.
La Haie Sainte. Held for most of the day by the King’s German Legion, this farmhouse finally fell to the French at 6pm as the defenders ran out of ammunition. French Cavalry attacks on the Allied’ squares’. Marshal Ney throws his Cavalry in repeated attempts to break the Allied Infantry squares and wastes probably the finest Cavalry on the field. As a last throw of the dice, Napoleon sends the Middle Guard forward to clear the Mont St Jean ridge-the unbeaten against the unbeatable. Destruction of the French Imperial Guard.
Various dates available, please see below DATE 16 May 10 July 15 August 12 September
TOUR CODE Waterloo1D1 Waterloo1D2 Waterloo1D3 Waterloo1D4 INCLUDES
• Transport in an executive vehicle throughout • Lunch in Plancenoit • Experienced battlefield tour guide • Entrance to the Wellington Museum • Tour documentation with background information COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE • Admission fees in museums and monuments unless shown in the itinerary and listed in inclusions above • Channel crossing by Eurostar ** • Meals and beverages unless shown in the itinerary and listed in inclusions above • Tips, porterage and all personal extras • Insurance – you must have travel insurance and an EHIC Card (EU citizens) for minimum medical cover in the EU ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • NO child rate applies & infants cannot be taken on the tour. Minimum age 12 years • Special prices for groups of 10+ ** Please contact us regarding Eurostar prices, subject to availability
We visit the Wellington museum on our way back to Brussels where Wellington had his HQ and where he spent the night before and after the battle. Tour ends here for ex Brussels. Ex London: Depart Brussels Eurostar 1952 hrs. There will be a light meal available on board or at the terminal (at own expense). Arrive St Pancras 2103 hrs
For enquiries or booking please contact:
operations@spiritofremembrance.com or call 01634 233785