“Sir, our defensive position had been deployed and all things seems going smoothly. If the Prussian are able to reinforce us from the east. We’ll win the battle tomorrow” said the cavalry commander to a duke standing inside their headquarter on the Mont St. Jean. “Never underestimate the enemy, Uxbridge. Though we can outnumbered the French with the combination of Prussian force, but remember, with Napoleon on the battlefield, many unexpected things may happen. He’s worth more than 50,000 thousands soldiers. At least this heavy rain may relieve my concern toward his horrible cannons. Outside the headquarter, rain was pouring down from the sky, showering the earth below, as it was trying to tame the upcoming fierce battle…
“garde à vous! En votre position! ” the morale among the French was high, the smell of gun powder filled up every inch of space available on the grass field of Waterloo even the battle was yet to begin. The sleepy village is full of life, life of war machines….They were confident they’re winning the war, both decisive victory during their battles against the allies in yesterday can prove it.
The day was still dawning, the sun just climbed up from the horizon. clearing up the mist as it goes up to the centre of the sky. On both side was the strongest army they ever faced each other. Positioned at the top of the Waterloo ridge, the Union Jacks flap under the morning breeze. On the opposite direction, Imperial eagles were placed on the tricolour flags of French first Empire. Both army were eager for battle.
“Chargé!!” the left flank of French army kick off the first punch on the right knuckle of British force, the farm house of Hougomont. Repulsed, they decided to take another assault on the stronghold. Soon, the imperial tricolour flag was raised on top of the farmhouse, it was captured from the Brits. However, thousands of precious souls were lost during this bloody assault.
Soon after the stronghold was captured, lines of artillery began to bombard the British centre front lines. One by one, heavy projectiles flushed out from the gun cannon barrel and tumbling its way to the soldier ahead. It was a devastating sight to look at.
Unable to bear the fire any longer, the Brits fall back behind the ridge. “They’re retreating! We’ve won the battle! Bring out the steel waist (typically the cuirassier at that time) and slash they off!” said one of the French officer. In fact, British troops were forming cavalry squares behind the ridge. The French cavalry were shocked when they passed the ridge. Unable to penetrate the solid square, they recoiled down the ridge back to their line.
Fierce fighting continues as cloud of dust began to appear on the eastern horizon. Above them, raised the royal dark crow of Prussian Army (the Prussians were free from the pursuit of French cavalry corps). Clearly, the pursuit of the Prussian by Marshal Grouchy has failed ever since the battle of Ligny. The allies have joined into one piece finally. Realising there’s no hope for them to win the battle, the French lost their morale in battle and started to flee.
Eventually, ten of thousands of souls were lost during this battle, making it one of the bloodiest battle in the entire 19th century. As for the outcome, Napoleon spend his remainind life in abdication on the lonely island of St. Helena. While the most important thing is, the British empire can retain its supremecy over their oversea colonies.
Think about it, the international language could never be English if the French won this battle. It will be French who replaced English if the outcome of the battle was different. Who knows……
