The Waterloo Collection Hougoumont and DErlons Attack

Following on from Ligny and Quatre Bras Part II starts by focusing on the concentration of the Allies on the ridge of Mont St Jean and the plans of the opposing armies While the guns of the Grand Battery thundered in the centre French columns bore down on the Hougoumont chateau and farm complex which protected Wellingtons flank held by the Guards and their German allies Thus began an epic battle within a battle that sucked away valuable troops from Napoleons main attack causing Wellington to declare that the battle turned on the closing of the gates at HougoumontMeanwhile DErlons Corps attempted to bludgeon its way through Wellingtons centre not knowing that the British and Dutch line was in waiting on the reverse slope Upon seeing the French advance the British released a disciplined volley of musket fire that checked the French A further brilliantly timed charge by the Household and Union Cavalry Brigades finally saw the French off