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by Andrew Field.
Hardback (6.5×9.5 inches). 284 pages. 2022.
Subtitle: How Soldiers From Brunswick, Hanover, Nassau and the Netherlands Contributed to the Victory of 1815
As the subtitle indicates, strengths, weaknesses, and military effectiveness of Allied units at Waterloo receive detailed examinations based on their practices and performance. Along the way, a few myths receive scrutiny as native source material conflicts with popular British accounts.
For example, the British Guards hold Hougoumont against relentless French attacks is true, but apparently the flight of Nasaau co-defenders is only partially true. According to non-English accounts, two companies of a Nassau battalion did retreat away from the farm looking for ammunition after expending all their ammo slowing down the French advance outside the farm complex. The other companies held fast in the buildings.
Each chapter covers a national contingent, including arms, training, and battle performance at Quatre Bras and Waterloo. Most contain maps that help to set up a tabletop scenario, but most maps do not contain a scale and terrain. You’ll have to pull the troop numbers from the text.
The book contains 20 black and white maps and five black and white illustrations. Most maps do not include a scale or terrain.
Note that the book does not cover King’s German Legion or the Prussians.
An insightful book on some overlooked allies.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
