Roeulx-Lea-Braine - 1815

The following communication from the Prince of Orange to his father the King describes the most recent action on the border the 12th of June 1815. 

To the King of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands,
Your Majesty,

I can report that this day we have been engaged in a most determined battle with the enemy.

Buonaparte crossed the border at several points on the 11th in strength. Our outposts determined a significant proportion of the enemy moving in the general direction of Mons, before moving north. His Grace, the Duke of Wellington, ordered a concentration of our forces and offered battle on the 12th in the vicinity of Petit-Roeulx-Lea-Braine.

The field of battle was generally open though bordered by streams with that on the right being in portions marshy. The enemy had deployed Vandamme’s III Corps in the centre with Gerard’s IV Corps on their right and Lobau’s VI Corps on the left. His Grace, the Duke, deployed Hill’s II Corps in our centre while Picton’s III Corps, somewhat restricted by terrain near this. My own I Corps was deployed on our left. Our cavalry reserve under Uxbridge was not present. Indeed, it would not be until around 3pm our reserve would arrive. As you may recall from my last letter our Netherlands troops were allocated between I Corps, II Corps and the Cavalry Reserve.

The Duke issued clear instructions to myself and General Hill that we would open the attack on the French. For my part I was fortunate to be encouraged to engage the enemy with extreme vigour, this being determined by His Grace that we would destroy the enemy right.

Around 1pm the battle opened in the centre and centre left. The Duke of Brunswick ordered an immediate advance and one of his regiments seized the central Petit-Roeulx-Lea-Braine. In support I ordered the 3rd Netherlands Division, under Baron de Chasse to deploy to the left, from where it formed a strong line equal to the task of repelling any French attack. Soon after securing the town the Brunswick troops deployed within were subjected to a determined French counterattack. Our troops were evicted but reformed behind our positions and those of the remaining Brunswickers.

Below, a view of the Allies near Petit-Roeulx-Lea-Braine just after the Brunswickers were evicted. The glorious Netherlands troops are in the foreground.

Around 2pm General Hill ordered his own counterattack and the French were now evicted. After which point the enemy lost interest in further attacks on Petit-Roeulx-Lea-Braine.

By 2pm and aware of a ever increasing number of French deploying opposite our left flank I ordered a charge by our cavalry on the enemy horse. The enemy were from Jacquinot’s Cavalry Division and comprised Hussars, Chasseurs and Lancers in two brigades. The charge was made by two brigades of Vivian’s Division. Delivered with great courage and determination the charge decimated the enemy lancers and our horse pursued in to the nearby French light cavalry, who suffered a similar fate. Below, the now famous charge by two brigades of Vivian’s Division against the French right.

In less than an hour Jacquinot’s entire division was broken in the combat and ensuing rout. Further cavalry melees would however result in the coming hours. At one point a British brigade pursued fleeing French with such great elan that the British cavalry only halted some one and a half miles behind the enemy lines.

Our infantry by this time were committed. Cooke’s Division was first engaged against against Vichery’s Division with Detmer’s Brigade from the 3rd Netherlands Division in support. Your Majesty may recall Detmer’s brigade comprised both Dutch regulars and militia. Our troops advanced with order through a wood driving the French back. However, we must not understate the courage of the attacks by the British Guards. At one point decimating an enemy brigade in one courageous charge.

I will describe to your Majesty, as I am best able, actions elsewhere on the field. I am aware that our Netherlands Cavalry Division arrived on the field of battle at 3pm and by 4pm were deployed to the right along with our 2nd Netherlands Division. I understand the Duke was contemplating their commitment in this sector when the situation allowed. Further, on the extreme right Somerset’s cavalry was engaged against French cavalry which had crossed the stream that otherwise marked our right flank. Details of this action are unclear but I understand that the British cavalry delivered a series of devastating charges which broke Delort’s 14th Cavalry Division, itself comprised of Cuirassiers.

The moment of decision however was approaching on our left. By 5pm French reinforcements were being feed deployed to bolster their crumbling right. These included Chastel’s Dragoon Division and Curial’s Old Guard. Below, French reserves deploy to bolster their right flank. Visible advancing are the French Old Guard and Chastel’s Dragoons.

Meanwhile our own troops were forming for further attacks. His Grace, the Duke of Wellington, was particularly active and we conversed on several occasions. 

Finally, around 7pm a with light soon to fade our final attacks were launched. It is unfortunate that our attacks were unable to break the Old Guard. However, that they were opposite our left, and committed to battle, shows how desperate for the French the fighting had become.

Above, the situation around 6.30pm with the French deployed and the allies prior to their final attack. Below, the Allied attack just prior to dusk.

As night now embraced the field our troops are refreshed by their knowledge of service to you. Our troops celebrate their victory today while we maintain our position on the field of battle. I do not know yet if the enemy will hold their position or use the darkness to retire. Whatever transpires, rest assured I will advise as my service to your Majesty on the field allows.

Your most devoted subject,
Willem, Prince of Orange

This fictional engagement was developed using the Road to Glory scenario system using 4,000 point armies. There were seven players involved. The French being commanded by Jon (Napoleon), Richard & Barrie. The brave allies were commanded by Andrew (Duke of Wellington), Jim, Alastair & myself. The miniatures are from my own collection and are all from Heroics & Ros’ 6mm ranges.