The Waterloo Roll Call / With Biographical Notes and Anecdotes

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

51143

Title

The Waterloo Roll Call / With Biographical Notes and Anecdotes

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This historical reference compiles annotated tables of British Army participants at the Battle of Waterloo, featuring biographical sketches and anecdotes. It honors the combatants of the 'combat of giants' with detailed service records, offering a comprehensive tribute to the officers and men who shaped the battle's outcome.

Summary up to 500 words

Charles Dalton's *The Waterloo Roll Call* stands as a definitive historical record of the British forces at the Battle of Waterloo, meticulously organized by regiment. This revised edition expands upon earlier work by incorporating extensive research from the British Museum Library, notably the annotated notes of the late Mr. J.W. O'Brien. The text serves a dual purpose: it functions as a precise military roster and a poignant narrative history, preserving the legacy of those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars' most famous engagement. The book details the composition of elite units such as the Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards, and the 52nd Light Infantry. Each entry lists officers by rank, documenting their commission dates, promotions, and ultimate fates. Dalton enriches these tables with biographical notes that explore family lineage, service history, and personal anecdotes. Specific markers denote the harsh realities of combat: 'W' indicates wounds received, while 'K' signifies death in action. The work also highlights the tragic capture of officers like John Thoyts and the gallantry of figures such as Lord Seaton, whose decisive advance against the Imperial Guard helped determine the battle's outcome. A unique feature of this edition is the inclusion of non-commissioned officers and men who served at Waterloo and later received commissions, ensuring their stories are not lost to history. Dalton's approach transforms a dry list of names into a vivid tapestry of individual sacrifice and heroism. By integrating these personal histories with regimental colors and specific acts of bravery, the book ensures that the names and stories of the soldiers who faced Napoleon endure. It stands as both a scholarly reference and a tribute to the enduring spirit of the British Army at its zenith.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History