Was D’Erlon’s attack in line formation?
Hi I am Barry Newcombe and I am a volunteer at Apsley house, I am interested in D’Erlon’s attack on Wellingtons left at Waterloo. I read in David Hamilton-Williams book ‘Waterloo, New Perspectives’. That D’Erlon discussed with his subordinates before the battle And decided to attack ’in line’ instead of the usual French attack in blocks which spread out just before engagement, (which is described as how the Imperial Guard attacked the Centre, later in the day). It makes sense to me if they did do this as it would explain better how Uxbridge’s charge managed to break up the attack so completely. Also my colleague found at painting which shows the attack approaching and it appears to be a series of lines three or four men deep. However I am still not sure that this happened. Does anyone have any evidence of how this attack progressed?
I found the diagrams, let's see if I can insert them all here
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