Cavalry that Broke Napoleon: The King's Dragoon Guards at Waterloo

On June 18, 1815, Napoleon and Wellington fought the final battle of Waterloo. The 1st or Kings Dragoon Guards made the biggest sacrifice and contributed to the charge, fielding nearly half of the Household Brigades sabers. Of the 540 men who fought, only thirteen were still standing at the end. The officers and sergeants ate together, a tradition that continues to this day, with the KDGs descendant regiment 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2019
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

On June 18, 1815, Napoleon and Wellington engaged in the final and decisive battle of Waterloo, which marked the end of over two decades of warfare and had a profound impact on the fate of Europe. Despite the historical significance of this battle, there is limited knowledge about the crucial role played by the 1st or Kings Dragoon Guards (KDG). As a regiment, the KDG made a significant contribution to the charge made by the British heavy cavalry, fielding nearly half of the Household Brigades sabers. However, their bravery and sacrifice were even more remarkable.

In the course of repelling the main French assault of the day, the KDG paid a heavy price. Of the 540 men who valiantly fought, only thirteen were still standing at the close of the battle. Recognizing the depleted state of the regiment, the officers and sergeants decided to break with tradition and dine together, a tradition that continues to this day on June 18th. The KDGs descendant regiment, 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards, participates in this commemorative meal.

In his book, Richard Goldsbrough delves into the remarkable story of the KDG before, during, and after the Battle of Waterloo. He sheds light on the regiment's history, its contributions to the battle, and the personal stories of the soldiers who fought and sacrificed for their country. The KDG's legacy is a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Battle of Waterloo was a pivotal moment in history, and the 1st or Kings Dragoon Guards played a crucial role in ensuring that Napoleon's ambitions were ultimately defeated. Their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten, and their tradition of dining together on June 18th serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds of camaraderie and honor that are shared by members of the military.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750992107
Edition number: 2 New edition