The Story of the Highland RegimentsWatson, Frederick
History
The Story of the Highland Regiments
Watson, Frederick
Great Britain. Army
At the sight of the grim faces of the Black Watch the French fell back
for the time being, while the Highlanders advanced, at which Marshal Ney
ordered a regiment of Lancers to break upon their flank. They came with
such rapidity that they almost took the Highlanders off their guard. “We
instantly formed ‘rally-square,’” says Anton. “Every man’s piece was
loaded, and our enemies approached at full charge, the feet of their
horses seemed to tear up the ground. Our skirmishers having been
impressed with the same opinion that these were Brunswick cavalry, fell
beneath their lances, and few escaped death or wounds. Our brave Colonel
fell at this time pierced through the chin until the point of the lance
reached the brain. Captain Menzies fell covered with wounds, and a
momentary conflict took place over him. He was a powerful man, and, hand
to hand, more than a match for six ordinary men.... Of all descriptions
of cavalry, certainly the Lancers seem the most formidable to infantry,
as the lance can be projected with considerable precision and with
deadly effect without bringing the horse to the point of the bayonet,
and it was only by rapid and well-directed fire of musketry that these
formidable assailants were repulsed.”
The Gordons having repulsed the cavalry at the point of the bayonet,
awaited the advance of the veteran French infantry.
Their vigil was soon rewarded. The Duke of Wellington, perceiving that
some French had gained a footing in the farmhouse which was of such
strategic importance, shouted to their commander, “Now, Cameron, is the
time; take care of the road.” Major-General Baines riding up shouted,
“Ninety-second, follow me!” The order to charge was given, and the 92nd,
leaping from the ditch, rushed forward impetuously upon the enemy,
hurling them back at the point of the bayonet. The victory was won, but
at great cost to the Gordons, for Colonel Cameron was shot by a bullet
fired from one of the upper windows of the farmhouse, and was soon
beyond human aid. He was conveyed to the village of Waterloo before he
died, with the words: “I die happy, and I trust my dear country will
remember that I have served her faithfully.” It is worth while recalling
once again that powerful verse written by Sir Walter Scott:
Through shell and shot he leads no more,
Low laid ‘mid friends’ and foemen’s gore;
But ‘long his native lake’s wild shore
And Sunart rough and high Ardgour
And Morven long shall tell,
And proud Ben Nevis hear with awe
How upon bloody Quatre Bras
Brave Cameron heard the wild hurrah
Of conquest, as he fell!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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