Battle of Ligny
Ligny, United Kingdom of the Netherlands
What happened
Emperor Napoleon, with Marshal Grouchy, fought the Prussian army of Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher and his chief of staff, August von Gneisenau. Napoleon had escaped from exile and returned to power, and he marched into what is now Belgium to beat the British and Prussian armies before they could join together. At Ligny he attacked the Prussian centre and broke through, and during a cavalry charge the 72-year-old Blücher was trapped under his fallen horse and carried from the field. The Prussians lost the battle but retreated north toward Wavre, staying close enough to help Wellington.
Why it matters
Result: French victory. Leaders: Napoleon Bonaparte / Jean-de-Dieu Soult against Gebhard von Blücher / Graf von Gneisenau. Why it matters: It was Napoleon's last victory. Because the Prussian army survived and stayed near the British, it was able to join the fight at Waterloo two days later.
What came next
On the same day, Marshal Ney fought Wellington at Quatre Bras. Two days later, the Prussians helped Wellington defeat Napoleon at Waterloo.
Did you know?
A whole French army corps under General d'Erlon spent the day marching back and forth between Ligny and Quatre Bras and never fought in either battle.
Timeline
- 16 June 1815Napoleon defeats the Prussians at Ligny.
- 16 June 1815Ney and Wellington fight at Quatre Bras.
- 18 June 1815The Prussians help Wellington win at Waterloo.