Battle of Quatre Bras
Quatre Bras, present-day Belgium
What happened
Marshal Michel Ney led one wing of Napoleon's army against the British, Dutch and German allied army of the Duke of Wellington and William, Prince of Orange. Napoleon wanted to stop Wellington's army from joining the Prussians, who were being attacked at Ligny the same day. Marshal Ney attacked the important crossroads at Quatre Bras, which at first was held by only a thin line of Dutch and Nassau soldiers. More of Wellington's troops arrived through the afternoon, held off the French attacks, and kept the crossroads until fighting ended at about 9 in the evening.
Why it matters
Result: Inconclusive. Leaders: Michel Ney / Jérôme Bonaparte against William of Orange. Why it matters: Wellington held the field, but he could not help the Prussians, who lost at Ligny. Two days later both armies fought Napoleon at Waterloo.
What came next
After learning the Prussians had lost at Ligny, Wellington pulled his army back north toward Brussels.
Did you know?
The night before, many of Wellington's officers were at a ball in Brussels hosted by the Duchess of Richmond, and some went into battle still wearing their evening clothes.
Timeline
- 15 June 1815The Duchess of Richmond holds a ball in Brussels as news of Napoleon's advance arrives.
- 16 June 1815Ney attacks the crossroads at Quatre Bras, and Wellington holds it.
- 18 June 1815Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo.