One of the 'Waterloo' quartet of battles. Napoleon's left wing under Ney arrived at the crossroads of Quatre-Bras about midday on the 16th. The French were at that time at least 20,000 strong and were opposed by 8,000 unseasoned troops. But knowledge of Wellington in the Peninsular dictated caution which allowed the allies to build up their strength. They held the position against far superior forces until the end of the day. Not until 1800 hrs was their full strength achieved. Overnight Wellington ordered a general fall back to Mont St Jean. The fight on the 17th was mainly between the British cavalry/horse artillery rearguard and those few elements of the French which could get up with them. Although they had lost the position the allies regained some of the valuable time lost to Napoleon's initial surprise advance.

A village with the cross-roads of Quatre-Bras [to the south west of Waterloo] about 10 miles south of Brussels, Belgium. (Belgium)

Allied Forces

Number engaged :

35,000

Casualties :

3,768 (10.77%)

French Forces

Number engaged :

26,695

Casualties :

4,400 (16.48%)