One of the 'Waterloo' quartet of battles.The right wing of the Armee du Nord under Grouchy supported by additional cavalry and Imperial Guard attacked three hastily assembled corps of the Prussians. The French were approximately 70,000 to the Prussian 80,000 but were more experienced troops supported by more guns. The Prussians held for six hours until 9 pm before, with rain falling heavily, withdrawing in reasonable order. A failure to maintain a hot pursuit made Ligny less of a French victory than it might have been.

Belgium (Belgium)

French Armée du Nord

Number engaged :

70,000

Casualties :

11,500 (16.43%)

Prussian Army

Number engaged :

86,569

Casualties :

18,000 (20.79%)