I was only able to spend one day at the Waterloo battlefield in August 2022 and the weather in Europe was incredibly hot and humid then, thus preventing me from trekking around as much as I wanted. I definitely need to return and spend several days exploring the battlefield.
Its good that there is so much to see but I would imagine trying to cram everything into one day would be too much like overload. I guess you would have concentrated on the most important sites. The weather is all too unpredictable so several days would make for a really good visit. I missed things that I have subsequently found out about and would have loved to have seen but it gives the excuse for another trip. Thanks for watching Alan and I hope you get across to make that longer visit.
Thank you for this video, I'm currently researching the area for an animation I have planned and videos like this give a really good idea of scale and layout that maps don't always give. Would love to visit one day!
I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to post your very kind words. It is pleasing to know that you enjoyed it and found it useful in preparation with your project. Good luck with the animation and I hope you get to visit the battlefield one day.
Hi I had just watched this episode and I had been to Waterloo on a school trip as part of a European tour but as a young geek knowing far more about the battle than my so called teacher's I ended up taking control and conducted the entire events not bad for a 15 year old but we never toured the Battlefield due to the lack of time and headed back to Ostend for our return to blighty. But I have always been a Napoleonic fan from a young age. And I thank you for what you doing with these informative and honest opinion and will watch the other episodes and also subscribe and like
It's great to hear from you Paul. I really enjoyed reading the story of your own battlefield visit. Good for you for passing on your knowledge to the group. I bet you delivered it in a more enthusiastic manner than your teacher would have. I'm guessing you were like me and knew where the Napoleonic era books were located in the local library. Thank you for your kind words they are appreciated. I'm so pleased to learn that you enjoyed the video and thanks for your support.
@@DodgersTrips you are so welcome I did at the time enjoy telling the entire story but like a geek you grow out of these things but the Napoleonic period has never left me always like the period and have a good library of decent books other than Waterloo I did also join the the Association of friends of the Waterloo committee which I'm no longer a member of since living here in Cape town. but again thank you for the great video's
I think you are absolutely correct when you say the interest never leaves you. I think that is true whenever you have a passion for something in life. It may go on the back burner but is always there. I hope you can find something in the remaining films.
@@DodgersTrips Thank you, yes very much so in fact I have started digging out my collection of books one particular book you might find interesting is The Waterloo Campaign "The German Victory" by Peter Hofschroer well documented view from the Prussian view point. which makes a change from the usual bias of most books on the Waterloo campaign.
Thanks a lot for the recommendation Paul. As soon as I started to read your description I knew it would be one that I shall search out. Such an interesting topic and will look forward to reading something a little different.
Time was against Napoleon. He lost time and troops at Hougoumont and was delayed at La Haye Sainte. By 7pm [?] the Prussians had arrived in force and the rest is history.
So many factors made the difference between success or not on the day but I think Wellington having the time to choose his ground and realising the importance of the fortified salients was huge. On the contrary, Napoleon did not realise their value until too late. Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to post your comment. It is much appreciated.
@@DodgersTrips Thankyou for your excellent coverage, I am from Australia and never been to the battlefield. Yes only a short battle [ 11am to 9pm] but so much happened, the often neglected forming of the anti cavalry squares and the arrival of the Prussians probably two main events of the battle. Wellington was a very competent leader his strategy being to hold the French in place until Blucher arrived, it worked but only just. The last hour of the battle is brushed over [even in the otherwise excellent De Laurentis film] and the effect of the Prussian arrival. Apparently the Prussian accounts tell more, their artillery [16 guns] were slowed down on the saturated roads and arrived about 8pm. These were very effective in breaking the French formations, apparently Wellington sent a rider to tell the Prussians to cease fire so they could advance across the field. I notice once again GB has problems, I wish you well.
La Haye Sainte was the key to the battle. If Napoleon had taken the farm earlier he may well have been able to break through Wellington’s Centre and after that…..
I think so too. Without being in control of the farm, Wellington wouldn't have been able to hold his centre. I think it would have forced his withdrawal from the field.
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰. ↙ ru-vid.com/show-UCnOlk5TvoQNVgCEHYo1wBwg Hello and a warm welcome to Dodger's Trips. On this channel I'll take you on historical journeys in the UK, Europe, Asia and USA travelling to some of the best travel destinations in the world. There'll be family getaways, I go sightseeing at museums and other historical places. I'll share this with you so that you can enjoy the wonders of the world and remember past events. There is so much that we need to know about history and I want to help you learn more about it. I go to places like the Taj Mahal, Auschwitz, Mount Rushmore, Eiffel Tower, Wallace Hartley’s home, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Berlin during WWII, memorial sites and much, much more. Watch amazing video footage of special places with commentary. If you are somebody that enjoys history, walks and travel then please consider clicking the subscribe button and do not forget to click the bell icon to stay notified of new videos.
