1815: The Waterloo Campaign-the German Victory

by Peter Hofschroer, Peter Hofschröer

In this masterly study of 1815, Peter Hofschroer challenges the accepted version of events at the battle of Waterloo. He demonstrates convincingly that Allied victory hinged on the contribution of German soldiers. In this masterly study of 1815, Peter Hofschroer challenges the accepted version of events at the battle of Waterloo. He demonstrates convincingly that Allied victory hinged on the contribution of German soldiers. Drawing on previously unpublished accounts, Hofschroer gives not only the Prussian perspective of their march to Waterloo and decisive attack on Napoleon's flank, but also details of the actions fought by some of the 25,000 Germans in Wellington's µBritish' army v more than a third of the Duke's force. A gripping narrative of astonishing detail captures such key episodes of Waterloo as La Haye Sainte, Papelotte, Hougoumont and the Prussian struggle with the Imperial Guard for Plancenoit. In addition, Hofschr˜er examines the battle at Wavre, the Allied offensive into France, the taking of Paris and the sieges across northern France.

Genres: History

376 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2006

Reviews

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-¿La victoria alemana en la campaña de Waterloo?-.

Género. Historia.

Lo que nos cuenta. Bordeando por momentos el ensayo (desde su perspectiva más interpretativa) es un análisis de la campaña napoleónica durante el Imperio de los Cien Días y de las decisiones que tomaron los diferentes protagonistas, pero haciendo especial hincapié en las intrincadas relaciones entre Wellington y Blücher. Fusión de dos obras originales del autor publicadas con un año de diferencia, independientes pero íntimamente relacionadas.

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[Jur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second volume of Hofschröers depiction of the Waterloo campaign. Starts with the reorganisation of the Prussian army on the 17th of June, the march up to the Waterloo battlefield and the Battle of Wavre. Then follows the Prussian army in pursuit and the march on Paris. The third main part is the fortress war that stretches on into the autumn of 1815 and the exploits of the North German corps.

These include useful discussions on the delays of the Prussians in getting to Plancenoit and puts light on two interesting episodes that aren’t normally dwelt on by histories of the campaign. The joy of the book is also found the use of many sources not normally accessed by Anglophone or Francophone writers.

As in all Hofschröers books on Waterloo, the innuendo on Wellington’s duplicity and post war reputation management continues unabated. The political competition between Prussia and Great Britain fits neatly into the difficult co-operation between Russia, Prussia and Austria during the 1813 and 1814 campaigns. It would also have been understandable in a 1915 book. But coming from a late 20th century history of the campaign that tone of argument sounds shrill and forced.

Despite that, this book (with its sister volume) is a vital pillar for studying the campaign.