Hougoumont

Excerpt from Lt. R. Ellison
1st Foot Guards


"In looking at the plan [Siborne's sketches for his famous model of the battle], I cannot help thinking that the wood at Hougoumont is represented as much thicker and closer than it actually was. It had no underwood, and was easily traversed in all parts by Light Infantry, and the communication of files kept up with the greatest facility.

"I can speak to that point, as I was sent at one time of the day (I believe about two o'clock) from the orchard with some Light Troops to drive the French Tirailleurs back, who had become very annoying to the farm, and were gradually gaining ground, particularly on the right flank of our position.

"We drove them quite out of the wood upon three French Columns, which were posted at the bottom of the hill outside the wood, ready to move up and renew their attack upon the farmhouse, two of these Columns just beginning to move, the third unpiling arms and falling in to the support. We of course, were driven back immediately."

Hougoumont


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