Wellington - Nemesis of Napoleon Documentary

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"Death of Kings" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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"Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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"Evening Melodrama" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto for Two Violins in D minor Op. 3No. 11 - 3. Allegro: The Advent Chamber Orchestra with David Parry and Roxana Pavel Goldstein (violins) / CC BY-SA (creativecommon...)
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#Biography #History #Documentary

[@PeopleProfiles]

Hello guys! If you like our work please subscribe to our second channel The History Chronicles kzbin.info

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Have you done (or planning to do) a vid about Napoleon? I can not find a really good production about his life. They are either too short, too choppy or too many interruptions.

[@theblackprince1346]

There's a story of just after the battle of Waterloo had ended Wellington overheard a common soldier saying to his mates they'd all be famous because they'd fought with Wellington. The Duke took offence because the man hadn't used his military rank when talking about his commander in chief. Wellington said along the lines of "you could have at least called me Mr. Wellington". The soldier immediately turned round and said to the Duke "but sir you never hear anyone talk about a Mr. Caesar or a Mr. Alexander".

[@PeopleProfiles]

Bet he smiled, out of their view ofcourse.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

The Black Prince good reply. That one soldier knew his books.

[@mro1864]

This is an amazing anecdote! Love it! Another one of mine is him at a gathering where the hostess introduced him to a pair of French officers who immediately turned their backs to him, the hostess, being very embarrassed by their horrible manners began wringing her hands and apologising profusely, to which he replied (and I'm paraphrasing here) "Fear not sweet lady, I have seen their backs before" Gangster AF.

[@mro1864]

@Sherlock Whole mess Well as to that, I couldn't say 🤣

[@shahsaud2625]

@@mro1864 ooof 🔥

[@joaoconchilha2231]

He is an hero here in Portugal to, long live to his memory.

[@gideonhorwitz9434]

Long live British Portuguese alliance

[@aidy6000]

Long live the oldest ally. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤝🇵🇹

[@savitayaragudri2448]

In India they conceder him like a devil. But I have different views

[@manvimanhar]

Different story for India

[@salsaniggas8544]

@@manvimanhar naturally, you were his enemy

[@IrishManJT]

Excellent documentary. My great great great grandfather served in the British Army and ended his career as a Beefeater in the Tower of London. His commission (as a Beefeater not officer) is signed by the Duke of Wellington a copy of which I have in my possession in Dublin - not too far away from the Duke’s place of birth.

[@garyoak317]

That’s really cool

[@kingbread5808]

Pretty cool

[@gctv9959]

I'll give you a metal Mass Effect 3 game case (without the game) for it.

[@robdon3472]

I once got a picture taken with Drew Carey outside the Rockin Rollercoaster at Disney World

[@spookysquirtle]

@@gctv9959 gamestop be like

[@natedorney7032]

"Through Flanders, Portugal and Spain"

[@ethanramos4441]

“Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.” Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

This is not English???

[@talesle_roi7991]

Actually, this phrase was supposedly said by Louis XV, decades earlier, immediately after the french victory, at the battle of Fontenoy.

[@johnwatts8346]

@@alexanderkarayannis6425 yeah man- that film is awesome and plummer and steiger are just brilliant in it.

[@skibbideeskitch9894]

@@talesle_roi7991 Source? The only attributions I can find for this quote belong to Wellington after Waterloo

[@LiLian-vd4ki]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@romelnegut2005]

He's definitely one of the greatest commanders of all times but he simply wasn't cut for politics.

[@sgu02nsc66]

Or maybe the state of politics wasn't cut for the running of a nation properly?

[@romelnegut2005]

@@sgu02nsc66 So you're saying that he's victim of the circumstances since he got into politics at a very bad moment. Am I right to assume that?

[@sgu02nsc66]

Romel Negut yes. I suppose as much as he got in to the military at the right time

[@romelnegut2005]

@@sgu02nsc66 Ok then!

[@dalic24]

Nah he wasn't most of Europe was helping him defeat napoleon. Let the English cry babys start with there nationalistic propaganda.

[@alexanderkarayannis6425]

Iron shutters had to be installed on the windows of his London home, Apsley House, to prevent further damage by angry crowds, during protests over his rejection of the 1832 Voting Reform Bill, which he opposed vigorously, an action that made him shall we say...less than popular!...This earned him the nickname the Iron Duke, but he also gave his name to the waterproof boots worn on muddy ground, the capital of New Zealand, the famous Arch landmark in London, a fighter bomber aeroplane, AND a popular beef dish as well!...Love him or hate him though, his victories whether in the field of battle or in Parliament, left no one indifferent, and he is surely one of the most important Britons in history.

[@jacey1963]

Well said! I love Beef Wellington :)

[@alexanderkarayannis6425]

@@jacey1963 So do I! 😊...Mmmmmmm!...Actually a French recipe renamed after the battle of Waterloo, in honor of Wellington, and renowned British chef Gordon Ramsay's signature dish, a Christmas favorite and along with plum pudding, a part of the whole... British experience, or even fantasy, for when we can all travel to London once again and enjoy it's many delights...The original name of it by the way,is..."Filet de bœuf en croûte", and, as it turns out, Wellington wasn't very particular about what he ate, as a life time of soldiering and sleeping rough and eating ALL his personal chef ever placed in front of him, was, apparently, more than enough to cover his very austere needs...

[@jacey1963]

@@alexanderkarayannis6425 You are making me look forward to Christmas even more now!

[@ShamanKish]

And a locomotive.

[@alexanderkarayannis6425]

@@jacey1963 While on the subject, the French baguette was invented so that Napoleon's soldiers could carry bread down their trousers...necessity being the mother of invention and all that...

[@PzGren_1907]

The UK had 2 Hero's in that time Wellington on Land and Nelson at the Sea 🇬🇧💯

[@PeopleProfiles]

Check out our Nelson video.

[@howardroberts4859]

I don’t think it was the UK. It was Britain. The British. The Duke Of Wellington was Irish, but then, he was British. But yes, Nelson and Wellington made the difference.

[@MrDoolan72]

@@howardroberts4859 an Irish protestant who's ancestors had been there since England's occupation began. Land owners/thieves (depending on your viewpoint) . Was England originally.. Not Britain. I believe.

[@howardroberts4859]

@@MrDoolan72, It did start off as an occupation. It stopped the Irish raiders on the English coast. But the the Irish were an integral part of the British Empire. Ireland shot forward unbelievably. The unification of Ireland from separate factions. Dublin and Belfast were developed into fantastic cities. Railways, Telephones, Mail service, Roads, Bridges, School’s, Local authorities, Police, Gas, Ports, The Irish Military, Industry, Shipbuilding which included the most famous known ship in the world, Farming, Fishing, Beer, Whisky, Textiles. World Export. The Irish worked over seas, and developed Canals, Railways, Reservers. Buildings. Promoted Dancing and Music. The Irish are the salt of the Earth and respected round the world. They played there part in esoteric Battles. Please because some greedy stupid land owners and the English Government of the day must up. Don’t be against the English people, ultimately we are brother really. We together have actually influenced the world. We were a team that has never been equaled, and never will. God Bless, and Regards. (Quarter Irish) Howard.

[@MrDoolan72]

@@howardroberts4859 my name is Irish but I'm English born and bred.. I love my Irish bretheren though. The unpolitical ones anyway. .. My family all originate from Ireland a few generations back. Ulster, Catholics.. Moved out to the east end of Glasgow at the start of the 1900"s to get away from the trouble.. Anyway, . Irish and the English have fought against and with one another for millenia. We are entwined.. Much like the UK. That's how I feel about it anyway.... And I grew up during the 70's. I remember the news back then. Wellington was an Irishman and St Patrick was actually an Englishman.. Stolen into slavery by those Irish raiders you mentioned.. Can't be much more entwined than that!!.

[@leepeel7129]

And I now feel like I know twice as much about Waterloo than I did yesterday. Sweet.

[@model-man7802]

If you get a chance,go there.You can walk your way from charleroi to Ligney over to Quatra Bra and up to Mt.St.Jean farm.The Battlefield still looks the same except for the Lion Mound.The have a great Museum there and a very impressive Cyclorama too.Lots of Monuments all the way with many of the farms still there.Definately worth the trip.

[@martyrobbins5241]

Wrote my dissertation on Wellington during the Peninsular War. What a man, great documentary

[@christiansoldier77]

There was no Napoleon vs Wellington. It was Napoleon vs the entire continent of Europe

[@stephennicolay1940]

My first cousin was the holder of the Waterloo medal and I have a letter to him (as an senior engineer) from sir Arthur Wellesley when he lived at Walmer castle).

[@jacey1963]

That's wonderful, you are very lucky to have that.

[@stephennicolay1940]

Look for Sir William Nicolay. I think there is a Wikipedia entry on him. Interesting chap. S

[@jacey1963]

@@stephennicolay1940 I read the entry on Sir William Nicolay...that's really very interesting....he was not only at Waterloo but Seringapatam as well....amazing...

[@christisking1576]

Thanks a lot! I was just watching Napoleon videos on Epic History TV. Again, this is a massively underrated channel!

[@theironknight597]

Interesting fact about Wellington he had a huge statue of Napoleon known as "Napoleon as Mars the peacemaker" which is still there to this day.

[@smithshowmedia]

I love how you add the pictures and the video together for a nice transition!

[@smithshowmedia]

Thanks for the love. look forward to your new content.

[@arnoldgreenwood2969]

Of the thousands of books written about Waterloo I would recommend "Wellington at Waterloo" by Jac Weller.It gives a concise account of the battle and he has studied the manuals on tactics of the period. For instance the famous infantry square was almost impregnable particularly by attacks by Cavalry every side was flexible in length, but in most instances contained 4 ranks, all with fixed bayonets. The outer rank, kneeling, the second rank crouching but both ranks having their rifle or musket butts firmly wedged in the ground acting as pikes, which was lethal to both infantrymen or horses. The third and fourth ranks firing or loading in turn. Training told the soldiers to aim at the horses, a cavalryman without a horse is a soldier with a knife in his hand, albeit a long knife, but try getting close enough to use it and you will find yourself pushing yourself onto a bayonet. Plus when the second line of horses are confronted with the dead or dying horses of the first line they will NOT continue with charge. Weller also succinctly explained the tactic Wellington used of the Infantry line against Napoleon's columns. Even Napoleon's much vaunted Old Guard, heroic as they were, were overwhelmed by the fire coming from Wellington's use of the line. Happy reading.

[@williamkz]

That's very helpful. Thank you, Arnold.

[@garybenson2280]

There is also Wellington’s India and peninsula war which are equally brilliant

[@Ms314159265358979323]

The Old Guard fought with Prussians that day. Wellington was attacked by the middle and young guard.

[@cristianmicu]

the battle of waterloo is told in detail also in hugo's 'les miserables' , of course from the french point of view

[@charliereader3462]

⁠@@Ms314159265358979323 the Young Guard was fully committed to the fight at Plancenoit, supported by a few battalions of the Old Guard. Wellington was attacked by the Grenadiers and Chasseurs of the Middle Guard. Some of the Old Guard were following the Middle Guard up the hill, but were not able to engage as the Middle Guard was held up and eventually broken

[@vivianevans8323]

At the start of the battle of Waterloo Napoleon had breakfast with his marshals who cautioned him about Wellington. Napoleon shouted at them that they were only afraid of Wellington because he had beaten them all, in Portugal and Spain: Ney, Marmont, Massena, Junot, Jourdain ... But he, Napoleon, would not be beaten by this Sepoy General. Well, we know what happened next ...

[@davidtuttle7556]

@@kensxmike2134 Blucher smashed in his flank.

[@yourgirlme9163]

@@kensxmike2134 exactly 😋

[@sbam4881]

"Perfidious Albion" yeah, right. With the Prussian defeat at Ligny, Wellington had every reason to withdraw up the Brussels road right to the coast. No one would have blamed him, after all that's what the previous coalitions usually did. (e.g. Kutuzov withdrew the Russian Army back half a continent upon learning that the Austrians had lost at Ulm.) What would have happened then would be Napolean wheeling East and completely crushing the Prussians between himself and Grouchy's corps. W/O Wellington, there are no Prussians left alive. Instead, Wellington stood, allowing the Prussians to come back into the fight AND relying and trusting them to do so. That's what coalitions and allies are supposed to do. Hannibal would not have won at Cannae if the Guals had not fought alongside his Cartheginians and Spaniards. Henry IV would not have won Bosworth Field if Lord Stanley had not come to his aid, Iyesu Tokugawa would not have won Sekigahara if the Moji clan had not attacked Mitsunari in the flanks as previously secretly agreed and Japan wouldn't have had a Tokugawa shogunate for 300 years. That allies were involved doesn't take away from Hannibal or Tokugawa or D-Day and it doesn't take away from Wellington or Blucher either.

[@Wanderer628]

@@sbam4881 Nice to see a comment that isn't blind Napoleon fanboyism desperate to claim that Napoleon didn't lose to a British General.

[@marcuscribbhistory]

@@kensxmike2134 look at the 17th June and who came up with the grand strategy. Anyone who truly thinks Blucher "saved" the Anglo-Allied army or just happened to arrive in the afternoon have failed to grasp the campaign. Wellington moved to the ridge & was reassured of Prussian support (note, NOT Blucher as he was out of action, injured) to come in. View it more of a trap, with Wellington laying bait, bleeding the French dry, then the Prussians shutting the trap. And allied Victory, but masterminded by Wellington before the battle. In fact Blucher was late, which is why it looks a bit like he was arriving to save, in fact it was a more that he had been badly served by aides in organising the Prussian march.

[@blathermore]

The story from Spain of Wellington's use of the natural terrain impressed me. Napoleon was having a bridge built to cross a river. Wellington saw two towns on either side of water and deduced there already was a bridge. The British Army crossed on this sensible hunch. Napoleon, being a egoist, preferred building a new bridge! I see Wellington as an ambitious man, but also very humble...and always to his life's end putting his country's well being first. He never stopped learning and growing. He was right, character and style do count.

[@wingedhats4750]

Wellington first met Napoleon in battle at Waterloo in Belgium, long after the Peninsular War; and he did not underestimate the latter's military abilities.

[@Balrog2005]

Napoleon vs. Wellington in Spain ? That's the biggest historic news ever...maybe te rest of the story is as ''true''...Napoleon was the master of using terrain for moving his troops,. but hey even in the anglo-saxon countries they call that period ''the Napoleonic Era'' not the Wellington one.

[@garymoore2535]

They also use the term "Napolean Complex" for very good reason 😂😂😂

[@zfalcon44]

It's interesting hearing from both the 2 part series & this one. Both are really nice. Thank you!

[@theodorepatton887]

Very correct. I live in western Canada, the Duke of Wellington was in history class in elementary 😄. Great show must watch again

[@Cbabilon675]

If nothing else the Duke of Wellington can be said to be a man of his word. He was a great tactician er no doubt about it and the fact that he put the needs of his army first over his own career or I should save more honestly the needs of his army were necessary for the furthering of his career is also quite amazing.

[@mattmcintosh3939]

The Iron Duke was good but without Major Richard Sharpe and the 95th rifles all would have been lost lol

[@mrcool2107]

How propaganda

[@defuse56]

It was all Sgt. Harper and the naval gun!

[@mattmcintosh3939]

@@defuse56 lol that's true enough

[@mrcool2107]

@@mattmcintosh3939 not true . Then u can say napoleon did not do everything alone

[@mattmcintosh3939]

@@mrcool2107 it was a joke. I'm guessing you haven't read the series of novels or watched any of the TV programs about Major Richard Sharpe and the 95th rifles & South Essex Regiment. In the books and shows Sharpe is basically a Napoleonic super hero. He saves the Iron Dukes life, gets raised from the ranks and wins most of his battles for him, along with Sgt Harper of coarse lol. They're good books, you should read them and get a sense of humour lol.

[@phbrinsden]

He was a fine all round theater commander who could build coalitions, understand the needs of his troops to be well supplied and healthy, instill great discipline especially in the treatment of the civilian population, and a great eye for favorable land on which to fight. He never squandered his forces and mens lives and would not be fooled by enemy moves. He had both a strategic level and tactical level talent.

[@heartofoak45]

He was above everything else a highly civilised Irish Gentleman.

[@InhertiaPink-t7n]

“Just because a man is born in a stable it does not make him a horse.”

[@jameshotz1350]

He was brilliant.

[@morethanwords]

Had Wellington enjoyed a snack of slices of meat between two chunks of bread so that he didn't have to leave the gambling table and the Earl of Sandwich invented the knee high boot life today would be different. We'd all be walking around wearing sandwiches on our feet and eating wellingtons.

[@davidtuttle7556]

I mean beef Wellington is pretty tasty.

[@brucekinghorn4961]

The Iron duke was an undoubtedly brilliant military tactician and strategist. It's a pity the same couldn't be said about his political abilities.

[@marcuscribbhistory]

He threatened the King directly, to resign if he (George IV) didn't sign the assent, granting the Catholic Emancipation. That was pretty "Iron Duke".

[@hdkloh6857]

He wrote in his diary that Battle of Assaye is hard to win as compared to Battle of Waterloo.

[@stevtacular3855]

its because wellington had more comrades than his army he got a support of 5 nations or more which napoleon is only one. Imagine teaming up to defeat only you an individual with army and one nation is a great achievment

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Wellington was an astounding military mind...and....one hell of a horseman....

[@joealp8196]

He, like Napoleon, was a master of war. But Wellington knew who he was up against. Napoleon did not.

[@PortmanRd]

As soon as Wellington landed on Portuguese soil Napolean would learn defeat.

[@cobbler9113]

I believe Wellington said of Napoleon that his presence on the battlefield was worth 10,000 men. Napoleon on the other hand berated his commanders for losing to Wellington on numerous occasions.

[@PortmanRd]

Napolean was a master of the offence....but Wellington was a master of the defence.

[@paparobbo62]

Very funny as usual the English re-writing history to suit their egos. The fact is the Battle was lost until Blucher arrived to save the day.

[@PeopleProfiles]

Wellington picked the ground knowing he'd be reinforced.

[@paparobbo62]

@@PeopleProfiles Well he didn't choose wisely as Blucher just about didn't make it. No competent military leader relies on luck.

[@Delogros]

@@paparobbo62 Well he didn't, 1) He had 2 divisions (16,000 men) in reserve less then 2 miles north to act as a rearguard if he had to withdraw 2) He held his ground with a rag tag army that had to have orders relayed in 4 languages for a over an hour longer then Blucher managed at Ligny despite Blucher outnumbering the french by 16,000 men while Wellington was outnumbered by 4,000 men and 100 canon... lastly Blucher had 50,000 men, he only fought 14,000 French, even after he arrived the bulk of the French army was still engaged against Wellington.

[@galerad7254]

Blucher and Wellington planned ahead of time. It was always part of the plan that they'd join up. Period.

[@olddrummer1942]

Almost impossible to listen to with the "opera" singer in the background!

[@rebeccacahill1000]

Thank you, I was afraid I was alone!

[@fredbeach2085]

Wellington was served well at Waterloo by the brown bess and plenty of guts behind its expert use.

[@jamesfraser4173]

Having watched, with great interest, the television series, Sharpes Rifles, I can say that Sir Arthur was excellently potrayed by Hugh Fraser, who also looks quite like Sir Arthur.

[@ianhow100]

A very skilful mix of real history & fiction. Agree with you on the casting.

[@xnadegod1053]

I’m Reading the books. There’s a tv show?

[@jamesmccloskey2274]

definitely a great commander... Brilliant, strategic, calculating master.

[@JR-bq5bg]

Amazing. I never knew this much information about the Duke of Wellington.

[@PeopleProfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nelsonclub7722]

There are some fun facts below - heres mine Once whilst at the Admiralty - he was sat next to a small man pontificating about how great he was - when he had left Welly asked 'who on earth was that dreadful little man?' He was told 'It was Nelson!'

[@duswil3934]

40 victories. 0 losses. Qualify it however you want. The scoreboard says what it says.

[@CometTheProto]

Actually he lost 3: His first attempt to take Badajoz, Burgos, and Tordesillas. Still a great general though.

[@teamgamespace5708]

Only little Victory

[@las_espannas]

​@@CometTheProtoTordesillas no , Pombal.

[@hvermout4248]

Ehh, a bit of international perspective: Wellington was not Napoleon's Nemesis at all. Napoleon was beaten by Russian tactics and winter, and was finally defeated at the battle of Leipzig. Where pretty much all nations of Europe participated except the English. However, to do Wellington justice: he was the first British general of the Napoleonic era that was capable of maintaining a British presence on the mainland. At the continent's most remote corner, behind the lines of Torres Vedras and behind a country that was in full out guerilla war with France. Only when Napoleon gathered all his best troops for the Russian invasion did the Brits manage to make serious progress. By the time the Austrians and Prussians had already occupied Paris, Wellington managed to get over the Pyrenees. In 1815 at Waterloo a heavyweight that had already once been K.O.ed tried to get back on his feet. Wellington happened to be there and pushed him back down. And even for that he needed to be saved by the Prussians. So "Nemesis"? Mwoah ... As the Spanish say: "The English are for the sea. Not for the land"

[@teamgamespace5708]

👍🏾

[@scarletskunkjob9842]

Rousing tale of Neopolitan being matched up with beef wellington and a final big belch that helped them through to finish it. Also found the part about when they went out for Indian really good.

[@dylantaljaard6886]

In this program you speculated on the possibility of Wellesley having an extramarital affair with his "headmaster's" wife at the French equestrian school... While most historians acknowledge this lady's influence turned Wellesley from an awkward youth into a "charming young man", few have suggested an inappropriate relationship between them. I find it difficult to believe that he would indulge in such dalliances. He was very aware of his position and saw himself as a pillar of the community who needed to set an example to others and although he was known for his close friendships with numerous women married and single nobody ever accused him of adultery.

[@chubbrubb72]

"Publish and be damned!"

[@firstlast7052]

The gosip was that Wellington had a string of trysts including with among others a number of former mistresses of Napoleon Bonaparte

[@ad6417]

Sounds like George Washington and Sally Fairfax.

[@scippio3]

oh the things those eyes in the photograph saw

[@kieranhughes4535]

Can you do Napoleon next?

[@PeopleProfiles]

Next year, it will be an hour and a half super special.

[@lovablesnowman]

@@PeopleProfiles only an hour and a half?

[@bazmc1153]

How's about a video on Admiral Thomas Cochrane? Great series, thank you!

[@TexanAmiga]

Great video! I learned a lot about the Duke that I had no idea of before. Thank you!

[@vishwanthanpalisheri]

An Indian Maharaja defeated Arthur Wellesley.his name is kerala Varma Pazhashi Raja

[@CB-fz3li]

Funny to see all the Bony groupies in the chat getting their knickers in a twist.

[@dillionday7414]

Great biography. Very detailed and well spoken.

[@jacey1963]

Thanks so much for your kind comment, it motivates the whole team when we get good feedback.

[@Youtubechannel-po8cz]

When you look Wellington’s career in India, Spain and on into France (before Waterloo) it’s quite remarkable. His obsession with logistics, making sure his force was properly supplied, that his Anglo-Portuguese soldiers were paid, that his Spanish allies were kept out of France because of the risk of revenge attacks on the French population. He can be considered a General way ahead of his time.

[@howardjolley2215]

I have watched the movie "Waterloo" and the Richard Sharpe series and others and found them all very informative. My greastest respect for Lord Wellington his accomplishments. It is unfortunate that Wellington's political life was not as accomplished as was his military career.

[@vincentb2175]

Like Churchill, some men flourish in times of war and great upheaval but are diminished in times of peace and prosperity.

[@asimnawaz9256]

His successes against Tipu Sultan, Marathas and Napolean speak volumes of his talent as a commander.It would not have been easy for him to deal with nationalists in India who outnumbered his forces on an unfamiliar terrain.

[@osamafarooq1669]

And didnt have the same artillery he did

[@GodConsciousness]

Due to the smaller size of the battlefield, much of the British infantry was deployed into four-rank lines.

[@johnking759]

Depending on the numbers available 3 or 4 rank lines were normal. As you say Waterloo was a relatively small battlefield being only 2.5 miles wide with Wellingtons left being lightly manned and the bulk of his troops being in his right and center. One of the reasons the British line was so effective was the tactic of each battalion firing not altogether as is often depicted in films etc but by firing by company or half company volleys one after the other producing a meat grinder effect on an advancing column of constant volleys into the front ranks without pause to reload. by the time the last company had fired the first company had reloaded and were ready to start all over again.

[@simonlancaster1815]

@@johnking759 British line was usually in 2 rank formation. At Waterloo, the consensus seems to be that the Brunswick, Dutch-Belgian, KGL and Hanover battalions were in 2 ranks. More debate about some of the British troop deployment. "One battalion of Bijlandt's brigade, in open order, formed the chain of skirmishers, another three battalions were in line, and only one was held in reserve. In order to cover such an extensive front, these 2,500 men had been commanded to deploy in two lines, in the British manner, rather than the three favored by continental armies." Excerpt From: Barbero, Alessandro. "The Battle." Bloomsbury Publishing, 2009-02-01. iBooks. Perhaps some of the British battalions were in 4 ranks for the added protection v cavalry as it is easier to form square. Some sources suggest that. But, 3-4 ranks for the British wasn't normal, I think.

[@chitlika]

Wellington was a tireless and very energetic commander always riding around his troops to see what was what. Athough a harsh disciplinarian he did care about his soldiers and insisted upon proper food rations and Tents for his soldiers wheras before Wellington the poor men had to sleep on the bare ground . There is a story of Wellingtons riding many miles to visit a casualty clearing station and finding the Officers quartered in the building and the wounded men left outside .Wellington was furious and ordered the officers out of the building and the wounded men brought inside . The uncaring officers kicked the soldiers out of the buildings as soon as Wellington had gone never believing Wellington would return . A day later and Wellington showed up again Fired all those officers sent them home in disgrace and gave the casualty station a new commander and staff

[@jerrysumner4923]

Britain’s greatest general, by far!

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

Perhaps not strangely, Wellington is not considered a hero in his home country of Ireland. Apparently, he spoke with a strong Irish accent which he never lost. When charged with being Irish he said that if a man were born in a barn it wouldn't make him a donkey. The Catholic emancipation cannot be considered a Wellington victory but rather of the greater Daniel O'Connell.

[@lovablesnowman]

He's not considered a hero in Ireland because he didn't identify as Irish. It's that simple. He didn't even identity as Anglo Irish

[@lovablesnowman]

@SNP Alba forever that's not how it works.

[@lovablesnowman]

@SNP Alba forever not really. He didn't consider himself Irish or even Anglo Irish. He considered himself an Englishman who happened to be born in Ireland. If by chance you were born in say Japan to English parents and then immediately moved to England and served in that country your entire life would you consider yourself Japanese or English?

[@MV12379]

Wellington's family had been in Ireland for almost 600 years.

[@tomsmullen6117]

Hi, Paul, I have studied him in detail for a few years and I still cannot find anybody who can verify that he actually said this it was Daniel O Connell who said this about him. You are correct he did speak with an Irish accent as his family seat Dangan Castle is in the Irish midlands near the town of Summerhill in Meath so he would have inherited the accent from the area. Re catholic emancipation, he spoke in the house of lords in 1828 and it was said it was by far his greatest speech "he told the House that it was to Irish Catholic soldiers that “we all owe our proud pre-eminence in our military careers”.In his Spanish campaign, 40% of his forces were Irish and at Waterloo 30% of his Allied army was Irish. Don't get me wrong Wellington was nowhere near an Irish patriot which is why he is not regarded that highly over here he was part of the protestant aristocracy.

[@tmontgomery9255]

Richard Sharpe approves of this video.

[@Nessunego]

Nelson would have been annihilated, if he had enconutered Napoleon in 1805. There is a moment of downfall for everyone, you just need to be lucky enough to witness it.

[@Delogros]

Nelson would have crushed napoleon at sea, napoleon himself said he knew nothing of fighting a battle at sea.

[@charlesmanering7746]

He was one of the greatest British commanders of all times

[@johndoe-ss9bz]

@@carlosgomez1706 His Irish upbringing shaped his Drive to Overcome!

[@Martin-tn5lm]

At least 1/3 of his troops at Waterloo were from his home country - Ireland.

[@jaldeborgh]

Well done and very educational.

[@jacey1963]

Thank you so much

[@leepeel7129]

Ancestor mention mega bonus!

[@stevenanderson7461]

He won the battle of Waterloo because he had general Richar Sharpe (sharpe) tv series

[@absjones2916]

Now thats soldiering.

[@skiteufr]

Nemesis ? More the nemesis of French marshals who fought him in Spain. Wellington met Napoleon once at Waterloo and almost lost. He even begged for night or Blucher to save him... lol

[@joncavallo4391]

Studied war and battles all my life! Yes, I believe Wellington was and is one of the greatest generals of all time! The people of Great Briton, Ireland, and the rest of the European nations should be quite thankful that Wellington was born and became the man he did. He was the man needed for the times, especially against the likes of Napoleon and his quest for overall domination! He, along with admiral Nelson, did much to put a crimp in Napoleons style!

[@koaung3803]

Lord Wellington. aka. Arthur Wellesly was definite A true Military Leader n to some extent a Capable Political Leader. Such Combined. Thinking. Capability is Again Shown in Sir Winston Churchill. This Bloodline proves that a certain of DNA does play into how a person develops. Thus Blenheim Castle was home to both Wellington n Sir Winston. Definitely England was Blessed with Two Heros: Nelson at Sea n Wellington on Land. nearly in the same Time. to Establish the Greatness of Britain. While my Father was the Doyen Ambassador in London I attended a typical English Public School n got to learn the Brit History nvisit places of interest n can make this assessment. of Talent in Leadership Qualities.

[@brianred7146]

The Duke is solid. Not sure where I'd ranked him in GB top 10 but he's there..full stop is another matter but he is absolutely solid through and through top 25 full stop too.

[@theschisack]

Actually Wellington was probably 4th most responsible person for Napoleon's defeat in Spain. The order is Ezekiel Baker inventor of the baker rifle, Captain Richard Sharpe, Sgt Patrick Harper, and the Wellington. Wellington though is undoubtedly one of the greatest military commanders of all time. His battlefield command and overall supreme command during the Peninsular was perhaps the greatest campaigns of all time. As always a lot of luck went his way but he had acumen to take advantage of that luck and pull out stunning victories. At so many points during the Peninsular war the battles he fought had to be victories otherwise the war would be over. Absolute genius.

[@mro1864]

He coined the term "intelligence" with his exploring officers during the peninsular war, I didn't know that until recently.

[@davidvalter1936]

You need to stop the background music. It is not needed.

[@firstlast7052]

I my opinion there are only three other British generals of the modern era who can be compared to Welligton. Oliver Cromwell (who fought as an Englishman), John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and William [Bill] Slim. Cromwell did not have overall command of the New Model Army until Fairfax retired, but his victory at Dunbar and the whole of the Worcester campaign were textbook. Slim particularly the Burma campaigns of 1944 and 1945 in my opinion were the best of any British 20th century general/field marshal (including Haig (shudder) and Monty). However in the final analysis I think that his nearest rival is Marlborough. And they are easier to compare because the style of fighting was in many ways similar (lines of infantry (armed with brown bess muskets with bayonets), cannons and horse cavalry) and their task of keeping continental coalitions focused on the job at hand (beating a French tyrant) were similar. Tsar Alexander told Wellington when he met him [at the Congres of Vienna (1815)?] that he was the conqueror of the worlds conqueror and Joe Stalin teased Winston Churchill, when they met in Moscow in 1942, that Wellington was the better general “I think Britain had a more talented military leader [than Malbrough], in the person of Wellington who crushed Napoleon who presented the greatest danger in History”. However if I had to choose between these two British generals I think that I would, like Winston, choose Marlborough who never lost a battle of faild to take a fortress which he besieged.

[@jayglithero524]

Marlborough did well because he had the assistance of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

[@firstlast7052]

@Jay Glithero Although Blenheim and several other battles were joint affairs where each was indespensible, Marlborough also achieved notable military victories without Eugene (as did Eugene without Marlborough). For example the breaching of the Lines of Ne Plus Ultra in 1711 by Marlborough was textbook example of how such lines could be breached by outmanoeuvring the defender's reserve army which was ment to shadow the attacking force. In Marlborough's day, the concept of a general staff was in its infancy (even more so than 100 years later during Wellington's hay day) consequently Marlborough ability to organise logistics, for his army was another imoprtant facet of his generalship. Although Prince Eugene could and did help Marlborough on the battlefield, as an Austrian general he could do little to assist the Duke directly with his international deplomacy, thst was major factor in keeping the Grand Alliance (anti-French coalition) together for a decade, and was another, and perhapse most important, facet of his position as Captain-General/Gerneralissimo/Supreme Allied Comander.

[@tibsky1396]

He was the Nemesis of Napoleon, but Napoleon was the Nemesis of everyone.

[@PortmanRd]

But not the Brits. Outclassed at sea aswell.

[@teamgamespace5708]

​@@PortmanRd but created a coalition because Napoléon scared them

[@robertbuchanan3993]

Wellington was brilliant , it’s well known that his tactics are still studied to this day by most military academy’s world wide.

[@Zotrax1946]

Thanks for this deep dive into one of the most interesting military leaders!

[@willparrish7646]

I would really love this Channel to do a profile on Napoleon. I have watched every episode and learned so much about English history I want to know more about France next!

[@historicfootprints]

Love this!! thanks for sharing I always love learning something new about this topic :)

[@mr.t3p370]

If you're looking for more historical figures there is quite a few in the willish family clan Pryce.🤠

[@shitoryu8]

Just an extraordinary person to look up to.

[@swiper1818]

One of the best Generals in history

[@AdA-sn2zg]

"If a man is born in a stables, does that make him a horse?"

[@therealleonidas229]

What a Great Irish man he was.

[@BattalionCommanderMK]

Nice video and documentary :>

[@randykirkland3927]

Time for more historical ladies !!!

[@Amadeus8484]

Horatio Nelson: "You've done well." Wellington: "My Lord Admiral! But you died..." Horatio Nelson: "I know. But I came to wish you well." (Vanishes)

[@gabrielfleck6756]

can't say Wellington was Napoleon's Nemesis though...

[@kmowl1994]

Napoleon was defeated by Russia and its winter. The army the British faced in 1815 was a shadow of its former self

[@Delogros]

The war went on for 20 years not just 1 but i do happen to agree, you can argue (rightly or wrongly) that Wellington was Frances Nemesis in that he played a major role in keeping the second front open but I think it's very hard to argue he was napoleons nemesis. Also while I'm at it wellingtons army in 1815 was hardly his army of Veterans from 1814, a good portion had gone off to fight in the war of 1812 and over 17,000 had been fighting with/for the French for 20 years.

[@claytonbenignus4688]

Wellington simply exploited Napoleon's weaknesses as a Commander while taking steps to minimize his own weaknesses and getting help when he needed it. He is more an Eisenhower than a Patton and definitely a cut above Montgomery. He is similar to that other General who was successful against Napoleon, Kutuzov, who knew how to win wars by losing battles.

[@Delogros]

Other then Wellington rarely lost a battle...

[@johnhale7334]

Good show ...thanks !!

[@billybobobenner]

It's great to find a history channel that has an English voice rather than an American one, and someone who is more attuned to the European Theatre as a whole. Many thanks for your hard work and understated narration. :-)

[@minimax9452]

the british always forget Blücher the prussian - without him wellington would be slaughtered.

[@Delogros]

1) no one ever forgets blucher, but turning up to a battle Wellington only fought because Blucher was meant to show up is hardly impressive especially given he was 3-4 hours late. 2) No he wouldn't, Wellington would have been able to withdraw and had 2 full divisions (16,000 men) less then a mile and a half behind his line to act as a rear guard to a withdrawal.

[@minimax9452]

@@Delogros To mention a german to be a hero is not convenient.....good Marketing from the brits

[@Delogros]

@@minimax9452 Yet the Brits do it all the time... It's just you guys think we don't, go on find me a British documentary that ignores Bluchers arrival, I'll wait... Also just FYI Blucher was technically Swedish only joining the Prussian army after being captured, Also FYI the largest country in the UK is England which is also Germanic.

[@leepeel7129]

I never expected to see a photo of an execution by means of blowing away (14:30ish). I had read about the English using this method (tying people the the front of a canon) during the American Revolution, but I haven't heard about it's application anywhere else. Very interesting.

[@mjones207]

I'd heard they'd used it often in India, especially damning the condemned as their bodies were not whole for services.

[@leepeel7129]

@Swamp Yankee Definitely for the brutality element. Spectacular, too, I'm sure. These guys are dealing with rebels and traitors, after all. Rome didn't just have an excess of beams and nails, lol

[@fincorrigan7139]

Its a painting by Vasily Vereschagin (19th Century Russian Artist)

[@johnking759]

The British used it as a means of execution during the Indian mutiny.

[@t.wcharles2171]

It was a very indian method of execution the first attested use was in the 1509 in Ceylon now Sri Lanka while the first use in the North in the historic record was in 1526 and it spread quite considerably throughout the Portuguese empire as far as Brazil.

[@yosefandre8399]

Napoleon story too pls

[@jp-um2fr]

Our friendship with Portugal is the longest in the world history. Napoleon died on Elba. All his staff and even his doctor were French. Whilst his coffin was awaiting transport to France, a British soldier is said to have removed a certain part of Napoleon. The French asked for its return, but nobody knew anything about it. It is also said this 'item' could be viewed in a jar of brandy if the said soldier was bought a pint. So - not tonight, Josephine.

[@galerad7254]

Napoleon died on st Helena . . .

[@F_Bardamu]

Wellington was no match for Napoleon. His ass was saved by Prussia. From a tactical point of view, Napoleon was probably one of the best military leaders that ever lived.

[@Delogros]

Not really, for a start Wellington had 2 full divisions a mile north to act as a rear guard if he had to retreat, he also had 17,000 Dutch soldiers who had spent a decade fighting for Napoleon and who he didn't fully trust and an army that spoke 4 languages. despite those facts and having 21,000 less reliable troops then napoleon had he held his line a full hour longer then the Prussians managed despite the Prussians having more Canon and 16,000 more men then napoleon. My point is no one saved anyone, Prussians arrived as was part of the agreed on battle plan, the Prussians having already proven that they couldn't beat Napoleon on their own.

[@teamgamespace5708]

​@@Delogros Wellington IS nothing copared toi Napoléon

[@Delogros]

@@teamgamespace5708 Well that's not what I said so whats your point? Also Wellington was a fine army commander with the added layer of trying to get supplied and reinforced from a political establishment that unlike Napoleon he didn't run in fact 2 really as you should count Portugal for that as well. Over their respective careers Wellington didn't fight close to as many battles as Napoleon did so your largely right but it's also worth pointing out Wellington never abandoned his army, Napoleon did it at least twice but like I said I was never suggesting Wellington was on Napoleons historical level I read my comment 3 times to make sure so I have no idea why you've gotten your panties in a twist... If anything I was comparing Wellington to Blucher.

[@johndyson4109]

See the British had smarts, class, and were honest mostly to themselves and others thanx impart to Wellsley... That helped them immensely as Soldiers and Gentlemen.... Important....

[@allenhamilton6688]

Clearly he had tactical proficiency. He also understood the importance of logistics in relation to the native population. He obviously thought in a strategic sense. At Waterloo he determined that his objective was not to defeat the French but rather to hold them until he could be reinforced by the Prussians. I would say he was not a military genious but that he was an ultra competent commander deserving of the praise he received.

[@jonasmillqvist]

Just saw the documentary on Wellington. Very interesting! Definately one of the greatest military commanders in history. Very good documentary, although if I may make one comment for improvement, it´s regading the maps. I wish you could make them come more ”alive” with the various armys and nations advances and retreats. I mean, I think we all know where Spain and Portugal are but it could be interesting to see how much was controlled by the French at different times?, how did Wellington advance?, where did Marschal Ney escape etc. Apart from that, thanks for interesting documentaries! Important to keep history alive but that has formed where we are today!

[@johnbones261]

When asked if he considered himself Irish he replied ' if you are born in a stable it doesn't make you a horse'. Probably made up, but my grandmother like to tell the story.

[@harrymurray247]

Ó Connell his political foe said it about him to discourage Irish people from voting for him i.e. he's not one of us regardless of where he was born.

[@galerad7254]

Unspoken subtext is the reference to Jesus born in a stable and laid in a manger.

[@stephendean2896]

It's amazing nearly all historical figures are very human. Meaning a mix bag of good and bad traits.

[@colinstock325]

Wellington only won because he made fewer mistakes than the French. He never believed Napoleon would attack. And the battle of Waterloo never took place at Waterloo.

[@caxperscott1132]

Excellent documentary. As ever concise fact rich and blessedly free of a narrative slanted to favour a political telling