I'm working on the Eastern end of my Waterloo project. Because it was demolished in the 1960s and because the fight did not involve British troops, the events around the Chateau of Frischermont are not at all well known.
The overall details are however clear: Prince Bernhard had only enough troops to defend Papelotte, La Haye and Smohain, so Frischermont fell easily and early to General Durutte.
It was later in the afternoon, as General Ziethen's corps arrived, that the Chateau became the scene of fighting. The battle however had none of the intensity or longevity of Hougoumont and quite quickly the French withdrew leaving the farm complex to the Prussians.
The images show the period just before the French withdrawal. If they had stayed and fought, the building was a natural strongpoint and would have been hard for the Prussians to capture.
There are about 1,200 Prussians shown with another 1,000 to come. About 400 French are defending the chateau.
The Prussian figures are mostly Strelets, with some Hat, Revell and Art Miniaturen. General Ziethen's Corps HQ are Art Miniaturen.
The French are a mixture of many manufacturers. I am most grateful to all those who helped paint the figures.
This is just the southern end of this part of the diorama. More will follow towards Smohain.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. There is still some snagging to resolve with many bases to be disguised and mistakes rectified.
paints a Napoleonic caricature.
