Wellington’s Dutch Allies 1815

Men-At-Arms 371
By Ronald Pawly
Colour plates by Patrice Courcelle
Osprey Publishing Ltd, 2002
ISBN 1.84176-393-4
Sofbound, 48 pages

Reviewed by John Prigent

This is one for figure modellers, but also with interesting details of the often overlooked Dutch part in the battles of Quatre-Bras and Waterloo.  The book actually begins in 1813, when the Dutch people began their fight for independence after French domination.  A number of units were raised from volunteers and from Dutch soldiers who had been pressed into French service.  They fought together to liberate their country, and in 1814 a regular army was formed.  It went through several reorganisations and details of its uniforms are scarce, but all that is known of them is set out here.

New uniform regulations were issued in January 1815, though not fully implemented before the Waterloo campaign.  Details are given, with the caveat that a mixture of the old and new uniforms would have been seen in practice – in fact, the usual situation in any army when new uniforms are introduced.  Then comes a detailed look at the Dutch troops’ part at Quatre-Bras and Waterloo, where they fought well despite low expectations of them from many on the British side.

Contemporary and more recent illustrations are very well accompanied by Patrice Courcele’s colour plates, and between them give a good picture of the troops’ dress from 1813 to Waterloo.  Figure modellers will find plenty of inspiration here!  Recommended.