The charge was made with the most obstinate bravery, but nothing could overcome the steadiness of the British infantry, and after a destructive loss, the French were forced to retire.
Previously to this advance, the square of the SEVENTY-FIRST was struck by a round-shot, which killed or wounded an officer and eighteen men of the eighth company.
About seven o’clock in the evening the left wing of the battalion was formed in rear of the right, and, while thus placed, was, with the rest of the division, attacked by a column of the Imperial Guard. These troops were fresh, having been kept in reserve during the day. They were allowed to approach close without molestation, and the regiments throwing in a close and well-directed fire, they could not deploy, but broke, and retired in confusion.
The enemy having now exhausted all his efforts, the British, in their turn, advanced. The SEVENTY-FIRST, in the first instance, suffered much from the fire of some guns that raked their front; these were soon silenced, and the battalion was afterwards left unmolested. In this advance the light brigade captured several guns. Night closed in fast, and the corps rested after this lengthened and sanguinary encounter, the pursuit of the discomfited enemy being committed to the Prussians, under Marshal Blucher, who had arrived on the field of battle.
The SEVENTY-FIRST had Brevet Major Edmund L’Estrange (Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Sir Denis Pack, K.C.B.), and Ensign John Todd, killed. The following officers were wounded: the Lieut.-Colonel commanding the battalion, Colonel Thomas Reynell; Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Arthur Jones; Captains Samuel Reed, Donald Campbell, William Alexander Grant, James Henderson, and Brevet-Major Charles Johnstone; Lieutenants Joseph Barrallier, Robert Lind, John Roberts, James Coates, Robert Law, Carique Lewin, and Lieutenant and Adjutant William Anderson.
The number of serjeants, buglers, and rank and file killed amounted to twenty-nine; one hundred and sixty-six were wounded, and thirty-six died of their wounds.
Both Houses of Parliament, with the greatest enthusiasm, voted their thanks to the army “for its distinguished valour at Waterloo.”
For the share which the battalion had in this glorious victory, the SEVENTY-FIRST were permitted to bear, in common with the rest of the army engaged upon the 18th of June, the word “WATERLOO” on the regimental colour and appointments.