From Redcoats to Khaki
Battlefield tour to Waterloo, Mons and
Le Cateau

Tour Overview

An ever popular journey through 99 years of history, based in the Cathedrale Hotel, central Tournai we study the defensive actions of Waterloo, Mons, Audregnies, Le Cateau, Laundrecies and Etreux. This unique viewpoint on history provides the opportunity through a series of walks to consider the leadership, tactics and actions of The Duke of Wellingtons army in 1815 and Sir John French's BEF almost a century later. From the drama of the charge of the Union Brigade and the battle within a battle that was Hougamont Farm, to the legendary defence of the canal bank at Nimy and the heroic stand at Etreux this tour studies battles adorning the regimental colours to this day.

Tour Details

Day 1 - Travel from the UK to our tour base of historic Tournai.

Day 2 - Our full Waterloo day starts at Wellington’s crossroads where we learn the practicalities and realities of forming in square and meeting both cavalry and infantry attacks followed by a study of the fighting at La Haye Saint farm. Next we visit Napoleon’s HQ, now a fascinating museum followed by a walk across the field of battle from the Imperial Guard Memorial to the Lion Monument led by Waterloo authority Frank Toogood. After lunch we climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion Mound for a spectacular view of the battlefield. A visit to the atmospheric panoramic is followed by a walk around Hougamont Farm *please note major renovations are taking place in preparation of the bi-centenary commemorations and access is extremely limited. We end the day with a visit to the Museum now housed in Wellington’s HQ and the church, now a moving shrine to the fallen in the heart of Waterloo.

Day 3 - A comprehensive study of the Battle of Mons, starting at Casteau where the first shots rang out and cavalry clashed we the head for the canal bank at Nimy to learn of the defence by the Royal Fusiliers. Next to Obourg, here we study the Middlesex action at the railway station followed by a visit to the small military museum in the town centre. Our afternoon is spent at Binche Crossroads, the unique St Symphorian Cemetery and finally a moving study of the rearguard action at Elouges/Audregnies by the Norfolk’s, Cheshire’s and 9th Lancers.

Day 4 - Continuing the retreat we today walk the battlefield of Le Cateau, starting at Troisvilles we follow the line held by the 5th Division past the lone tree to the positions held by the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry where 2 VC’s were awarded. We then continue to the Suffolk Regiment Memorial commemorating the battle where over the BEF suffered over 7,000 casualties. A far larger battle than Mons but often overlooked we end with a visit to the large Anglo German cemetery on the crossroads at the centre of the battlefield. The afternoon includes a study of the affair at Landrecies and ends with a comprehensive look at the Royal Munster Fusiliers stand at Etreux, one of the most gallant episodes in British military history.

Day 5 - Travel back to the UK.