When did the Battle of Ligny take place?
The Battle of Ligny took place on the 16th of June 1815. Napoleon delayed his attack until about 14:30 when he heard cannon fire coming from the direction of Quatre Bras.
Questions about Battle of Ligny
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the French Army at the Battle of Ligny?
Napoleon commanded the French Armee du Nord directly under three Marshals named Grouchy, Ney, and Soult. The troops were mostly experienced veterans though many had never worked with one another before nor under their officers.
Where was the battlefield of Ligny located geographically?
The battlefield of Ligny was on the watershed between the rivers Scheldt and Meuse. The Ligny stream rises to the west of Fleurus and meanders in a northeast direction through the small village of Ligny to the confluence at Sombreffe.
What happened to Blücher during the Battle of Ligny?
Blücher's horse was shot and fell upon him while leading a charge so he was rescued and borne in a semi-conscious condition from the field. Lieutenant-General August von Gneisenau then took over command from the absent Blücher.
Why did the Prussian army retreat north instead of east after the battle?
Lieutenant-General August von Gneisenau chose to keep as near as might be to the English army rather than retreating east along lines of communication. They regrouped south of Wavre around 10 miles to the east of Waterloo from whence they proceeded to Waterloo on the 18th of June 1815.