Waterloo: In the Footsteps of the Commanders by Jonathan Gillespie-Payne

Author:Jonathan Gillespie-Payne [Gillespie-Payne, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Tactics, Battles, Leaders, Modern Warfare, Strategy
Amazon: B00L6Z9FQI
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Published: 2003-07-22T04:00:00+00:00

Although Ney directed a vigorous and mainly effective defence, the result was a forgone conclusion. On 6 December he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death by firing squad. The execution was to be carried out within hours of sentencing and set for 9.00 am the following morning (7 December). Ney was informed of the decision at 3.00 am and asked to see his wife and children at 7.00 am. When asked if he wanted a priest with whom he could make his final confession he refused, stating he would ‘appear in front of God as I have appeared in front of men. I have no fear’ He was later persuaded to have a senior priest speak with him and who promised to remain with him until the end to administer the last rites. Dressed in civilian clothes, he met with Aglaé and the children for the last time and once they had departed to appeal to the king for a final time, he composed himself for death.

He was not taken to the Plaine de Grenelle where Colonel Labedoyère had been executed as a large crowd was beginning to gather. There were rumours that the veterans would try to affect a rescue and so he was taken to the Place de l’Observatoire where he was stood in front of an end wall. Ney refused to be blindfolded or to kneel, as was the request of the officer commanding the execution stating that ‘a soldier does not fear death’. Facing his firing squad, he calmly addressed them:

‘I have fought a hundred battles for France and none against her. I protest against my condemnation. Soldiers, this is the last command I will ever give you – fire!’

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