Jun 18
Who chose the moniker for the 'Battle of Waterloo' in 1815?
The famous name "Battle of Waterloo" was chosen by the Duke of Wellington, who penned his victory report at his Waterloo headquarters after the pivotal clash on June 18, 1815, near present-day Belgium. Despite the fighting occurring largely in Braine-l'Alleud and Plancenoit, and other armies naming the battle differently, Wellington's title prevailed in history. A remarkable survivor of the brutal conflict, James Quinn of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, later emigrated to Prince Edward Island, Canada—one of only 261 men of his 747-strong regiment to march away unwounded, following a staggering 64% casualty rate. This anniversary not only remembers one of Europe’s deadliest days, but also commemorates the monumental lion memorial erected by King William I, completed nearly two centuries ago, which still marks the site today.
