A great figure, and all balanced on one leg! He looks a happy fellow, at least for a few more hours.
I'm familiar with the colours borne by the 2/69th at Quatre Bras, but did your research reveal whether it was the King's Colour or the Second Colour that was captured, and if the latter, is "2nd Battn" written on the Union canton? Later, 2nd battalions used the Roman numeral II, but I've seen some from Waterloo that used the Arabic numbers. I look forward to seeing the finished piece!
hello Philin,
here the letter written by Kellerman to Ney referred to this flag.
Kellermann's Report to Ney after the charge of the brigade of Guiton's cuirassiers
Near Frasnes, June 16, 1815 - 10 H PM
Sir - Marshal,
I executed the charge that you have ordered me to do; I encountered the enemy infantry, posted in a small valley beneath their guns. On the spot, without giving the troops time to think, I rushed at the head of the 1st squadron of the 8th with G.al Guiton, against the Anglo-Hanoverian infantry, in spite of the extensive fire, from the front and the flanks. Both lines of infantry were knocked over, the greatest disorder was in the enemy line, which we crossed two - three times, the most complete success was ensured [here was added a space line : With the results which you was waiting for], if the lancers would have followed us, the cuirassiers, shot upon from all sides, could not exploit the advantage that they had obtained by this most resolute and fearless charge against an infantry which did not let itself be intimidated and which they fired with the greatest coolness as if during an exercise.
We took a flag of the 69th which was taken by the cuirassiers Valgayer and Nurain. The brigade having taken an enormous loss and seeing that they were not supported, withdrew in the usual disorder as in similar circumstances, my horse was knocked down by two shots, and I fell under it. I was barely able to escape. The G.al Guiton, the Colonel Cavaraque were unhorsed as well as numerous officers and cuirassiers. I was hurt in the knee and the leg , but nevertheless, I shall be there tomorrow on horseback. The division Roussel is bivouacking in the plain, close to Frasnes, Lhéritier's division did not join, I will try to address orders to him.
I am respectfully
Signed: the count of Valmy (Kellermann, the young )
Kellerman a ney il 16 giugno 1815 – quatre bras
not so easy to define if the flag is a King or is a Bataillon colour but I found a picture of the king's colour as taken by the french.
Nothing is sure, nothing is clearly discovered... we work on suppositions
If you want to read more information you can see
http://www.figurinitaly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7009&page=7
where there is all the info referred to the story of this figure with all the SBS. Is the Italian forum but Google translator can help you
good job Preda!
