William Ponsonby

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Major-General Sir William Ponsonby (1772-1815) was the second son of William, 1st Baron Ponsonby, of Imokilly, County Cork and Louisa Molesworth. He was the husband of Georgiana Ponsonby.

He was killed by Polish lancers at the battle of Waterloo.

Ponsonby's part in the battle and his death during it, have been remembered because because it highlights some pertinent points about cavalry. Ponsonby was in command of the Union Brigade. The brigade, consisting of the 1st (Royal) and 6th (Inniskilling) Regiments of Dragoons, in the first line, and the 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons (Scots Greys) in reserve, had counter-attacked to great effect against the disorganised French columns of d'Erlon's corps. Carried away by their initial success, however, the brigade failed to rally and continued towards the French positions. The Scots Greys in particular, forgetting their supporting role and ignoring the “recall”, charged on in disordered groups, some of whom reached the French guns on the other side of the valley. By this time their horses were blown and a swift retribution followed in the shape of a counter-attack by the French cavalry. The brigade was effectively destroyed and played no further part in the battle. Ponsonby, who was mounted on a horse of less value than the best one in his stable, rode too far and with his horse mired in mud near to enemy lines was killed by Polish lancers during the counter-attack.

[edit] References

• Chandler, David (1980). Waterloo, The Hundred Days. Osprey. ISBN 1-85532-716-3.
• Napoleonic Alliance