William Ponsonby

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Major-General Sir William Ponsonby (1772–1815) was a British soldier who served in the Peninsula War and was killed at the Battle of Waterloo. He was the second son of William Ponsonby, 1st Baron Ponsonby of Imokilly and Hon. Louisa Molesworth. He married Hon. Georgiana FitzRoy, youngest daughter of Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton.

Ponsonby's part in the Battle of Waterloo has been remembered because it highlights some pertinent points about cavalry charging. 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.

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