The detailed report, which is dated the 17th November 1824, outlines the role of the battalion during the battle of Waterloo, and the defence of the farm complex of La Haie Sainte: 'Towards 5 o'clock in the afternoon I received the order to advance in line with the 5th Line Battalion and to push the enemy who had surrounded la Haie Sainte back with the bayonet. The 5th Line Battalion was fortunate to achieve this, and the enemy, consisting of around a single regiment, withdrew as we advanced. But before the battalion had the opportunity to pass on the right of la Haie Sainte, and before I was able to issue the order to form square, the enemy cavalry, consisting of between 5 and 6 squadrons of Cuirassiers, who were covered by the undulations in the hollow ground mentioned previously, launched an unexpected attack and the 5th Line Battalion was almost completely annihilated in this charge.' It should be noted that the file is available within the new on-line archive. 

Please note that the file does not contain images of the original document, as the copyright and ownership of this item is retained by the source.