Battle of Wavre (Napoleonic Age)

The Battle of Wavre was the final major land engagement of the Waterloo Campaign of the War of the Seventh Coalition. Fought on 20 June 1915, two days after the Battle of Waterloo, the battle coalesced around Napoléon's pursuit of Dutch portion of the Anglo-allied army that had managed to escape mostly intact from the battle. William, the Prince of Orange, had withdrawn to the east with the remainder of I Corps and any other Dutch troops in the area; Napoléon gave chase, intent on destroying the army or capturing the Dutch commander. He intercepted the Prince of Orange just after midday and forced him to give battle. Despite giving fierce resistance, the Prince, realizing Napoléon was attempting to surround his army, began a fighting withdrawal and disengaged after just two hours of combat. His force was severely weakened but still intact, and would eventually make it further north and out of the reach of Napoléon. The French victory here ensured that the French northern front was secure, allowing the French Emperor to consolidate his power after having returned from exile.