Which French corps attacked the farm of Hougoumont at Waterloo?

The French II Corps attacked the farm of Hougoumont at Waterloo. Commanded by Marshal Honoré Charles Reille, the corps sent Jérôme Bonaparte’s division against the fortified farmhouse and its surrounding gardens on 18 June 1815.

Hougoumont stood on Wellington’s right flank and was defended by troops from the King’s German Legion, Nassau, Hanover, and British Guards. Wellington reinforced the position because he recognised that its loss could expose the flank of his main army. The buildings, walls, orchard, and sunken approaches made the farm a formidable defensive position.

The attack began as a diversion intended to draw Allied troops away from the centre, but it grew into a prolonged struggle. French infantry repeatedly assaulted the compound, while defenders used loopholes, walls, and close-range fire to hold them back. One French attack briefly penetrated the outer area, but the defenders shut the main gate and prevented the farm itself from being captured.

Hougoumont was not the only French objective at Waterloo. La Haye Sainte, near the Allied centre, was defended separately by the King’s German Legion and eventually fell late in the day. Confusing these two farms is a common Waterloo mistake.