Which French marshal led the massive cavalry charges at Waterloo?

Michel Ney was the French marshal who led the massive cavalry charges at Waterloo. During the afternoon of 18 June 1815, Ney believed that Wellington’s centre was beginning to retreat and ordered a large cavalry attack against the Anglo-Allied position.

The charge grew into a huge assault involving French cuirassiers, reserve cavalry, and cavalry of the Imperial Guard. The French cavalry swept forward repeatedly, but Wellington’s infantry formed defensive squares—four-sided formations with bayonets facing outward. These squares were difficult for cavalry to break without coordinated infantry and artillery support.

Ney’s attack has become one of Waterloo’s most famous episodes, although historians debate the precise orders, timing, and degree of Napoleon’s responsibility. The common mix-up is to name Grouchy, who commanded the French right wing and was pursuing the Prussians, or Davout, who was not directing the Waterloo cavalry charges. Ney remained active throughout the battle, had five horses killed beneath him, and later led infantry attacks on foot.