Thread: Edjumication Friday with Coffee, Tea, and Pictures!!!

Morning Landrovalrim,

Today starts my buildup to my Waterloo finale. I posted a map late yesterday in the ch thread that might be useful to help understand this.

I hope you enjoy, and have a great day!

Waterloo
Episode 1
　
Morning, Landrovalrim,
Today, I am going to give a brief description of the early stages of the battle. If we look at the map I posted yesterday, its easy to see how the features of Hougoumont and La Haye Saint compress the battlefield. Napoleon dismissed trying to turn Wellington’s left flank. It really would not have accomplished anything, and Napoleon needed a decisive victory. Plus he had a certain degree of contempt for Wellington and his army. Much of it had been Dutch or Belgian, and had spent years fighting for the French. He fully expected many of these men to come over to his side. So, he decided on a straight on smashing match. He needed to get this battle over quickly, as there were rumors the Prussians were advancing to link up with Wellington. He decided to launch a diversion against the fortified farm and chateau of Hougoumont.
Napoleon tasked General Reille and his 2^nd Corps to create a diversion. However, one of Reille’s divisional commanders was Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother. Prince Jerome decided to launch an all out assault and gradually, the entire 2^nd Corps was sucked in. The farm was defended by elite light infantryman of the British Foot Guards, and they repelled every attack. One group of Frenchman actually broke in, but were annihilated by the defenders. Colonel Macdonnel and four burly sergeants were able to reclose the door, and keep the French out.
Napoleon hoped that Wellington would take the bait and rush troops to this sector, but the Englishman withstood the temptation. At the end of the day, Napoleon could have used one or two of these divisions, if they had not been wasted in useless attacks against an almost impregnable position.

Meanwhile, Napoleon had assembled a grand battery of 80 guns and was pounding the allied troops on the ridge. Wellington had never encountered this much concentrated artillery before. It was a prelude to Napoleon’s main attack, using the entire 1^st Corps, on Wellington’s center.
　

Count D’Erlon, the Corps commander, adopted a huge, unwieldy attack formation. Think of block after block of men 50 across and 10 deep, marching shoulder to shoulder. It was a huge battering ram and it failed. The Allied artillery tore great gaps in the formations, but the French struggled up to the top of the ridge. On the right, Durutte’s division had more room to deploy, and made a serious lodgement on Wellington’s left. A Dutch Brigade took heavy casualties and retreated, but General Picton led an Allied countercharge. Bagpipes skirling, the Scot’s of Pack’s brigade appeared from behind a hedge and delivered a devastating volley. But there were too many French, and the Allies were forced back. Picton, dressed in a civilian coat and top hat because his uniforms hadn’t arrived, turned to an aide and told him to “Rally the Highlanders,” but these were his last words. The gallant general fell dead, shot through the temple.
The French pushed forward, smelling victory. But with absolutely impeccable timing, Wellington launched his two heavy cavalry Brigades at the massed French formations. They smashed through the French, many of whom surrendered or tried to run away. Two of the famous Imperial Eagles were captured. When the Scots Grays charged, many of the Highlanders tried to join their charge.

But unfortunately for the British, there was a reason that many felt that they were “The Best Cavalry in Europe but the worst led!” Once again, the supports joined the main charge and they ignored the recall signals. They galloped clear across the valley up to Napoleon’s grand battery. There could only be one result. It was a death ride. The French Cavalry counterattacked, catching the British overextended, out of control, and on blown horses.
　

Very few of these magnificent horsemen made it back to Allied lines. As the survivors came back, Wellington rode forward, raised his hat and said “Thank you, gentlemen.”
It occurred to me early this morning, that Tolkien, as a former soldier and someone who must have known British military history, does the same thing with the Cavalry of the Mark. If you remember (in the book, not the movie) when Theoden dies and Eomer takes over, and the Rohirrim charge screaming “Death”, he eventually becomes surrounded. He rides to a hill and sets his banner there, thinking to make a shield-wall and do deeds that the minstrels would sing of. Only the arrival of Aragorn and the Black ships keep the Riders from being wiped out to a man. Since these stories were written as sort of a “pre history” of England, it would appear that the tradition of charging too far and losing control was passed on from the Riders of the Mark to the Household and Union brigades at Waterloo!!!
The first assault had been stopped, at the cost of the loss of two fine brigades of Cavalry. And a larger problem beset Napoleon. Some Prussian prisoners had been brought in, and they confirmed that Blucher was coming to Wellington’s aide. What Napoleon did not know was that Gneisenau’s orders had been to …….”March Slowly.”
　
　
　
　

That was a very interesting read, Doc. Thank you so much for sharing it. And good morning to you, Landroval! I'm a tad bored at the moment, might go into a store later and fill out an application, mayhaps not, not really sure at this point. Will play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive for a bit and then hop on LOTRO, maybe. I am indecisive today.

Weird, tried multiposting but not working again...

Anyway, Doc, enjoying this day by day rendition of Waterloo. Already learned a few things...

Napoleon had a Marshal Grouchy! That is awesome!

So Waterloo was essentially the British trying to save the Prussian Army - or kind of the Prussians afraid if they didn't help the British then both armies would be defeated? And Blucher / Gneisenau were Prussian right?

Riveting comparison of the death ride to the Rohirrim. Love it!

Can't wait for tomorrow's episode.

and Welby - finally got to look at your dwarven hockey game video - it's looking great! Good job!

Almost fitting perfectly with Doc's opening... and the talk of the Rohirrim, just saw this "behind the scenes" look at the making of the Rohan short film. I'm actually starting to get excited about Rohan now... ! If they can bring massive calvary charges, battle on horseback, political machinations and armies at war... maybe I'm hoping for too much but that's what this teaser makes it sound like!

Originally Posted by Elessar2007

Weird, tried multiposting but not working again...

Anyway, Doc, enjoying this day by day rendition of Waterloo. Already learned a few things...

Napoleon had a Marshal Grouchy! That is awesome!

So Waterloo was essentially the British trying to save the Prussian Army - or kind of the Prussians afraid if they didn't help the British then both armies would be defeated? And Blucher / Gneisenau were Prussian right?

Riveting comparison of the death ride to the Rohirrim. Love it!

Can't wait for tomorrow's episode.

and Welby - finally got to look at your dwarven hockey game video - it's looking great! Good job!

Briefly, Slammy, the coalition against napoleon was england,Hanover, austria, prussia, russia, holland and spain. the reason the british/dutch/german and Prussian armies were in belgium is that they were built around the forces that occupied france before Louis XvIII solidified his hold on power.
Napoleon had one of two strategies. the first was that he could sit behind France's border fortresses and hope to beat his enemies as they came to him. the problem with that is numbers, he was so outnumbered that eventually he would be ground down.
Option two is what he took. The british/allied and prussian armies were not concentrated. they had to be spread out so that the countryside could feed and maintain them. We are talking about over 200,000 men, tens of thousands of horses, and thousands of draft animals. That takes a lot of supplies, especially with bad roads. So he tried to drive a wedge between the two armies. If he had been totally successful, the Prussians would have retreated back towards Germany for supplies, and the English would have retreated to Antwerp to embark their army back to England. (or to defend the port if they decided to stay.) Napoleon could have walked in to Brussels. it would have been a stunning victory, and thousands of Belgian soldiers whose land had been annexed by Holland would have rallied to him. His opponents might have made peace, Especially with england defeated. However, Blucher had promised at least one corps to aid Wellington, and therefore Wellington made the decision to stand and fight at Waterloo. The English for a long time failed to recognize just what the Prussians did for Wellington, but now most historians recognize that without the furious tenacity of Blucher, Wellington would have definately had to retreat.

Edjumication on a weekend... *panicks*
Howlooos! I'll gladly stop in fer a bit o peppermint mocha. *ponders out loud*
I love the silly word Edjumication... especially when aligned with the Edjumicational papers (the comics). /grinz

Anyhowl Landy, thanks for the drink and the Waterloo lessons. Interesting with the tidbits of the Rohirrim too. I still have yet to watch the trailer doohickeys. Soon™ I reckon. *wanders off sipping drink*

'Morning, Landrovalingas!

Thanks for opening, Doc. Always a pleasure to be edjumacated (though perhaps I would absorb more if I drank my coffee *first*...).

Slammy, I'm looking forward to Rohan too. I really enjoyed Stangard, especially aesthetically speaking, so I have high hopes for September.

Griffy, welcome to the coffee house! Sit down and stay awhile.

I got an interview next week for an on-call job at the library just up the street. Woohoo! So I'll possibly (hopefully) get to work for two library systems soon. Yay, employment.

Hope everyone else is having a good Friday so far. *sets down a plate of cookies and chocolate ice cream* What? Nothing wrong with a little ice cream for breakfast...

Thanks for the Edumication Doc!

I sat down with a veterinarian this morning. She pointed out that there is no specific degree requirement for entry into vet school, there is a list of classes that need to be completed but all of that can be done in two years. Most people take longer and take more classes because the schools are so competetive, but she thinks with my prior experience I should have no problem getting in. The Army also recruits very heavily at the schools (and they pay the bill), so that might be worth looking into as well.

Look'in good , Doc!
Tyvm Slammy!

Gotta hit and run,..will come back later,..

BUT


just wanted to say it's so on!



Thank you Wagnard for the lovely design, we will immortalize it forever!( wait,..immortal already means forever )
actually is that name right? I think it is old.

and I believe it was Harperella's idea for the chilla with the coffecup too

Logo Origin thread


and a Big thanks to DEL for hooking us all up!
The hoodie is not too heavy and perfect for wearing in nice weather, or in chilly office rooms like mine! hehhee
cheers
-Welby

SQUEEE!!!

We have t-shirts!!!

Originally Posted by GweannDarkslayer

SQUEEE!!!

We have t-shirts!!!

you too!

Go Team Landy!

Originally Posted by Docargyle

Napoleon tasked General Reille and his 2^nd Corps to create a diversion. However, one of Reille’s divisional commanders was Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother. Prince Jerome decided to launch an all out assault and gradually, the entire 2^nd Corps was sucked in. The farm was defended by elite light infantryman of the British Foot Guards, and they repelled every attack. One group of Frenchman actually broke in, but were annihilated by the defenders. Colonel Macdonnel and four burly sergeants were able to reclose the door, and keep the French out.

Jerome,..heh,...will wonder what becomes of him after all this.

Originally Posted by Docargyle

But unfortunately for the British, there was a reason that many felt that they were “The Best Cavalry in Europe but the worst led!” Once again, the supports joined the main charge and they ignored the recall signals. They galloped clear across the valley up to Napoleon’s grand battery. There could only be one result. It was a death ride. The French Cavalry counterattacked, catching the British overextended, out of control, and on blown horses.
　

Noble ride indeed! and I totally agree with the idea that it inspired Tolkien as well.

At first read, I thought maybe they couldn't stand their leadership anymore and said screw it,..lol.
Or is it that they, themselves, were led wrongly to the Battery.

Either way,..it takes a special brand of guts to fight like they did, the likes we may never see again.

it's almost end of day for me,..
Caturday is looming!

A visit to Queens tomorrow..stopping for some o'dat ethnic food stuffs.
then , come to think of it, back to Queens, Sunday,..to see my 'Dad', whom is in town and who I barely know, for Father's day. Last time I saw him was a year or two ago. Not like we are estranged, but it's like,..eh,..I am curious about what he's been doing,..etc,..


everyone have a happy weekend,.well try!

Loving this chinchilla on my sleeve!


Sleep'in in Saturdays

Originally Posted by Griffy

Anyhowl Landy, thanks for the drink and the Waterloo lessons. Interesting with the tidbits of the Rohirrim too. I still have yet to watch the trailer doohickeys. Soon™ I reckon. *wanders off sipping drink*

Welcome and wander back by soon!

Originally Posted by Alditha

I got an interview next week for an on-call job at the library just up the street. Woohoo! So I'll possibly (hopefully) get to work for two library systems soon. Yay, employment.

I hope it goes well for you, Alditha.

Originally Posted by Alditha

Hope everyone else is having a good Friday so far. *sets down a plate of cookies and chocolate ice cream* What? Nothing wrong with a little ice cream for breakfast...

Of course not! It's just eggs and dairy in a different form after all.

Originally Posted by Beschutzer

The hoodie is not too heavy and perfect for wearing in nice weather, or in chilly office rooms like mine! hehhee

Awesome, I'm glad you like it. I hope the size is comfy.

Originally Posted by GweannDarkslayer

SQUEEE!!!

We have t-shirts!!!

*****

So, first of all, though I missed grabbing the quote, I would also like to thank Doc for the illustrated edjumication. I've read both today's first section as well as yesterday's prequel, if you will, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it all at once.

Now, back to the t-shirts. Some packages obviously got sent a couple of days ago. I just got back from shipping several more packages. In fact, everything that needs to be shipped is boxed, and the only two parcels not sent are ones for which PayPal did not want to give me addresses. (I've contacted those affected.)

So basically, if you didn't get yours today, you should do so Monday unless you have a message from me. Please let me know how you like the shirts, as well as if there are any problems. Everything seemed fine while packing them, but I didn't do minute inspections. I am pleased to report that the sizes and selection seemed to match my spreadsheet perfectly and I ran out of things just when I should have. (I was a bit obsessive on the checking of things while packing.) Also, I want you folks to know that I detest folding clothes, so I hope that indicates how much I wanted to get these t-shirts. (Although, I should admit that nice, brand new, and crisp shirts are actually pretty easy to fold. Still...)

Work for the move continues; a lot of scheduling details and the like are now taken care of, so now it's getting down to packing.

I'm tired...

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

'Evening, Landroval.

Originally Posted by Delaney

Awesome, I'm glad you like it. I hope the size is comfy.

It doesn't fit like a glove! Which is good! hehee

It fits like a big hotel comfy bathrobe!
and I can store my Shuriken inside to boot!

Originally Posted by Delaney

Work for the move continues; a lot of scheduling details and the like are now taken care of, so now it's getting down to packing.

I'm tired...

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

'Evening, Landroval.

There was a (very neatly folded) t-shirt in my mail box this afternoon and I have to break my rule about inanimate objects and say that I love it.

It's well made and the design is excellent. Also, it's wonderfully soft which is very important to me right now.

Thank you so much for doing this Delaney.

And Doc, keep up this edumacation. It's very interesting.

*Hugs and Muffins*