Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht Von Blücher

A Life of Tenacity, Patriotism, and Waterloo

F McCullough

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, born 16 December 1742, died 12 September 1819, was a Prussian military leader who played a decisive role in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. Known for his aggressive tactics, unwavering determination, and staunch patriotism, Blücher became a symbol of Prussian resilience and a key figure in shaping post-Napoleonic Europe.

Blücher was born in Rostock, Mecklenburg, in present-day Germany, to a noble family with a long military tradition. At the age of 16, he joined the Swedish Army and fought in the Seven Years' War against Prussia. In 1760, he was captured by the Prussians and, impressed by their discipline and professionalism, decided to join their ranks.

Blücher quickly gained recognition for his bravery, determination, and leadership abilities. He rose through the ranks and took part in various military campaigns, including the War of the Bavarian Succession and the wars against Revolutionary France. By 1805, he had been promoted to the rank of General and became a prominent figure in the Prussian military.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Blücher fought against the French forces in several campaigns. Despite initial setbacks, his tenacity and tactical skills earned him the respect of his soldiers and fellow officers. In 1813, he was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal and played a crucial role in the battles of Leipzig and Laon, helping to push back Napoleon's forces and contributing to the emperor's eventual abdication.

Following Napoleon's return from exile in 1815, Blücher was called upon to lead the Prussian Army against the French once more. At the Battle of Waterloo, his timely arrival and coordination with the Duke of Wellington's British-led coalition forces turned the tide against Napoleon. The combined efforts of Blücher's Prussian Army and Wellington's troops ultimately led to Napoleon's final defeat, securing peace in Europe and paving the way for the Congress of Vienna.

After the victory at Waterloo, Blücher was hailed as a hero in Prussia and across Europe. He continued to serve as a senior military figure until his death in 1819. Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher is remembered as a tenacious and patriotic leader who played a pivotal role in shaping European history. His unwavering determination and strategic acumen at the Battle of Waterloo cemented his place as one of the most respected military leaders of his time.

Table of Contents

A Man Of Old - Poem

Oil on Copper Painting Source: Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Fürst von Wahlstatt Peter Edward Stroehling Wikimedia Commons

Oh, let me tell you, my dear friends, of a man of old,

Field Marshal von Blücher, with courage so bold,

Born in Germany, in the year 1742,

He lived a life of service, with bravery and loyalty true.

He fought in many campaigns, with a courage so sincere,

And his leadership and strategy, were always clear,

He fought in the Seven Years' War, with passion strong,

Winning battles over his military service, that was long.

It was at Waterloo, where he made his name,

Leading the Prussian army, to victory and fame,

He arrived just in time, to save the British from defeat,

And together they fought, until Napoleon’s retreat.

He charged forward, riding his stallion,

Blücher fought with great might, leading his battalion,

Napoleon was defeated, French morale became low,

At Blucher’s nerve, and on hearing his shout, tallyho.

Blücher became a hero, of his homeland,

And served with honour, with daring command,

He became renowned for his fiery personality,

And at Waterloo, for his punctuality.

The story of Blücher, a Field Marshall of note,

Of his courage and heroism, of history that was wrote,

For he fought with honour, and fiery rage,

And his legacy will forever live on, from that great Age.

We Held Our Heads High - Song

Painting Source: A Lifeguardsman Attacking a Cuirassier at Waterloo” showing a soldier on a white horse sword fighting with another soldier on the ground whose horse is lying beside him. In the background are charging soldiers on horseback. 19th Century. Brighton & Hove Museums

We marched into battle, at our officers command,

On the field of Waterloo, to the right flank on demand,

We faced toward the French, gun in hand,

And we arrived in time, just as planned.

Led by Blücher, we charged forward, with a mighty stampede,

Attacking the French troops with success, who we did impede,

Together we fought, and continuingly clashed,

And we repelled the French, until their line was smashed.

Our cannons supported, as we attacked the men lined,

And we could taste victory, first hand from being entwined,

The French were on the run, and their morale upstaged,

Napoleon’s forces were broken, and had disengaged.

Now on our way home, we held our heads high,

Our spirits were soaring, right up to the sky,

For we had fought with bravery, and with energy unbeatable,

And we saved the day, which was unrepeatable.

So let us remember, the Prussians of our past,

At the Battle of Waterloo, where troops massed,

For heroes fought with bravery, arriving just in time,

The Allied Forces triumphed against the French, the outcome sublime.

Book

Battle Of Waterloo A Short Account

F McCullough

External Links

Navy Army Museum

Royal Collection Trust

A Life of Tenacity, Patriotism, and Waterloo

A Man Of Old - Poem

We Held Our Heads High - Song

Photographs & Art Works

Copyright

My Lap Shop Publishers

My Lap Shop Publishers Logo

Keywords: Battle of Waterloo, Blücher, British History, Duke of Wellington, European History, French Empire, Napoleon Bonaparte, Prussian Army, Warfare, Waterloo 200

Hashtags: #BattleOfWaterloo, #Blücher, #BritishHistory, #DukeOfWellington, #EuropeanHistory, #FrenchEmpire, #NapoleonBonaparte, #PrussianArmy, #Warfare, #Waterloo200

Created: 21 March 2023

Published: 26 March 2023

Page URL: https://www.mylapshop.com/blucher.htm