Holland 1814-1815

The 1814-1815 Kingdom of Holland was the product of a shotgun marriage between the Netherlands proper and
the former "Austrian Netherlands" (generally, Belgium). Austria had hopes of recovering her former possessions
there, but Britain would tolerate no major power in possession of Antwerp, where Napoleon had built a mighty
naval base - "a pistol pointed at the heart of England". Hence this union of two peoples with few common
interests and considerable mutual dislike under the Dutch House of Orange.
The Dutch-Belgian infantry was organized into independent battalions. Undoubtedly because of language
problems, Dutch and Belgians were formed into separate units. Most of the regulars were veterans of the Grande
Armée" leaving the British somewhat uncertain of their willingness to march against Napoleon. In fact, their
infantry and gunners served well enough, while their senior officers did much to correct Wellington's initial
blunders though the hot-headed Prince of Orange proved a considerable nuisance.
The regular forces were supported by a hastily organized and only partially trained militia.
The Dutch Army also included four regiments of mercenary German infantry - mostly from Nassau - two of which
look part in the campaign. Four Swiss regiments had been authorized, but were not yet organized.

Index

Plate 1. Belgian Legion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Officer, 1814

Plate 2. Belgian Legion, Light Cavalry Regiment, Private, 1814
Plate 3. 16th Light Infantry Battalion, Flank Company Private, 1815
Plate 4. 7th Line Infantry Battalion, Flank Company Private, 1815
Plate 5. 2nd Regiment Carabiniers à cheval, Private, 1815
Plate 6. 5th Light Dragoon Regiment, Trumpeter, 1815
Plate 7. 8th Hussar Regiment, Private, 1815
Plate 8. Horse Artillery, Private, 1815
Plate 9. National Militia, Flank Company Private, 1815