“I can’t think of any other site that has this combination of elements—it’s truly unique, within Napoleonic archaeology and beyond,” said archaeological director Professor Tony Pollard from the University of Glasgow.
“The layout of the trench, with all animal remains on one side of the ammunition box barrier and all the human remains on the other, strongly suggests that the men who buried this individual [found in 2022] attempted to offer him a level of dignity and respect despite the horrific scene they would have found themselves facing while clearing the field hospital of the dead.”
The Battle of Waterloo was fought on June 18, 1815, between French troops led by Napoleon Bonaparte and an army led by the Duke of Wellington of England and Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher of Prussia.
Finally, Wellington and Blücher won the battle, ending the Napoleonic Wars. A total of about 50,000 men out of 200,000 were killed on both sides that day.
The war put a stop to Napoleon’s conquest of Europe. Napoleon was ultimately exiled to the island of Saint Helena.
Even 200 years later, the lives of veterans of other conflicts are being changed for the better because of the battle.
They are being given the opportunity to join archaeological digs, which can help support their physical and mental well-being.
“It may seem counterintuitive to put injured veterans back on a battlefield, but it’s actually extremely beneficial,” stated Abigail Boyle, the CEO of Waterloo Uncovered.
“Many elements of their time engaging in practical archaeology feel familiar to those who have served—routine, camaraderie with fellow service people, physical outdoor work—but here, they’re mixing with a wide range of people, including civilians, and learning a variety of transferable skills that will aid them in their transition.”