The square was the means by which infantry could defend themselves against cavalry by showing an unbroken line of bayonets in all directions, and if they remained steady then there was nothing much cavalry could do about it. Waterloo was a classic example of this tactic, where for several hours the allied infantry held square against some massive charges by the superb French cavalry. Not one square was broken, and indeed witnesses suggest virtually no one in the squares was hurt during the attacks, since once the cavalry reached the allied lines, all they could do was mill about aimlessly and, at worst, fire off a carbine into the footmen. Many at Waterloo recorded their relief when the French cavalry arrived, because it meant the infantry were safe, particularly from the deadly artillery fire, and the solid British squares became an icon of the battle down the years.

Specifications

• Contents: 42 figures
• Poses: 18 poses
• Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)