After failing in reiterated assaults on the post of Hugomont, simultaneous attacks were formed; one of cuirassiers against the centre, which was defeated by the British household cavalry; and one of infantry against the left of the position occupied by the allied army. The formation of columns was partly concealed by the nature of the ground; but the glistening of bayonets was seen at intervals, above the undulations which form the features of this sanguinary field.
Twenty thousand infantry appeared on the heights opposite the spot where the Inniskilling dragoons were formed, and rushing forward with that eager velocity which characterizes the first attack of French soldiers, they traversed the intervening space with astonishing expedition, dispersed a Belgic brigade with which they first came in contact, broke through parts of the British supporting infantry, and ascended the position occupied by the allied army. A favourable opportunity for the Royals, Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons to charge presented itself; the Earl of Uxbridge galloped up to the three regiments, and they instantly deployed and advanced against the dark masses of the enemy. A spirit of emulation, and a thirst for glory, beamed in the countenances of the officers and men, as they moved forward in firm array, presenting a noble spectacle of nine squadrons of superb heavy cavalry, whose warlike appearance and resolute bearing excited admiration. The French columns were urging forward with rapid steps as to certain victory; crowds of infantry and artillery fled before them; and as they ascended the crest of the position, they presented a menacing and alarming aspect. An important crisis in the battle had arrived, and stupendous results depended on the valour of the Royals, Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons. The three regiments advanced steadily to meet these numerous and formidable bands of opponents, who were concealed from their view by the rising ground: they paused a short time to permit the retreating infantry and artillery to pass through the intervals of squadrons, and the next moment these powerful horsemen raised a loud and terrific shout, and rushed furiously upon the adverse ranks of war. The spectacle was grand, and the result glorious to the British arms. The French masses being unable to deploy, the heads of columns were instantly broken and forced back; confusion ensued, the firing ceased, a general flight commenced, and as the smoke cleared away the British dragoons were seen plunging their horses into the midst of the broken columns, and cutting down the French musketeers with a terrible carnage, until the slope of the position was literally covered with slain. Crowds of French soldiers threw down their arms and surrendered; while others cast themselves on the ground to escape the victorious troopers. The Royals and Greys took each an eagle: the Inniskilling dragoons cut off from their own lines and made prisoners a numerous body of French infantry, with whom part of the regiment was detached to the rear. The brigade continued its victorious course, spreading terror, carnage, and dismay over the field: it crossed the ravine, carried several batteries, and penetrated to the rear of the enemy's position. Pursuing their opponents too far, the Inniskilling dragoons were, on returning, charged by a numerous body of the enemy's lancers, and sustained considerable loss.
Major-General Sir William Ponsonby having been killed by the lancers, the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel Muter of the Inniskilling dragoons; and that of the regiment on Lieutenant-Colonel Fiennes Miller, who had previously had his horse killed under him, and had received several bayonet wounds, but having had his wounds dressed, and procuring a horse which had belonged to a French officer of lancers, he kept his post at the head of the regiment.
The brigade having re-formed, was stationed behind a little wood, where it remained, protected from the enemy's incessant fire of shot and shells by some high ground and by the trees, until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it was ordered to the right of the position, and there suffered severely from a heavy cannonade.
Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was again wounded about five o'clock, and withdrew, leaving the regiment under the command of Captain Madox. About half-past five Colonel Muter was wounded, and the command of the brigade devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Clifton, of the royal dragoons.
In the general attack made on the French army at the close of the day, the brigade had another opportunity of distinguishing itself, and, although it was reduced to a very small number of officers and men by casualties and parties detached to the rear with prisoners, yet it proved victorious over every description of force which opposed its advance. The French army sustained a decisive overthrow. The troops under the Duke of Wellington halted on the field, surrounded by cannon and other trophies of victory, while the Prussians, who had arrived at the close of the action, pursued Bonaparte's discomfited legions throughout the night.
Thus ended a battle, the greatest of past or present times, the character and importance of which may be estimated by the splendid results, and by the continued peace which has followed. The brigade, of which the Inniskilling dragoons formed part, was commended by the Duke of Wellington in his public despatch.
The regiment had Lieutenant and Adjutant Clusky, two troop-serjeant-majors, three serjeants, four corporals, one trumpeter, seventy-five privates, and one hundred and sixty-four horses killed; Colonel Muter, Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, Captains W. F. Browne, and the Honourable S. Douglas, Lieutenant Hassard, and Cornet Ruffo, three serjeant-majors, six serjeants, five corporals, two trumpeters, eighty-five men, and twenty-seven horses wounded.
Colonel Muter and Lieutenant-Colonel Miller had the honour of receiving the riband and badge of companion of the order of the Bath. Colonel Muter was further rewarded with the decoration of the fourth class of St. Wladimir of Russia, Captain Madox was promoted to the rank of major in the army.