Vive la France

Regimental Eagles of the 105e Régiment de Ligne and 45e Régiment de Ligne captured by the British heavy cavalry at Waterloo when they charged the lines of the French 1 Corps in support of the 92nd Highlanders. The Union Brigade succeeded in breaking the French line but a subsequent charge of the guns of Napoleon's Grand Battery ended in heavy losses when the exhausted force was countercharged by cuirassers and lancers of the French light cavalry division.

Both Eagles, which haven't been on display together since 1956 can be seen at the Museum of Scotland until 31st May. The Eagle of the 105e Régiment de Ligne (captured by the Royal Dragoons) is on loan from the National Army Museum in London, while the Eagle of the 45e Régiment de Ligne (captured by the Royal Scots Greys) is on loan from its permanent display in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum in Edinburgh Castle.