As part of my Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell I am required to complete a 1500 word essay on one of a number of military and political topics.. As a childhood fan of the Sharpe programmes and later the books I have become particularly well read on the subject of the Napoleonic Wars. As such I have chosen the question; ‘Assess the effectiveness of the opposing commanders’ leadership and key decisions at the Battle of Waterloo (Napoleon and Wellington)’ for my essay. I intend to discuss the nature of the two generals leadership styles, to consider Wellington’s choice of the battlefield at Waterloo and to investigate Napoleon’s selection of Grouchy and Ney to command his two forces. I would appreciate any information or opinions you may have concerning these particular topics and would like to be able to refer to yourself in my completed piece. I am particularly interested to hear you thoughts regarding what the impact may have been if Napoleon had switched Grouchy and Ney around, would Ney have stopped the Prussians and could Grouchy have handled Wellington. Any help you could render would be much appreciated.
Officer Cadet Daniel Hopkinson