1-156-158 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'Cambronne at the Battle of Waterloo', 18 June, 1815, (19th century). Invited to surrender the French commander of the Guard, General Count Etienne Cambronne shouted 'The Guard dies, it does not surrender'. One of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo was fought in a small area (some 10km by 4km) on the main road leading south from Brussels. It was the first clash of the Titans - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) versus the Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) - and it was a win all/lose all scenario. Waterloo ended Bonaparte's hold on power.