2-631-717 - Historic England/Heritage Images

Portrait of Field Marshal Henry William Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, British soldier, 1821. Despite personal differences with the Duke of Wellington, in 1815 General Paget (1768-1854) commanded the Cavalry Corps. He successfully covered the withdrawal of the Allies following the Battle of Quatre Bras. At the Battle of Waterloo he led a spectacular cavalry charge that turned back D'Erlon's Corps from their assault. One of the last cannon shots fired that day hit Paget in the right leg, necessitating its amputation. According to anecdote he was close to Wellington when he was hit, exclaiming, By God, sir, I've lost my leg! To which Wellington replied, By God, sir, so you have!. From the collection of Apsley House, London.