Remember Waterloo

Sir, - Last Thursday marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

There can be few battles which have had such as impact on the world as this.

Waterloo was the decisive engagement of the Waterloo Campaign and Napoleon’s last.

Many Scottish regiments, over-represented in British army ranks when compared with Scotland’s population, played a pivotal role.

Perhaps the most famous action by a Scottish regiment that day was the charge of the 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders and the Royal Scots Greys on the French infantry.

Stirring legend has it that the Gordons and the Greys together attacked the French column, crying, Scotland Forever, with the Gordons hanging on to the stirrups of the cavalry horses.

Every generation in Europe, up to the out- break of the First World War, looked back at Waterloo as the turning point that dictated the course of subsequent world history.

As we note the surge of interest in the First World War, we should reflect on the bicentenary of a battle that ended what was a brutal war and whose impact can still be felt to this day.

Alex Orr. 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.