Capt. Cavalié Mercer

Telling the story of my life and my Royal Horse Artillery troop towards Waterloo 1815 & beyond, 200 years on. Join me on tour @campaignsand

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

The view from Mercer & Vivian's knoll, 16th June 1815. The sound of distant thunder "... extensive view below us ... towards the horizon ... above which ... volumes of grey smoke arose leaving no doubt of what was going on." On the #tdf2019 stage 1 route, we'll be here in July.

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

This is the knoll where Cavalié Mercer joined the altogether more receptive Sir Hussey Vivian "There is something serious going on ... bring your guns as fast as you can, and join my hussars; can you keep up? ... we must move smartly."

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

This little chapel stands where Cavalié Mercer of @GTroopRHA had his first difficulty with General Vandeleur near Enghien. The #tdf2019 passes right here. "Whether naturally a savage, I know not, but Sir Ormsby cut my queries short with an asperity totally uncalled for."

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

@JustsomeguyJohn @GloverGareth Turner’s drawings of Waterloo also got the mood right - very dark and somber. He even toured Exeter where he sketched Cowley Bridge next to which Cavalié Mercer of @GTroopRHA lived. All in the Tate collection.

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

One incredible afternoon, Napoleon met Wellington ... at Waterloo! We've had the pleasure of touring with actor Richard Heffer who played Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA. You'll find his video testimonials of our tours here https://t.co/NrFDb6eGkj

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

Most visitors to Waterloo never get this far, but whether cycling or driving this is fabulous countryside. See you on tour with @campaignsand #TDF2019

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

A few sights alongside Stage 1 of the @LeTour #TDF2019 that we'll visit on our Cycling & History tour the day before. The quiet cobbled village of Strijtem with the 1815 Chateau famed for the adventures of Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA, the moat and the frogs! https://t.co/KESZUI0oEi

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

@campaignsand When I was training at Woolwich during the French revolutionary era, Minden was acclaimed by the Royal Artillery as their greatest battle of the 1700s.

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

Charles, we need to talk. Great image, would look even better with a non- regulation moustache!

[Charles Joseph Esdaile @CharlesEsdaile]

Fine study of a Royal-Horse-Artillery officer. Let’s hope that the officer shown here was a little less mendacious than Mercer when he came to write his memoirs!

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

Look forward to sharing a bottle ... 1945 Marques de Riscal?

[Tom Fournier @tom4141tom]

@GTroopRHA I love Spanish wine!

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

This appeals to my artistic sensibilities. Good wine always contributes to ‘hearts & minds’ on a successful campaign.

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

Stunning. Worth the trip alone ... #architecture #wine #landscape #history. More than just battlefield tours!

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

So many names were made in the Peninsular, with brevet promotions & knighthoods ... meanwhile GTroopRHA we’re left stoically defending England’s shores! https://t.co/d5AyTvM0zf

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

View of the 'twin peaks' of Arinez, #Vittoria 1813. Very golden orange ... Spanish fields at harvest time enjoy a noticeably different hue to those golden yellow British fields!

[Campaigns & Culture @Campaignsand]

Just one thing to do this weekend: Book your place at the Malvern Festival of Military History 5th to 7th October. Early Bird Discount expires Sunday.

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

Peak Heat 13th July 1808 ... article in today's Times https://t.co/LF9KoAUyzt refers. I was in #Plymouth at the time, many parties amongst the great houses of Plymouth Docks, dinners & champagne - yes, champagne even in times of war!

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

@GloverGareth Or it may help the flow ...

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

I recommend a chilled Rosé🍷. https://t.co/ReOyqLYO6d

[gareth glover @GloverGareth]

Writing in my converted loft in 30 degrees is a challenge! Brain melt is not pretty!😎

[Enlightenment Events @EnlightenEvent]

Booking now open for the Malvern Festival of Military History 5-7 October. Top speakers include Sir Max Hastings, Andrew Roberts and Nicholas Shakespeare. Expert panels from Agincourt to Afghanistan. Save £30 on early bird tickets this week. https://t.co/2IgB6hSfFL

[Tom Fournier @tom4141tom]

Kicking off the Waterloo Anniversary Tour with @campaignsand @GTroopRHA @GloverGareth a great start to an awesome detailed study!

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

The key that opened the door to #Wellington, #PrinceJerome, #Duhesme & #Blucher. Walking through history on tour with https://t.co/NphOHwQaGb

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

Reflective scene #Waterloo on tour. Site of no return for D'Erlon, Marcognet, #Ponsonby, Scots Greys. Far reaching views shared, debated, enjoyed.

[Capt. Cavalié Mercer @GTroopRHA]

#Waterloo #Hougoumont How many viewpoints do you like on tour? We like to cover all angles. It helps to challenge the myths of the last two centuries!