The Battle of Waterloo, a pivotal moment in European history that ended Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign, was a scene of immense carnage. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed chilling evidence of the battle’s brutality: a mass grave containing numerous amputated limbs and a complete human skeleton.
The week-long dig, conducted by Waterloo Uncovered, a non-profit organization that engages veterans and active military personnel in archaeological work, focused on the site of a field hospital used by coalition forces. The discovery of the pit, filled with severed limbs and a single complete skeleton, offers a stark glimpse into the horrific conditions faced by soldiers and medical personnel during and after the battle. The remains, several bearing the unmistakable marks of a surgeon’s saw, were located on one side of a makeshift barrier constructed from ammunition pouches. On the other side, archaeologists found the carcass of an ox and the remains of seven horses, some of which appear to have been euthanized with gunshots to the head.
Archaeologists found ammunition, as well as both human and animal remains.
The careful separation of human and animal remains suggests an attempt to afford a degree of respect to the deceased amidst the gruesome aftermath. According to Professor Tony Pollard of the University of Glasgow, who led the excavation, the find is “truly unique.” He noted the deliberate arrangement of the remains indicates an effort to provide dignity to the fallen soldier despite the horrific circumstances. Historical accounts corroborate the scale of the medical crisis, describing over 500 amputations performed at the field hospital on the day of the battle, with severed limbs reportedly “piling up in all four corners of the courtyard.” The pit likely served as a grim but necessary means of clearing the hospital grounds.
Photo of skeletal remains at Battle of Waterloo archaeological dig.
Beyond its historical significance, the excavation also provided a unique opportunity for participating veterans. John Dawson, a 35-year-old veteran who sustained a head injury during his service in Afghanistan, shared his experience. The injury resulted in the loss of his left eye and the use of his left arm. He highlighted the personal growth he experienced during the dig, stating, “This is the first trip I’ve done without a support worker. Normally, I’d refuse to do things like this…it’s exceeded all of my expectations.”
This grim discovery, while disturbing, provides a more complete understanding of the suffering endured by soldiers and medical staff at Waterloo. It sheds light on the experiences of individuals often overlooked by history. While the Battle of Waterloo is famously associated with Napoleon’s downfall, these findings emphasize the human cost of the conflict.
This discovery underscores the ongoing research potential at Waterloo. In 2022, Waterloo Uncovered also unearthed a complete skeleton at the battle site – only the second such discovery despite the estimated 20,000 lives lost. These findings highlight the continued importance of archaeological investigation in revealing the untold stories of this historic battlefield.
