Marache facts for kids
Marache, also known as Smohain, is a small village or "hamlet" in Belgium. It's found in a region called Wallonia, near the towns of Lasne and Waterloo. It's part of the Walloon Brabant province.
Marache is located in a narrow valley, like a small gorge, called a "defile." A stream named Smohain flows through this valley. The stream starts just west of the village.
Marache's Role in the Battle of Waterloo
Marache, or Smohain, played an important part in the famous Battle of Waterloo. This big battle happened on June 18, 1815. During the battle, Marache was a key defensive spot for the Duke of Wellington's army. His army was made up of British and allied soldiers.
A Strong Defensive Position
Marache was a very strong place to defend. It was located with two farms, Papelotte and La Haye, and the ruins of Château Fichermont. These places were all part of the eastern side of Wellington's battle line.
The area had many natural defenses:
- The roads were cut deeply into the sandy clay hillsides. This made it very hard for enemy soldiers, especially cavalry on horseback, to cross.
- A small stream ran through marshy, wet land. This made it difficult to move across.
- The narrow valley itself was a big obstacle.
- The ground was very wet on the day of the battle. This made it even harder for soldiers to move quickly.
Joining Forces
Later in the Battle of Waterloo, something important happened at Marache. The Prussian army, led by Field Marshal Blücher, arrived. Their right side joined up with the left side of Wellington's Anglo-allied army. This meeting of forces helped to secure the victory against Napoleon's army.
