Two days before Waterloo, the Blackwatch fought in a battle called 'Quatre Bras'. They were caught by surprise in fields of shoulder high crops by French Lancers. Managing to form a defensive square whilst under attack, they even trapped some of the lancers inside! Although they lost many men, including their commanding officer, the attack was repelled. By holding their ground all day against cavalry charges and cannon shot, they helped stop French Marshal Ney from capturing the crossroads. At Waterloo they were positioned on the main ridge. They fired and advanced on the attacking French columns before the British Heavy Cavalry passed through their ranks and charged into the French Infantry.