Wavre (18–19 June) Waterloo Campaign
following napoleon s orders grouchy attacked prussian iii corps under command of general johann von thielmann near village of wavre. grouchy believed engaging rearguard of still-retreating prussian force. however, 1 corps remained; other 3 prussian corps (i, ii , still fresh iv) had regrouped after defeat @ ligny , marching toward waterloo. the next morning battle of wavre ended in hollow french victory. grouchy s wing of army of north withdrew in order , other elements of french army able reassemble around it. however, army not strong enough resist combined coalition forces, retreated toward paris.