Anning saw a flag descending from the high ground!
Not the kind of regimental flag that every unit has, but a bigger banner!
This meant that Boliue had given someone a flag and ordered them to lead a charge - it couldn't possibly be Boliue charging himself, could it? The man was already over seventy years old.
Anning immediately commanded the cannons, "Aim at that flag, fire!"
The flag was still far from Napoleon's position; there was still time for a barrage to hinder its advance, but once it got closer, with the poor accuracy of modern artillery, it was uncertain if it would protect Napoleon or preside over his funeral.
The cannonballs landed around the enemy troops following the flag, but because the slope was too steep and the angle of impact was poor, they didn't bounce as expected.
Yes, charging down a steep hill had its advantages, as the enemy's cannonballs wouldn't bounce upon impact.
