It has been described as the most important battle of the nineteenth century helping to shape modern Europe – yet it barely registers on these shores.

But now military experts are hoping to change that, with research showing how a tiny British unit played a crucial role in the Battle of Leipzig, in 1813.

Fought 200 years ago this month, the clash was Napoleon’s first decisive defeat and led, within six months, to his abdication. The result is credited with defining the borders of modern Europe and leading to the unification of Germany in the decades that followed.

Known elsewhere in Europe as the Battle of Nations, it was the largest – and bloodiest – the continent would see until the First World War, with Prussia, Russia, Austria and Sweden ranged against Napoleon’s forces....