https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Pohlmann

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Pohlmann
Finished Sharpe’s Triumph. The most D&D character in the book is the (real) commander of the Maratha’s army, Anthony Pohlmann. He was a German sergeant working for the East India Company, but becoming a mercenary leader was much more profitable, so he quit. In ten years he was leading 60,000-80,000 troops. But at the Battle of Assaye he got his ass kicked by Arthur Wellesley who was outnumbered at least 6 to 1 if not 8 to 1. A year or two later he had rejoined the Company. Easy come, easy go. Pohlmann did not get to establish his own domain.

Pictured are the 74th Highlanders fighting the cavalry when they were separated from the main attack. The 78th Highlanders walked straight into Pohlmann's massed cannon, not once, but twice. After enduring the fire, the 78th chased off the gunners. But the guns were re-taken, turned, and again fired at the 78th.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Assaye