offensive operations, the allied army retired to a position in
the _Pyrenees_ in front of Pampeluna, where some severe fighting
took place, and the repeated attacks of the French were repulsed.
Speaking of the action on the 28th of July, Lord Wellington
stated--"In the course of this contest, the fourth division, which
has so frequently been distinguished in this army, surpassed
its former good conduct." On the 30th of July the FIFTY-THIRD
regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, during the
severely contested action in the mountains; and the light infantry,
commanded by Captain FEHRSZEN, of the FIFTY-THIRD, signalized
themselves in a particular manner. The meritorious conduct of
Captain FEHRSZEN was rewarded with the rank of major. The French
were driven from their post, and pursued to their own frontiers:
and the word "PYRENEES" on the colours of the regiment commemorates
the heroic conduct of the officers and soldiers of the second
battalion on this occasion. Their loss was three men killed and
twenty-one wounded.
The following officers served at the battle of the Pyrenees:--
_Lieut.-Colonel_ G. R. BINGHAM. _Captains_ O. G. Fehrszen and
James Mackay. _Lieutenants_ C. F. Hunter, Thomas Impett, James
Hamilton, and Thos. Dowker. _Ensigns_ George Fitzgerald, Michael
Nagle, and John Wilton. _Pay-Master_ J. MacLean. _Adjutant_
John Carss. _Quarter-Master_ R. Blackie. _Surgeon_ T. Sandall.
_Assistant-Surgeon_ C. MacLean.
Pursuing the French army through the mountains, the FIFTY-THIRD
captured some prisoners and baggage, and arrived at Puerto de
Echalar on the 2nd of August, when Major-General Barnes's brigade
was engaged with two French divisions, which it drove from the
heights. Five days afterwards the FIFTY-THIRD were removed to the
vicinity of Lezaca, where the head-quarters of the allied army were
established; from this place a few volunteers of the FIFTY-THIRD
proceeded to _St. Sebastian_, and were engaged in storming that
fortress on the 31st of August, when two men of the regiment were
killed and two wounded. On the same day the French crossed the
Bidassoa in considerable force, and attacked the Spanish troops on
the heights of San Marcial. On this occasion the FIFTY-THIRD were
engaged in extended order in the pass of _St. Antonio_, where they
had one man killed and twenty wounded. The French were repulsed,
and giving up all hope of being able to relieve St. Sebastian, they
re-crossed the river.
At the passage of the _Bidassoa_ on the 7th of October, the
FIFTY-THIRD supported the light division; and during the action on
the following day they were in reserve.
Looking down from the lofty Pyrenees on the well guarded territory
of France, the British Commander prepared to carry the war into
the heart of that kingdom, and on the morning of the 10th of
November his conquering divisions traversed the mountain passes
by moonlight, to attack the enemy's fortified position on the
_Nivelle_. The FIFTY-THIRD carried bags filled with fern, to fill
up the ditch, and small ladders to mount the rampart of a redoubt,
which they were directed to take. Advancing under the cover of a
heavy cannonade, the soldiers raised a loud and confident shout, as
they approached the redoubt, when the French fired a few shots and
fled. The redoubt was taken possession of, and about thirty of the
enemy, who had not time to escape, were made prisoners. The British
were successful at every point, and the French made a retreat.
During the action Major FEHRSZEN had an opportunity of making a
sudden dash with a few men, and he succeeded in capturing a field
gun. For their gallant services on this occasion the FIFTY-THIRD
were rewarded with the Royal authority to bear the word "NIVELLE"
on their colours, in addition to the other inscriptions previously
acquired.
One serjeant and three private soldiers were killed; Major
Fehrszen, Captain Mackay, Lieutenant Hamilton, and a few private
soldiers wounded.
Names of officers who served at the battle of Nivelle:--
_Lieut.-Colonel_ G. R. Bingham. _Major_ O. G. Fehrszen. _Captains_
James Mackay and John Carss. _Lieutenants_ C. F. Hunter, Tho.
Impett, Tho. Dowker, James Hamilton, and John Fraser. _Ensigns_
George Fitzgerald and M. Nagle. _Adjutant_ John Wilton.
_Assistant-Surgeons_ James Dunn and Charles MacLean.
At the passage of the Nive river, on the 9th of December, and in
the actions which followed, the FIFTY-THIRD were in reserve, and
did not sustain any loss: they subsequently went into cantonments
during the severe weather which followed.
Some movements were made by the FIFTY-THIRD in the early part
of January, 1814; and on the 6th of that month they advanced to
attack a body of French troops; but were prevented engaging by a
brook, the stream of which was so swollen by the rains as to be
impassable. The battalion was afterwards stationed at Ustaritz,
where it remained until the middle of February, when active
operations were commenced against the French army. After taking
part in several movements, the FIFTY-THIRD marched to St. Jean de
Luz, where they arrived on the 22nd of February, and were supplied
with new clothing at that place.
On the 25th of February the FIFTY-THIRD commenced their march to
re-join the army; but were not in time to take part in the battle
of Orthes on the 27th of that month. They passed the Adour at
St. Sever on the 3rd of March, and joined the fourth division at
Grenade, where they remained a week, and afterwards marched in the
direction of Bordeaux, which city was taken possession of by the
troops under Marshal Beresford; the population renounced their
allegiance to the Emperor Napoleon, and declared themselves in
favour of the Bourbon dynasty.
[Sidenote: 1814]
In the meantime the six companies which returned to England in
January, 1813, had been so successful in recruiting, and in
obtaining volunteers from the militia, that they were reported
fit for service, and embarked at Portsmouth on the 1st of March,
1814, to join the allied army; they landed at Passages in Spain
under the orders of Lieut.-Colonel Mansel, and advancing through
the mountains into France, continued their march to Tarbes, where
they arrived on the 30th of March, and were halted for the purpose
of carrying on operations against the castle of _L'Ourde_, which
remained in the possession of the enemy. Lieut.-Colonel Mansel
joined the army and took the command of the second provisional
battalion, Lieut.-Colonel Bingham having returned to England on
leave of absence about two months previously.
The four companies of the FIFTY-THIRD, forming part of the
second provisional battalion, had been withdrawn from the road
to Bordeaux, and proceeded to the vicinity of _Toulouse_, where
Marshal Soult had assembled the French army to arrest the progress
of the allies, who did not receive the news of the abdication
of Napoleon until the 12th of April. Marshal Soult's position
was attacked on the 10th of April, on which occasion the four
companies formed part of the force which turned the enemy's right,
and carried the heights on that flank. On ascending the heights,
the second provisional battalion encountered a French brigade,
in column, which was soon routed. The enemy was driven from his
positions; and the word "TOULOUSE" on the colours of the regiment
commemorates the gallant bearing of the officers and soldiers of
the FIFTY-THIRD on this occasion. The four companies had a few men
killed and wounded; Lieutenant Hamilton died of his wounds, much
regretted, being an officer of great promise. Captains Mackay and
Mansel, and Lieutenant Impett, were wounded, and recovered.
Names of officers who served at the battle of Toulouse.
_Lieut.-Colonel_ J. Mansel. _Major_ O. G. Fehrszen. _Captains_ J.
Giles (Major), James Mackay, and R. C. Mansel. _Lieutenants_ C. F.
Hunter, J. Hamilton, Thomas Impett, J. Fraser, and G. Fitzgerald.
_Adjutant_ J. Wilton. _Assistant-Surgeons_ J. Dunn and C. MacLean.
Marshal Soult having retired from Toulouse, the allied army
advanced a short distance beyond the town; and the six companies
of the FIFTY-THIRD, from England, arrived and joined the fourth
division.
Hostilities were soon afterwards terminated; the island of Elba was
ceded to Napoleon Bonaparte in full sovereignty, with the imperial
title for life; the Bourbon family was restored to the throne of
France; and the victorious soldiers of the allied army were thus
rewarded with a complete triumph over the enemies of their country.
The Royal authority was afterwards given for the word "PENINSULA"
to be added to the honorary inscriptions on the colours of the
FIFTY-THIRD, to commemorate their meritorious services in Portugal,
Spain, and the south of France, where they had fought and conquered
for the welfare of Europe.
After reposing a few weeks in convenient quarters, the FIFTY-THIRD
marched to the vicinity of Bordeaux, where they were encamped a
short period, and received the thanks of Lieut.-General Sir Lowry
Cole, commanding the fourth division, in orders;--Colonel Bingham
and Lieut.-Colonel Mansel being particularly mentioned. They were
also reviewed by the Marquis of Wellington, whose congratulations
and expressions of approbation were communicated to the army in
general orders, and they afterwards embarked for Ireland. They
landed at Monkstown on the 7th of July, and marched to Kinsale, but
re-embarked on the 23rd of that month, for England, and landing at
Portsmouth, proceeded from thence to Hilsea barracks, where Colonel
Bingham joined and assumed the command.
[Sidenote: 1815]
During this period NAPOLEON BONAPARTE had returned to France,
his army had been overthrown at WATERLOO, and he had surrendered
himself to Captain Maitland, commanding the Bellerophon ship of
war: the island of St. Helena was afterwards appointed for his
future residence. The second battalion of the FIFTY-THIRD regiment,
having been very successful in recruiting, was selected to
accompany Bonaparte to the island named as the place of exile for
this extraordinary man. The battalion embarked from Portsmouth on
the 1st of August, under the command of Major Fehrszen; Colonel Sir
George Bingham[13] commanding the troops employed in this service.
It arrived at St. Helena in October, and after occupying the
barracks at James Town a few days, proceeded to the interior of the
island, where new barracks were constructed, and it furnished the
requisite guards, piquets, and sentries for the cordon of General
Bonaparte.
At this period the serjeants of the battalion, who had
distinguished themselves in the Peninsula, were presented with
medals to be worn on their left breasts. The medals were issued
by Colonel Sir George Bingham, in compliance with directions from
the colonel of the regiment, Lieut.-General Sir John Abercromby,
G.C.B., and were delivered to the following serjeants:--
NAMES. BATTLES AT WHICH THEY HAD SERVED.
John Wilton Talavera and Salamanca.
James Mellor Talavera, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees,
Nivelle, and Toulouse.
Josh. Rushton Talavera, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees,
Nivelle, and Toulouse.
Jno. Robinson Talavera, Vittoria, and Pyrenees.
Geo. Bannister Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, and
Toulouse.
Wm. Hartley Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, and
Toulouse.
Wm. West Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, and
Toulouse.
Thos. Cox Salamanca.
Abm. Peel Talavera and Salamanca.
Saml. Sutcliffe Talavera, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees,
Nivelle, and Toulouse.
Jas. Whitehead Talavera, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees,
Nivelle, and Toulouse.
John Whitely Talavera, Salamanca, and Toulouse.
Wm. Brooksbank Salamanca.
Hen. Cockroft Talavera and Salamanca.
John Smith Salamanca.
Serjeant Wilton was promoted to the adjutancy of the battalion;
Serjeant Mellor to serjeant-major; and Serjeant Rushton to
quarter-master serjeant.
[Sidenote: 1816]
During this year the second battalion remained on duty at
St. Helena, where it received the thanks of the Governor,
Lieut.-General Sir Hudson Lowe: in May Lieut.-Colonel Mansel
arrived and assumed the command.
[Sidenote: 1817]
The second battalion of the FIFTY-THIRD remained on duty at St.
Helena until July of this year, when the continued peace of Europe
occasioning a considerable reduction in the army, it was ordered
to return to England to be disbanded. It transferred thirteen
serjeants, one drummer, and two hundred and eighty-eight rank and
file to the first battalion in India; and embarking from St. Helena
in the middle of July, received, previous to going on board of the
ship "Baring," the expression, in general orders, of the Governor's
approbation and admiration of its conduct while at St. Helena.
Previous to the officers of the FIFTY-THIRD quitting the island,
Napoleon Bonaparte expressed a wish for them to wait on him, and
the Governor having consented, they attended at the residence of
Napoleon. He expressed his thankfulness for the manner in which
the corps had performed the duties on which it had been employed,
and for the attention and respect he had always experienced from
every individual belonging to it; and also expressed his wishes for
the prosperity and happiness of every member of the corps.[14]
On the 14th of September the second battalion arrived at
Portsmouth, from whence it proceeded to join the depôt at
Canterbury, where it was disbanded on the 20th of October.
1817.
FOOTNOTES:
[13] See Memoir of the services of Major-General Sir George R.
Bingham, K.C.B., Appendix, page 69.
[14] LORD BATHURST, then Secretary of State for the Colonial
Department, stated in the House of Peers, that he had heard that
General BONAPARTE had spoken in terms of high approbation of the
FIFTY-THIRD regiment at St. Helena, and added, "Whatsoever the
General could say in praise of that corps was not adequate to its
merits."
CONCLUSION.
The foregoing pages contain detailed accounts of the meritorious
conduct of the first and second battalions of the _Fifty-third_
regiment in Europe, as well as in Asia, and afford abundant proofs
of the value of the services of the regiment, which, on numerous
occasions, has received the thanks of the General Officers under
whom it has served, and the approbation of the Sovereign, as
testified by the marks of distinction inscribed on the Regimental
Colour.
1849.
[Illustration: (Monument erected at Shrewsbury to the memory of
the officers and soldiers of the Regiment who were killed at the
Battles of _Aliwal_ and _Sobraon_, on the 28th January and 10th
February, 1846.)
_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t. Strand._
_For Cannon's Military Records_]
SUCCESSION OF COLONELS
OF THE
FIFTY-THIRD,
OR,
THE SHROPSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT.
WILLIAM WHITMORE,
_Appointed 21st December, 1755_.
WILLIAM WHITMORE served many years in the third foot guards; he was
promoted to the rank of colonel in January, 1751; and in November,
1752, he was appointed major in his regiment. In the winter of
1755-6 he raised, formed, and disciplined a regiment of foot, now
the FIFTY-THIRD, of which he was appointed colonel by commission
dated the 21st of December, 1755. He was promoted to the rank of
major-general in January, 1758, and removed to the ninth regiment
of foot in October following. In December, 1760, he was advanced to
the rank of lieut.-general. His decease occurred in 1771; at which
period he was member of parliament for Portsmouth.
JOHN TOOVEY,
_Appointed 5th April, 1759_.
JOHN TOOVEY was a cavalry officer of reputation in the reign of
King George II., and served some years in the thirteenth dragoons.
In December, 1754, he was nominated to the lieut.-colonelcy of the
first royal dragoons; and in April, 1759, his constant attention
to all the duties of commanding officer was rewarded with the
colonelcy of the FIFTY-THIRD regiment. In August, 1761, he was
promoted to the rank of major-general. He died in 1770.
ROBERT DALRYMPLE HORNE ELPHINSTONE,
_Appointed 5th February, 1770_.
This Officer held a commission in the first, the royal regiment of
foot, many years, and was promoted to the lieut.-colonelcy of the
first battalion of that corps on the 20th of June, 1753. On the 3rd
of August, 1762, King George III. nominated him to the colonelcy
of the 120th regiment, which was raised in the beginning of that
year, and disbanded in 1764. In February, 1770, he was appointed
Colonel of the FIFTY-THIRD regiment; and was promoted to the rank
of major-general two months afterwards. In 1777 he was advanced to
the rank of lieut.-general; and in 1793 to that of general. He died
in 1794.
GERARD LAKE,
Afterwards Viscount Lake,
_Appointed 3rd April, 1794_.
GERARD LAKE, third son of Lancelot Charles Lake, Esq., choosing
the profession of arms, was nominated to the commission of ensign
and lieutenant in the first foot guards, on the 9th of May,
1758; in 1762 he was promoted to lieutenant and captain, and in
1776 to captain and lieut.-colonel. He served in North America
during the War of Independence; was engaged in operations in the
southern states, under Major-General the Earl Cornwallis, and had
opportunities of distinguishing himself. When Earl Cornwallis's
force was besieged in York Town, by the united French and American
armies, Lieut.-Colonel Lake commanded a detachment of foot guards
and grenadiers of the eightieth regiment, which made a sortie
on the 16th of October, 1781, forced the entrenchments, spiked
eleven heavy guns, and killed and wounded about a hundred French
soldiers. On the surrender of York Town he became a prisoner of
war; but hostilities were terminated soon afterwards, and he
returned to England; having been promoted to the rank of colonel
in February, 1782. In 1784 he was nominated major, and in 1792
lieut.-colonel in the first foot guards. In 1790 he was advanced
to the rank of major-general. On the breaking out of the French
revolutionary war, he was nominated to the command of the brigade
of foot guards which proceeded to Flanders, and served under His
Royal Highness the Duke of York. He commanded this brigade at the
battle of Famars, and at the siege of Valenciennes; and highly
distinguished himself at Lincelles, on the 18th of August, 1793,
for which he was thanked in general orders. He also served before
Dunkirk, and in other operations: and in 1794 he was rewarded with
the colonelcy of the FIFTY-THIRD regiment, and the government of
Limerick: he was afterwards nominated governor of Dumbarton. In
1796 he was removed to the seventy-third regiment: in 1797 he was
promoted to the rank of lieut.-general, and placed on the staff
of Ireland, where he evinced talent and energy in suppressing the
rebellion which broke out in 1798, and gained several important
victories over the insurgents. When the French landed in Ireland,
he was obliged to retire a short distance; but additional troops
advancing to his aid, he intercepted the French soldiers and forced
them to surrender prisoners of war. In 1800 he was appointed
Commander-in-Chief in India, and colonel of the eightieth regiment;
and in 1802 he was promoted to the rank of general. He arrived
in India at the period when the Governor-General, the Marquis
Wellesley, was displaying the energies of his mind in counteracting
the intrigues of France among the native powers of Hindoostan; and
the ambitious designs of the Mahratta chiefs soon called General
LAKE into the field, when his talents were conspicuously displayed.
His spirited and judicious operations at Coel, on the 29th of
August, 1803; the assault of Aly Ghur, on the 9th of September;
and the overthrow of the Mahratta army near Delhi, on the 11th of
September, on which occasion his charger was killed under him,
produced decisive results. The country between the Ganges and Jumna
rivers, called the Doab (a general name in India for the space
between two rivers), became subject to British authority; and six
days afterwards General Lake visited the Emperor, Shah Alum, whom
he had rescued from oppression, and who conferred upon him titles
which signified,--The Saver of the State,--Hero of the Land,--Lord
of the Age,--and the Victorious in War.
Afterwards proceeding to Agra, General Lake speedily captured that
place, and on the 1st of November he gained an important victory
at Leswaree, when the French-officered battalions of Dowlat Rao
Scindia were annihilated, the Mahratta army overpowered, and its
colours, artillery, and baggage captured. His services on this
occasion were of a distinguished character; he led the charge of
the cavalry in the morning;--conducted in person the attacks of
the infantry, and in the midst of the storm of battle he displayed
valour, professional ability, promptitude, and decision; his
magnanimous example inspired confidence and emulation in the
troops, and they triumphed over very superior numbers. Two horses
were killed under him on this occasion.
His important services were rewarded, in 1804, with the title of
LORD LAKE OF DELHI AND LESWAREE.
Pursuing the war with vigour, LORD LAKE routed the power of Holkar
at Furruckabad; but the war was protracted by the defection of
the Rajah of Bhurtpore; and when his Lordship besieged the city
of Bhurtpore, he failed in capturing the place from the want of a
battering-train. The Rajah of Bhurtpore was, however, brought to
terms; and Lord Lake pursued the hostile Rajah of Berar from place
to place, until this chief was brought to submission. The British
military power in the East was strengthened by these successes, and
the extent and stability of the dominions in India increased.
His Lordship returned to England, and in 1807 he was advanced to
the dignity of VISCOUNT LAKE.
He caught cold while sitting on the general court-martial which
tried Major-General Whitelocke; and died on the 30th of February,
1808.
WELBORE ELLIS DOYLE,
_Appointed 2nd November, 1796_.
This Officer served in the army during the American war, and on the
21st of March, 1782, he was appointed lieut.-colonel of the 105th
regiment of foot, then newly raised by Francis Lord Rawdon. This
corps was disbanded at the termination of the American war; and in
1789 he was nominated to the lieut.-colonelcy of the fourteenth
foot, at the head of which regiment he distinguished himself in
Flanders under His Royal Highness the Duke of York. He was promoted
to the rank of colonel in 1793, and to that of major-general in
1795; in 1796 he was nominated colonel of the FIFTY-THIRD regiment.
He died in 1798.
CHARLES CROSBIE,
_Appointed 3rd January, 1798_.
CHARLES CROSBIE was appointed captain in the eighty-sixth
regiment on the 24th of August, 1759, and he served with this
corps on the coast of Africa, being stationed some time at
Senegal. He was promoted to the rank of major, and afterwards to
that of lieut.-colonel in the eighty-sixth, which regiment was
disbanded after the termination of the seven years' war. In 1778
he was nominated lieut.-colonel of the sixty-seventh regiment;
was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1780, and to that of
major-general in 1787. In 1794 he was nominated colonel of the
Royal Dublin regiment of foot, which was embodied at that period,
and disbanded soon afterwards. He was appointed colonel of the
FIFTY-THIRD regiment in January, 1797, and promoted to the rank of
lieut.-general in December following: in 1802 he was promoted to
the rank of general. He died on the 18th of March, 1807.
THE HONORABLE JOHN ABERCROMBY,
_Appointed 21st March, 1807_.
JOHN ABERCROMBY was the second son of the celebrated General SIR
RALPH ABERCROMBY, K.B., who commanded the expedition to Egypt, and
was mortally wounded at the battle of Alexandria, on the 21st of
March, 1801, thus terminating an honorable life with a glorious
death in the hour of victory. As a reward for his gallant conduct
his widow was created BARONESS ABERCROMBY of Aboukir, and of
Tullibody in the county of Clackmannan, by patent dated the 28th of
May, 1801.