4 sergeants,
4 corporals,
100 privates,
1 drummer,
10 boys.
——
Total 119
and the companies for Malta and Gozo, numbered each—
2 sergeants,
4 corporals,
60 privates,
1 drummer,
——
Total 77
An adjutant from the royal engineers was appointed to the 1st company,
and one, a foreigner—Matteo Bonavio[143]—to the other two companies at
Malta and Gozo, to which was also added one sergeant-major and
quartermaster-sergeant Guiseppe Sinerco, stationed at Malta. The total
number of these companies with the staff amounted to 276. The pay of the
war company was assimilated to that of the royal military artificers,
while that of the other companies was fixed as under:—
s. d.
Sergeant-major or quartermaster-sergeant. 3 0 a-day.
Sergeant 1 6 ”
Corporal 1 3 ”
Private, or drummer 1 1 ”
Boy 0 6 ”
-----
Footnote 143:
Styled, by local usage, “Assistant Engineer.”
-----
The adjutants received 3_s._ per day each extra,[144] and the working
pay of the non-commissioned officers and men was divided into two
classes of 6_d._ and 9_d._, which they received in addition to their
regimental pay. The non-commissioned officers, who were foremen,
received as working pay 1_s._ a-day each.
-----
Footnote 144:
Of the regimental allowances of the foreign adjutant nothing is known,
nor can any record be discovered of the uniform worn by him.
-----
These companies were formed into a corps with the title of Maltese
military artificers, and, like the old artificer company at Gibraltar,
remained a distinct and separate body. They were officered by the royal
engineers. Their clothing consisted of a close blue cloth jacket with
black collar and cuffs, and Ordnance buttons; open blue cloth pantaloons
and a military hat and feather. The sergeants were distinguished by
sashes, the corporals by chevrons, and the sergeant-major by a uniform
like the sergeant-major of the English companies.[145]
-----
Footnote 145:
In 1808 the companies were clothed in a uniform made of cotton,
manufactured in the island, similar to the local corps. The facings
were of black cloth. The sergeants and corporals were distinguished as
before, and the sergeant-major still wore the _home_ uniform. The
substitution of cotton for cloth was ordered on account of its being
cheaper and better adapted to the climate, besides forwarding the
views of Government, in aiding the sale of the staple commodity of the
island, deprived by the war of its usual vents.
-----
This year Mr. Windham, the Secretary-at-War, warmly espoused the cause
of the army, and ultimately obtained for it the redress he so earnestly
sought. This was promulgated in the well-known Warrant called “
Windham’s Act,” which increased the pay of the soldier while serving,
and provided a liberal pension for him on retirement, corresponding to
his infirmities and services. On the 1st September, the Act alluded to
was extended to the royal military artificers, and the advantages
conferred upon the corps were as under:—
Total amount
of
pay a-day.
Increase.
d. s. d.
Sergeant-major on the staff. 5¼ 3 11½
Sergeant 3¼ 2 6½
Corporals:—
After 14 years 3¾ 2 4½
Between 7 and 14 years 2¾ 2 3½
Under 7 years 1¾ 2 2½
Privates and Buglers:—
After 14 years 2 1 4½
Between 7 and 14 years 1 1 3½
Under 7 years no increase 1 2½
In the prospect of a long war, to provide reinforcements for the
execution of the extensive works in progress at Dover and Nova Scotia,
and to be capable, to a certain extent, of meeting the contingencies
that might arise, a royal warrant was issued dated 5th September,
sanctioning a reorganization of the corps for general service, an
augmentation of two companies, and a small increase to each of the other
ten companies.
Under this arrangement the corps was distributed as follows, and the
companies for the first time, appear to be distinguished by numbers;
which, however, from the long habit of designating them by stations,
soon became obsolete:—
1st. Woolwich Captain G. Hayter.
2nd. Chatham Major R. D’Arcy.
3rd. Dover Captain W. H. Ford.
4th. Portsmouth. Captain R. Fletcher.
5th. Gosport. Captain T. Fyers.
6th. Plymouth. Lieut.-Colonel T. Skinner.
7th. Spike Island Lieut.-Colonel Sir C. Holloway.
8th. { Jersey Captain J. Humfrey
{ Guernsey. Major J. Mackelcan.
9th. Gibraltar Captain H. Evatt.
10th. Gibraltar Captain G. Landmann.
11th. West Indies. Lieut.-Colonel W. Johnston.
[146]12th. Nova Scotia Captain W. Bennett.
-----
Footnote 146:
Sir John Jones states, evidently by mistake, that the corps was
composed of _thirty-two_ companies.—Journals of Sieges, ii., note 38,
p. 389, 2nd edit.
-----
By the authority of the warrant alluded to, the establishment of each
company was remodelled, the ranks of Sub-Lieutenant and second corporal
were created, and the total of all ranks per company increased from 100
to 126. Under the previous system of detaching men, the companies were
mutilated, disordered and reduced; but under this enlarged organization,
it was considered they would be more accessible, and better able to
afford such accidental assistance as might be needed, without
diminishing the companies to an inconvenient strength, or without
particular detriment to the station. The subjoined detail shows the
approved composition of a company at this period.
1 Sub-Lieutenant,[147] a new rank, with pay of 5_s._
a-day.[148]
1 Sergeant-major.
5 Sergeants.
5 Corporals.
10 Second Corporals,[149] a new rank, pay fixed at 1_s._
9_d._ a-day.
30 Carpenters, including 4 top sawyers.
20 Masons, } including slaters, tiles, and plasterers.
18 Bricklayers, }
10 Smiths,
10 Miners,
4 Wheelers,
4 Collar Makers,
2 Coopers,
2 Painters,
4 Drummers.
——
Total 126
-----
Footnote 147:
Styled _Second_ Lieutenants in the warrant by mistake. The
Sub-Lieutenants were junior to the Second Lieutenants of engineers,
but held rank with Second Lieutenants of the line, according to dates
of commission. This right was often questioned, but never, as long as
the Sub-Lieutenants were attached to the corps, officially settled. In
1835 the position of a Sub-Lieutenant (H. B. Mackenzie), who had
joined the line as paymaster being disputed, it was then settled that
_Sub-Lieutenants_ were _junior_ to _Ensigns_.
Footnote 148:
Subsequently increased to 5_s._ 7_d._ a-day, and after seven years'
service to 6_s._ 7_d._ a-day.
Footnote 149:
Holding comparative station with corporals of the line, according to
date of promotion.
-----
The total establishment of the corps, including the adjutant and
sergeant-major on the staff, amounted to 1,514, exhibiting an increase
above the former establishment of 439 men; and its expense for one year,
exclusive of the working pay and other miscellaneous allowances, reached
the sum of 45,500_l._ 17_s._ 7¼_d._ With the three companies of Maltese
artificers, the corps mustered a force of 1,790 officers,
non-commissioned officers, and men.
As a means of encouraging the men to exertion and good behaviour, their
working pay was permitted to be increased, under the authority of the
warrant before mentioned, from 6_d._ to 9_d._ or 1_s._ a-day. The
non-commissioned officers invariably received the highest rate. None,
however, could be advanced from the lowest to the superior rates without
first being recommended to the commanding royal engineer at the station,
by the junior officers, foremen, or overseers; and this system of
rewards, except for special services, has been observed in the corps
ever since.
The sergeant-majors who received the first commissions had been in the
artillery, and were distinguished for their good services and bravery.
To their zeal and expertness as soldiers, they added an intimate
knowledge of drill and discipline—requisites of essential importance in
the organization of a new force, but which, from the vague and
indefinite character of the corps, became, almost necessarily, too
temporizing and elastic to be sufficiently beneficial or respected.
Efforts had on one or two particular occasions been made to avoid the
faults and supply the omissions of earlier years; but the improvement
before alluded to, had not reached the expectations of those who felt an
interest in the corps. One obvious reason was, the nominal appointment
of officers to companies, who were so incessantly shifted, that it was
not uncommon to find a company passing under the command of three or
four different officers in the course of twelve months;[150] and another
was, the reluctance with which some commanding officers permitted the
temporary withdrawal of the men from the works for the purposes of drill
and discipline.[151] The free use of the means to train the men to
subordination and the use of arms, to restrain them from irregularities,
and fully to develop the organization and purposes for which the corps
was raised, being thus interrupted, naturally tended to vitiate and
lower its military pride, spirit, and appearance.
-----
Footnote 150:
This may be regarded as a favourable view of the case. Sir John Jones
states, “Each company was commanded for the moment by the senior
Captain of engineers, who might happen to be placed on duty wherever
the company might be; so that it was not unfrequent for a company to
be commanded by five or six captains in as many months.”—Journal of
Sieges, ii. note 38, p. 389, 2nd edit.
Footnote 151:
Pasley’s ‘Elementary Fortification,’ note a, p. iii.
-----
Bald and grey-headed non-commissioned officers with ages varying from
forty-five to sixty-five, good artificers and foremen, but lacking the
energy and demeanour of soldiers, were no rarities in the royal military
artificers. Disinclined to learn, they but very imperfectly understood
their military station, and seldom exercised their authority, except in
the emollient guise of persuasion and advice. On all sides there was a
yielding, that in some measure obliterated the lines of distinction
between the different grades. Their interests seemed to be reciprocal
and interwoven, and the best workman was generally esteemed the best
man. Almost every military idea was sacrificed for “the works,” in which
it would be hazardous to say, that they did not labour with ability and
industry.
To check the growth of these unmilitary principles and practices, to
enforce respect for position and authority, and to assist in maintaining
in the corps the exercise of proper discipline and drill, the
Sub-Lieutenants were established. Their duties were like those of
adjutants, whom they superseded, and were, therefore, held responsible
to their Captains for the conduct, efficiency, internal management, and
payment of their respective companies. This, however, was but a
transient expedient. An instalment only of the good that was expected
was realised;[152] and it was left for a later period to enlarge and
perfect what in this year, though spiritedly commenced, fell
considerably short of success.
-----
Footnote 152:
Ibid., note F, p. xvii.
-----
1807.
Appointments of Adjutant and Quartermaster—Captain John
T. Jones—Disasters at Buenos Ayres—Egypt—Reinforcement
to Messina—Detachment of Maltese military artificers to
Sicily—Newfoundland—Copenhagen—Captures in the Caribbean
Sea—Madeira—Danish Islands in the West Indies—Hythe.
It having been determined to consolidate the appointments of Adjutant
and Quartermaster to the royal military artificers, Major John
Rowley[153] and Colonel George W. Phipps[154] resigned their offices.
-----
Footnote 153:
In the earlier years of his appointment he was much at Woolwich, and
personally superintended the affairs of the corps; but for some years
prior to the new organization, his duties in London seldom permitted
him to visit the head-quarters.
Footnote 154:
Colonel Phipps was never present with the corps. As Quartermaster, he
performed his duties in London. In consideration of his relinquishing
the Quartermastership, and also for his good services, he was granted
by His Majesty an allowance of 10s. a-day.—‘Accounts of Ordnance,
House of Commons,’ 1816, p. 31.
-----
To succeed to the vacancies thus created, Captain John Thomas Jones, an
officer of undoubted ability and military experience, was brought from
Sicily, and on the 1st January commissioned to hold both
appointments.[155] Upon him, therefore, devolved the difficult task of
arranging and directing the details of the new organization both at home
and abroad, and of carrying into effect a general system of drill and
discipline.[156] In this duty he continued until July, 1808, when,
ordered on a particular service to the Asturias, he resigned the staff
rank. From the time of the appointment of Captain J. T. Jones, the
Adjutant was permanently stationed at the head-quarters at Woolwich, and
his office also was established there.
-----
Footnote 155:
‘London Gazette,’ 20th to 24th January, 1807.
Footnote 156:
‘United Service Journal,’ ii., 1843, p. 110. ‘Jones’s Sieges,’ ii.,
note 38, p. 389, 2nd edit.
-----
Early in the year an expedition was sent against Chili under
Major-General Crawford, accompanied by a sergeant and ten artificers
under Captain J. Squire, R.E. Instead of proceeding to Chili, counter
orders were received, and Captain Squire and his eleven men sailed with
the force to Buenos Ayres. Arriving at Monte Video on the 14th June,
they were accordingly landed and took part in the disastrous attack on
Buenos Ayres, in which all the artificers were taken prisoners, and so
remained until January, 1808, when they quitted with the force under
General Whitelocke.
On the 6th March, Major-General Frazer, at the head of a small armament,
sailed from Messina to dispossess the Turks of Egypt. To this force were
attached, under Captain J. F. Burgoyne, royal engineers, four of the
military artificers furnished from the detachment in Sicily, who
embarked on the 19th February. Having in due time landed at Alexandria,
they served at the capture of that city, also in the attack of Rosetta,
and in the retreat to Alexandria. In September following these four
artificers rejoined the party at Messina.
In the meantime the detachment at Messina was reinforced by a sergeant,
one corporal, and eighteen privates of the Gibraltar companies, under
Lieutenant George J. Harding, R.E., who embarked at the Rock on the 14th
April. With the exception of the non-commissioned officers, this party
was composed of irreclaimable drunkards, worthless alike as artificers
or soldiers.
From the inefficiency of these men, the Maltese war company was ordered
to furnish its contingent for service in Sicily, and accordingly a
detachment of one sergeant—Evan Roberts—one corporal, and twenty-nine
artificers, embarked at Malta on board the ‘Charlotte’ transport on the
23rd, and landed at Messina on the 30th July. In the autumn following,
the whole of the party with two men of the royal military artificers as
foremen, were detached to Augusta and Syracuse, to be employed on the
works under sergeant Roberts.
Newfoundland now became a station for the corps. A detachment of
eighteen non-commissioned officers and men, all masons and miners,
embarked at Plymouth in May, on board His Majesty’s ship ‘Isis,’ under
Captain George Ross of the royal engineers, and arrived there in July.
Before the end of August, the detachment was further strengthened by six
artificers from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Until proper accommodation could
be provided, they lived in huts like the Esquimaux or emigrant
fishermen, or under canvas in a dreary uncleared valley between Signal
Hill and the sea. In some measure to relieve the monotony and mitigate
the rigours of an inhospitable country and climate, permission was
granted to the men to spread their nets in the waters near St. John, and
to catch as much fish as was needful for the sustenance of themselves
and families. Provisionally, also, the married portion of the detachment
were allowed small allotments of land, which they cleared and cultivated
at intervals, when they were not employed on the works. From these
sources of occupation they were kept in constant industry and amusement,
and their health effectually preserved and invigorated.
Two sergeants, two corporals, six second corporals, and forty-one
artificers, with Captain Fletcher, R.E., embarked at Woolwich for
Copenhagen on the 29th July, and landed there the 16th August. In the
bombardment of that capital they served under the immediate direction of
Lieutenant-Colonel R. D’Arcy, R.E.; and, in returning to England, served
as Marines under Lieutenant Bassett of the royal navy. The party
rejoined their companies on the 7th November.
One second corporal and three privates of the West India company were
embarked in August, on board His Majesty’s ship ‘Blonde,’ V. V. Ballard,
Captain, to act as artificers and seamen during a short cruise in the
Caribbean sea; and while forming part of the crew of this ship, they
served at the guns in the capture of the undernamed French privateers:—
Guns. Men.
15th August ‘La Dame Villaret’ 5 69
16th ” ‘L’Hortense’ 8 90
14th September ‘L’Hirondelle’ 8 84
23rd ” ‘Duquesne’ 17 123
14th October ‘Alerte’ 20 149
An expedition was sent to Madeira in October under General Beresford, to
which was added a detachment from the Spike Island company of one
corporal, one second corporal, and ten privates, under Captain A.
Morshead, royal engineers. They landed in December, and were stationed
at Funchal until May, 1812, when they were withdrawn and despatched to
their companies in Portugal.
In December, General Bowyer ordered a party of the West India company to
be attached to his expedition about to sail against the Danish islands
of St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Three sergeants, four corporals,
and forty-two privates were accordingly selected, and embarked for that
service on the 16th December; but the islands having surrendered without
resistance, the detachment rejoined at Barbadoes on the 13th January,
1808. A sergeant was left at St. Croix to superintend repairs to
barracks, &c. Six mechanics belonging to the Danish service, taken
prisoners at St. Thomas and St. Croix, enlisted into the company.
Throughout the year a small party of the Dover company was employed on
the works at Hythe, under sergeant Adam Cowan, and continued so occupied
for several years.
1808.
War in the Peninsula—Expedition thither—Detachments to the seat of war,
with Captains Landmann, Elphinstone, Squire, Burgoyne, and
Smyth—Captain John T. Jones—Reinforcement to Newfoundland—Discipline
at Halifax—Services at Messina—Parties temporarily detached to
different places—The queue.
Napoleon had now fairly reared his eagles in Spain and Portugal, and
compelled the reigning monarchs of those countries to renounce their
thrones. To his brother Joseph he gave the sovereignty of the former
kingdom, retaining for himself the sceptre of the latter. England, more
indignant than alarmed at these spoliations, but eager to dispossess the
invader of his acquisitions, at once willingly responded to the desire
of Portugal to restore the dynasty of Braganza to the throne, and also
tendered her assistance, uninvited, to Spain, to carry on the war.
No sooner had the ministry determined upon sending succours to the
Peninsula to effect the overthrow of Napoleon, than different
expeditions were fitted out and sent to the seat of war. Small parties
of the military artificers, selected from the various companies of the
corps, were at the same time forwarded with these forces.
On the 13th May, two miners, under Captain G. Landmann, royal engineers,
were sent from Gibraltar to Cadiz with the division under General Brent
Spencer, and were afterwards removed to the scene of active operations
in Portugal.
On the 18th June, one sergeant, one second corporal, and eleven
privates, armed with small swords only, embarked at Woolwich under
Captain Elphinstone, R.E., and joined the force under Sir Arthur
Wellesley. Both these parties were present at the battle of Roliça on
the 17th August, and Vimiera on the 21st of that month.
A detachment of one sergeant, one second corporal, and twelve privates,
under Captains J. Squire and J. F. Burgoyne, royal engineers, was
forwarded on the 29th April with Sir John Moore’s army to Gottenburg to
assist the Swedes against the Russians. The arms and appointments of the
corps were taken from them, and they were supplied for defence with a
short hanger sword. Several of the party had already been on service at
Buenos Ayres under Captain Squire, and were again solicited by that
officer for this expedition. The rest were men specially selected for
the duty, both on account of their abilities and conduct as artificers
and soldiers. After the force was recalled from its inactivity in
Sweden, the detachment of artificers accompanied it to Portugal.
About this period three artificers proceeded to the Peninsula with Sir
David Baird’s division, and one man was attached to the force under Sir
Harry Burrard.
In September, one corporal, one second corporal, and fourteen privates
embarked for Spain on board the ‘Sisters’ transport under the command of
Captain J. Carmichael Smyth, R.E., and joined the army under Sir John
Moore in November.
The total artificer force in the Peninsula, comprising six different
parties, was forty-nine of all ranks. This number does not include
Captain J. T. Jones, the adjutant, who quitted Woolwich in July for
special service in the northern provinces of Spain under the orders of
Major-General Leith.[157]
-----
Footnote 157:
In the absence, on foreign duty, of Captain J. T. Jones, from July,
1808, to January, 1809, Sub-Lieutenant John Eaves performed the duties
of adjutant to the corps with credit and efficiency.
-----
To reinforce the party in Newfoundland, a detachment of one sergeant,
one corporal, one second corporal, and forty-six privates embarked at
Portsmouth in June, and landed at St. John’s from the ‘Vestal’ frigate
on the 18th July. Early in the following year the detachment was
increased to the establishment of a company.
Lieutenant Oldfield of the royal engineers—a painstaking officer—was
removed to Halifax about this time and appointed adjutant to the company
stationed there. Having previously held a similar commission at
Portsmouth—the model station for discipline—he commenced his duties with
a favourable prestige. The materials he had to work upon were old in
years, misshapen from habit and labour, and somewhat addicted to the
prevailing vice of intemperance; but even these worn-out men he moulded
by his once a-week drill into an appearance which enabled them to march
past creditably with the Line on the Sunday garrison parades. Most of
the company had been many years in the Province, and though not very
tight and tidy soldiers, were nevertheless valuable as workmen and
specially useful as foremen when military working parties were employed.
Both parties employed in restoring the fortresses at Syracuse and
Augusta were recalled to Messina, and assisted to repair and improve the
defences of that place.
At the Cape of Good Hope parties were detached at intervals during the
year to Stellenbosch, Simon’s Town, and Hout’s Bay; and at Halifax to
St. Andrews and Fort Clarence. At the latter fort, the non-commissioned
officer detached was employed surveying. From Newfoundland a detachment
was sent to Cape Breton; and from Gibraltar, also, second corporal
Thomas Paul and four privates were detached to Perexil, a small islet
opposite the Rock between Ceuta and Apes' Hill, where they dismantled
all its batteries, magazines, and storehouses. Parties were also
employed at Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight.
The time-honoured queue, which had long formed a conspicuous appendage
to the soldier’s head-dress, was abolished in the corps in August; and
the closely-cropped hair of the present day, and small whisker extending
to the lobe of the ear, were then adopted.
1809.
Retreat to Coruña—Miserable state of the detachment on reaching
England—Hardships of the stragglers—Capture of Martinique—Skill of
George Mitchell at the siege—Fever in the West Indies—Reduction of
the Saintes—Detachment to Portugal—Battles of Oporto and
Talavera—Casualties in the retreat, and distribution of the
party—Naples—Zante and the Ionian Islands—Term of service of the
Maltese military artificers—Siege of Flushing—Services of the
military artificers there—Gallantry, in the batteries, of John
Millar, Thomas Wild, and Thomas Letts—Conduct of corps at the
siege—Casualties by the Walcheren fever—Skilful conduct of Corporal
T. Stevens in the demolitions at Flushing—Captain John T.
Jones—Servants—Incidental detachments.
Excepting the two miners with General Spencer, the whole of the royal
military artificers in Spain joined Sir John Moore’s army. When the
force was put in motion, the senior sergeant of the detachment was left
at Lisbon for special duty. The remainder accompanied the army in the
retreat, and with the exception of two men taken prisoners and seven
stragglers, were present at the battle of Coruña.
Immediately after, the detachment embarked for England. The season being
stormy there was no regularity in the arrivals. Some, therefore, landed
at Portsmouth and others at Plymouth between January and March. They
were destitute of every article essential to their comfort or equipment.
Several were shoeless and clad in tatters and undistinguishable
uniforms; while the majority, haggard and attenuated, suffering from
shipwreck, privation, and sickness, afforded indubitable evidence of the
severe and arduous campaign, through which the necessities of war had
recently carried them.
Left to their own resources, the seven stragglers retraced their steps,
between 300 and 400 miles, to Lisbon. In undertaking the journey, during
a very inclement season, they encountered many dangers, endured frequent
trials and hardships, and barely supported life upon the scanty
offerings which chance and a ransacked country afforded them.
On the 28th January, three sergeants and seventy-one rank and file of
the West India company, under the command of Brigadier-General Shipley,
embarked at Barbadoes with Lieutenant-General Beckwith’s expedition and
landed at Martinique on the 30th. The company was further increased by a
sergeant, three corporals, and seventeen artificers under Lieutenant
Robert Thomson, royal engineers, who embarked at Halifax, Nova-Scotia,
with Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost’s division. Both parties,
when not engaged as overseers, were employed in the general labour of
the trenches and the park, and performed the duties allotted to them,
particularly in the destruction of Forts Bourbon and Desaix, with
activity and zeal. Several non-commissioned officers and men were
distinguished by special commendation; and the skill of corporal George
Mitchell gained for him the reputation of being the best miner in the
service. Private George Thomas was killed 22nd February in the advanced
battery before Fort Bourbon. After the surrender of Martinique it became
the head-quarters of the company. The Nova Scotia party returned with
Sir George Prevost and landed at Halifax the 17th April. During the
operations the rains were heavy and incessant, and the men being much
exposed, fevers and dysentery were rife among them. By the end of the
year, twenty-one of the company had died and five were invalided.
In April, two sergeants and seventeen rank and file were present at the
reduction of the Saintes under the command of Lieutenant Hobbs, R.E.,
and were employed during the service in the construction of the required
batteries, magazines, &c. The party returned to Martinique the latter
end of the month.
A detachment of one sergeant and eighteen rank and file embarked at
Portsmouth, on the 14th March, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Fletcher, for Portugal, and arrived at Lisbon on the 5th April. It was
composed of men chosen from the Portsmouth and Gosport companies, among
whom were several who had served in the previous campaign. Writing from
Portsmouth, the Colonel says, “I find that all the men now here, who
were with me before, are very anxious to go out again, but one cannot
ask for everybody.” On arriving at Lisbon the party was joined by a
sergeant and the seven stragglers of the Coruna party. It was thus
increased to twenty-eight total, and shortly after another private from
England was added to the number.
On the 12th May was fought the battle of Oporto: twenty-five men of the
artificers were present. They afterwards repaired the wooden bridge
which led into the town. Moving with the army they mustered at Coimbra
on the 1st June, and at Castello Branco on the 1st July. At the battle
of Talavera, on the 27th of that month, fifteen of the detachment were
present. Private Aaron Delacourt was taken prisoner while endeavouring
to convey to the rear Captain Boothby of the royal engineers, who was
wounded, and had his leg amputated. Of the artificers not present at the
battle, two were at Lisbon, three on route to join the army, four at
Abrantes, sick; and one on the Alberche. With the exception of two at
Lisbon all joined at Talavera before the end of July.
A severe retreat succeeded the battle, in which the party suffered very
much. At Merida they were mustered on the 1st September. Lisbon was
their head-quarters in November, at which time they were greatly
scattered. A sergeant only was at Lisbon and the rest were distributed
as follows:—one Abrantes, one Badajos, one Oeyras, four Sobral, and six
Torres Vedras. Of the other artificers in Portugal, four were in the
general hospital sick, and one a prisoner of war. The casualties since
the opening of the campaign were six deaths, two missing, and two
invalided to England.
The company of Maltese military artificers at Messina was increased in
April by seventeen rank and file from Malta. On the 1st June following,
sergeant Roberts and thirty-eight men of the company, were attached to
the expedition for the invasion of Naples. Twelve of the royal military
artificers also went with the expedition, and served under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel A. Bryce, royal engineers, in the reduction of the
islands of Ischia and Procida.
Returning to Messina in August, six of the royal and eight of the
Maltese artificers were added to the force under Brigadier-General
Oswald, and were present, on the 2nd October, at the surrender of Zante
and other Ionian islands. These parties continued at Zante until after
the taking of Santa Maura in the next year.
The Maltese artificers being enlisted for a term of three years only,
their engagements expired in the summer. Upwards of sixty men
consequently claimed their discharge, and in July the third Maltese
company was re-formed.
In the mean time a force of one sub-lieutenant—George Robinson—two
sergeant-majors—Joseph Forbes and John Smith—ten sergeants, and about
280 rank and file[158] had been selected for an expedition to Holland
under the Earl of Chatham, to destroy the fleet and arsenals on the
Scheldt. The youngest and most active men were chosen for the service,
and were provided with swords and belts. The greater portion were also
armed with muskets, under an impression that they would have to fight
their way on shore. The detachment was divided into two operations to
proceed against Flushing and Antwerp; the former under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel R. D’Arcy, R.E., the latter under Colonel Fyers, R.E.
Both brigades embarked the 19th July, and having landed near Goes and
Walcheren, a small force was employed in the operations in South
Beveland under Captain Squire, R.E., and the remainder, with
Sub-Lieutenant Robinson, were engaged in the bombardment of Flushing.
The meditated attack on Antwerp was abandoned. Private Anthony Webster
was killed at the seamen’s battery on the 13th August, and two men were
wounded.
-----
Footnote 158:
In Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ vol. ii., p. 269, 2nd edit., the number,
including the sub-lieutenant, is shown as 261 only; at p. 415, the
total of all ranks is stated to be 276; but both strengths differ from
the actual force engaged.
-----
During the bombardment, fifty of the detachment were permanently
employed in making fascines and gabions, and about eighty carpenters
prepared and put up the splinter-proof magazines and laid the platforms.
The remainder were distributed to the batteries as sappers and miners or
overseers. One of the batteries which was required in a hurry was worked
solely by the royal military artificers, and completed in twenty-eight
hours.[159] Generally they attended to the more difficult and dangerous
portion of the batteries, and besides repairing the parapets and
platforms, improved the embrasures when injured by the enemy’s
cannonade.
-----
Footnote 159:
Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ vol. ii., p. 279, 2nd edit.
-----
In this service privates John Millar,[160] Thomas Wild, and Thomas Letts
acted very praiseworthily in situations of great danger, and showed
examples of courage, zeal, and attention to duty much beyond the rest of
the detachment. On occasions when particular parts of the batteries were
broken, these men fearlessly forced themselves into the embrasures to
renew the work. The firing upon them was usually heavy. To effect their
purpose with less interruption, they spread across the mouths of the
embrasures, wet bulls' hides with the hairy surfaces to the fortress;
and bearing as they did a resemblance to the newly disturbed earth, the
enemy was deceived and withdrew their firing upon the work. The injured
parts of the embrasures were thus restored with incredible dexterity.
The two former were promoted to be second-corporals for their gallantry,
and a similar rise was offered to Letts but he preferred to remain a
private.
-----
Footnote 160:
Was left property to the amount of 4000l. and purchased his discharge
in 1810.
-----
The conduct of the detachment at Walcheren is thus noticed by the Earl
of Chatham:—“The active and persevering exertions of the corps of royal
engineers have been conducted with much skill and judgment by Colonel
Fyers, aided by Lieutenant-Colonel D’Arcy.”[161] Elsewhere their
exertions in the construction of the batteries are stated to have been
indefatigable.[162]
-----
Footnote 161:
‘London Gazette.’
Footnote 162:
Hargrave’s ‘Account of Walcheren and South Beveland,’ p. 16, edit.
1812.
-----
After the occupation of Flushing, the fever common to the country set in
with peculiar virulence; and the royal military artificers suffered very
severely. Employed as they frequently were in conducting excavations in
marshy and unhealthy situations, nearly the whole of the detachment were
seized with the malady and thirty-seven died. Sergeant-major Forbes was
of the number.
By repeated removals of the sick, the detachment was reduced to about
eighty of all ranks, who were employed, previously to the evacuation of
the island, in the demolition of the basin of Flushing and the naval
defences of the place under Lieutenant-Colonel Pilkington, royal
engineers. Second-corporal Thomas Stephens was intrusted with the
practical conduct of the destruction of one of the piers of the
flood-gates. The task imposed on him was so ably executed, that when the
explosion took place, the bottom of the pier was forced out and the
superincumbent masonry fell without projecting a stone to any distance.
Though only a second corporal he was appointed lance-sergeant on the
spot for his skilful conduct.
Captain John T. Jones, the adjutant, was removed from the royal military
artificers, on the 1st July by promotion, and was succeeded in the
appointment by Captain Gilbert Buchanan, R E. In reorganizing the corps,
Captain Jones had effected considerable improvements and raised in a
high degree its morale and military efficiency.
The practice of employing men of the corps as servants to officers of
royal engineers was discontinued in August. On active service the custom
was found to be a great disadvantage. Stringent measures were therefore
adopted to prevent its recurrence; and to this day, the officers are
required to affirm quarterly, that they do not employ any men of the
corps in their private service.
Detachments are traced during the year at the following new stations:—to
Alderney, seven rank and file were removed from Guernsey by order of
Lieutenant-General Sir John Doyle. Two armourers were employed in the
royal manufactory for small arms at Lewisham, and continued on this
service for many years. The Eastbourne party was scattered along the
Sussex coast, working chiefly at Hastings and Bulverhithe. The
Newfoundland company gave a strong party for the King’s works at the
south side of the harbour, which remained there for many months. A
non-commissioned officer of the Halifax company was employed on a tour
of inspection to Cape Breton and Prince Edward’s Island; and the
detachment at the Cape of Good Hope was distributed to Simon’s Town,
Hout’s Bay, King’s Blockhouse, and Muyzenberg.
1810.
Capture of Guadaloupe—Of St. Martin’s and St. Eustatius—Torres
Vedras—Anecdote of Corporal William Wilson at the Lines—Almeida and
Busaco—Detachments to Cadiz—Puntales and La Isla—Destruction of Forts
Barbara and St. Felipe, near Gibraltar—Santa Maura—Occasional
detachments.
On the 22nd January, Colonel William Johnston and Lieutenant Hobbs,
royal engineers, with three sergeants and forty-five rank and file of
the West India company, embarked at Martinique under Lieutenant-General
Beckwith. The detachment was appointed to the fifth or reserve brigade
under the command of Brigadier-General Wale; and having landed at St.
Mary’s Capisterre, served at the taking of Guadaloupe.
A small party under Captain Hobbs, R.E., afterwards accompanied the
force under Brigadier-General Harcourt, and was present at the capture
of the islands of St. Martin’s and St. Eustatius.
The celebrated Lines of Torres Vedras, commenced in October, 1809, were
fully completed late in 1810. The number of the royal military
artificers employed in their construction never exceeded eighteen of all
ranks, who were distributed in ones and twos throughout the whole extent
of country to be intrenched.[163] Under the superintendence and control
of their officers, they directed the labours of many hundreds of the
peasantry. Some of the party were responsible for the efficient services
of no less than 500 to 700 workmen. In this duty second-corporal William
Wilson and private James Douglas rendered themselves conspicuous by
their skill and activity. Both were promoted in consequence.
-----
Footnote 163:
Jones’s Lines of Lisbon, 1829, p. 78.
-----
Corporal Wilson was selected by Colonel Fletcher, the commanding
engineer, to be his orderly, in which capacity he served until the death
of his chief at St. Sebastian. At Torres Vedras the corporal had charge
of a work, and a party of the Portuguese Ordenanza Militia was placed
under his orders to execute it. Two of the men were put to a task to be
completed within a certain time; but regarding the work as impossible,
they refused to comply and complained to their officer, who took their
part and was inclined to censure the corporal. However, with more
manliness than soldier-like propriety, the corporal offered to bet the
officer a dollar that he would accomplish the task _himself_ within the
time. The bet was accepted. Corporal Wilson stripped, easily won his
dollar, and prevented the recurrence of similar complaints during the
progress of the Lines.
Four of the royal military artificers were attached to the army on the
Coa, and were present at the action near Almeida in July, and the battle
of Busaco in September. Retreating with the army to Torres Vedras, the
four men rejoined the detachment, and the whole continued to do duty in
the Lines until removed for more active service.
On the 13th March, one corporal and eleven men of the Portsmouth and
Gosport companies embarked with the force under Sir Thomas Graham for
Cadiz. The non-commissioned officers were “careful trusty persons,” and
the men “stout, able, and good tradesmen.” They landed from the
‘Concord’ transport on the 24th March, and were commanded by Major C.
Lefebure, royal engineers, until he received his death wound, which took
place in April as he was descending the walls of the fortress of
Matagorda during its evacuation. Meanwhile a reinforcement from
Portsmouth increased the party to two sergeants and forty-eight rank and
file; and in October it was again augmented, by artificers selected from
the different companies, to three sergeants, nine corporals, five
second-corporals, two drummers, and seventy-three privates, with
Sub-Lieutenant R. Davie. The last draft landed at Cadiz from the
‘Diadem’ transport.
In defending the fort of Puntales, which sustained a bombardment from
across the water, a portion of the company was always employed. There
private Benjamin Hall was killed, and several privates were injured by a
wall, under which they were mining, falling on them. The remainder of
the company were occupied in fortifying the position of La Isla for the
defence of Cadiz. Their particular duty consisted in making platforms,
palisades, &c., and in acting as overseers to the military working
parties of the line, assisted by artificers drawn from the regiments in
garrison. The principal share of the work was done by task, which, being
laid out beforehand, the royal military artificers showed the workmen
their respective portions as soon as they arrived on the ground,[164]
and superintended its correct execution, both in quantity and detail. At
La Isla, the company was stationed at the park, and domiciled in one of
the powder-magazines which had been made defensible.
Under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt and Captain G. J.
Harding, royal engineers, Forts Barbara and St. Felipe, on the Spanish
lines in front of Gibraltar, were demolished by a strong detachment from
the two companies stationed at the fortress. The operations occupied a
few months; and during the work the detachment was covered by a force
from the garrison of 500 to 800 soldiers. In firing a mine near St.
Felipe, private John Barber lost an arm, both eyes, and part of his chin
and teeth. In springing another mine near Tarifa, private Thomas Hughes
was killed.
From Zante a party of five royal and eighteen Maltese military
artificers sailed with the force under Brigadier-General Oswald, and
were present on the 16th April at the capture of Santa Maura. This
service effected, the detachment returned to Messina, leaving for the
works of the newly-captured island a corporal and a mason of the royal
military artificers.
During the year, parties or individuals of the corps were employed on
particular service abroad—at Ceuta, Tarifa, and at Sidney in Cape
Breton; while, at home, men were detached to Hythe, Isle of Wight, and
Northfleet. At the latter place the party was employed, from August to
December, in surveying under Mr. Stanley of the royal military surveyors
and draftsmen.
-----
Footnote 164:
‘Prof. Papers,’ iii., p. 94.
-----
1811.
Mortality in the West Indies—Strength and distribution of detachments in
the Peninsula—Recapture of Olivenza—Field instruction prior to siege
of Badajoz—Conduct of corps at the siege—Conduct of Sergeant Rogers in
reconnoitring—Reinforcement to Portugal and duties of the
detachment—Its distribution and services—Battle of Barrosa; gallant
conduct of Sergeant John Cameron—Tarragona—Defence of
Tarifa—Augmentation to corps and reconstruction of companies—Annual
expense of corps—Command of the companies—Their stationary
character—The wealthy corporal—New distribution of corps—Commissions
to Sub-Lieutenants, and ingenious inventions of Lieutenant Munro.
The West India company being gradually reduced to about fifty men, it
was strengthened in March to 110, by the arrival at Barbadoes, in the
‘Flora’ transport, of fifty-eight men. During the years 1810 and 1811
the number of deaths in the company from yellow fever was thirty.
The detachment of the corps in Portugal was increased to seventy-eight
of all ranks, by the landing at Lisbon of two sergeants and fifty-seven
rank and file under Lieutenant P. Wright of the royal engineers.
Thirty-four of the reinforcement were forthwith sent to the Lines of
Torres Vedras and the Almada position; and the remaining twenty-five
joined the head-quarters of the army, under Captain George Ross and
Lieutenant Stanway.[165]
-----
Footnote 165:
Jones’s ‘Sieges’ vol. i. p. 377, 2nd edit.
-----
While these movements were being effected, two artificers of the
detachment were present at the recapture of Olivenza in April, under the
command of Captain Squire, R.E.[166]
-----
Footnote 166:
Ibid. p. 6.
-----
Soon after the reduction of Olivenza the siege party was augmented to
twenty-seven, by the arrival at Elvas of twenty-five men under Captain
George Ross. Of this increase not a man had ever seen the construction
of a sap, battery, or trench. The whole were therefore daily drilled in
the formation of fieldworks and in making fascines and gabions.[167] In
these instructional operations they soon acquired sufficient knowledge
to render themselves useful to their officers; and, at the same time,
showed intelligence and alacrity in aiding in the construction of the
flying-bridges across the Guadiana at Juramenha.
-----
Footnote 167:
Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ vol. i., p. 10, 2nd edit.
-----
These twenty-seven men were employed in the first siege of Badajoz.
Reduced by two, they were also present at the second siege of that
fortress. On both occasions the diligence and exertions of the
detachment were prominent; and, assisted by the line workmen, they
quickly repaired the broken batteries and damaged embrasures. “Many a
fine fellow,” says a well-known author, “lost his life in endeavouring
to vie with the men of the engineers.”[168]
-----
Footnote 168:
‘United Service Journal,’ ii., 1831, p. 329.
-----
In the second siege, on the night before the storming, sergeant William
Rogers, and three intrepid men of the corps, accompanied Captain Patton,
R.E., on the dangerous service of reconnoitring the fords of the
Rivillas, and the approach to the castle breach beyond the river. They
conducted the examination for a time and then returned to the works for
a file of men as a guard. With this escort they retraced their steps;
but left it behind at a short distance from the breach, when the captain
and his “trusty sergeant” went forward alone and completed the
reconnaissance. In returning to the guard the captain stumbled, and the
clanking of his sword drawing the attention of the French sentinels,
they fired, and he fell mortally wounded. Sergeant Rogers protected his
captain till he gained the escort, with whose assistance he succeeded in
bearing him alive to the trenches. Captain Patton was able to make his
report of the practicability of the assault and soon afterwards
expired.[169] Sergeant Rogers died at Fuente Guinaldo in the following
August. Of him Colonel Fletcher wrote: “he was an attentive, good
soldier, and in every way a most estimable character.”
-----
Footnote 169:
Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ vol. i., p. 70, 2nd edit. ‘United Service Journal,’
ii., 1831, p. 331.
-----
In May the detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher received an
addition of thirty-nine men; and on the 29th June a further
reinforcement of sixty-three non-commissioned officers and men under
Lieutenants Melhuish and De Salaberry, royal engineers. In consequence
of this augmentation, the men of the infantry acting as overseers and
mechanics on the lines, rejoined their respective regiments; and the
posts thus vacated were occupied by the newly-arrived detachments of
military artificers.[170]
-----
Footnote 170:
Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ vol. i., p. 90, 2nd edit.
-----
The whole force of the corps in Portugal amounted in July to 8
sergeants, 5 corporals, 16 second corporals, 3 drummers, and 145
privates; total, 177. Of this number a comparatively small party only
was kept with the army, whilst the remainder were distributed to the
lines, Sobral, Oeyras, the Almada position, Peniche, Abrantes, Alhandra,
Fort St. Julian, &c. In conducting the works at those places, “the
abilities and good conduct of the men were found of the utmost
advantage.” At Fort St. Julian particularly, where they were employed in
the formation of four extensive jetties for the embarkation of troops in
case of necessity, their skill and expertness were found of great
importance. Sergeant John M‘Kay had the executive superintendence of the
work under the direction of Captain Holloway, R.E.
The detachment with the moving army was broken up into sections of five
or six men to each division or corps, and one or other of them was at
the blockade of Almeida, Fuentes d’Onoro, Albuera, Campo Maior, and the
several other actions which occurred in the Peninsula during the
campaign of 1811.
From Cadiz Sub-Lieutenant Davie and fifty men under Captain J. F. Birch
of the royal engineers, were detached with Sir Thomas Graham’s force,
and landed at Algeciras 22nd February. Being armed with short swords
only, Sir Thomas caused them to be furnished with such spare muskets,
accoutrements, and ammunition as could be collected, to defend
themselves if necessary on the march. They were then placed at the head
of the column to remove obstructions and facilitate the advance of the
army. On the 5th March, Barrosa was fought, and the detachment of
artificers was present in the battle. Here sergeant John Cameron gave a
manifestation of his zeal by leading to the charge a section of seven
men. They pressed where the fight was warmest; and in a few moments lost
one private—John Storie—killed and two wounded. The blue uniform of the
artificers was distinctly seen among the red coats of the line, and Sir
Thomas Graham ordered the instant withdrawal of the party to the rear,
observing that he might want it for other work. The sergeant was to have
been tried by a court-martial for taking the men into action without
orders; but his bravery saved him.
In June a second-corporal and four military artificers of the Cadiz
company under Lieutenant Harry D. Jones, were attached to Colonel
Skerrett’s expedition to assist the Spaniards in sustaining the siege of
Tarragona; but the fortress fell while the British troops were in the
roadstead. The party of artificers landed and occupied quarters in St.
George’s Barracks, near Mahon, in the island of Minorca, and returned to
La Isla in July.
In the following October, two artificers were sent from Cadiz for the
defence of Tarifa under Captain C. F. Smith, R.E. Two also were sent
there from Gibraltar by Colonel Sir Charles Holloway, the chief engineer
at the fortress. Ultimately the engineers' means were increased to
seventeen men of all ranks, who were employed as overseers in
strengthening the defences of the place, and they carried on their duty
with energy and credit. One private was wounded on the 29th December. A
detachment of variable strength continued at Tarifa until April, 1813,
when it returned to Cadiz.
A reinforcement of twenty men under Sub-Lieutenant Stewart Calder,
sailed in November on board the ‘Tartar’ transport for Cadiz, and landed
before the end of the year. The artificer force there now counted 101 of
all ranks.
Anholt, an island of Denmark in possession of the British, had been
attacked by the Danes in March, and the fortifications consequently were
much damaged. No officer of the royal engineers being available for the
duty of restoring the defences, corporal Alexander Borthwick of the
royal military artificers, an experienced mechanic, was sent there in
His Majesty’s ship ‘Helder,’ with two privates as overseers. They landed
in September and were quartered in Fort Yorke under Lieutenant John
Bezant, the ordnance storekeeper. The marines on the island were
employed on the works, and each received for his labour 2_s._ 4_d._
a-day. They worked with attention and spirit. In six months all the
authorized renewals and improvements were executed; and in May, a
further sum of 3,700_l._ having been voted for completing the defences
of the island, additional works were commenced to place the
fortifications in a state to sustain a regular siege. In preparing to
meet an apprehended attack on the island by the Danes, corporal
Borthwick made various effective arrangements for the disposition and
employment of the working parties, and gained the thanks of the Military
Commandant, Major Torrens, royal marines. Shortly after, Admiral Martin
being of opinion that the fortifications were sufficiently tenable to
stand an attack, the works were suspended; and in August, 1812,
Borthwick and his overseers returned to England. For his conduct and
services at Anholt he was promoted to be sergeant; and a commission to a
sub-lieutenancy was to have been conferred on him, but in the interim he
became involved in some serious irregularities, which prevented the
reward and ultimately ruined him.
So many detachments had been provided for the colonies and the war, that
appeals for reinforcements or more extended aid could only occasionally
be attended to. From the Peninsula and elsewhere, therefore,
representations had been made of the necessity for increasing the corps,
and augmenting the engineers' means for carrying on with efficiency the
duties of the department. The proposals at length met with due
consideration; and on the 28th May a warrant was issued for an improved
organization of the corps, enlarging its establishment to an extent
commensurate with the precautions which the disturbed state of Europe
rendered advisable.
The warrant sanctioned an increase of 1,347 men, abolished the rank of
company-sergeant-major, added to the number of the sub-lieutenants, and
divided the corps into four battalions of eight companies, each company
being constituted as follows:—
Sub-Lieutenant 1
Sergeants 5
Corporals 5
Second-Corporals 5
Drummers 3
Carpenters 15
Masons 10
Bricklayers 6
Smiths 4
Wheelers 2
Collar-makers 2
Cooper 1
Miners[171] 30
——
Total 89