into the fortress of _Pampeluna_, continued their retreat. Being
reinforced, and Marshal Soult, who had been selected by Napoleon
for the command of the French army in Spain, with the rank of
“Lieutenant of the Emperor,” having arrived, they forced the
British to retire on a position in the Spanish range of the
Pyrenees; when the brigade, in which the EIGHTY-SEVENTH was placed,
held the right of the position from the 27th of July to the 1st
of August, during which the enemy twice made demonstrations of
attack. The French being defeated on the 1st of August, retreated
and took up and fortified a position in their own territories; the
British pursued through the famous pass of Roncesvalles, and on the
8th of August 1813, first came in view of France, and entered its
territories on the 10th of November, having during the intermediate
period being engaged in skirmishes, in which a few were killed and
wounded.
On the 10th of November the British troops were engaged at the
_Nivelle_, from five o’clock in the morning until dark, meeting
with a most obstinate resistance in an entrenched camp. The
gallantry of the allies, however, drove the French to Saint Jean
de Luz. The EIGHTY-SEVENTH on this occasion called forth from
Major-General the Honorable Charles Colville, who commanded the
division, and Colonel John Keane (afterwards Lieut.-General Lord
Keane), who commanded the brigade, the most animated praises.
One ensign, six serjeants, one drummer, and sixty-eight rank and
file, were killed; one lieut.-colonel, four lieutenants, eleven
serjeants, one drummer, and one hundred and twenty-three rank and
file, wounded. Total, two hundred and sixteen. The strength of the
battalion in the field was three hundred and eighty-six.
_Killed._
_Ensign_—Hilliard.
_Wounded._
_Brevet Lieut.-Colonel_—Hugh Gough.
_Lieutenant_—John Kelly, _leg amputated_.
” Joseph Leslie.
” James Kenelly.
_Ensign_—Henry Bailey.
The word “NIVELLE,” borne on the regimental colour and
appointments, by royal authority, is commemorative of the gallantry
of the second battalion of the EIGHTY-SEVENTH on this occasion.
During the remaining part of the year, the regiment was frequently
engaged with the enemy in skirmishes.
Private Robert Smith, of the Grenadiers, was, at the request of Sir
Charles Colville, promoted to be serjeant for his gallantry.
Volunteers Bourne and Bagenall, who were attached to the light
company, were both severely wounded, and promoted to be ensigns for
their gallant conduct. Serjeant Prideaux, of the light company,
also distinguished himself.
[Sidenote: 1814.]
In 1814 the army, strengthened by recruits and recovered men,
continued its march into France, and on the 24th of February
arrived at Salvatira.
The light company was engaged with those of the brigade, when a
much superior force of the enemy attacked them; the light companies
were in consequence recalled, and the brigade brought down to
cover their retreat. On this occasion two rank and file were
killed; Lieutenants Joseph Barry and William Wolsley Lanphier, with
nine rank and file, wounded; and Lieutenant George Jackson taken
prisoner.
On the 25th of February the regiment crossed the ford, attacked
the French at _Orthes_ on the 27th, and drove them from their
entrenchments with immense loss. In this action the second
battalion of the EIGHTY-SEVENTH regiment drew from the general
officers in command the greatest praises for its bravery. It had
one lieutenant, five serjeants, and eighty-seven rank and file
killed; one major, four lieutenants, eight serjeants, and one
hundred and fifty-eight rank and file wounded: total, two hundred
and sixty-four. The strength in the field was five hundred and
fifty-one.
_Killed._
_Lieutenant_—James Fitz Gerald.
_Wounded._
_Major_—Frederick Desbarres.
_Lieutenant_—William Mountgarrett.
” James Thompson.
” Grady.
” William Maginnis.
In commemoration of this battle, the EIGHTY-SEVENTH received the
royal authority to bear the word “ORTHES” on the regimental colour
and appointments.
In an affair which took place on the 19th of March at Vic Bigorre,
three rank and file were killed, and two lieutenants and twelve
rank and file wounded: total, seventeen. The strength of the
battalion was five hundred and seventy.
_Wounded._
_Lieutenant_—William Dunlevie.
_Lieut. and Adjt._—James T. Moore.
Having continued the pursuit of the enemy and crossed the river
Garonne, four leagues below _Toulouse_, on the 5th of April, and
attacked the French on the 10th of the same month at _Toulouse_ on
the left of the town, the redoubts were taken and retaken several
times during the day. The enemy retreated at night, having suffered
great loss; that of the EIGHTY-SEVENTH was one brevet-major, four
serjeants, one drummer, and twenty-two rank and file killed; one
lieutenant, one ensign, six serjeants, and sixty-four rank and file
wounded: total, one hundred. Its strength in the field was four
hundred and sixty-four.
_Killed._
_Brevet-Major_—Henry Bright.
_Wounded._
_Lieutenant_—William Wolsley Lanphier.
_Ensign_—Abraham F. Royse.
Patrick Connors never went into action without attracting
the notice of his officers. On this occasion he particularly
distinguished himself, and was promoted to the rank of serjeant,
which situation he retained until his death.
Serjeant Carr, who was wounded at Tarifa, and served with credit in
every action with the battalion, distinguished himself; likewise
Serjeants Rideaux and Irwin. Lieutenant and Adjutant Moore had a
horse shot under him. Private Thomas Byrne was also badly wounded,
but recovered, and was promoted.
The royal authority was afterwards granted for the EIGHTY-SEVENTH
to bear the word “TOULOUSE” on the regimental colour and
appointments, in commemoration of the second battalion having
shared in this battle.
During the night of the 11th of April the French troops evacuated
_Toulouse_, and a white flag was hoisted. On the following day the
Marquis of Wellington entered the city amidst the acclamations of
the inhabitants. In the course of the afternoon of the 12th of
April intelligence was received of the abdication of Napoleon;
and had not the express been delayed on the journey by the French
police, the sacrifice of many valuable lives would have been
prevented.
A disbelief in the truth of this intelligence occasioned much
unnecessary bloodshed at _Bayonne_, the garrison of which made
a desperate _sortie_ on the 14th of April, and Lieut.-General
Sir John Hope (afterwards Earl of Hopetoun) was taken prisoner,
Major-General Andrew Hay was killed, and Major-General Stopford was
wounded. This was the last action of the Peninsular war.
A Treaty of Peace was established between Great Britain and France;
Louis XVIII. was restored to the throne of his ancestors, and
Napoleon Bonaparte was permitted to reside at Elba, the sovereignty
of that island having been conceded to him by the allied powers.
Prior to the breaking up of the Peninsular army, the Duke of
Wellington issued the following general order:
“_Bordeaux, 14th June 1814._
“GENERAL ORDER.
“The Commander of the Forces, being upon the point of returning to
England, again takes this opportunity of congratulating the army
upon the recent events which have restored peace to their country
and to the world.
“The share which the British army have had in producing those
events, and the high character with which the army will quit this
country, must be equally satisfactory to every individual belonging
to it, as they are to the Commander of the Forces, and he trusts
that the troops will continue the same good conduct to the last.
“The Commander of the Forces once more requests the army to accept
his thanks.
“Although circumstances may alter the relations in which he has
stood towards them for some years so much to his satisfaction, he
assures them he will never cease to feel the warmest interest in
their welfare and honor, and that he will be at all times happy
to be of any service to those to whose conduct, discipline, and
gallantry their country is so much indebted.”
In addition to the other distinctions acquired during the war in
the Peninsula and the south of France, the EIGHTY-SEVENTH received
the royal authority to bear the word “PENINSULA” on the regimental
colour and appointments.
The war being ended, the battalion marched from Toulouse to
Blanchfort, and embarked at Pouillac on the 7th of July, and
arrived at Cork on the 20th of that month.
After being inspected, on landing at Cork, by the General
commanding the district, the battalion was marched to Mallow to
relieve the Twentieth regiment. It subsequently marched to the city
of Limerick, and was stationed there for a few days, when orders
were received for it to proceed to Middleton, in the county of
Cork, to await the arrival of transports.
The battalion embarked at the Cove of Cork on the 23rd of August,
and landed at Portsmouth, after a protracted voyage, on the 14th of
September. On the day of disembarkation it proceeded _en route_ to
Horsham, where the depôt of the regiment was stationed. After a
stay of some days at Horsham, it marched to Plymouth for garrison
duty, where it remained until December, having taken its tour of a
month’s duty over the American prisoners of war at Dartmoor.
On the 6th of December 1814 the battalion embarked for Guernsey,
of which island General Sir John Doyle, Bart., the Colonel of the
regiment, was Governor, and where it arrived on the 8th of that
month.
[Sidenote: 1816.]
The battalion continued on duty at Guernsey until the 2nd of April
1816, when it embarked for Portsmouth, from whence it marched to
Colchester in September following.
[Sidenote: 1817.]
On the 25th of January 1817, in pursuance of measures being
taken for the reduction of the army, orders were received for
the disbandment of the second battalion of the EIGHTY-SEVENTH
regiment, on which occasion Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hugh Gough issued
the following orders:—
“_Colchester Barracks, 24th January, 1817._
“REGIMENTAL ORDERS.
“It is with the most painful feeling of regret Lieut.-Colonel Sir
Hugh Gough is necessitated to announce to the second battalion,
_Prince’s Own Irish_, that their services as a corps are no longer
required, in consequence of the military arrangements it has been
found necessary to adopt.
“In making this distressing though necessary communication, and in
taking leave of those brave officers and men, at whose head it has
been Sir Hugh Gough’s good fortune so long to have been placed,
he feels himself on this occasion called upon to recapitulate the
leading ones of so many brilliant achievements performed by his
gallant comrades now about to separate. The recollection of such
scenes must be a source of gratification to all, whether called on
to serve their country in India, or to retire to their families
and native land. To their Commanding Officer it ever has and
ever will be, a source of heartfelt exultation. By their country
and by their illustrious master, their services have been duly
appreciated, and nobly rewarded by that designation, and by those
badges so peculiar, so honorable, and so gratifying.
“The EIGHTY-SEVENTH had the good fortune to serve under the first
General of the age, throughout the greater part of the Peninsular
war, and longer than most corps in the service. At the battle of
_Talavera_ on the 27th of July, 1809 (when the battalion first
encountered the enemy), they had to sustain unsupported the
repeated attacks of the advance corps, and did not retire until
both flanks were turned, the battalion nearly surrounded by an
infinitely superior force, and two-thirds of the officers and men
either killed or wounded. The movement of the regiment to the
rear, and its formation on the other corps of the division, was a
counterpart of their conduct, in having instantly recovered, on
the first attack of the enemy, a temporary confusion which was
occasioned by the fire of a British regiment into the rear of the
battalion, the thickness of the wood having made it impossible for
that distinguished corps to have perceived the new position which
the EIGHTY-SEVENTH had taken up.
“On this memorable occasion the charge of the two centre companies
did them and their officers the greatest honor. The gallantry of
the whole was conspicuous, and obtained the personal thanks of the
brave officer who commanded the division[16], and who unfortunately
fell on the following day, and also the repeated thanks of the
officer commanding the brigade.
“At the brilliant action of _Barrosa_ the conduct of the
EIGHTY-SEVENTH in taking up the first position under a most
destructive fire from the enemy’s artillery, and a column three
times its numbers, when it formed with the precision of parade
movements, gave a happy omen of the issue of the day. The advance
of the battalion in line, its volley into the two battalions of the
eighth, and its charge on that corps, called for and received the
proudest meed of gallantry, the enthusiastic approbation of such an
officer as Sir Thomas Graham.
“This charge was rewarded by the wreathed eagle of the eighth
French regiment, and a howitzer: it led in a great measure to the
total discomfiture of the right column under General Laval, and
nearly annihilated two battalions of one of the finest regiments
in the French army: of one thousand six hundred men, which they
brought into the field, only three hundred and fifty returned to
Chiclana. The ready formation of the right wing from amidst the
ranks of the retreating enemy, and their charge on the fifty-fourth
French regiment, which at this moment attacked the right of the
EIGHTY-SEVENTH, was rewarded by the marked approbation of their
esteemed chief. The ultimate advance of the battalion on the
enemy’s guns was equally praiseworthy.
“At _Tarifa_, a species of service new to the British army called
for a renewal of that steady gallantry which marked the conduct of
the EIGHTY-SEVENTH at Barrosa. The immense superiority, in number,
of the enemy, added enthusiasm to discipline: the cool intrepidity,
the strict observance of orders, the exulting cheer when the
enemy’s columns pressed forward to the attack, proved the feelings
which influenced the defenders of the breach of _Tarifa_, and was
as honorable to them as soldiers, as their humane conduct to the
wounded (when the enemy fled) was to their characters as men.
“The persevering attention to their duty on the walls, in
conjunction with their brave comrades, the second battalion of the
Forty-seventh, exposed to the continued fire of an enemy ten times
the number of the garrison, and to the most dreadfully inclement
weather, led to the ultimate abandonment of the siege, and was
rewarded by the approbation of their General, their Prince, and
their Country.
“The battle of _Vittoria_ renewed the claim the EIGHTY-SEVENTH had
to a place in the third division, and under its lamented leader[17]
the battalion acquired fresh laurels. The charge of the Prince’s
Own on the hill crowned with the enemy’s artillery, and covered
with a strong column, called forth the marked approbation of
Major-General the Honorable Charles Colville, as did the pursuit
of that column, though flanked by a corps greatly superior in
numbers. The cool steadiness with which they preserved their second
position, under the fire and within a short range of a large
portion of the enemy’s field artillery, although the battalion at
this time had lost upwards of half the number it took into the
field, showed the steady perseverance in bravery and discipline
which ever marked the glorious career of the corps.
“The attack on the fortified hill at the action of the _Nivelle_,
and the gallantry which rendered the conduct of the battalion so
conspicuous in the subsequent attacks on that day, called for those
animated expressions from Major-General the Honorable Charles
Colville and Colonel John Keane, who commanded the division and
brigade, ‘Gallant EIGHTY-SEVENTH!’ ‘Noble EIGHTY-SEVENTH!’ and
deservedly were those titles bestowed.
“The actions of _Orthes_ and _Toulouse_ were also most glorious to
the character of the corps, and its conduct was rewarded by the
repeated thanks of the Generals commanding.
“Since the return of the EIGHTY-SEVENTH from service, they have
shown, that to gallantry in the field, they add the most essential
requisite in a soldier, _orderly and correct conduct in garrison_,
which has acquired for them the approbation of every general
officer under whom they have served, and the good wishes and esteem
of the inhabitants with whom they have been placed.
“While the foregoing detail will be most gratifying to the gallant
men who have survived, the recital must also be consoling to
the families of those who fell. The _Prince’s Own Irish_ bled
prodigally and nobly; they have sealed their duty to their King and
country by the sacrifice of nearly two thousand of their comrades.
But, while Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hugh Gough feels an honest pride in
recounting these achievements, he wishes to caution his brother
soldiers from assuming any exclusive right to pre-eminence over
their gallant comrades; the Army of the Peninsula nobly did their
duty, and repeatedly received the thanks of their Prince and their
country.
“In parting with the remains of that corps in which Sir Hugh Gough
has served twenty-two years, at the head of which, and by whose
valour and discipline, he has obtained those marks of distinction
with which he has been honored by his Royal Master, he cannot too
emphatically express the most heartfelt acknowledgments and his
deep regret.
“From all classes of his officers he has uniformly experienced
the most cordial and ready support. Their conduct in the field,
while it called for the entire approbation of their Commanding
Officer, acquired for them the best stay to military enterprise
and military renown, _the confidence of their men_, and led to the
accomplishment of their wishes, the Approbation of their Prince,
the Honor of their country, and the Character of their Corps. Every
non-commissioned officer and man is equally entitled to the thanks
of his Commanding Officer. To all he feels greatly indebted, and
he begs to assure all, that their prosperity as individuals, or as
a corps, will ever be the first wish of his heart, and to promote
which he will consider no sacrifice or exertion too great.”
The second battalion was disbanded at Colchester on the 1st of
February 1817, having transferred to the first battalion three
hundred and thirty effective men, most of whom were embarked in the
same month, to join the first battalion in the Bengal Presidency.
1817.
[Illustration: EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t. Strand_
_For Cannon’s Military Records_]
FOOTNOTES:
[10] A memoir of Lieut.-General Sir Charles William Doyle, C.B., is
inserted in the Appendix, page 92.
[11] Lieut.-General Sir William Napier’s History of the Peninsular
War.
[12] The following corps were employed in the battle of _Barrosa_
on the 5th of March 1811, viz.—
2nd Hussars, King’s German Legion.
Royal Artillery.
Royal Engineers.
1st Foot Guards, 2nd batt.
Coldstream Guards, 2nd batt.
3rd Foot Guards, 2nd batt.
9th Foot, 1st batt. (flank companies.)
28th Foot, 1st batt.
47th Foot, 2nd batt. (flank comp.)
67th Foot, 2nd batt.
82nd Foot, 2nd batt. (flank comp.)
87th Foot, 2nd batt.
Rifle Brigade { 2nd batt.
{ 3rd batt.
20th Portuguese Regiment.
Royal Staff Corps, 1 comp.
[13] In the midst of the engagement, Serjeant Patrick Masterson
seized and kept possession of the Eagle of the eighth French
regiment of light infantry (which was the first taken in action
since the commencement of the Peninsular war), and for which
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent promoted the serjeant to
an ensigncy in the Royal York Light Infantry Volunteers; he was
subsequently removed to the EIGHTY-SEVENTH regiment.
Volunteer de Courcy Ireland, and Serjeant-Major McKeldon, were also
promoted to be ensigns for their conduct in this action.
[14] In a letter, dated the 21st of January 1812, from General
Viscount Wellington, K.B., to the Earl of Liverpool, Secretary
of State, appeared the following tribute from that illustrious
commander to the conduct of the troops at _Tarifa_:—“_I cannot
refrain from expressing my admiration of the conduct of Colonel
Skerrett, and the brave troops under his command, nor from
recommending them to the protection of your Lordship._”
[15] History of the War in the Peninsular and in the South of
France, by Lieut.-General Sir William Napier, K.C.B.
[16] Major-General John Randoll McKenzie, who fell at Talavera on
the 28th of July 1809.
[17] Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Picton, G.C.B., who was killed at
Waterloo on the 18th of June 1815.
SUCCESSION OF COLONELS
OF
THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
OR
THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS.
SIR JOHN DOYLE, BART., G.C.B. AND K.C.
_Appointed 3rd May 1796._
This officer was descended from an ancient Irish family, and was
born at Dublin in the year 1756. He was at first intended for the
law, which, on the death of his father, he relinquished for the
military profession, and was appointed Ensign in the Forty-eighth
regiment on the 21st of March 1771, in which he was promoted to
the rank of Lieutenant on the 17th of September 1773, and was
wounded while on duty in Ireland. Lieutenant Doyle exchanged to
the Fortieth regiment on the 1st of March 1775, and embarked
with that corps for North America in the same year. During the
War of Independence in that country he served with his regiment
in the descent on Long Island in August 1776, and was present at
the actions of Brooklyn, White Plains (28th of October), Fort
Washington, Haerlem Creek, Springfield, and Iron Hills. In the
action at Brooklyn, on the 27th of August, Lieutenant Doyle was
brought into notice by conduct which combined the best feelings
with the most animated courage. He was Adjutant of the Fortieth,
commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Grant, who was regarded as a father
by the younger portion of the corps. The Lieut.-Colonel was
desperately wounded early in the action, which becoming very hot
where he lay, Lieutenant Doyle, fearing he might be trampled to
death, rushed with a few followers into the midst of the enemy,
and dragged away the body of his friend; but it was too late,
for he had expired. This act made a strong impression on all
who witnessed it, and produced a handsome compliment from the
Commander-in-Chief, General the Honorable Sir William Howe.
Lieutenant Doyle was present at the action of Brandywine, fought on
the 11th of September 1777, which was followed by the capture of
Philadelphia. He shared in the surprise of General Wayne’s corps
during the night of the 20th of September, and was again wounded
at the battle of Germantown on the 4th of October. In the latter
the Fortieth regiment highly distinguished itself by the defence
of Chew’s Stone House, which was occupied under the following
circumstances:—About three weeks after the affair of Brandywine,
when the American troops were supposed to be totally dispersed,
General Washington made a movement with the intention of surprising
the British at Germantown. The advanced post of the British army
was occupied by a battalion of light infantry and the Fortieth
regiment, then commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Musgrove. These troops
were attacked about daybreak on the 4th of October by the main body
of the American army, commanded by General Washington in person.
After a very spirited defence they were obliged to give way to
numbers, and to retire towards Germantown. In this retreat Colonel
Musgrove took possession of a large stone house, with such of the
regiment as were nearest to it. This small body, not exceeding five
officers and about one hundred and fifty men, stopped the progress
of the enemy’s whole column, consisting of five thousand men, for
a considerable time, notwithstanding cannon being brought to bear
upon the house. This gallant defence was highly instrumental in
saving the British army. In this affair Lieutenant Doyle and two
officers were wounded. For this service the detachment was honored
with His Majesty’s particular thanks.