of January, 1806, and shortly afterwards came to anchor. The whole of
the following day the surf upon the shore of the bay was too violent
to admit of any attempt to land. Brigadier-General William Carr,
afterwards General Viscount Beresford, was detached, with such of the
cavalry as had horses, and the Thirty-eighth Regiment, to Saldanha
Bay.
In the morning of the 6th of January a landing was effected by the
Highland brigade, consisting of the Seventy-first, Seventy-second,
and Ninety-third Highlanders, and numbering 2,200 men, under the
command of Brigadier-General Ronald Craufurd Ferguson, in the
performance of which service Lieut.-Colonel Pack, the commanding
officer of the Seventy-first Regiment, was wounded. The following day
was devoted to landing the supplies and the remainder of the army.
Early in the morning of the 8th of January, Major-General Sir David
Baird formed his troops in two columns, and moved up to the heights
of Bleuberg, from whence the enemy was seen, drawn up in order of
battle, in two lines, with twenty-three pieces of cannon, his numbers
being calculated at 5,000, of which a large proportion was cavalry.
The British lines were formed with promptitude and correctness, and
the enemy was attacked with the utmost spirit. He maintained his
ground with some firmness, until a charge of the Highland brigade
dislodged and completely routed him, with the loss of three guns and
700 men.
In this affair the Seventy-first had Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Robert
Campbell wounded. 5 men were killed, and 2 sergeants and 64 rank and
file were wounded[5].
The troops halted for the night at the Reit Valley, and on the 9th
of January the army moved towards the Salt River, where it was
intended to take up a position previously to the attack of Cape Town,
when a flag of truce appeared from the town, which produced some
negociations, that terminated in its surrender to His Majesty’s arms.
Lieut.-General Janssens, the Governor of the colony, after his defeat
of Blenberg on the 8th, had retired towards the interior of the
country by the Hottentot Holland Kloof, or Pass, from whence, on the
19th of January, he signed and ratified the treaty that placed the
whole of the Cape of Good Hope and its dependencies in the possession
of Great Britain, under whose sway it has since continued.
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
The following letter from Brigadier-General Ferguson to Major-General
Sir David Baird, relative to the regiment and its commander, is here
inserted:—
“_Cape Town, 19th January, 1806._
“Sir,
“As in the affair of Bleuberg, on the 8th instant, chance placed
two of the enemy’s guns in possession of the Highland brigade, I
hope you will be pleased to order the allowance usually granted on
such occasions to be issued and shared amongst the Seventy-first,
Seventy-second, and Ninety-third Regiments.
“Although the guns fell into our hands in front of the
Seventy-first Highlanders, Lieut.-Colonel Pack (desirous that
the three regiments should be considered as one family) has most
handsomely withdrawn the prior claim His Majesty’s Seventy-first
Highlanders might have made, and to which the situation of the
guns, when taken, would have entitled that most excellent corps.
“I have, etc.,
(Signed) “R. C. FERGUSON,
“_Brigadier-General_.
“_Major-General Sir David Baird._”
The Seventy-first went into quarters at the cantonment of Wynberg,
about seven miles from Cape Town, on the road to Simon’s Bay,
where the battalion remained until the 12th of April, when, most
unexpectedly, an order arrived for its immediate embarkation on an
expedition to the Rio de la Plata, in South America, which had been
planned by the British Commanders, naval and military, at the Cape.
The Seventy-first was the only corps of the Cape garrison destined
for this service, with the addition of a few dragoons and some
artillery. At this period the strength of the battalion amounted to
800 rank and file, having received some recruits from foreign corps
at the Cape. The troops were to be commanded by Brigadier-General
William Carr Beresford, afterwards Viscount Beresford.
The battalion was embarked in line-of-battle ships and transports,
and on the 14th of April the fleet sailed from Table Bay, directing
its course to the westward until the 20th, when, in consequence of
unfavourable weather, and having parted company with one of the
transports in which were three companies of the Seventy-first, the
signal was made to rendezvous at St. Helena, at which island the
fleet arrived on the 30th of April, with the exception of the missing
transport. Here the force under Brigadier-General Beresford received
an augmentation of 200 men from the St. Helena Regiment, making a
total of 1,087 rank and file.
On the 2nd of May the fleet sailed from St. Helena, and after a
tedious voyage arrived at Cape St. Mary at the entrance of the Rio de
la Plata, on the 8th of June, where it met with the missing transport.
The troops that had sailed in the line-of-battle ships were
transferred on the 16th of June to the transports, which proceeded
up the river, and on the 24th of that month came to anchor opposite
the city of Buenos Ayres. The force amounted in all to 1,466 rank and
file; the Seventy-first mustered 784 rank and file. On the 25th, at
night, the Seventy-first, with the other troops, effected a landing
without any opposition. The following morning they pushed forward,
and met the enemy at the village of Reduccion, who made a trifling
stand, and then retired towards the city. On this occasion Captain
Henry Le Blanc of the Seventy-first lost his leg, and a sergeant and
5 rank and file were wounded.
The British troops continued to advance in pursuit of the enemy, and
on the morning of the 27th of June forced their passage across the
Rio Chuelo. Some skirmishing followed this movement, but the city
of Buenos Ayres almost immediately surrendered. In the evening the
town and fort were taken possession of by the first battalion of the
Seventy-first and detachments of marines and St. Helena Regiment.
Major-General Beresford, in his despatch to Sir David Baird, wrote as
follows:—
“I cannot omit reporting to you that I had the most just cause to
be satisfied with the conduct of every officer and all the troops
under my command; to Lieut.-Colonel Pack, of the Seventy-first
Highlanders, every praise is due, as well as to that excellent
regiment.”
The Seventy-first occupied barracks in Buenos Ayres, and remained
undisturbed until the beginning of August, by which time the enemy
had collected a force of about 1,500 men, under a leader named
Pueridon, at five leagues from the city. Brigadier-General Beresford
in consequence moved out with 300 of the Seventy-first, 50 from the
St. Helena Regiment, and six field pieces; attacked and dispersed
the enemy, taking all his artillery, namely, ten pieces of various
calibre. The battalion had only 5 men wounded in this operation.
About this period a body of the enemy, headed by Colonel Liniers,
a French officer in the service of Spain, crossed from Colonna to
Concher, evidently with hostile intentions. Forming a junction with
the force under Pueridon, the whole marched upon Buenos Ayres.
On the 10th of August the enemy commenced operations by the massacre
of a sergeant and his guard of the Seventy-first Regiment, who
were posted at a place in the suburbs where the bull-fights were
usually exhibited. On the following day much skirmishing ensued
in the outskirts of the city, the enemy taking possession of the
tops of houses, from which he kept up a galling and destructive
fire. During this time the main body of the British force took up a
position in the Grand Square, but afterwards retired into the fort
of Buenos Ayres. Being now bereft of all resources, and having no
hope of support, no alternative remained but to capitulate. At about
one o’clock, therefore, the fort was surrendered to the enemy and
hostilities ceased. The troops marched out with the honours of war,
and laid down their arms in the square. The officers being granted
parole were quartered upon the inhabitants of the town, and the men
were confined in the prisons of the city.
In these melancholy proceedings Lieut. Mitchell and Ensign Lucas were
killed, and the regiment lost 91 men in killed and wounded.
[Sidenote: 2nd bat.]
In August, 1806, the second battalion embarked at Glasgow for
Ireland, and arrived at Belfast on the 1st of September.
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
About the middle of September the Seventy-first were removed from
Buenos Ayres into the interior. Brigadier-General Beresford, with
his staff, and Lieut.-Colonel Pack, were placed at Luxon, from
whence they subsequently effected their escape, upon learning that
the removal of the prisoners still further up the country had been
ordered.
[Sidenote: 1807.]
Lieut.-Colonel Pack was thus enabled to join the troops which had
landed near Monte Video in January, 1807, under the command of
Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, who at Lieut.-Colonel Pack’s
request, directed a board of naval and military officers to inquire
into the particulars of his escape, by whom it was unanimously
approved, and he was declared free to serve.
[Sidenote: 2nd bat.]
The second battalion was removed from Ireland to Scotland in January,
1807, but returned to Ireland in June following.
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
In May, 1807, a further removal to the interior of the prisoners
took place. The officers were collected at a college belonging to
the Jesuits about forty leagues to the northward of Cordova, and
entirely separated from their men. In this situation they remained
until August following, when, just as they were ordered to prepare
for a transfer to a station still more remote, the accounts of the
convention entered into by Lieut.-General John Whitelocke were
received, by which it was stipulated that the prisoners should be
restored to liberty on condition that all the British forces should
be withdrawn. It is scarcely necessary to remark that the prospect
of being restored to liberty and friends was greatly damped by the
military events which produced it, and which completely extinguished
the ardent hopes of success that had been entertained from the
arrival of the last British force in South America.
In September the whole of the officers and men were reconducted to
Buenos Ayres, from whence they were conveyed in boats to Monte Video,
and there embarked in transports with a view of returning to Europe.
It is a circumstance highly creditable to the character of the
soldiers of the Seventy-first that, although so many powerful
allurements were held out to induce them to remain in South America,
but few individuals were found to swerve from their duty and
allegiance to their King and country. The Spaniards were very fond
of the Highlanders, particularly of those who were Catholics. One
of these, named Donald Macdonald, overcome by solicitations, had
almost agreed to remain at Buenos Ayres, but whilst wavering one
of his companions sung to him “Lochaber no more;” the effect was
irresistible; the tears started into poor Donald’s eyes, and wiping
them away, he exclaimed, “Na, na! I canna stay, I’d maybe return to
Lochaber nae mair.”
The fleet sailed immediately, and after a tedious and rough voyage
of three months, the transports having the Seventy-first on board
put into Cork Harbour in December, and on the 27th of that month the
whole were landed, without uniform, clothing, arms, or accoutrements,
and marched to Middleton under the command of Major Henry Tolley,
Lieut.-Colonel Pack having previously returned to England from South
America.
[Sidenote: 1808.]
In March, 1808, the regiment proceeded from Middleton to Cork, where
its equipment in every respect was completed.
[Sidenote: 2nd bat.]
The second battalion embarked at Londonderry for Scotland on the 9th
of April, 1808, after transferring 200 men to the first battalion,
which raised the strength of the latter to nearly 900 rank and file.
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
On the 26th of April, whilst in garrison at Cork, new colours,
to replace those left in South America, were presented to the
Seventy-first by Lieut.-General John Floyd, who had commanded the
cavalry and advance in the campaign of 1790 in the East Indies.
The following animating and soldier-like address was made by the
gallant General on the occasion:—
“Seventy-first!!
“I am directed to perform the honourable duty of presenting your
colours.
“Brave Seventy-first, the world is well acquainted with your
gallant conduct at the capture of Buenos Ayres in South America,
under one of His Majesty’s bravest Generals.
“It is well known that you defended your conquest with the utmost
courage, good conduct, and discipline, to the last extremity. When
diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, and destitute of
provisions, you were overwhelmed by multitudes, and reduced by the
fortune of war to lose your liberty and your well-defended colours,
but not your honour. Your honour, Seventy-first Regiment, remains
unsullied.
“Your last act in the field covered you with glory. Your generous
despair, calling upon your General to suffer you to die with
arms in your hands, proceeded from the genuine spirit of British
soldiers. Your behaviour in prosperity—your sufferings in
captivity—and your faithful discharge of your duty to your King and
country, are appreciated by all.
“You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the allurements
held out to base desertion, are endeared to the army and to the
country, and your conduct will ensure you the esteem of all true
soldiers—of all worthy men—and fill every one of you with honest
martial pride.
“It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a remote
part of the world, the early glories and gallant conduct of
the Seventy-first Regiment in the field; and it is with great
satisfaction I meet you again with replenished ranks, with good
arms in your hands, and with stout hearts in your bosoms.
“Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of new
honours and the acquirement of fresh fame!!
“Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave fellows
committed to your charge!!
“Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They have shared
with you the chances of war; they have bravely bled along with
you,—they will always do honour to themselves and you. Preserve
your regiment’s reputation for valour in the field and regularity
in quarters.
“I have now the honour to present the
“Royal Colour.
“This is the King’s colour!!
“I have now the honour to present your regimental colour.
“This is the colour of the Seventy-first Regiment.
“May victory for ever crown these colours!!!”
The Peninsula was at this period the centre of political interest.
Portugal, deserted by her government, and Spain betrayed, the
people of each rose in arms to recover the national independence.
Dissensions had arisen in the Royal family of Spain, occasioned
by the sway of Emanuel Godoy, who bore the title of the “Prince
of Peace.” This Minister was dismissed, but the Court was unable
to restore tranquillity. In this emergency the French Emperor was
solicited to be umpire, and Napoleon ultimately placed the crown of
Spain on his brother Joseph, who was transferred from the throne
of Naples. The Spaniards flew to arms in consequence. The British
Government resolved to aid the Spanish and Portuguese patriots, and
a British army was ordered to proceed to the Peninsula, under the
command of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley. The first battalion
of the Seventy-first Highlanders formed part of the force selected on
this occasion.
It embarked at the Cove of Cork on the 17th of June, 1808, its
strength consisting of 52 sergeants, 22 drummers, and 874 rank and
file.
In June, 1808, His Majesty King George III was pleased to approve of
the Seventy-first bearing the title of _Glasgow_ in addition to the
appellation of _Highland_ regiment.[6]
In the first instance, the Seventy-first were brigaded with the
Fifth, Thirty-eighth, and fifth battalion of the Sixtieth Regiment,
under Brigadier-General Henry Fane, and sailed for Portugal, in
conjunction with the forces destined to aid the Spaniards and
Portuguese, on the 12th of July. After a favourable passage, the
troops anchored in Mondego Bay in the beginning of August, and a
landing was effected in the vicinity of the village of Frejus.
Early in the morning of the 4th of August a small picket of the
enemy stationed in the neighbourhood fell back, and the operation of
disembarking the troops was carried into effect without opposition.
The army then moved on to a position across a deep sandy country,
where it halted and encamped for the night.
At this period a change took place in the arrangement of the
brigades, and the first battalion of the Seventy-first was placed,
with the Thirty-sixth and Fortieth Regiments, in that commanded by
Major-General Ronald Craufurd Ferguson.
The division under Major-General Sir Brent Spencer, K.B., from Cadiz,
consisting of about 4,000 men, joined on the 8th of August; and,
after a short halt, the army was again put in motion to occupy a
more forward position, where it remained for some days. On the 17th
August the enemy, commanded by General Laborde, was encountered near
Roleia. The position was attacked and carried with great loss to the
French, who retreated to Torres Vedras.
The light company of the Seventy-first was the only part of the
regiment engaged, the remainder being employed in manœuvring on the
right flank of the French. It suffered a trifling loss, having but 1
man killed and 2 wounded.
The Seventy-first subsequently received the Royal authority to bear
the word “Roleia” on the regimental colours and appointments, in
commemoration of this victory.
Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, after the battle of Roleia, did
not pursue the enemy by the high roads, but, keeping to the right
near the sea, marched to Vimiera to cover the landing of a brigade
commanded by Major-General Anstruther, which was effected on the 20th
of August.
The morning of the 21st of August was given up to the troops, in
order to prepare and repose themselves. The men were engaged in
washing and cleaning their equipments, when the approach of the
enemy, moving to the left, was discovered at eight o’clock in the
morning, and the brigades commanded by Major-General Ferguson,
Brigadier-Generals Nightingall, Acland, and Bowes, were consequently
moved across a valley from the heights on the west to those on the
east of Vimiera.
Marshal Junot, Duke of Abrantes, moved on his army to the attack of
the position, directing it on the British centre, where the Fiftieth
Regiment was posted, and moving along the front gradually to the left
until the whole line became engaged.
A short time previously to this, the soldiers of the brigade were
ordered to sit down, with their arms in their hands, keeping their
formation. The enemy in the meantime cannonaded the whole line, and
pushed on his sharpshooters and infantry. To oppose the former,
Major-General Ferguson ordered the left sections of the companies
to move forward and skirmish. Upon the retreat of the enemy’s
sharpshooters, the action became general along the front of this
brigade, and the whole moved forward to the attack. Nothing could
surpass the steadiness of the troops on this occasion, and the
general and commanding officers set a noble example, which was
followed by all.
The grenadier company of the Seventy-first greatly distinguished
itself, in conjunction with a subdivision of the light company of
the Thirty-sixth Regiment. Captain Alexander Forbes, who commanded
the grenadier company, was ordered to the support of some British
artillery, and seizing a favourable opportunity, made a dash at
a battery of the enemy’s artillery immediately in his front. He
succeeded in capturing five guns and a howitzer, with horses,
caissons, and equipment complete. In this affair alone the grenadier
company had Lieutenants John Pratt and Ralph Dudgeon and 13 rank and
file wounded, together with 2 men killed.
The French made a daring effort to retake their artillery both with
cavalry and infantry; but the gallant conduct of the grenadier
company, and the advance of Major-General Ferguson’s brigade, finally
left the guns in the possession of those who had so gallantly
captured them.
George Clark, one of the pipers of the regiment, and afterwards
piper to the Highland Society of London, was severely wounded in
this action, and being unable to accompany his corps in the advance
against the enemy, he deliberately sat down, and unstrapping his
pipes, called out, “Well my bra’ lads, I can no farther wi’ ye a
fighting, but diel ha’ my soul if ye sal want music,” and immediately
began playing “Up and war them a’ Willie.” He was afterwards
presented with a handsome stand of pipes by the Highland Society.
This is the second instance in which the pipers of the Seventy-first
have behaved with particular gallantry, and evinced high feeling for
the credit and honour of the corps.
During the advance of the battalion, several prisoners were taken,
among whom was the French General Brennier, who surrendered himself
on the columns giving way to corporal John M^cKay. The latter was
afterwards promoted to an ensigncy in the Fourth West India Regiment.
The result of this battle was the total defeat of the enemy, who
subsequently retreated on Lisbon, with the loss of twenty-one pieces
of cannon, twenty-three ammunition waggons, with powder, shells,
stores of all descriptions, and 20,000 rounds of musket ammunition,
together with a great many officers and soldiers killed, wounded, and
taken prisoners.
The conduct of the battalion, and of its commanding officer,
Lieut.-Colonel Pack, was noticed in the public despatches, and the
thanks of the Houses of Parliament were conferred on the troops.
The following officers of the Seventy-first were wounded in the
battle of Vimiera: Captains Arthur Jones and Maxwell Mackenzie;
Lieutenants John Pratt, William Hartley, Augustus M^cIntyre, and
Ralph Dudgeon; Ensign James Campbell, and Acting Adjutant R.
M^cAlpine. Twelve rank and file were killed; six sergeants, and
eighty-six rank and file wounded.
The Seventy-first subsequently received the royal authority to bear
the word “Vimiera” on the regimental colour and appointments, in
commemoration of this battle.
The _Convention of Cintra_ was the result of this victory; it was
signed on the 30th of August, and by its provisions the French Army
evacuated Portugal.
The British Army was ordered to move forward to Lisbon, some of the
reinforcements for it having preceded it by water, and occupied
the forts at the mouth of the Tagus. The French Army having by
this convention fallen back on Lisbon, the British proceeded to the
vicinity of Fort St. Julien, and encamped there.
All the objects of the expedition being carried into effect, and the
French troops embarked for France, the British Army remained for
some time at Lisbon and its vicinity. At this period (September)
Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, having assumed the command, made
dispositions for entering Spain.
The first battalion of the Seventy-first was now brigaded with the
Thirty-sixth and Ninety-eighth Regiments, under Brigadier-General
Catlin Craufurd, and placed in the division under the command of
Lieut.-General the Honourable John Hope, afterwards the Earl of
Hopetoun. On the 27th of October the division was put in motion,
and after a short stay at Badajoz, resumed the march, proceeding
by Merida, Truxillo, Jaraicejo, Puerto-de-Merivette, and crossing
the Tagus at the bridge of Almaraz, directed its route upon
Talavera-de-la-Reyna. From this town the column proceeded to the
Escurial, seven leagues to the north-west of Madrid.
Intelligence was here received of the enemy’s approach towards
Madrid, and two companies of the Seventy-first, under Major Archibald
Campbell, were pushed forward to occupy the important pass in the
Guadarama Mountains, which separate Old from New Castile. After a
halt of a few days, the division was put in motion over the Guadarama
Pass to Villa Castin, at which place Lieut.-General the Honourable
John Hope, in consequence of the intelligence which he received of
the enemy’s movements, made a night march to the left, by Avila and
Peneranda, and finally proceeded to Alba de Tormes. At the latter
place a junction was formed with a detachment from the army under
Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, then at Salamanca. The army under Sir
John Moore was shortly afterwards put in motion towards Valladolid,
and subsequently to the left, to form a junction with Lieut.-General
Sir David Baird’s division, which had landed at Corunna.
Previously to this period, the Spanish Armies under General
Blake, near Bilboa on the left, General Castanos in the centre,
and General Palafox lower down the Ebro on the right, had been
completely defeated. Lieut.-General Sir John Moore consequently
made arrangements for a retreat on Portugal by Ciudad Rodrigo; but
it having been represented to him that Madrid held out against the
French, he was induced to effect a junction with Lieut.-General Sir
David Baird, in order to make a diversion in favour of Madrid, by
attacking Marshal Soult on the River Carion.
The British force, twenty-nine thousand strong, joined at Toro on
the 21st of December, and on the 23rd of that month Sir John Moore
advanced with the whole army. The cavalry had already met with that
of the enemy, and the infantry was within two hours’ march of him,
when an intercepted letter informed the British Commander that
Napoleon, who had entered Madrid on the 4th of December, was then in
full march for Salamanca and Benevente. A retreat on Corunna, through
Gallicia, was immediately decided on, that through Portugal being
then impracticable.
Accordingly the several divisions marched towards the Esla, the
greater part crossing by the bridge of Benevente. On the 26th of
December, after a day’s halt, the cavalry under Lieut.-General Lord
Paget and Brigadier-General the Honourable Charles Stewart had an
engagement with some of the Imperial Guards that had forded the River
Esla under General Le Févre, who was made prisoner, with several of
his men.
At this period the situation of the British Army was dispiriting
in the extreme. In the midst of winter, in a dreary and desolate
country, the soldiers chilled and drenched with the heavy rains,
and wearied by long and rapid marches, were almost destitute of fuel
to cook their victuals, and it was with extreme difficulty that
they could procure shelter. Provisions were scarce, irregularly
issued, and difficult of attainment. The waggons, in which were
their magazines, baggage and stores, were often deserted in the
night by the Spanish drivers, who were terrified by the approach of
the French. Thus baggage, ammunition, stores, and even money were
destroyed to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy; and
the weak, the sick, and the wounded were necessarily left behind. The
Seventy-first suffered in proportion with the rest, and by weakness,
sickness, and fatigue lost about 93 men.
[Sidenote: 1809.]
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
On the 5th of January, 1809, a position was taken up at Lugo,
where some skirmishing occurred, in which three companies of the
Seventy-first were engaged, and repulsed the enemy.
Lieut.-General Francis Dundas was appointed from the Ninety-fourth
Regiment to be Colonel of the Seventy-first on the 7th of January,
1809, in succession to Lieut.-General Sir John Francis Cradock, K.B.,
removed to the Forty-third Regiment.
The retreat was again commenced on the 9th of January, and on the
11th the army, still nearly fifteen thousand strong, reached Corunna.
The British Army, having accomplished one of the most celebrated
retreats recorded in modern history, repulsing the pursuing enemy in
all his attacks, and having traversed two hundred and fifty miles
of mountainous country, accompanied by severe privation, was not
destined to embark for England without a battle.
The transports not having arrived, a position was occupied in
advance of Corunna, and some sharp skirmishing ensued, in which four
companies of the Seventy-first were warmly engaged, and lost several
men in killed and wounded. Lieutenant William Lockwood was severely
wounded. On this ground the battle of Corunna was fought on the 16th
of January; but the Seventy-first being placed on the extreme left
of the British line, had little part in it. The result of the action
was glorious to the British Army, but was darkened by the loss of
Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, who received a severe wound during the
battle, and died at ten o’clock on the same night. His remains were
wrapped in a military cloak, and interred in the Citadel of Corunna,
over which Marshal Soult, with the true feeling of a soldier, erected
a monument.
Lieut.-General Sir David Baird, who succeeded to the command upon Sir
John Moore being wounded, was also wounded, and the command devolved
upon Lieut.-General the Honourable John Hope.
At eight o’clock on the night of the 16th of January the troops
quitted their position, leaving the pickets posted and a few men to
keep up the fires, and then marched into Corunna, where they embarked
for England on the following day.
In commemoration of this battle, and of the conduct of the battalion
during the expedition, the Seventy-first, in common with the army
employed under Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, received the royal
authority to bear the word “Corunna” on the regimental colour and
appointments.
The thanks of both Houses of Parliament were conferred on the troops,
and were communicated to Lieut.-Colonel Pack by Lieut.-General Sir
David Baird in the following letter:—
“_Portsmouth, 30th January, 1809._
“Sir,
“I have great pleasure in transmitting to you copies of letters
from the Lord Chancellor and the Speaker of the House of Commons,
enclosing the resolutions of both Houses of Parliament, dated 25th
of January, 1809, which contain the thanks of those Houses to the
army lately engaged before Corunna.
“In communicating to you, Sir, this most signal mark of the
approbation of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, allow me to add my warmest congratulations
upon a distinction which you, and the corps under your command on
that day, had a share in obtaining for His Majesty’s service.
“I have, etc.,
(Signed) “DAVID BAIRD,
“_Lieut.-General_.
“_Officer commanding first battalion
“Seventy-first Highlanders._”
After the battalion had landed at Ramsgate it was marched to Ashford,
in Kent, where it continued for some time collecting the men, who,
from contrary winds, were driven into different ports.
While at Ashford the battalion was brigaded with the Warwick Militia
and the Ninety-first Regiment, under Brigadier-General the Baron de
Rottenburg. Great sickness prevailed at this station, and Surgeon
James Evans and several of the soldiers died of typhus fever.
On the 20th of March, 1809, the Royal authority was granted for the
Seventy-first to be formed into a light infantry regiment, since
which time it has been distinguished as the Highland Light Infantry.
The first battalion marched on the 27th of April, 1809, for
Brabourne-Lees Barracks, and was brigaded with the Sixty-eighth and
Eighty-fifth Light Infantry Regiments. Every exertion was here made
to increase the strength and improve the discipline of the corps.
In June the first battalion was increased by a large reinforcement,
consisting of several officers and 311 non-commissioned officers and
privates from the second battalion, which continued to be stationed
in North Britain. Several volunteers from the militia were also
received at this period.
Immense preparations had been made by the British Government to fit
out the most formidable armament that had for a long time proceeded
from England. The troops, amounting to 40,000 men, were commanded by
Lieut.-General the Earl of Chatham. The naval portion consisted of 39
ships of the line, 35 frigates, and numerous gunboats, bomb-vessels,
and other small craft, under Admiral Sir Richard Strachan. The object
of the expedition was to obtain possession of the islands at the
mouth of the Scheldt and to destroy the French ships in that river,
with the docks and arsenals at Antwerp. The first battalion of the
Seventy-first, towards the end of June, received orders to prepare
for the above service, and marched on the 28th and 29th of that month
in two divisions, encamping near Gosport.
On the 16th of July the battalion, consisting of 3 field officers, 6
captains, 27 subalterns, 5 staff, 48 sergeants, and 974 drummers and
rank and file, embarked at Portsmouth on board His Majesty’s ships
_Belleisle_ and _Impérieuse_, and towards the end of the month sailed
for the Downs.
The battalion was brigaded, under Brigadier-General the Baron de
Rottenburg, with the Sixty-eighth and Eighty-fifth Light Infantry, in
the division commanded by Lieut.-General Alexander Mackenzie Fraser,
and in the corps of Lieut.-General Sir Eyre Coote, K.B.
The expedition sailed from the Downs on the 28th of July, and having
arrived off the Roompet Channel, preparations were made for landing;
small craft to cover the landing were also sent in shore, and the
light brigade, composed of the Sixty-eighth, Seventy-first, and
Eighty-fifth Light Infantry, were landed under their fire. In an
instant they were in contact with the enemy’s sharpshooters, who
fell back, skirmishing. Being pushed hard, four guns, with their
equipment and several prisoners, were taken by two companies of the
Seventy-first, under Captains George Sutherland and Henry Hall, and
one company of the Eighty-fifth.
A battery and flag-staff on the coast were taken possession of by the
tenth company of the Seventy-first, and in lieu of a flag a soldier’s
red jacket was hoisted on it.
This advance having succeeded at all points, and the enemy having
fallen back on Flushing and Middleburg, the army was disembarked.
The advance then dividing, proceeded by different routes. The
Seventy-first moved by the sea dyke on a fort called Ter Veer, the
situation and strength of which was not sufficiently known, an
enemy’s deserter having given but imperfect intelligence respecting
it.
After nightfall the column continued to advance in perfect silence,
with orders to attack the post with the bayonet, when, on a sudden
the advance-guard fell in with an enemy’s party, who came out for
the purpose of firing some houses which overlooked the works. The
column following the advance-guard had entered an avenue or road
leading to the fort, when the advance commenced the action with the
enemy, who, retiring within the place, opened a tremendous fire from
his works with artillery and musketry. Some guns pointing down the
road by which the battalion advanced did great execution, and the
Seventy-first had Surgeon Charles Henry Quin killed, and about 18
men killed and wounded. The column, after some firing retired, and
the place was the next day regularly invested by sea and land. It
took three days to reduce, when it capitulated, with its stores and a
garrison of 800 men.
Flushing having been invested on the 1st of August, the
Seventy-first, after the surrender of Ter Veer, were ordered into
the line of circumvallation, and placed on the extreme left, resting
on the Scheldt. The preparations for the attack on the town having
been completed, on the 13th a dreadful fire was opened from the
batteries and bomb-vessels, and congreve-rockets having been thrown
into the town, it was on fire in many places. The ships having joined
in the attack, the enemy’s fire slackened, and at length ceased. A
summons being sent in, a delay was demanded, but, being rejected, the
firing recommenced.
On the 14th of August one of the outworks was carried at the point
of the bayonet by a party of detachments and two companies of the
Seventy-first under Lieut.-Colonel Pack.
In this affair, Ensign Donald Sinclair of the Seventy-first was
killed; Captain George Spottiswoode and a few men were wounded.
Flushing, with its garrison of 6,000 men, capitulated on the 15th of
August, and the right gate was occupied by a detachment of 300 men
of the First or Royal Scots, and the left gate by a detachment of
similar strength of the Seventy-first under Major Arthur Jones. The
naval arsenal and some vessels of war which were on the stocks, fell
into the hands of the British.
The Seventy-first proceeded shortly afterwards to Middleburg, where
the battalion remained for a few days, when it was ordered to
occupy Ter Veer, of which place Lieut.-Colonel Pack was appointed
Commandant, and Lieutenant Henry Clements, of the Seventy-first, Town
Major. The battalion remained doing duty in the garrison until this
island, after destroying the works, etc, was finally evacuated on the
22nd of December.
On the 23rd of December the battalion embarked in transports and
sailed for England, after a service of five months in a very
unhealthy climate, which cost the battalion the loss of the following
officers and men:—
Sergeants, Drummers,
Officers. and Rank and File.
Died on service 1 57
Killed 2 19
Died after return home 2 9
-- --
5 85
In passing Cadsand, that fort opened a fire on the transports, one
of which, having part of the Seventy-first on board, was struck by a
round shot which carried off Sergeant Steel’s legs above the knees.[7]
On the 25th of December the first battalion of the Seventy-first
disembarked at Deal, and marched to Brabourne-Lees barracks, in Kent,
where it was again brigaded with the Sixty-eighth and Eighty-fifth
Light Infantry, and was occupied in keeping itself in an efficient
state for active service.
[Sidenote: 1810.]
Upon the Seventy-first being made light infantry, they were
permitted to retain such parts of the national dress as might not be
inconsistent with their duties as a light corps. A correspondence on
the subject took place as follows between Lieut.-Colonel Pack and the
Adjutant-General in April, 1810:—
“Sir,
“I beg leave to state that until I read the Adjutant-General’s
letter of the 31st January last, a copy of which I have the honour
herewith to enclose, I did not think it possible any misconception
could exist as to the Seventy-first being no longer considered
a Highland Regiment, having myself clearly understood from His
Royal Highness the Duke of York and the present Commander-in-Chief
that in becoming light infantry the corps was to be put, as to
Colonel’s allowances, clothing, and appointments, exactly on the
same establishment as English regiments of the line, being only
allowed to retain our name and such characteristics of the old
corps as were in no way found objectionable, and out of which in
point of ‘esprit de corps’ much good and no possible harm could
arise, and it was under this impression that the bonnet cocked as a
regimental cap was submitted to the Horse Guards for approval, and
was sealed by the Adjutant-General for our use. With this security
I should now rest satisfied, but on a point affecting the honour
of the regiment, I cannot allow a shadow of doubt to rest. I have,
therefore, to entreat the Commander-in-Chief that unquestionable
authority may be given for our wearing the bonnet so cocked, for
retaining our pipes, and still dressing our pipers in the Highland
garb. It cannot be forgotten how those pipes were obtained, and how
constantly the regiment has upheld its title to them. These are
the honourable characteristics alluded to, which must preserve to
future times the previous remains of the old corps, and of which I
feel confident His Majesty never will have reason to deprive the
Seventy-first Regiment.
“I have the honour to be,
“Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) “D. PACK,
“_Lieut.-Colonel Seventy-first
“Regiment_.
“_The Adjutant-General of the Forces, “Horse Guards London._”
“_Horse Guards,
“12th April, 1810._
“Sir,
“Having submitted to the Commander-in-Chief your letter of the 4th
instant, I am directed to state that there is no objection to the
Seventy-first being denominated Highland Light Infantry Regiment,
or to their retaining their pipes, and the Highland garb for the
pipers, and that they will, of course, be permitted to wear caps
according to the pattern which was lately approved and sealed by
authority.
“I have, &c.,
(Signed) “WILLIAM WYNWARD,
“_Deputy Adjutant-General_.
“_Lieut.-Colonel Pack, Seventy-first
“Regiment._”
On the 8th of May, 1810, the first battalion marched to Deal
Barracks, where every exertion was continued to render it fit for
active service. Here the battalion was deprived of the services of
Lieut.-Colonel Pack, who was appointed a brigadier in the Portuguese
army under Marshal William Carr Beresford, afterwards General the
Viscount Beresford.
Nothing of moment occurred until the early part of September, when
the battalion received orders to hold six companies in readiness for
foreign service. They were prepared accordingly by drafting into
them, from the companies which were to remain at home, the most
effective officers and men, several not having recovered from the
Walcheren fever.
The following were the companies selected and completed for foreign
service, namely:—
1st or Capt. M^cIntyre’s.
2nd ” Hall’s.
3rd ” Adamson’s.
4th ” Walker’s.
6th ” Spottiswoode’s.
10th ” Lewis Grant’s.
They consisted of 2 field officers, 6 captains, 15 lieutenants, 7
ensigns, 4 staff, 38 sergeants, 12 drummers, and 603 rank and file.
On the 14th of September the above companies embarked in the Downs
on board the Melpomene and St. Fiorenzo frigates, three companies
with the staff, and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Nathaniel Levett Peacocke,
on board the former; the remaining three companies, under Brevet
Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Reynell, afterwards colonel of the regiment,
on board the latter. They sailed on the following day for Lisbon,
and entered the Tagus on the 25th of September, after a short and
pleasant passage. The companies were disembarked on the following
day, and quartered in the San Benito and Espirito Santo convents.
The greatest exertions were made to complete the companies in field
equipment, bât-mules, &c., which being effected, the detachment
marched from Lisbon on the 2nd of October to Mafra, where it was
shortly afterwards joined by Lieut.-Colonel the Honourable Henry
Cadogan, who assumed the command, and Lieut.-Colonel Peacocke
returned to the second battalion in North Britain. The detachment
being ordered to join the army under Lieut.-General Viscount
Wellington, then retreating before Marshal Massena, Prince of
Essling, marched from Mafra on the 8th of October, and on the 10th
of that month effected the junction at Sobral, where it was brigaded
with the Fiftieth and Ninety-second Regiments under Major-General Sir
William Erskine, in the first division under Lieut.-General Sir Brent
Spencer, K.B.
The army having retired into a position in the rear of Sobral, that
place was occupied by the Seventy-first, having for its support the
Fiftieth and Ninety-second Regiments and Major-General Alan Cameron’s
brigade. On the 12th of October the pickets were violently attacked
by the enemy’s advance, and retired skirmishing. In the meantime the
place was ordered to be evacuated, and the pickets having joined, the
Seventy-first took up a position on the outside, within musket-shot
of the town. In this affair the detachment had 8 men killed and 34
wounded.
In this position the Seventy-first continued, when on the 14th of
October they were again attacked with the greatest impetuosity,
and charged with the bayonet. The enemy was completely repulsed,
with very considerable loss in killed and wounded, being chased to
the spot from which he made the attack. Both parties resumed their
original position.
In Viscount Wellington’s despatch reporting this affair, the names
of Lieut.-Colonel the Honourable Henry Cadogan, commanding the
Seventy-first, and that of Brevet Lieut.-Col. Thomas Reynell, were
particularly mentioned.
A soldier of the sixth company, named John Rea, behaved on this
occasion in the most gallant manner, and particularly distinguished
himself, for which he received a silver medal with the following
inscription:—“To John Rea, for his exemplary courage and good conduct
as a soldier at Sobral, 14th October, 1810.”
On the 15th of October the Seventy-first was ordered to withdraw into
the position at Zibriera, which was in continuation of the lines of
Torres Vedras. In this celebrated position, which bid defiance to the
French army, the troops were constantly on the alert, occupied in
rendering it as strong as circumstances would admit, and in observing
the motions of the enemy.
Marshal Massena did not think proper to attack the British army
in this stronghold, and occupied his time in reconnaissances and
demonstrations, until compelled, through want of provisions and
consequent sickness of his troops, to abandon his designs, and retire
to a position in his rear. This object he finally effected in a
masterly manner, in the night, between the 14th and 15th of November,
followed by the allied forces. Both armies thus evacuated positions
on which the attention of Europe had been fixed, and which they had
occupied for a month in presence of each other.
The division in which the six companies of the Seventy-first were
placed advanced by the route of Alemquer, Cartajo, Atataya, and
Almoster, and halted in and about the latter place from the 20th
to the 26th of November, inclusive. The enemy, in the mean time,
retired to an extremely strong position at and in the vicinity of
Santarem, where Marshal Massena halted, although threatened by
Viscount Wellington, who, after some manœuvring, took up a position
immediately in the enemy’s front, having his head-quarters at
Cartajo, and the different corps of the army in the villages. The
brigade to which the Seventy-first belonged occupied Alquintrinha.
[Sidenote: 1811.]
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
At this place the Seventy-first remained in quarters until March,
1811, at which period the army, having been reinforced, was about to
resume the offensive, when the enemy retired during the night of the
5th of March, taking the same road, through Estremadura, by which he
entered Portugal.
The British army accordingly marched in pursuit of Marshal Massena,
and the brigade in which was the Seventy-first accompanied it,
moving by Redinha, Miranda de Corvo, and Saryedes, passing the
Coa, a little above Sabugal, upon the 5th of April, and on the 9th
arrived at Albergaria, a small town on the frontiers of Spain. The
Seventy-first remained in Albergaria until the 2nd of May, when the
enemy, having been strongly reinforced, moved off from Salamanca, and
on that day crossed the frontier with a large convoy of provisions
for Almeida, then closely invested by the Portuguese forces under
Brigadier-General Pack.
In consequence of this movement the allied army broke up its
cantonments on the Azava, and formed in order of battle upon the high
ground behind the Duas Casas, the left extending to the high road to
Almeida, which crossed the river by a ford near Fort Concepcion, and
the right keeping up a communication with the bridge at Sabugal;
opposite the centre the village of Fuentes d’Onor was strongly
occupied by light infantry.
Upon the 3rd of May the French took post on the opposite side of the
valley of the Duas Casas, their left fronting Fuentes d’Onor, and
their right extending about two miles and a half to Almeida. In the
afternoon of the 3rd of May they attacked Fuentes d’Onor with much
vigour. That post was defended with the greatest bravery, until the
light companies, being worn out and harassed by repeated attacks,
were obliged to retire, and the enemy possessed himself of the lower
part of the village.
The Seventy-first was now ordered up in support, and, commanded
by Lieut.-Colonel the Honourable Henry Cadogan, charged the enemy
through the village and across the Duas Casas, taking ten officers
and about a hundred men prisoners. The corps retained its conquest
that night and the whole of the next day, but upon Sunday, the 5th
of May, the French having succeeded in turning some troops to the
immediate right, was obliged to give way; but having been promptly
supported by the Seventy-fourth and Eighty-eighth Regiments, it again
advanced, took possession of and retained the village until the
conclusion of the action.
A struggle of such duration could not be carried on without great
loss, and the Seventy-first suffered severely. It went into action
about 320 strong, and lost nearly one-half of its number in killed
and wounded.
The Seventy-first had Lieutenants John Conseil, William Houston, and
John Graham, and Ensign Donald John Kearns, together with 4 sergeants
and 22 rank and file killed. Captains Peter Adamson and James
M^cIntyre, Lieutenants William M^cCraw, Humphrey Fox, and Robert Law
(Adjutant), Ensigns Charles Cox, John Vandeleur, and Carique Lewin,
6 sergeants, 3 buglers, and 100 rank and file, were wounded. 2
officers, with several men, were taken prisoners.
In commemoration of the gallantry displayed in this prolonged action,
the Seventy-first subsequently received the royal authority to bear
the words “Fuentes d’Onor” on the regimental colour and appointments.
The following letter from Lord Fitzroy Somerset will serve to show
the opinion entertained by Lord Wellington of the conduct of the
Seventy-first on this occasion.
“_Villa Formosa, 8th May, 1811._
“Sir,
“Lord Wellington being highly gratified with the conduct of the
Seventy-first Regiment, has directed me to request that you will
transmit to me the name of a non-commissioned officer who may be
eligible for a commission, in order that his Lordship may recommend
him for an Ensigncy on the present occasion.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
“FITZROY SOMERSET.
“_Lieut.-Colonel
“The Honourable Henry Cadogan,
“Seventy-first Regiment._”
According to his Lordship’s recommendation, Quartermaster-Sergeant
William Gavin was shortly afterwards promoted to an ensigncy in the
regiment.
The Seventy-first upon the 14th returned to their old quarters at
Albergaria, and remained there until the 26th of May, when the
brigade was ordered to the Alemtejo frontier, as a reinforcement to
Marshal Sir William Beresford’s army, at this time besieging Badajoz,
and threatened by the advance of Marshal Soult from the south of
Spain.
[Sidenote: 2nd bat.]
On the 15th of May, 1811, the second battalion embarked at Leith for
South Britain, arrived at Ramsgate on the 23rd of that month, and
remained stationed in England for nearly two years.
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
The first battalion, upon its route southward, crossed the Tagus on
the 31st of May, and arrived near Albuhera on the 14th June, having
passed through Portalegre, Aronches, Campo Mayor, and Talavera Real.
The sanguinary battle of Albuhera, fought on the 16th of May, had
obliged Marshal Soult to retire previously to the arrival of the
reinforcements, which being considered no longer necessary, the
battalion retired to Elvas, where it remained two days, moving to
Toro de Moro on the 19th of June, where it remained for a month.
At this encampment a detachment of 350 men, with a proportion of
officers, joined from the second battalion then stationed at Deal.
About this period the first battalion became a part of the army,
under Lieut.-General Rowland (afterwards Viscount) Hill. The junction
of the armies of Marshals Marmont and Soult having obliged Viscount
Wellington to raise the siege of Badajoz, which had been resumed
after the battle of Albuhera, the battalion, in co-operation with
his Lordship’s retrograde movement, retired to Borba on 20th of
July. Here it remained until the 1st of September, when it moved to
Portalegre, and thence marched to Castello de Vido, on the 4th of
October.
A detachment from Marshal Soult’s army, under General Girard, having
been levying contributions in Spanish Estremadura, Lieut.-General
Rowland Hill, with a view of putting a stop to his movements, broke
up his cantonment at Portalegre, upon the 22nd of October, proceeding
by Albuquerque and Malpartida. On the 27th, when, within a moderate
march of the enemy at Arroyo-dos-Molinos, he halted his troops, and,
at night, breaking up his bivouac, made a flank movement close to the
road by which the French intended to march on the following morning.
In that position he awaited the approach of day, when on the 28th of
October, the British marched directly on the rear of the town with
such celerity that the cavalry pickets were attacked before they had
time to mount.
The French main body, though in the act of filing out, had so little
intimation of danger, that the officers and men were surrounded
before their formation was effected, and to seek safety they
individually dispersed. Many of them were killed, and about 1,400
were taken prisoners. All the enemy’s artillery and baggage were
captured. General Brun, and Colonel the Prince of Aremberg, together
with several other officers, were among the prisoners.
In this brilliant affair the Seventy-first was one of the three corps
that advanced through the centre of the town, and were, therefore,
principally engaged; but the enemy, from his complete surprise, being
unable to make a combined resistance, the British sustained but a
trifling loss.
The battalion subsequently returned to Portalegre, where it arrived
early in November. Although the Thirty-fourth Regiment was allowed to
inscribe the words, “Arroyo dos Molinos” on its colours, still, for
some inexplicable reason, the same privilege has always been refused
to the other regiments that were present at that action.
Lieut.-General Hill, on the 7th of November, issued the following
General Order:—
“_Portalegre, 7th November, 1811._
“Lieut.-General Hill has great satisfaction in congratulating the
troops on the success which has attended their recent operations
in Estremadura, and in so doing he cannot but endeavour to do
justice to the merits of those through whose exertions it has been
obtained. A patient, willing endurance of forced and night marches,
during the worst of weather, and over bad roads, of bivouacs in wet
weather, oftentimes without cover and without fire, and a strict
observance of discipline, are qualities, however, common in British
soldiers, which the Lieut.-General cannot pass unnoticed. Having on
this occasion witnessed the exertion of them in no ordinary degree,
he feels that nothing but the most zealous attention of commanding
officers, the goodwill and zealous spirit of the non-commissioned
officers and soldiers, could produce such an effect, and he
requests they will, generally and individually, accept his warmest
thanks, particularly those corps which were engaged in the action
of Arroyo dos Molinos, whose silent attention to orders, when
preparing to attack, and when manœuvring before the enemy, could
not but excite his notice, and give them an additional claim on
him.”
Letters from the Secretary of State, dated the 2nd, and from His
Royal Highness the Duke of York, Commander-in-Chief, dated the 6th
December, were promulgated, expressive of His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent’s approbation and thanks to Lieut.-General Hill, and
the troops under his command, for their brilliant operations on the
recent expedition in Spanish Estremadura, in having totally surprised
and defeated the enemy, under General Girard.
Viscount Wellington, having made preparations for the recapture
of Ciudad Rodrigo, concentrated the main body of the army in that
neighbourhood, and the troops, under Lieut.-General Hill, were
therefore ordered to divert the enemy’s attention in the south.
The first battalion of the Seventy-first remained at Portalegre,
until the 25th of December, when the brigade moved into Estremadura,
for the purpose of expelling the French, who were ravaging the
country. After the performance of this duty, the battalion returned
to its former quarters at Portalegre, in February, 1812.
[Sidenote: 1812.]
[Sidenote: 1st bat.]
Upon the 19th of March, 1812, the battalion moved northward
to Castello Branco, where it remained for about a week, and
afterwards returned for the last time to Portalegre. The Earl of
Wellington having made arrangements for the third siege of Badajoz,
Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s corps was destined to cover his
movements, and with that view proceeded on the 21st of March towards
Merida, and afterwards to Don Benito, where the troops remained for a
few days; but upon the approach of Marshal Soult with a large army,
with the intention of raising the siege, Lieutenant-General Hill
retired upon Albuhera, through Arroyo de San Servan and Talavera Real.
Badajoz having been assaulted and carried by the troops, under
the Earl of Wellington, on the night of the 6th of April, after a
sanguinary conflict, the movement of Marshal Soult was rendered
nugatory, and the troops under his orders retired into Andalusia.
Marshal Marmont, having, during the progress of the siege, penetrated
into the province of Beira, and threatened Ciudad Rodrigo and
Almeida, the Earl of Wellington, after the fall of Badajoz, crossed
the Tagus, leaving Sir Rowland Hill’s force to watch Marshal Soult,
which took post at Almendralejos for that purpose.
The battalion was stationed at this town, from the 13th of April
until the 11th of May. It having then become expedient to render the
communications between the French armies on the north and south of
the Tagus as precarious as possible, by the destruction of the bridge
of boats at Almaraz, the corps under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill,
being the most disposable and convenient force, was accordingly
ordered on this important service.
The French, feeling the importance of this bridge to their mutual
strength and security, had surrounded it on both sides of the river
with formidable enclosed works, having in the interior of them
casemated and loop-holed towers. The troops appointed for these
strong works, consequently, anticipated an arduous struggle.
Upon the 12th of May the corps broke up from Almendralejos, and
marching by Truscillo and Jaraicejo, reached on the 18th of that
month the Sierra, 5 miles from Almaraz, on which stands the Castle
of Mirabete. This post was so strongly fortified that it blocked up
the only road to Almaraz for the passage of artillery, which was
considered by the enemy absolutely necessary for the destruction
of the works. Sir Rowland Hill thought otherwise, and ascertaining
that infantry could cross the Sierra by a track through Roman Gordo,
he left his artillery, and descended at night with a column of
2,000 men. The leading company arrived at dawn of day, close to the
principal fort, built on a height a few hundred yards in front of the
_tête de pont_, but such were the difficulties of the road, that a
considerable time elapsed before the rear closed, during which the
troops were fortunately sheltered by a ravine, unseen by the enemy.
On the 19th May the Fiftieth Regiment, and the left wing of the
Seventy-first, having been provided with ladders, were appointed to
escalade the works of Fort Napoleon, supported by the right wing of
the Seventy-first and the Ninety-second Regiment.
From a feint made upon Mirabete, the French were aware that an enemy
was in the neighbourhood. The garrison on the alert immediately
opened a heavy fire, and vigorously resisted the efforts made to push
up the escarp; but the moment the first men gained a footing on the
parapet, the enemy took to flight. The whole of this brilliant affair
was completed in the short space of 15 minutes, and with little loss.
The Seventy-first had Captain Lewis Grant, with 1 sergeant and 7 rank
and file killed; Lieutenants William Lockwood and Donald Ross, 3
sergeants, and 29 rank and file were wounded.
The names of 36 non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the
Seventy-first were inserted in regimental orders for conspicuous
bravery upon this occasion, and the Royal authority was subsequently
granted for the word “Almaraz,” to be borne on the regimental colour
and appointments.