Chapter III: Part 3

Baldeo Singh, Rajah of Bhurtpore, had become attached to the British government, with which he formed an alliance offensive and defensive, and procured a guarantee for the succession of his youthful son, Bhulwunt Singh to the throne, from Sir David Ochterlony, then Commander of the forces and Political Resident at Delhi, who acknowledged the boy’s right, and pledged his word to support him. But among many of the Rajah’s subjects a strong feeling of hostility to the British existed, particularly in the army, and his nephew, Doorjun Sal, headed a party opposed to the alliance. After the Rajah’s decease his nephew gained possession of the capital, seized the young prince, and assumed the sovereign power. Sir David Ochterlony assembled a force (of which the 59th. formed part) and marched on Bhurtpore; but the government having disapproved of the measures taken, the troops returned to Cawnpore. Sir David in consequence resigned, and died at Meerut in July, 1825, his decease being, it is considered, hastened by this event.

It was, however, afterwards determined to carry into effect the engagements entered into with the late Rajah, by placing his son on the throne. An army was assembled under General Lord Combermere, the Commander-in-Chief in India, and the siege of the capital, the fortified city of Bhurtpore, was determined upon. Great confidence was placed by the natives in the strength of this place, the fort being upwards of five miles in circumference, and having in 1805, withstood four attacks of Lord Lake’s army, wherein were five king’s regiments, which had been repulsed with great loss.

On the 10th. and 11th. of December, 1825, the British appeared before this celebrated city and fortress. The army amounted to twenty-five thousand three hundred men, of which His Majesty’s 11th. and 16th. Light Dragoons, and the 14th. and 59th. regiments formed part, the remainder being made up of Native corps. The garrison was nearly equal in numbers to the besieging force. The Bhurtporees had cut a sluice into the embankment of a lake near the town, to fill the ditch round the woods with water, but they were speedily driven from the spot; the sluice was stopped, and the embankment was turned into a military post, which was entrusted to a company of the 14th. Foot and some sepoys. About eighteen inches of water only had flowed into the ditch, and this sudden seizure of the embankment facilitated the progress of the siege by keeping the ditch nearly empty, and thus prevented the enemy from filling it with water, as was done in Lord Lake’s time. The several corps took up their ground, and the investment became complete, orange and date trees from the groves being converted into fascines and gabions.

At an early hour on the morning of the 24th of December, the fires of two batteries were opened on the town; additional works were constructed, the batteries became more numerous, and the siege was prosecuted with vigour. It was, however, found extremely difficult to effect practicable breaches in the peculiarly-constructed walls of Bhurtpore, as they were in many places thickly studded with large trees of a very tough description of timber, which offered a remarkable resistance to shot. The process of mining was adopted; several explosions took place, and the result soon rendered it evident that the horrors of an assault was drawing near. Great bravery and perseverance was evinced by the garrison; they exposed themselves resolutely to the fire of besiegers, and built up in the night the works which were knocked down during the day, labouring under a ceaseless fire, and evincing a firm determination to persevere in the defence.

Considerable progress having been made towards effecting practicable breaches, it was determined to attempt the storming of the place on the morning of the 18th. of January, 1826, the explosion of the mine under the north-east angle being the signal for the assault. The 14th. and 59th. regiments headed the two attacks, and they were directed to wheel as soon as they entered the breaches, one to the right and the other to the left, and, continuing their career round the ramparts, to drive the enemy before them till they met. Some delay occurred in the mine, and the soldiers stood seven hours anxiously waiting for the moment to commence the assault, during which time the thunder of the artillery was tremendous. The mine having exploded in an unexpected direction, several men of the 14th., at the head of the column of attack, were killed, and Brigadier-General John M‘Combe, (of that regiment,) and other officers received severe contusions.

As soon as the tremendous crash was over the troops rushed through the cloud of smoke and dust, and commenced ascending the breach, and, the summit, after some opposition, was gained. Here a short pause ensued from the native corps appointed to support not being near, when the enemy opened a heavy fire from the buildings near the breach, and sprang a mine, which killed several of the soldiers. The Bhurtpore artillerymen fought with great desperation, and the defenders of the walls exhibited much bravery; but in two hours the whole rampart surrounding the town, together with the command of the gates, were in possession of the British. The citadel surrendered about four o’clock, and the 14th., (at the head of which the Commander-in-Chief entered it,) was placed there in garrison, as a compliment to the gallantry of the corps.

General Viscount Combermere, G.C.B., in his despatch stated, “I must particularly remark the behaviour of His Majesty’s 14th. regiment, commanded by Major Everard, and the 59th., commanded by Major Fuller; these corps, having led the columns of assault, by their steadiness and determination decided the events of the day.” His lordship also specially adverted to the services rendered by Brigadier, now General Sir James Wallace Sleige, K.C.B., commanding the cavalry; the general good and active conduct of the cavalry, and the spirited manner in which they volunteered their services when it was anticipated (before the arrival of the 1st. European regiment) to employ them in the storm were also mentioned.[19]

Thus was accomplished the capture of this city, regarded throughout the East as impregnable, the natives being accustomed to remark that India was not subdued because Bhurtpore had not fallen. The usurper Doorjun Sal was captured while attempting to escape, and the young Rajah was placed on the throne. The 14th. had Brigadier-General Edwards and Captain Armstrong killed, and the 59th. lost Captain Pitman, and had Major Fuller and other officers wounded.

The state of the Burmese war at this period rendered it of the highest importance that Bhurtpore should be captured, as a failure in that object would have paralyzed British domination in the East.[20]

“BHURTPORE” was authorised by the Sovereign to be borne on the standards and colours of the 11th. and 16th. Light Dragoons, and the 14th. and 59th. regiments.

Lord Combermere, whose earliest services had been connected with the siege of Seringapatam, in 1799, and who had commanded the British cavalry during the Peninsula war, under Wellington, was made a Viscount for this capture.

THE INDIAN WAR MEDAL, 1799–1826.

This medal, the design of which is extremely chaste and beautiful, has on the obverse the Queen’s head, with the inscription VICTORIA REGINA, similar to the Crimean and other medals. The artist, the late William Wyon, Esq., R.A., was the chief engraver to the Royal Mint until his decease in 1851. On the reverse of the medal is a figure of Victory seated, holding in her right hand a laurel branch, in her left, a victor’s laurel-wreath. A lotus flower, emblematic of India, is by her side, a trophy of Oriental arms and a palm-tree in the background. Above are the words, “To the army of India”: in the exergue, “1799–1826.” The various services are commemorated by clasps, and the medal is worn with a pale blue ribbon.

The glorious achievements of the army of India, from the decisive victory of Assaye to the capture of Bhurtpore, were not commemorated by a medal till the year 1851, and the few survivors who took part in the first-named battle did not receive the decoration until _forty-eight_ years after the event.

THE PENINSULA WAR MEDAL.

When the distribution of the Waterloo Medal both to officers and men took place, it was no wonder that the veterans who had fought through the several actions of the Peninsula war should desire to have a similar distinction. By a letter from the Duke of Wellington, dated Brussels, 13th. April, 1815, to His Royal Highness Field-Marshal the Duke of Kent, then Colonel of the Royals, it would appear that there was some general distinction intended to be conferred on the Peninsula army:—“When your Royal Highness first communicated to me your desire that the 3rd. battalion Royals should wear a distinguishing badge for their services under my command, it was in the contemplation of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, that the whole army which served in the Peninsula and in the South of France should wear one. I have not heard what has prevented His Royal Highness from carrying that intention into execution, but I will enquire, and I will recommend that the Royals shall have one, if it is not intended that one should be given to the whole army.” This design appears to have been abandoned.

The War Medal.
]

It has been shewn that during the reign of King Charles the First, and the period of the Commonwealth, the humblest soldier was eligible for a medal, and that for Waterloo is the first since that time which has been conferred by the crown on both officers and soldiers. Major Mackie, in a poem entitled “Britannia Ingrata,” made a poetical appeal in behalf of the gallant Peninsula army. There were volumes of correspondence in the several military journals, in which the grievances of veterans were set forth; officers who had passed through the fields of Corunna, Talavera, Busaco, Salamanca,[21] and other sanguinary actions, felt they deserved the red and blue-edged ribbon as well as the more fortunate Waterloo man. Even the badge of merit was defined, some thinking that it should be a cross formed of the metal of guns taken during the war.

The hardship continued for years, and there is no doubt that the Duke of Richmond in his place in Parliament, aided by public opinion, was mainly instrumental in obtaining the desired honour. So sensible were the war officers of his exertions in their cause, that a testimonial was subscribed for and presented to His Grace at a grand dinner at Willis’s Rooms, on Saturday, the 21st. of June, 1851. It was a most interesting gathering, and many of the Peninsula veterans were present. The testimonial was in solid silver, the value of the plate being about fifteen hundred guineas. The inscription was as follows: “Presented on June 21st., 1851, 38th. Anniversary of the Battle of Vittoria, to His Grace the Duke of Richmond, Lennox, and Aubigny, K.G., by the Recipients of the War Medal, in grateful remembrance of his long and unwearied exertion in their behalf, as a token of the Admiration, Respect, and Esteem, from his humbler brethren in Arms, who successfully aided in defending their Island Home throughout a long and sanguinary war, in which they gained a series of resplendent victories, that led to the capture of Madrid, Paris, Washington, and finally to an honourable and lasting peace.”

Queen Victoria fully repaired the omission of her predecessors, by conferring the boon so long and anxiously coveted, and on the 1st. of June, 1847 (the anniversary of a glorious naval victory), the following general order was issued, which, it is almost superfluous to add, was read with delight by the surviving Peninsula veterans.

“Horse Guards, 1st. June, 1847.

“Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to command that a Medal
should be struck to record the Services of Her Fleets and Armies
during the Wars commencing in 1793, and ending in 1814, and that one
should be conferred upon every Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer, and
Soldier of the Army, who was present in any Battle or Siege, to
commemorate which, Medals had been struck by command of Her Majesty’s
Royal Predecessors, and had been distributed to the General or
Superior Officers of the several Armies and Corps of Troops engaged,
in conformity with the Regulations of the Service at that time in
force;—General and other Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and
Soldiers, who consider that they have claims to receive this mark of
their Sovereign’s gracious recollection of their Services, and of her
desire to record the same, are each to apply to the Secretary of the
Board of General Officers, Whitehall, London, and to send in writing
to the same Officer, a statement of his claim, for what Action, at
what period of time, and the Names of the Persons, or the titles of
the Documents by which the Claim can be proved.

“These Claims are to be sent, by General Officers having such Claims,
through the hands of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army:—

“The Staff Officers having such Claims, through the General Officers
under whom they served, if alive;—if not alive, through the
Adjutant-General of the Army:—

“Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Soldiers of Regiments,
Battalions, and Detachments, through the Commanding Officer of the
Regiment, Battalion, or Detachment, at the time, if still alive.[22]
This will be known by enquiry at the Agents of the Regiments resident
in London. If such Commanding Officer should not be alive, the
Application, in writing, must be sent through the Adjutant-General of
the Army.

“The Board of General Officers is hereby, by Her Majesty’s Command,
directed to take into consideration,—to investigate the facts stated
in each of these several applications,—and to report to the
Commander-in-Chief upon the same, for the information of Her Majesty,
and to enable those commanded by Her Majesty to deliver to the
Claimants the Medals accordingly.

“The Adjutant-General, and the Military Secretary of the
Commander-in-Chief will transmit to the Secretary of the Board of
General Officers, such information as they may have been able to
acquire, to assist in the investigations which the Board will have to
make.

“The Commander-in-Chief has been required to desire, that the Board of
General Officers will have Alphabetical Lists made out of the names of
the Claimants to one of these Medals, with his Rank, and the name of
the particular Battle or Siege for which he claims to receive the same
inserted in the Margin,—and at which the Board of General Officers may
consider that he was present.

“The occasions for which Medals have been granted by the Sovereign are
specified in the annexed page for general information and guidance, as
at page 73 of the Annual Army List.

“By Command of Field-Marshal,
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, Commander-in-Chief,
JOHN MACDONALD, Adjutant-General.”

“Honorary Distinctions have been granted to Officers in Commemoration of their Services in the following Battles or Actions:—Maida, July 4th., 1806; Roleia, August 17th., 1808; Vimiera, August 21st., 1808; Sahagun, Benevente, etc., December, 1808, and January, 1809; Corunna, January 16th., 1809; Martinique, February, 1809; Talavera, July 27th. and 28th., 1809; Guadaloupe, January and February, 1810; Busaco, September 27th., 1810; Barrosa, March 5th., 1811; Fuentes d’Onor, May 5th., 1811; Albuhera, May 16th., 1811; Java, August and September, 1811; Cindad Rodrigo, January, 1812; Badajoz, March 17th. and April 6th., 1812; Salamanca, July 22nd., 1812; Fort Detroit, America, August, 1812; Vittoria, June 21st., 1813; Pyrenees, July 28th. to August 2nd., 1813; St. Sebastian, August and September, 1813; Chateauguay, America, October 26th., 1813; Nivelle, November 10th., 1813; Chrystler’s Farm, America, November 11th., 1813; Nive, December 9th. to 13th., 1813; Orthes, February 27th., 1814; Toulouse, April 10th., 1814.”

A similar order was issued regarding naval services, these commenced with Lord Howe’s action on the 1st. of June, 1794, but the earliest military service thus decorated was the campaign in Egypt, 1801, a general order, dated the 12th. of February, 1850, being issued, by which the war medal was to be conferred on the surviving Egyptian veterans; and if they had already received it, an additional bar, bearing the word “EGYPT,” was to be granted.

The MEDAL has on the obverse the head of the Queen, with the date 1848; and on the reverse Her Majesty, as the representative of the country or people, is in the act of crowning with a laurel wreath the Duke of Wellington, in a kneeling attitude, as emblematic of the army. In the exergue is engraved 1793–1814, (the former date only applying to the navy,) and by the side of the dais is the British lion. The inscription is “TO THE BRITISH ARMY.” In the illustration only a few of the bars are given, but all the services enumerated in the foregoing list were of course commemorated by their names being placed on the bars. Fifteen is the greatest number of bars known to have been worn by any recipient of the medal. The rank and names of recipients were engraved round the edge of the medal. The ribbon is red, with blue edges.[23]

The first service then, in the order of date, is

THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN, 1801.

In the year 1800, a French army, which had been designated the “Army of the East,” held Egypt in subjection, and the British government anticipating that India was the meditated scene of conquest, determined to employ the disposable force of the kingdom in relieving Egypt from her invaders. After experiencing much severe weather at sea, the fleet arrived at Malta, where the troops landed, and the abundance of fresh provisions afforded by the inhabitants was most welcome. Leaving that island on the 20th. of December, 1800, the armament sailed to Marmorice, in Asiatic Turkey, where the fleet anchored in a spacious bay environed by mountains, whilst gunboats were being procured for the expedition, horses for the cavalry, and a plan of co-operation was in course of arrangement with the Turks.

This force was under the command of the veteran General Sir Ralph Abercromby, K.B., and about six thousand men from India and the Cape of Good Hope, under Major-General Baird, so celebrated for his conduct at Seringapatam, were appointed to co-operate.

At this period the British forces were brigaded as follows:—Guards, Major-General the Honourable George J. Ludlow, First Royals, 54th., two battalions, and 92nd, Major-General (afterwards Sir Eyre) Coote; 8th., 13th., 18th., and 90th., Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Cradock; 2nd., 50th., and 79th., Major-General Lord Cavan; 30th., 44th., and 89th., Brigadier-General (afterwards Sir John) Doyle; Minorca, De Rolle’s, and Dillon’s regiments (since disbanded,) Major-General John Stuart, (afterwards Count of Maida.) The reserve consisted of detachments of 11th. and Hompesch’s dragoons, 40th., flank companies, 23rd., 28th., 42nd., 58th., and Corsican Rangers, (since disbanded,) Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore; 12th. and 26th. dragoons, Major-General the Honourable Edward Finch; artillery and pioneers, Brigadier-General Lawson.

After some delay at Marmorice, in expectation of receiving reinforcements of Greeks and Turks, the expedition proceeded to its destination, and on the 2nd of March, 1801, anchored in the Bay of Aboukir, eastward of Alexandria, when, notwithstanding all the exertions of the navy, under the orders of Admiral Lord Keith, the necessary arrangements for landing the troops could not be effected until a week afterwards, owing to unfavourable weather, and other obstructions. A landing was however effected on the 8th. of March.

The troops forming the first division, consisting of the reserve, under the command of Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore; the brigade of Guards, under the Honourable Major-General Ludlow; and a portion of the first brigade, under Major-General Coote, got into the boats early in the morning; they had generally about six miles to row, and did not reach the point of landing until ten o’clock. The front of disembarkation was narrow, and a hill, which commanded the whole, seemed almost inaccessible. Notwithstanding their being exposed to a very severe cannonade, and under the fire of grape shot, the troops made good their landing, ascended the hill, and forced the enemy to retire, leaving behind him seven pieces of artillery, together with a number of horses. The troops that ascended the hill in the face of dangers and difficulties sufficient to intimidate ordinary men, consisted of the 23rd. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and the four flank companies of the 40th. regiment, under the command of Colonel Spencer, whose conduct was specially commended in the despatches; in which also the good order of the disembarkation of the 28th. and 42nd. regiments, under the command of Brigadier-General Oakes was particularly noticed. Whilst these regiments formed and mounted the position, the Foot Guards and 58th. regiment prolonged the attack, the Royals and the 54th. pushing forward to sustain their gallant comrades. A column of French infantry advancing through a hollow way with fixed bayonets against the left flank of the Foot Guards, encountered the two latter regiments; the British advanced, when their opponents hesitated, fired a volley, and then retreated. The disembarkation of the army continued on the 8th. and the day following.[24]

The troops which landed on the 8th., advanced three miles the same day, and on the 12th., the army moved forward, and came in sight of the enemy, who was strongly posted with his right to the canal of Alexandria, and his left towards the sea.

About six o’clock in the morning of the 13th. of March, the British advanced to attack the enemy’s position in front of Mandora. The leading brigades were commanded by Major-Generals Cradock and the Earl of Cavan. The 90th. formed the advanced guard of the front line, and the 92nd. that of the second; both battalions suffered severely, and were highly distinguished. These two regiments bear the word “MANDORA” on their colours. The French having opened a most destructive fire from their artillery, enfiladed the column to its whole depth, and orders were consequently given to deploy into line. This was considered a favourable moment, and the enemy immediately advanced to the attack. Major-General Cradock formed his brigade under a heavy fire, and the gallant conduct of the regiments, (the 8th., 13th., 18th., and 90th. infantry,) was equal to the emergency. In this action Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards Viscount) Hill commanded the 90th., and exhibited that coolness and conspicuous bravery so frequently displayed during the Peninsula campaigns. The remainder of the army were immediately in a situation not only to face but to repel the enemy. The reserve, under Major-General Moore, which was on the right, on the change of the position of the army, moved on in column, and covered the right flank. The French were driven from their position, and were compelled to retreat over the plains into the lines on the heights before Alexandria.

In the general orders issued on the following day, it was stated, that “The Commander-in-Chief has the greatest satisfaction in thanking the troops for their soldier-like and intrepid conduct in the action of yesterday; he feels it incumbent on him particularly to express his most perfect satisfaction with the steady and gallant conduct of Major-General Cradock’s brigade.”

Having gained a second victory on the shores of Egypt, the army took up a position about four miles from Alexandria, having a sandy plain in front, the sea on the right, and the canal of Alexandria and the lake of Aboukir on the left. The reserve, was posted under Major-General Moore, on very high ground, projecting a quarter of a mile on the right, and extending to the large and magnificent ruins of a palace, built in the time of the Romans, within fifty yards of the sea. This high ground of sand-hills and old ruins, was about three hundred yards broad; it sloped gradually down into a valley, which lay between it and the other parts of the position. The 58th. regiment occupied the ruins, and the 28th. a redoubt near them; the 23rd. and 42nd., with the flank companies of the 40th., and the Corsican Rangers, were placed a short distance behind the ruins and the redoubt; the other corps of the army extending to the canal. The French occupied a parallel position on a high and almost perpendicular ridge of hills; in the centre of their line appeared Fort Crétin—in the left of its rear Fort Caffarelli,—Pompey’s Pillar on its right,—Cleopatra’s Needle on the left, and the city of Alexandria extending to the sea, with the masts of the shipping in the harbour at the back of the town. The whole presented a most interesting appearance; objects celebrated in history, even some of the wonders of the world, could be distinctly seen, and the ruins under the soldier’s feet were of interesting antiquity.

For seven days the army occupied this position without interruption; the soldiers being under arms every morning at three o’clock, and working parties being afterwards employed in strengthening the post.

BATTLE OF ALEXANDRIA.
21ST. MARCH, 1801.

The French army having been augmented by the arrival of additional troops from the interior, General Menou advanced early on the morning of the celebrated 21st. of March, and attacked the British position with great intrepidity. The action commenced about an hour before daylight by a false attack on the British left, consisting of the 8th., 13th., 18th., and 90th. regiments, which was under Major-General Cradock’s command, where they were soon repulsed. The most vigorous efforts of the enemy were directed against the right, which they endeavoured to turn. The attack on that point was commenced with great impetuosity by the French infantry, sustained by a strong body of cavalry, who charged in column. They were received with equal ardour, and with the utmost steadiness and discipline. The contest was unusually obstinate; the enemy was twice repulsed, and his cavalry became repeatedly mixed with the British infantry. At length they retired, leaving an immense number of killed and wounded on the field. In these attacks the 28th. and 42nd. regiments gained great renown; the former had been ordered into the redoubt on the left of the ruins of the palace of the Ptolemies,—the left wing of the 42nd. advanced under Major Stirling, and took post on the open ground quitted by the 28th., and the right wing of the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, formed two hundred yards in the rear of the left wing. In an instant the ruins, redoubt, and left wing were attacked by the enemy with great impetuosity; but the steady and well-directed fire of the British regiments forced their assailants to retire.

While the front was thus engaged, a column of the famed “Invincible Legion” advanced, preceded by a six-pounder gun, silently along the interval between the left of the 42nd. and the right of the Foot Guards, from which the cavalry picket had retired, and calculating its distance correctly, although in the dark, it wheeled to its left, and penetrated unobserved between the wings of the 42nd. regiment drawn up in parallel lines. The instant this column was seen, the right wing of that regiment attacked its front with great gallantry, and captured the gun,—the rear rank of the left wing faced about attacked to its rear, and the French being thus placed between two fires, rushed towards the ruins of the ancient palace,—receiving the fire of the 28th. as they passed the redoubt, of the grenadiers and light infantry of the 40th. as they passed the ground occupied by these companies, and being pursued in full career by the 42nd. As the French entered the ruins, two companies of the 58th. wheeled back, and after firing a few rounds of musketry, charged with the bayonet. Being thus attacked in front and on the flanks, and pursued by the Highlanders, who closed with bayonets on the rear, the “Invincible Legion” resisted until six hundred and fifty of their number had fallen, when the survivors, about two hundred and fifty in number, threw down their arms and surrendered, delivering up their standard to Major Stirling, of the 42nd., who gave it in charge of a sergeant, with directions to remain close to the gun which the regiment had taken from the enemy.[25]

This column of the enemy being thus disposed of, the 42nd. instantly issued from among the ruins, and formed line in battalion on the flat, with their right supported by the redoubt; but at that moment the French infantry pressed forward so rapidly, that Major-General Moore ordered the regiment forward before its formation was completed, when Sir Ralph Abercromby, who was on the spot, encouraging the troops, called out “My brave Highlanders, remember your country, remember your forefathers!” and the regiment rushed forward with heroic ardour, drove back the French, and pursued them along the sandy plain. Major-General Moore, who had the advantage of a keen penetrating eye, saw through the increasing clearness of the atmosphere, fresh columns of the enemy, with three squadrons of cavalry, prepared to charge through the intervals of the retreating infantry, and instantly calling to the 42nd. to cease pursuing, directed them to resume their former ground to resist the charge of cavalry. This order to fall back to the redoubt was repeated by Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling, but it was only partially heard by the regiment, owing to the noise from the firing; the companies which heard it fell back, and the others remained in advance. While in this broken state, the regiment was charged by the French horsemen, who dashed forward with great audacity, as to an assured victory; but the gallant Highlanders stood firm, and their fire thinned the enemy’s ranks in the advance. All the companies which were formed repulsed the dragoons with loss; the other companies were broken, yet the Highlanders individually, or in small groups, maintained a fierce contest with the dragoons, and a number of single combats took place, in which great courage and activity were displayed. The French dragoons which had penetrated the broken companies, or passed through the intervals, turned to their left towards the ruins of the old Roman palace, as the column of infantry had done early in the morning, and were nearly annihilated by the fire of the 28th. regiment.

During this fierce contest the British troops had expended their ammunition, and while a supply was being procured from the ordnance stores at a distance, their fire ceased; that of the enemy, however, was continued with great execution, and put to a severe test the patient endurance of the troops, who suffered severely. When a supply of ammunition arrived, the enemy retreated, and the action terminated.

One stand of colours and two field pieces were taken.

Sir Ralph Abercromby received a mortal wound at the commencement of the action, but which he concealed until the battle was decided. This gallant general died on the 28th. of March, and was buried at Malta. He was succeeded in the command of the army by Lieutenant-General (afterwards Lord) Hutchinson. In that officer’s despatch, the conduct of the reserve, under Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore against whom the principal attack was directed, was highly noticed; Major-General Moore and Brigadier-General Oakes, both wounded nearly at the same time, were specially mentioned; and the 28th. and 42nd. regiments[26] were reported as having acted “in the most distinguished and brilliant manner.”

After this victory one division traversed the country to Rosetta, and captured the forts at that place; part of the army then advanced up the River Nile, and forced the French troops at the city of Cairo to surrender. Another portion was engaged in the blockade of Alexandria.

Meanwhile the force under Major-General Baird had sailed from Bombay for the Red Sea. The original design was to proceed to the port of Suez, but the monsoon had commenced before the fleet entered the Red Sea, in April, 1801, when the Major-General determined to land at Cosseir, on the Red Sea, and brave the difficulties of the desert, in the hope of affording important aid to the forces which had arrived in Egypt from Europe. This was the first occasion that British troops had proceeded by the overland route,[27] which course was again adopted during the Crimean Campaign, when two regiments of cavalry (10th. and 12th. Dragoons) proceeded from India to Sebastopol. At this early period the fourteen-days’ march through the desert was a more serious affair than in later times.

On landing, the country presented a frightfully desolate prospect, but the soldiers commenced their march with alacrity, although suffering from excessive heat and dysentery, occasioned by bad water. The march was made during the night. A short distance from Cosseir the troops entered a ravine, which appeared to be the old bed of a river, along which they travelled three days, when it terminated at Moilah: thence the desert had generally a hard gravelly soil, until the troops arrived at Baromba, where the first habitable spot was met with after leaving Cosseir, not a single hut being previously seen. There was an almost irresistible inclination to sleep, and some soldiers straggling from the line of march that they might lie down, lost their lives. About ten miles from Baromba was Kenna, which was reached without further difficulty.

Lieutenant-General the Honourable Sir John Hely Hutchinson, K.B., who had succeeded to the command upon the death of General Sir Ralph Abercromby, advanced to Grand Cairo, which capitulated on the 27th. of June, 1801. General Menou, refusing to accept the capitulation of Cairo, was closely besieged in Alexandria. The operations against the enemy’s works commenced on the 17th. of August. Major-General Coote embarked with a strong body of troops in the night of the 16th. and 17th. of August, and effected a landing to the westward of Alexandria, and immediately invested the strong castle of Marabout.

On the night between the 18th. and 19th., Major-General Coote opened batteries against the castle of Marabout. This fort, situated on an island at the entrance to the old harbour of Alexandria, capitulated to the troops under Major-General Eyre Coote, on the 21st. of August, 1801. No loss was sustained. A brass gun was captured from the enemy by the first battalion of the 54th. regiment, which it retained until December, 1841; and on its being placed in the repository established in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, the corps received the royal authority to bear the word “MARABOUT” on the regimental colours and appointments, in commemoration of the gallantry evinced by the battalion at the capture of that fort. No other regiment bears this distinction.

During the evening of the 27th. of August, General Menou sent an aide-de-camp to request an armistice for three days, in order to afford time to prepare a capitulation, which after some difficulties and delays was signed on the 2nd. of September. It is on record that after the terms of surrender were concluded, the French General received Brigadier-General Hope with the natural politeness of his countrymen, and an invitation was given to dinner, the repast consisting entirely of horse-flesh.

This terminated the campaign in Egypt, and the achievements of the British army were a prelude to future victories. The troops received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and all the regiments received the royal authority to bear on their colours the word “EGYPT,” with the _Sphinx_ as a lasting memorial of the glories acquired during this arduous and important campaign, which had exalted the military fame of Great Britain, by the expulsion of the “invincible” legions of Buonaparte from Egypt, whence he had expected to extend his conquests through Asia. The following were the regiments employed in Egypt in 1801:—

8th. Light Dragoons, one Troop, Captain Hawkins; 11th. Light Dragoons, one Troop, Captain A. Money; 12th. Light Dragoons, Colonel Mervyn Archdall; 22nd. Light Dragoons,[28] Lieutenant-Colonel Honourable William Lumley; 26th. (afterwards 23rd) Light Dragoons, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Gordon; Hompesch’s Hussars, (detachment,) Major Sir Robert T. Wilson; Coldstream Guards, 1st. Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Brice; 3rd. Foot Guards, 1st. Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel T. Hilgrove Turner; Royals, 2nd. Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Campbell; 2nd. Queen’s Royal, Colonel the Earl of Dalhousie; 8th. Foot, King’s, Colonel Gordon Drummond; 10th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Quarrell; 13th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel Honourable Charles Colville; 18th., Royal Irish, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry T. Montresor; 20th. Foot, 1st. and 2nd. Battalions, Lieutenant-Colonel George Smith; 23rd. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Lieutenant-Colonel John Hall; 24th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel John R. Forster; 25th. Foot, Colonel William Dyott; 26th. Foot., Colonel Lord Elphinstone; 27th. Inniskilling, 1st. and 2nd Battalions, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Graham; 28th. Foot, Colonel Honourable Edward Paget; 30th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel William Wilkinson; 40th. Foot, (Flank Companies,) Colonel Brent Spencer; 42nd. Royal Highland Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel William Dickson; 44th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel David Ogilvie; 50th. Foot, Colonel Patrick Wanchope; 54th. Foot, 1st. and 2nd. Battalions, Lieutenant-Colonel John Thomas Layard; 58th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel William Houstoun; 61st. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Carruthers; 79th. Foot, Colonel Alan Cameron; 80th. Foot. Lieutenant-Colonel John Montresor; 86th. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel James P. Lloyd; 88th. Foot, Colonel William Carr Beresford; 89th. Foot, Colonel William Stewart; 90th. Foot, Colonel Rowland Hill; 92nd. Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Erskine; De Watteville’s Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Louis de Watteville; The Queen’s German Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Peter John James Dutens; De Rolle’s Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel the Baron De Dürler; Dillon’s Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel the Baron Perponcher; Royal Corsican Rangers, Major Hudson Lowe; Ancient Irish Fencibles; Chasseurs Britanniques, Colonel John Ramsey; and the Staff Corps, (detachment.)

THE TURKISH MEDAL.

The Grand Seignior, with a view to perpetuate the services rendered to the Ottoman empire, established an order of knighthood, designated the Crescent, which was conferred on the general officers. He also presented gold medals of three sizes to the field officers, captains, and subalterns, which they were authorized by His Majesty to accept and wear. A palace was built at Constantinople for the future residence of the British ambassadors. The medal from which the engraving has been made is the smaller one, given to captains and subalterns, but is the same in pattern as the larger size, conferred on the field officers. Obverse, a Crescent and Star of eight points, surrounded by an ornamental border; Reverse, the Sultan’s cypher, under which is the year 1801; the border is the same on both sides; the ribbon is dark orange, with a hook and chain.

BATTLE OF MAIDA.
4TH JULY, 1806.

A squadron of British and Russian vessels having, in November, 1805, landed some troops at Naples, without any opposition from the Neapolitan court, shortly afterwards departed. On receiving intelligence of this transaction, the French Emperor issued a proclamation, that “the Neapolitan dynasty had ceased to reign,” and his brother Joseph, assisted by Marshal Massena, proceeded with an army to that country. The French entered Naples on the 15th. of February, and shortly obtained possession of the whole kingdom, excepting Gaeta. Meanwhile the Court had retired to Sicily. A decree was soon issued, by which the crown of Naples was conferred by Napoleon on his brother Joseph, who was proclaimed king on the 30th. of May.

Turkish Medal for Egypt.—1801
]

A body of troops was assembled by the French in Calabria, and extensive preparations were made for the invasion of Sicily. Major-General Stuart, who then commanded the British troops in Sicily, formed the design of penetrating Calabria, and attacking the French division, under General Regnier: the result was the Battle of Maida, Upper Calabria, which was fought on the 4th. of July, 1806. On hearing of the disembarkation of the British at St. Euphemia, General Regnier made a rapid march from Reggio, uniting, as he advanced, his detached corps. seven-pounders Stuart resolved to anticipate the attack, and the army commenced its march on the morning of the 4th. of July. By nine o’clock in the morning the opposing fronts were warmly engaged. The right of the advanced line consisted of the battalion of light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel, afterwards Sir James, Kempt, consisting of the light companies of the 20th., 27th., 35th., 58th., 61st., 81st., and Watteville’s, (since disbanded,) together with one hundred and fifty chosen battalion men of the 35th. regiment, under Major Robinson. Directly opposed to them was the favourite French regiment, the Ire. Légére. The two corps, at the distance of about one hundred yards, fired reciprocally a few rounds, when, as if by mutual consent, the firing was suspended, and in close compact order and dreadful silence they advanced towards each other, until their bayonets began to cross. This momentous crisis appalled the enemy; they broke and endeavoured to fly, but it was too late, and they were overtaken, when the most terrible slaughter ensued.

Brigadier-General Acland, whose brigade, consisting of the 78th. and 81st. regiments, was immediately on the left of the light infantry, availed himself of this favourable moment to press instantly forward upon the corps in his front, when the 78th., under Lieutenant-Colonel Macleod, and the 81st., under Major Plenderleath, had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves. The enemy fled in dismay and disorder, leaving the plain covered with their dead and wounded.

Being thus completely discomfited on his left, General Regnier commenced a new effort in the hope of recovering the day. The grenadier battalion and the 27th. regiment, which formed the first brigade, under Brigadier-General Cole resisted the enemy most gallantly. Nothing could shake the undaunted firmness of the grenadiers, under Lieutenant-Colonel O’Callaghan, and of the 27th. regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Smith. The cavalry successively repelled from before their front, attempted to turn their left, when Lieutenant-Colonel Ross, who had that morning landed from Messina with the 20th. Foot, and was coming up to the army during the action, having observed this movement, threw his regiment opportunely into a small cover upon their flank, and by a heavy and well-directed fire completely frustrated the attempt. The 20th., with natural pride, always commemorated this day’s glory. The enemy having succeeded with his cavalry in turning the British left, owing to the total deficiency of that arm on the part of the English, might possibly have retrieved the day, but for this movement. This was the final struggle, and the French began precipitately to retire; leaving above seven hundred of their dead upon the field of battle.

The British infantry continued in pursuit as long as they were able, but as the enemy dispersed in every direction, and the victors were under the necessity of preserving order, the trial of speed became unequal. The total loss sustained by the French was estimated at four thousand men.

For this victory Major-General Stuart received the thanks of Parliament, with a vote of a thousand pounds a year for life; the approbation of his Sovereign, and the dignity of a Knight of the Bath; he was created Count of Maida by the King of Naples, and the city of London voted him its freedom and a sword.

In the official communication from the British minister at Palermo, the battle of Maida was thus adverted to:—“There is not to be found in the annals of military transactions an enterprise prepared with more deliberate reflection, or executed with greater decision, promptitude, and success, than the late invasion of Calabria by Sir John Stuart. I trust, therefore, you will not think me presumptuous for venturing to add my testimony of the high sense entertained by this Court, of the merits of the British General, and of his gallant army, who, on the fertile plains of Maida, have added new trophies to those which the same troops had formerly earned, from the same enemy, on the sandy regions of Egypt.”

The following regiments were engaged in this action, the 20th., 27th., 35th., 58th., 61st., (flank companies,) 78th., and 81st. Foot.

GOLD MEDAL FOR MAIDA.

In commemoration of this victory a gold medal was struck, and conferred upon all the superior officers who were present. On the obverse is the lauriated head of the Sovereign, inscribed GEORGIUS TERTIUS REX. The reverse has Britannia brandishing a spear with her right hand, and on her left a shield charged with the crosses of the Union banner. A flying figure of Victory is crowning her with a wreath of laurel; behind Britannia is the triquetra, or trinacria, the ancient symbol of Sicily, and before her is inscribed MAIDA IVL. IV. MDCCCVI. Round the edge the name and rank of the officers were engraved. There was only one size of this medal, which was worn both by General and Field officers from the button-hole of their uniform, to a red ribbon, with blue edges, and a gold buckle. The issue was limited to the Commander of the Forces engaged, officers in command of brigades, battalions, or of corps equivalent to a battalion, or the officer who succeeded on the removal from the field of the original commander, and the Deputy Quartermaster-General. As a general rule, no officer below the rank of Major was considered eligible, unless he succeeded to the command of a battalion during the action. Only seventeen officers received this medal.

BATTLES OF ROLEIA AND VIMIERA.
17TH. AND 21ST. AUGUST, 1808.

At this period the Peninsula was the centre of political interest. Portugal, deserted by her government, and Spain betrayed, the people of each of those countries rose in arms to recover the national independence. Dissensions had arisen in the royal family of Spain, occasioned by the sway of Manuel 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 eventually placed the crown of Spain on his brother Joseph, who was transferred from the throne of Naples. The Spaniards at once flew to arms, and the British government resolved to aid the Spanish and Portuguese patriots. A British army was accordingly ordered to proceed to the Peninsula under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley. After a favourable passage the troops destined for this service anchored in Mondego Bay, in the beginning of August, and a landing was effected in the vicinity of the village of Frejus. The division under Major-General (afterwards Sir Brent) Spencer, K.B., from Cadiz, consisting of about four thousand men, joined on the 8th. of August; and after a short halt, the army was put in motion to occupy a more forward position, where it remained for some days. Sir Arthur marched from Leiria on the 13th., and arrived at Alcobaça on the 19th., which place the enemy abandoned in the preceding night. The French, about four thousand in number, were posted at Roliça, or Roleia, (the latter mode of spelling having been inaccurately adopted from the despatch for the colours,) and Brilos was occupied by their advanced posts. The possession of this latter village being important to future operations, it was determined to occupy it, and as soon as the British infantry arrived upon the ground, a detachment, consisting of four companies of riflemen of the 60th. and 95th. regiments, was ordered to effect this duty. A trifling resistance was offered by a small picket of the enemy’s infantry and a few cavalry, after which they retired, being followed by a detachment of riflemen to the distance of three miles from Brilos. The riflemen were then attacked by a superior body of the enemy, who attempted to cut them off from the main body of the detachment to which they belonged. Large bodies of the enemy appeared on both the flanks of the detachment, which had advanced in support of the riflemen, and it was with difficulty that Major-General Spencer was enabled to effect a retreat to Obidos, which village it remained in possession of.

Two days afterwards was fought the Battle of Roleia, or Roliça. General Laborde continued in his position at this place, and Sir Arthur Wellesley determined to attack him in it on the morning of the 17th. of August. Roliça is situated on an eminence, having a plain in its front, at the end of a valley, which commences at Caldas, and is closed to the southwards by the mountains, which join the hills, forming a valley on the left, looking towards Caldas. In the centre of the valley, and about eight miles from Roliça, is the town and old Moorish fort of Obidos, from whence the enemy’s pickets had been driven on the 15th., and from that time he had posts in the hills on both sides of the valley, as well as in the plain in front of his army, which was posted on the heights in front of Roliça; its right resting upon the hills, its left upon an eminence, on which was a windmill, and the whole covering four or five passes into the mountains in his rear.

About seven o’clock in the morning the troops moved from Obidos. Brigadier-General Fane’s riflemen were immediately detached into the hills on the left of the valley, to keep up the communication between the centre and left columns, and to protect the march of the former along the valley; the enemy’s posts were successively driven in. Major-General Hill’s brigade moved on to attack the French left, and Brigadier-Generals Nightingall and Craufurd advanced with the artillery along the high road, until at length Nightingall’s formed in the plain immediately in the enemy’s front, supported by the light infantry companies, and the 45th. regiment of Brigadier-General Craufurd’s brigade; while the other two regiments of his brigade, the 50th. and 91st., were kept as a reserve in the rear.

Major-General Rowland (afterwards Viscount) Hill and Brigadier-General Nightingall advanced upon the enemy’s position, and at the same moment Brigadier-General Fane’s riflemen were in the hills on his right; the Portuguese infantry in a village upon his left; and Major-General Ferguson’s column was descending from the heights into the plain. From this situation the French retired by the passes into the mountains with the utmost regularity and celerity; and notwithstanding the rapid advance of the British infantry, the want of a sufficient body of cavalry was the cause of their suffering but little loss in the plain. It then became necessary to make a disposition to attack the formidable position which had been taken up. Brigadier-General Fane’s riflemen were already in the mountains on the enemy’s right, but no time was lost in attacking the different passes, as well as in supporting the riflemen, so as to ensure a complete victory.

The Portuguese infantry were ordered to move up a pass on the right of the whole; the light companies of Major-General Hill’s brigade, and the 5th. Fusiliers advanced up a pass next on the right; and the 29th. regiment, supported by the 9th. foot, under Brigadier-General Nightingall, a third pass; and the 45th. and 82nd. regiments, passes on the left. These were all difficult of access, and some of them were well defended, particularly that assailed by the 9th. and 29th. Foot; both regiments attacked with the greatest impetuosity, and reached the enemy before those whose assaults were to be made on their flanks; the defence was desperate, and it was in this attack that the greatest loss was sustained, Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable George A. F. Lake being killed at the head of his regiment, the 29th. Foot.

General Laborde was, however, driven from all the positions he had taken in the passes of the mountains, and the British troops were advanced in the plains on their tops. For a considerable length of time the 9th. and 29th. regiments alone were advanced to this point, with Brigadier-General Fane’s riflemen at a distance on the left; they were afterwards supported by the 5th., and by the light companies of Major-General Hill’s brigade, which had arrived on their right, and by the other troops ordered to ascend the mountains, the latter arriving by degrees. Here three most gallant attacks were made upon the 9th. and 29th. regiments, in all of which the enemy was repulsed; but he succeeded in effecting a retreat in good order, owing principally to Sir Arthur’s want of cavalry, and to the difficulty of bringing up the passes of the mountains with celerity a sufficient number of troops and of cannon, to support those who had first ascended. The French loss was nevertheless very great, and three pieces of cannon were captured.

Sir Arthur Wellesley, in his despatch, observed “that although we had such a superiority of numbers employed in the operations of this day, the troops actually engaged in the heat of the action were, from unavoidable circumstances, only the 5th., 9th., 29th., the riflemen of the 60th., and 95th., and the flank companies of Major-General Hill’s brigade, being a number by no means equal to that of the enemy: their conduct, therefore, deserves the highest commendation.”

Thus was the first victory in the Peninsula gained; and it afforded an omen of future successes, which was afterwards fully accomplished. The 5th., 6th., 9th., 29th., 32nd., 36th., 38th., 40th., 45th., 60th., 71st., 82nd., 91st., and Rifle Brigade, took part in this battle.

Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley 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 following morning was to be given up to the troops in order to prepare and repose themselves. Whilst the men were engaged in washing and cleaning their equipments, the approach of the enemy, was discovered at eight o’clock in the morning, and the brigades commanded by Major-General Ferguson, Brigadier-Generals Nightingall, Acland, and Bowes, proceeded across a valley from the heights on the west to those on the east of Vimiera.