The Peninsula War 1808-1814

Peace was concluded with France in 1802, and the usual drastic education in England's Army and Fleet followed. But Bonaparte kept France mobilized, and made his plans to subjugate the world. War soon broke out again. The threatened invasion of England was settled in 1805 by the victory of Trafalgar, and the French armies marched east; while Napoleon closed all European ports to English trade. In 1807 he dispatched an army of 80,000 men to Spain to place his brother Joseph on the throne. Spain and Portugal appealed to England for help, and it was decided to send an army to Portugal under Sir Arthur Wellesley to drive the French out of Spain in co-operation with the Spanish armies. The British troops landed in 1808, which marked the commencement of the Peninsular War.

The Regiment in the Peninsula

Among the troops under Sir Arthur Wellesley which landed in 5th Bn. Portugal were the 5th Battalion 60th and 2nd Battalion 95th Rifles,' raised in 1801. Our 5th Battalion gained thirteen battle honours for the Regiment in the Peninsula. It was at first under the command of Major W. G. Davy,' who had succeeded de Rottenburg.

Soon after this force landed a general order was issued by Sir Arthur Wellesley which explains how the 5th Battalion came to be attached by companies to infantry brigades and therefore to be present at nearly all the major engagements of this war. The order was dated 6th May, 1809, and was as follows

"The Commander of the Forces recommends the companies' of the 5th Battalion of the 60th Regiment to the particular care and attention of the General Officers commanding the brigades of infantry to which they are attached; they will find them to be most useful, active and brave troops in the field and that they will add essentially to the strength of the brigade."

Another order (of 4th May) directed that attached Riflemen were to be formed together on the left of the brigade; perhaps the origin of our place in the line. But "when opposing the enemy they would of course be on the front, flanks or rear according to circumstances.

The Talavera Campaign

In April, 1809, Sir Arthur Wellesley again arrived in Portugal and assumed command. There were 250,000 French troops in the Peninsula. He at once advanced against Soult, who had invaded the northern provinces, forced the passages of the River Douro and, driving the French out of Portugal, advanced upon Madrid at the end of June. He soon found himself faced with an army of 50,000 French under King Joseph and Marshal Victor, and took up a position at Talavera. His force consisted of 57,000 men, but 34,000 of these were Spaniards and the brunt of the ensuing battle fell on the 23,000 British.