1808 | Jul | Moore's force redirected to Portugal. On the way they stop at Portsmouth to refit (?and pick up Col TS Beckwith?) |
1-5 Aug | 4 Cos 2/95 (Maj R Travers) covers Wellesley's landings in Portugal (Mondego Bay). 5/60 part of this contingent. | |
15 Aug | 1808 Skirmish at Obidos. Enthusiastic Rifles chase French too far & get into trouble. Lt Ralph Bunbury killed (1st officer to be killed in Peninsular War) | |
17 Aug | Rolica. The Rifles drive in the French skirmishing line, forcing the French to retire (which they do in good order) | |
20 Aug | Re-inforcements arrive at Maceira estuary, including 1/43, 2/52 and 2 Cos 1/95 (Part of Acland's Brigade). | |
21 Aug | Vimeiro, defeat of Junot's army of Portugal, surrender of French | |
23 Aug | Acting on information received from a passing frigate, Sir John Moore's force lands at Peniche (north of Vimeiro). The companies of the 95th are united under Beckwith's command. [Harry smith is assigned to O'Hare's company with Lts W. Eeles and Eaton] | |
Liberation of Lisbon | ||
6 Oct | Moore arrives in Lisbon | |
Late Oct | Moore begins advance to Salamanca with 1/43, 2/52, 5Cos 1/95 & 4 Cos 2/95 | |
26 Oct | Baird's contingent disembarks at Corunna (inc 5 Cos 1/95 & 4 Cos 2/95) | |
1 Dec | The Rifles form part of the screen covering Moore at Salamanca | |
20 Dec | Union with Baird's contingent near Sahagun. 1/95 reunited, brigaded with 1/52 in Edward Paget's Reserve. 8 Cos 2/95 for Light Brigade ("Black Bob" Craufurd) with 1/43 & 2/52 | |
?22 Dec | Cavalry attack on Sahagun | |
24 Dec | Moore begins the retreat to Corunna, as Napoleon moves to cut him off from Lisbon. | |
27 Dec | All but Henry Paget's cavalry west of the Esla. | |
28 Dec | Craufurd's Light Brigade holds the bridge over the Esla at Castro Gonzalo while the cavalry cross. The bridge is destroyed, costing Napoleon 2 days. | |
30 Dec | English united at Astorga, retreat continues | |
31 Dec | French enter Astorga. Napoleon receives a despatch from Paris and departs | |
Craufurd's and Alten's Light Brigades detached to secure the passage of the Minho and guard the Army's southern flank. Thence they retire to Vigo. | ||
1809 | 3 Jan | Defence of Cacabelos by E Paget's Reserve Division. Rifleman Plunket (1/95) kills General Colbert and his trumpeter with a couple of long shots. |
14 Jan | Rearguard (E Paget's division) arrive at Corunna, take up defensive positions outside town | |
16 Jan | Soult attacks Corunna, but is repulsed with heavy loss. Death of Sir John Moore. The British embarkation is unimpeded. 1/95 last to enter town and embark. |
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Last update 13/2/03