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| The Fusiliers at the Battle of Albuera by David Rowlands (GS)
The Duke of Wellington while besieging the fort of Badajoz was told of an approaching French Amy of 23,000 troops under Marshal Nicholas Soult. The Duke of Wellington despatched General William Beresford with a force of 6,000 British troops and 24,000 Spanish troops who took up position overlooking the village of Albuera. The French attacked on the morning of the 16th May, Marshal Soult launched a feint attack on Beresfords left flank, while his main force attacked Beresfords right flank. The Spanish troops were overwhelmed by French musketry and a cavalry charge, at this point the British second division were brought from the other flank to stop the attack. It was here that the Middlesex regiment, 57th of Foot, lost a total of 423 men from their force of 575 and at this battle earned the nickname the Die-Hards. The allied forces were saved when the British and Portuguese reserves were brought forward and charged uphill against the French force. The French force were able to retire in good order but were unable to relieve the siege at Badajoz. This British victory had a heavy price as out of 6,000 troops only 1,500 were not wounded. |