Memoirs and Services of the Eighty-third Regiment, County of Dublin, from 1793 to 1907 / Including the Campaigns of the Regiment in the West Indies, Africa, the Peninsula, Ceylon, Canada, and India

by Edward William Bray

CAMPAIGN OF SALAMANCA

1812.

The fall of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz having opened the way into Spain, the British army was enabled to commence its march into that country, and the 2nd Battalion 83rd, serving throughout the glorious campaign of 1812, had its full share of danger and honour, in the memorable victory of Salamanca, when the French army, under Marshal Marmont, was signally defeated on the 22nd July, 1812.

On that glorious day, the 3rd Division, commanded by Major-General the Hon. Edward Pakenham (General Picton being absent on account of ill-health) was posted in a wood, behind Aldea Tejada, completely concealed from the enemy, and securing the main road to Ciudad Rodrigo. About 2 p.m., the French, endeavouring to turn the British right and gain the road to Ciudad Rodrigo, extended their left in the direction of that fortress, thereby weakening their centre, and affording Lord Wellington the favourable opportunity he had so long desired of attacking them. He immediately took advantage of it, and assailing in front, with the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Divisions, ordered the 3rd Division to attack the French columns, which were moving down on the Ciudad Rodrigo road, and nobly and gallantly did General Pakenham launch the battalions of the “Fighting Division” against the enemy; forming line by regiments, they rushed impetuously forward, and bearing on with resistless force, carried everything before them.

The 83rd Regiment, with Colville’s brigade, was in the full brunt of this decisive and successful attack. At one time charging gallantly forward, it overthrew the enemy whenever he stood to meet it; at another, halting, and wheeling by divisions, to allow the British cavalry to pass through, it re-formed, and followed hotly on, encouraging and cheering the pursuing troopers.

Three thousand prisoners were taken by the division this day, and special mention of its commander and it was made by Lord Wellington in his despatch. Colonel Campbell, also, who commanded Colville’s brigade (in the absence of that officer commanding the 4th Division), received his lordship’s thanks for its services on the occasion.

The casualties of the battalion in this battle amounted to 13 rank and file killed, and 1 lieutenant (Lieutenant Gascoyne) and 32 rank and file wounded; and it had, moreover, the great misfortune to lose, though not in its own ranks, its gallant lieutenant-colonel (Lieutenant-Colonel Collins), who, commanding a Portuguese brigade, had previously, at the sanguinary battle of Albuera, lost a leg, and now, in this great action again distinguishing himself, received a mortal wound.

Lieutenant-Colonel Carr had one horse, and Adjutant Swinburne two horses, shot under them, and in commemoration of the distinguished services of the battalion of the 83rd in this action, his Majesty has been graciously pleased to sanction the word “Salamanca” being inscribed on its colours and appointments.

The battalion was next employed in the investment of the “Retiro,” a fortified building at Madrid; at which two men of the battalion were wounded. It subsequently retired with the 3rd Division, when the whole of the army retreated from before Burgos.