It was not till 1848, thirty-four years after the termination of the war, that the services of the few veterans who then survived was acknowledged by the issue of a medal!
CHAPTER XIII
Journal—12th January-21st March 1814
Is appointed to superintend the telegraph of the Light Division—Visit from brother Maud—Commencement of the campaign of 1814—The 1st Battalion sent to St. Jean-de-Luz for new clothing—Simmons joins the 2nd Battalion—Bayonne invested—The 2nd and 3rd Battalions ford the Gaves—Simmons and some of the 2nd Battalion occupy a house and fire from the windows—Excitement of the lady who owned it—The French peasantry are in great fear of the English, but are soon reassured—Passage of the Gave de Pau—Simmons puts his socks in his cap, as he is certain the Rifles will be sent across the river—Three British Divisions cross by a pontoon bridge.
Battle of Orthez
The 1st Battalion and the gallant 43rd Light Infantry not present—The 52nd Light Infantry make "a beautiful advance in the face of thousands"—The French driven off the field—The French people treat the British soldiers as friends—The 1st Battalion rejoins the army and Simmons his Battalion—Sharp skirmish by 15th Hussars, supported by some Rifle Men and two six-pounders with French cavalry—Advance resumed.
The Action of Tarbes