“Head-quarters, near Petite Moguerre,
“December 14th, 1813.
“The second division has greatly distinguished itself, and its gallantry in yesterday’s action is avowed by the Commander of the Forces and the Allied Army.”
In commemoration of these services, the Seventy-first subsequently received the royal authority to bear the word “Nive” on the regimental colour and appointments.
The battalion marched on the 19th of December to Urcuit, and to Urt upon the 28th of that month. A small picket of the Seventy-first, under the command of Corporal Dogherty, here distinguished itself by beating off an enemy’s party of nearly treble its strength.
1814.
While stationed in this quarter, the companies were frequently engaged in skirmishes with the enemy, particularly at St. Hellette, heights of Garris, and St. Palais, in the month of January, 1814.
In the beginning of February the battalion marched from Urt, and during its advance had frequent skirmishes with the enemy’s rear guard.
On the 26th of February the battalion was in action at Sauveterre, and upon the 27th had the honour of participating in the battle of Orthes.
In commemoration of this victory, the Seventy-first afterwards received the royal authority to bear the word “Orthes” on the regimental colour and appointments.
Two divisions of the French army having retired to Aire after the action of the 27th of February, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill moved upon that town to dislodge them. Upon the 2nd of March the French were found strongly posted upon a ridge of hills, extending across the great road in front of the town, having their right on the Adour. The second division attacked them along the road, seconded by a Portuguese brigade, and drove them from their position. Lieut. James Anderson and 17 rank and file were killed; Lieut. Henry Frederick Lockyer, 1 sergeant, and 19 rank and file were wounded.