FIFTH (THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES'S) REGIMENT OF DRAGOON GUARDS,
At the Battle of Salamanca, 22nd July, 1812.
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The left squadron of the Fifth Dragoon Guards was attached to Major-General Bock's brigade of heavy German cavalry, and sent in pursuit of the wreck of the French army, which retreated by Alba upon Valladolid; the French rear-guard was overtaken about three leagues beyond Alba de Tormes, a sharp engagement ensued, and about nine hundred prisoners were captured.
Colonel the Honourable William Ponsonby, of the Fifth Dragoon Guards, having been appointed to the staff of the army, and to the command of the heavy cavalry brigade, issued the following order on the subject:—
"Camp near Flores de Avila,
25th July, 1812.
"Regimental Orders,
"His Excellency, the commander of the forces, having been pleased to appoint Colonel Ponsonby to the staff of this army, and to the distinguished honour of commanding this brigade, Major Prescott will be pleased to take upon himself the command of the regiment.
"The Fifth Dragoon Guards well know how highly Colonel Ponsonby has always prized the honour of commanding them; and if the pride he has long felt in the command of a regiment deservedly of such high character admitted of augmentation, its most gallant and glorious achievements in the field, as well as its soldier-like conduct in quarters, since its arrival in this country, could not fail to enhance it. He assures the officers and men of the regiment, that it is now with considerable regret he takes his leave of them as their regimental commanding officer, although in the course of professional promotion; and he requests Major Prescott, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and the whole of the regiment, will accept his warm and sincere thanks for the past, as well as his heartfelt and anxious good wishes for the future. May the Fifth Dragoon Guards long continue to be ranked as second to none in His Majesty's service."
The regiment accompanied the army in the subsequent movements, and in the advance upon the capital of Spain; and it formed part of the personal escort of the Marquis of Wellington when he entered Madrid on the 12th of August; it was formed up at the Segovia-gate, when his lordship received the keys from the municipality. The Fifth Dragoon Guards entered the city amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants, and occupied quarters there until the 18th of August.
Leaving the metropolis of Spain to engage in operations against the French army, the regiment proceeded to St. Ildefonso, remained there a few days, and afterwards proceeded to the vicinity of Burgos, where the enemy was found in position on the 17th of September. The Fifth Dragoon Guards, and Third and Fourth Dragoons, were ordered to the front, and dispositions were made for the attack; but the French commander withdrew his forces, leaving a strong garrison in the castle of Burgos. This fortress was besieged, and the regiment, forming part of the covering army, was stationed at Villamar, the head quarters of the cavalry. On the 19th of October, the enemy attempted to relieve the besieged, and attacked and carried the village of Quintanapalla; the left wing of infantry and Fifth Dragoon Guards, and Third and Fourth Dragoons, advanced to retake the village, but on the approach of this force the French retreated.