From the field of battle the FIFTY-THIRD followed the rear of the defeated French army to the vicinity of Pampeluna, and were afterwards employed in the attempt to intercept General Clauzel's French division, which had not been at the battle of Vittoria: this body of troops having escaped by the pass of Jaca, the FIFTY-THIRD were employed in the blockade of Pampeluna; but were relieved by the Spaniards in the middle of July, and advanced into the Pyrenean mountains, where they were stationed in support of the troops occupying the head of the pass of Roncesvalles.
When the French army under Marshal Soult advanced to resume offensive operations, the allied army retired to a position in the Pyrenees in front of Pampeluna, where some severe fighting took place, and the repeated attacks of the French were repulsed. Speaking of the action on the 28th of July, Lord Wellington stated—"In the course of this contest, the fourth division, which has so frequently been distinguished in this army, surpassed its former good conduct." On the 30th of July the FIFTY-THIRD regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, during the severely contested action in the mountains; and the light infantry, commanded by Captain Fehrszen, of the FIFTY-THIRD, signalized themselves in a particular manner. The meritorious conduct of Captain Fehrszen was rewarded with the rank of major. The French were driven from their post, and pursued to their own frontiers: and the word "Pyrenees" on the colours of the regiment commemorates the heroic conduct of the officers and soldiers of the second battalion on this occasion. Their loss was three men killed and twenty-one wounded.
The following officers served at the battle of the Pyrenees:—
Lieut.-Colonel G. R. Bingham. Captains O. G. Fehrszen and James Mackay. Lieutenants C. F. Hunter, Thomas Impett, James Hamilton, and Thos. Dowker. Ensigns George Fitzgerald, Michael Nagle, and John Wilton. Pay-Master J. MacLean. Adjutant John Carss. Quarter-Master R. Blackie. Surgeon T. Sandall. Assistant-Surgeon C. MacLean.
Pursuing the French army through the mountains, the FIFTY-THIRD captured some prisoners and baggage, and arrived at Puerto de Echalar on the 2nd of August, when Major-General Barnes's brigade was engaged with two French divisions, which it drove from the heights. Five days afterwards the FIFTY-THIRD were removed to the vicinity of Lezaca, where the head-quarters of the allied army were established; from this place a few volunteers of the FIFTY-THIRD proceeded to St. Sebastian, and were engaged in storming that fortress on the 31st of August, when two men of the regiment were killed and two wounded. On the same day the French crossed the Bidassoa in considerable force, and attacked the Spanish troops on the heights of San Marcial. On this occasion the FIFTY-THIRD were engaged in extended order in the pass of St. Antonio, where they had one man killed and twenty wounded. The French were repulsed, and giving up all hope of being able to relieve St. Sebastian, they re-crossed the river.
At the passage of the Bidassoa on the 7th of October, the FIFTY-THIRD supported the light division; and during the action on the following day they were in reserve.
Looking down from the lofty Pyrenees on the well guarded territory of France, the British Commander prepared to carry the war into the heart of that kingdom, and on the morning of the 10th of November his conquering divisions traversed the mountain passes by moonlight, to attack the enemy's fortified position on the Nivelle. The FIFTY-THIRD carried bags filled with fern, to fill up the ditch, and small ladders to mount the rampart of a redoubt, which they were directed to take. Advancing under the cover of a heavy cannonade, the soldiers raised a loud and confident shout, as they approached the redoubt, when the French fired a few shots and fled. The redoubt was taken possession of, and about thirty of the enemy, who had not time to escape, were made prisoners. The British were successful at every point, and the French made a retreat. During the action Major Fehrszen had an opportunity of making a sudden dash with a few men, and he succeeded in capturing a field gun. For their gallant services on this occasion the FIFTY-THIRD were rewarded with the Royal authority to bear the word "Nivelle" on their colours, in addition to the other inscriptions previously acquired.
One serjeant and three private soldiers were killed; Major Fehrszen, Captain Mackay, Lieutenant Hamilton, and a few private soldiers wounded.
Names of officers who served at the battle of Nivelle:—
Lieut.-Colonel G. R. Bingham. Major O. G. Fehrszen. Captains James Mackay and John Carss. Lieutenants C. F. Hunter, Tho. Impett, Tho. Dowker, James Hamilton, and John Fraser. Ensigns George Fitzgerald and M. Nagle. Adjutant John Wilton. Assistant-Surgeons James Dunn and Charles MacLean.