“Lieut.-General Lord Niddry, K.B.,
&c., &c.”
The NINETY-SECOND marched in the morning of the 24th of February, 1814, and crossed the Gave d’Oleron by a ford near Villeneuve, and on the 25th moved on the road towards Orthes, and encamped near Laas, where the battalion halted. The allied army was at this period crossing the Gave de Pau, near Peyrehorade, with the exception of the corps under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill.
On the 27th of February, the army under the Marquis of Wellington, on the right bank of the Gave de Pau advanced to attack the French position near Orthes, and the action soon became general. The first brigade, to which the NINETY-SECOND under Lieut.-Colonel Cameron belonged, was directed to a ford above the town of Orthes, and had the honor of leading the second division across the Gave de Pau, under a very heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and possessing itself of the road from Orthes to the town of Pau, immediately in rear of the enemy’s left flank, his retreat on that line was consequently cut off. The NINETY-SECOND was ordered to move upon the road to St. Sever, along the rear of the enemy, whose retreat, which had been conducted hitherto with some degree of order, now became a perfectly confused flight. The pursuit was at an equally rapid pace, in which the battalion was conspicuous for several miles, until it halted at Sault de Navailles.
In commemoration of this victory, which cost the enemy twelve pieces of cannon, and about seven thousand men, the NINETY-SECOND received the royal authority to bear the word “Orthes” on the regimental colour and appointments. His Majesty was also pleased to confer honorary badges, bearing the word “Orthes,” on Lieut.-Colonel John Cameron, who commanded the first battalion, and on Major James Mitchell, who commanded the light companies; the latter officer was promoted to the brevet rank of lieut.-colonel.
The NINETY-SECOND had only three rank and file wounded, and one killed, in the battle of Orthes.
On the 28th of February, the NINETY-SECOND marched to St. Medard, and on the 1st of March proceeded to Grenade; the main body of the allied army had at this period crossed the Adour at St. Sever.
The enemy, on the 2nd of March, was seen strongly posted on a ridge in front of the town of Aire, with his right resting on the Adour. The allied army advanced to the attack, and compelled him to retire; but a brigade of Portuguese troops on the British flank giving way, the French became encouraged, and in their turn advanced. The fiftieth and NINETY-SECOND regiments, after clearing their own front, were moved rapidly to the point where the enemy was successful, and by a most splendid charge immediately put him to flight.
These regiments now became considerably separated from each other, from having to occupy the ground destined for the Portuguese troops, and the NINETY-SECOND was again opposed to a strong column on its flank, which it immediately charged, and pursued through the town of Aire, in which the battalion was afterwards cantoned.
Captain William Fyfe, Lieutenants John A. Durie and Richard McDonell were wounded. The other casualties of the battalion were three rank and file killed, and twenty-nine wounded.
His Majesty, in honor of this occasion, granted permission for Lieut.-Colonel Cameron to bear upon his shield a view of the town, with the word “Aire.”