They relied upon their discipline and their courage. The desperate attacks of a veteran cavalry, joined to those of a numerous infantry, which had vainly styled itself Invincible, were everywhere repulsed: and a conflict the most severe terminated in one of the most signal victories which ever adorned the annals of the British nation!
In bringing forward these details, the Commander-in-Chief does not call upon the Army merely to admire but to emulate such conduct. Every soldier who feels for the honour of his country, while he exults in events so splendid and important in themselves, will henceforth have fresh motives for cherishing and enforcing the practice of discipline, and by uniting, in the greatest perfection, order and precision with activity and courage, will seek to uphold, and transmit undiminished to posterity, the Glory and Honour of the British Arms.
Nor is a less useful example to be derived from the conduct of the distinguished Commander who fell in the field.
His steady observance of discipline,—his ever watchful attention to the health and wants of his troops,—the persevering and unconquerable spirit which marked his military career,—the splendour of his actions in the field, and the heroism of his death,—are worthy the imitation of all who desire, like him, a life of honour and a death of glory.
By Order of His Royal Highness
The Commander-in-Chief,
Harry Calvert,
Colonel and Adjutant-General.
The following regiments were employed in Egypt, in 1801, and were permitted by His Majesty King George the Third to bear on their Colours the Sphynx, with the word "Egypt," as a distinguished mark of His Majesty's Royal approbation, and as a lasting memorial of the glory acquired to His Majesty's Arms by the zeal, discipline, and intrepidity of his troops in that arduous and important campaign, viz.:—
11th Light Dragoons, 1 Troop, Captain Money.
12th Light Dragoons, Col. Archdall.