1804
Napoleon Bonaparte, upon being raised in May 1804 to the dignity of Emperor of the French, increased his immense preparations to carry into effect his project for the invasion of England, that he might, by one great effort, crush the power of the British people, who appeared as a barrier to his ambitious designs. This menace of invasion had aroused the spirit of the British nation; patriotic enthusiasm pervaded all ranks; and among the measures of defence[38] adopted by the Government was the introduction of the “Additional Force Act” which was passed on the 14th of July 1804.
1805
Under this Act of Parliament, a second battalion was added to the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, which was to be formed of men raised in the county of Chester for limited service.
The second battalion was embodied by July 1805, and in October it proceeded from Chester to Winchester, where the first battalion was stationed.
1806
After the first battalion had embarked for Sicily in April 1806, the second battalion continued at Winchester until June following, when it proceeded to Gosport.
1807
On the 8th of January 1807, the second battalion embarked at Gosport for Guernsey, where it arrived on the 15th of that month. In May 1807, the battalion proceeded to Ireland, and was stationed at Limerick.
1808