During the campaign of 1707, the services of the regiment were limited to marches and occupying positions; and it passed the winter in West Flanders.
The Union of Scotland and England took place this year, which occasioned St. George's cross to be added to the colours of the Scots regiments, and St. Andrew's cross to the colours of the English regiments. The corps, previously designated Scots regiments, took the title of North British regiments.
1708
In May, 1708, the regiment again took the field, and on the 11th of July it had an opportunity of acquiring fresh laurels at the battle of Oudenarde, which was fought in the broken grounds near the river Scheldt. On this occasion the regiment was engaged in a severe musketry action, and it succeeded in driving the French corps opposed to it from field to field, until the darkness of the night put an end to the conflict. Before the following morning the wreck of the French army had retreated in disorder towards Ghent.
After this victory, the siege of Lisle, the capital of French Flanders, was resolved upon. This fortress was deemed almost impregnable; it was garrisoned by fifteen thousand men, commanded by Marshal Boufflers, who resolved upon making a desperate defence. The NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS were selected to take part in the attack of this important fortress, under the orders of Prince Eugene of Savoy; the covering army was commanded by the Duke of Marlborough. The regiment had several men killed and wounded in carrying on the approaches, and at the attack of the counterscarp it had thirteen men killed; three officers, four serjeants, and sixty-six rank and file wounded. The progress of this siege was a subject of peculiar interest throughout Europe; and the besieging army witnessed its extraordinary efforts for the capture of the place, attended by complete success, on the 9th of December, when the citadel surrendered.
1709
Having reposed a few months in quarters, and received a body of fine recruits from Scotland, the regiment joined the army, and was employed in covering the siege of Tournay, in July and August, 1709. The citadel of Tournay surrendered in the beginning of September, and the army afterwards marched in the direction of Mons.
A numerous French army, commanded by Marshals Villars and Boufflers, took up a position at Malplaquet, and strengthened the post by entrenchments and other works of art. The Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene had confidence in the valour and perseverance of the troops under their orders, and they attacked the enemy's formidable position on the 11th of September, on which occasion the heroic valour of the troops was conspicuous; the enemy's entrenchments and abatis-de-bois were stormed with distinguished gallantry, the determined resistance of the French was overcome, and another trophy was acquired; but with the loss of many brave officers and soldiers, including the Colonel of the NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS, Brigadier-General de Lalo, who was killed at the head of a brigade, and his fall was much regretted.
In addition to the loss of its Colonel, the regiment had also Captains Monroe, Wemys, and Farley killed; Captains Montressor and Lowther wounded.