May 16th, 1811, ALBUHERA.
In March, 1811, the British again advanced, driving Ney from Pombal and Redinha, and Massena from Casal Nova and Sabugal. While following up his successes, Wellington was attacked by Massena at Fuentes D’Onor, on the 3rd of May, and again on the 5th, but he held his ground in spite of severe fighting. In the meanwhile Marshal Beresford,[[20]] who had four companies of the 60th with his division, had in April taken Olivenza, and on the 16th of May had defeated Soult at Albuhera; and the campaign of 1811 was brought to a close by the brilliant action of Arroyo dos Molinos by General Hill on October the 28th, 1811, when the Regiment specially distinguished itself.
1812, CIUDAD RODRIGO. BADAJOZ.
July 22nd, 1812, SALAMANCA.
The next year, 1812, opened with the siege, assault, and capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, and immediately afterwards ensued the successful siege of Badajoz. Sending Hill to destroy the bridge of Almarez, Wellington proceeded northwards, and on the 22nd of July defeated Marmont at the battle of Salamanca, the crowning feat of a long series of brilliant manœuvres. The English General thereupon marched towards Madrid, and, driving King Joseph before him, entered the capital in triumph on the 12th of August. But the French were so strongly reinforced that the British troops were obliged to retire for the winter to Portugal.
June 21st, 1813, VITTORIA.
July 24th to Aug. 2nd, 1813, PYRENEES.
Nov. 10th, 1813, NIVELLE.
Dec. 9th to 13th, NIVE.
In May, 1813, the Army finally quitted Portugal, and again advancing drove the French northwards by brilliant strategy. On the 21st of June Wellington gained a splendid victory over King Joseph at Vittoria, capturing 150 guns and his whole transport. The companies of the Regiment with Picton and the 3rd Division played an especially brilliant part. Ignominiously driven from Spain the French Army rallied on the Bidassoa, where Soult assumed command, having been despatched by Napoleon to supersede his brother King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan. He immediately attacked the English, but was defeated with great slaughter at the battle of the Pyrenees, which lasted eight days, July the 24th to August the 2nd. The 5th Battalion was at this time commanded by Major Fitzgerald.[[21]] Wellington, then advancing into France, forced the passage of the Bidassoa on October the 7th, and defeated the French at the battle of Nivelle, terminating the campaign by a victory on the Nive after a battle lasting five days.