Thus began the Peninsular War, so full of glorious memories for the British Army. The 5th Battalion, under the command of Major Davy,[[13]] formed part of the force despatched under Sir Arthur Wellesley to Portugal, and in conjunction with the 2nd Battalion of the 95th[[14]] opened the campaign at Obidos on the 15th of August; and two days later took part in the fight of Roleia. The services of the Battalion as Light Troops or Riflemen were valued so highly by the Commander of the forces, and so important was their example, that in a very complimentary order he directed its distribution by companies among the several brigades of the army. Thus it came to be engaged in nearly all the great battles throughout the war, starting brilliantly with the battle of Vimiera,[[15]] where a signal victory was gained over the French under General Junot.
Wellesley was shortly afterwards superseded by Sir Harry Burrard[[16]] and Sir Hew Dalrymple, who ended the campaign by the Convention of Cintra, under the terms of which the French evacuated Portugal.
Jan. 16th, 1809, CORUNNA.
The three commanders were then ordered home, and Sir John Moore[[17]] assumed charge of the troops. Sir David Baird landed at Corunna with reinforcements, including the 2nd Battalion, and on the 20th of December he joined Moore near Mayorga. By the masterly dispositions of Napoleon himself, an overwhelming force of French was concentrated under Soult, and this forced the British to retire on Corunna. Soult, following in pursuit, attacked them in the act of embarking, but met with a crushing defeat. The British, however, paid a high price for their victory: Baird was severely wounded, and the gallant Sir John Moore was killed—his death being a heavy loss to the British Army. At this juncture General Hope[[18]] took over the command and completed the embarkation of the troops. The Regiment, having been allotted to the defence of the town of Corunna, was not actually engaged in the battle.
July 27th and 28th, 1809, TALAVERA.
In 1809 Wellesley, for the second time, landed in Portugal and assumed command. After some delay, on May the 12th he forced the passage of the Douro in the face of a large army under Soult, a most brilliant feat of arms. On the 27th and 28th of July he attacked the French and Marshals Jourdan and Victor, under King Joseph, and thereupon ensued the great British victory of Talavera. “Upon this occasion,” wrote Sir Arthur Wellesley in his despatch, “the steadiness and discipline of the 5th Battalion, 60th Regiment, were conspicuous.”
Sept. 27th, 1810, BUSACO.
On September the 27th, 1810, the British Commander, Sir Arthur Wellesley, recently created Lord Wellington, signally defeated the French under Massena at the battle of Busaco; the conduct of the 60th (at this time commanded by Colonel Williams[[19]]), being specially noted by General Picton.
Yielding to superior numbers and to stress of circumstances, Wellington retreated, and, falling back upon the famous lines of Torres Vedras, was closely followed by the French, who, on being stopped by the fortifications and unable to procure supplies, were soon forced in turn to retreat.
May 3rd and 5th 1811, FUENTES D’ONOR.