Historical record of the Ninety-second Regiment, originally termed "The Gordon Highlanders" and numbered the Hundredth Regiment : $b Containing an account of the formation of the Regiment in 1794, and of its subsequent services to 1850Cannon, Richard
History
Historical record of the Ninety-second Regiment, originally termed "The Gordon Highlanders" and numbered the Hundredth Regiment : $b Containing an account of the formation of the Regiment in 1794, and of its subsequent services to 1850
Cannon, Richard
Great Britain. Army. Gordon Highlanders
On the 27th of February, the army under the Marquis of Wellington,
on the right bank of the Gave de Pau advanced to attack the French
position near _Orthes_, and the action soon became general. The first
brigade, to which the NINETY-SECOND under Lieut.-Colonel Cameron
belonged, was directed to a ford above the town of Orthes, and had
the honor of leading the second division across the Gave de Pau,
under a very heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and possessing
itself of the road from Orthes to the town of Pau, immediately
in rear of the enemy’s left flank, his retreat on that line was
consequently cut off. The NINETY-SECOND was ordered to move upon the
road to St. Sever, along the rear of the enemy, whose retreat, which
had been conducted hitherto with some degree of order, now became a
perfectly confused flight. The pursuit was at an equally rapid pace,
in which the battalion was conspicuous for several miles, until it
halted at Sault de Navailles.
In commemoration of this victory, which cost the enemy twelve pieces
of cannon, and about seven thousand men, the NINETY-SECOND received
the royal authority to bear the word “ORTHES” on the regimental
colour and appointments. His Majesty was also pleased to confer
honorary badges, bearing the word “_Orthes_,” on Lieut.-Colonel
John Cameron, who commanded the first battalion, and on Major James
Mitchell, who commanded the light companies; the latter officer was
promoted to the brevet rank of lieut.-colonel.
The NINETY-SECOND had only three rank and file wounded, and one
killed, in the battle of Orthes.
On the 28th of February, the NINETY-SECOND marched to St. Medard, and
on the 1st of March proceeded to Grenade; the main body of the allied
army had at this period crossed the Adour at St. Sever.
The enemy, on the 2nd of March, was seen strongly posted on a
ridge in front of the town of _Aire_, with his right resting on
the Adour. The allied army advanced to the attack, and compelled
him to retire; but a brigade of Portuguese troops on the British
flank giving way, the French became encouraged, and in their turn
advanced. The _fiftieth_ and NINETY-SECOND regiments, after clearing
their own front, were moved rapidly to the point where the enemy was
successful, and by a most splendid charge immediately put him to
flight.
These regiments now became considerably separated from each other,
from having to occupy the ground destined for the Portuguese troops,
and the NINETY-SECOND was again opposed to a strong column on its
flank, which it immediately charged, and pursued through the town of
Aire, in which the battalion was afterwards cantoned.
Captain William Fyfe, Lieutenants John A. Durie and Richard McDonell
were wounded. The other casualties of the battalion were three rank
and file killed, and twenty-nine wounded.
His Majesty, in honor of this occasion, granted permission for
Lieut.-Colonel Cameron to bear upon his shield a view of the town,
with the word “AIRE.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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