Arrangements having been made for the advance of the army against the enemy, the THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS left Gigo de Coria on the 16th of May, and accompanying the second division, under Sir Rowland Hill, advanced through the mountains by the pass of Banos, and crossed the river Tormes below _Salamanca_. On the 26th of May they came up with the rear-guard of the enemy, covering the retreat from _Salamanca_, and being supported by the Royal Dragoons, and a troop of horse artillery, succeeded in taking upwards of 500 prisoners. The enemy continuing to retreat, the allied army directed its march on Valladolid. The THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS crossed the Douro at Toro on the 3rd of June, and continued to press upon the rear of the French army in its retreat. On the 21st of June the regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Holmes, marched early in the morning towards _Vittoria_, where the French army, commanded by Joseph Bonaparte and Marshal Jourdan, was concentrated and formed in position. A general engagement immediately commenced. During the early part of the day the THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS manœuvred in conjunction with, and supported the attacks of, the infantry; but towards the evening they moved forward and made a brilliant and decisive charge on a corps of French cavalry and a column of infantry, which were covering the retreat of several pieces of cannon and a number of waggons laden with ammunition and treasure: the enemy was defeated, driven from his ground, and the guns and waggons were captured by the regiment. This was followed by the entire overthrow and defeat of the French army, with the loss of its cannon, ammunition, and baggage. The THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS had four men and six horses killed; Lieutenant Stewart was wounded in the body by a musket ball, but subsequently recovered; two men of the regiment were also wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Holmes received a gold medal for his distinguished conduct in this action; and His Royal Highness the Prince Regent commanded the word 'VITTORIA' to be placed on the standards of the regiment. The THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS were next engaged in the blockade of Pampeluna; and they were formed up in reserve at the foot of the mountains during the severe contest in the _Pyrenees_, on the 29th and 30th of July, but the scene of action was too mountainous for cavalry to engage. The regiment remained in front of Pampeluna until the 17th of September, when it moved to Milagro, on the Ebro, where a remount, consisting of three officers, two serjeants, twenty-four private men, and fifty-five horses, joined from England, under the command of Major Watts. On the 20th of November the regiment occupied Valtierra and Arquedas, on the Ebro, where it remained in reserve during the winter. [Sidenote: 1814]