War Medals and Their HistorySteward, William Augustus
History
War Medals and Their History
Steward, William Augustus
Great Britain. Army -- Medals, badges, decorations, etc.; Great Britain. Royal Navy -- Medals, badges, decorations, etc.
out the French battalions, and after withstanding a charge of cavalry,
compelled the French to retreat along the road to Alexandria, whither
they were ultimately pursued by the British army, many daring exploits
taking place _en route_. One is particularly noteworthy. The Perthshire
Regiment, wearing at the time brass helmets, were mistaken by the
French cavalry for dragoons, and the Scots were consequently charged in
an impetuous manner by them. The affair, which took place at Mandora,
was a precursor of the brilliant action of the 93rd Highlanders at
Balaklava, for, standing firm, the Perthshires coolly awaited their
mounted adversaries until they were within fifty yards of them, and
then, firing a volley, caused the main body to wheel off by their left
and retreat in confusion. Sir Ralph Abercromby narrowly escaped death
in this affair, but, as Archibald Forbes states, he "was rescued by the
devoted bravery of the Perthshire Regiment."
=The Highlanders at Alexandria, 1801.=--At the battle of Alexandria,
March 21st, 1801, Generals Moore and Oakes were wounded, but continued
to lead their men, who did prodigies of valour ere the French
retreated to their entrenchments before Alexandria. Abercromby had,
during the day, kept close to the Highlanders, whom he cheered with
the words, "My brave Highlanders, remember your country! Remember
your forefathers!" ere ordering them to pursue the enemy; but having
sent his staff officers on different missions, he was left a solitary
and conspicuous figure. A couple of French cavalrymen, seizing the
opportunity, endeavoured to capture the gallant Commander-in-Chief,
but, refusing to yield, he made a brilliant fight until a corporal of
the 42nd (Black Watch) ran up and shot one of the men, when the other
made off, but was bayoneted by another of the 42nd. Meanwhile it was
noticed that he dismounted with difficulty from his horse, but as he
exhibited no sign of suffering it was not until blood was observed
on his thigh that any idea was entertained that he had been wounded.
It was then found that a musket-ball had lodged in his hip joint.
This caused his death on board the _Foudroyant_ on March 28th, 1801.
General Hutchinson, who took command of the force, ultimately invested
Alexandria, and after a three days' armistice the terms of capitulation
were signed, and arrangements made for the departure of the armies.
The French, who were commanded by General Menou, left Egypt with about
27,500 men, and the British with 22,350.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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