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By Sergt. Peter Facey
1813 - Action at Vittoria
- To Pamplona and the Pyrenean Mountains
1814 - News of Peace
- Return to Ireland
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ACTION AT VITTORIA
Accordingly on the 21st June (1813) we arrived within about 3 miles of the town where we formed column. At this time the Spanish Division, which was on our right on the hills, commenced skirmishing with the enemy. Our Brigade was then ordered to move forward, and to drive the French out of a small village, and to keep possession of the same.
As soon as we got near to the village, the enemy retreated, we was immediately ordered to the front of the village, if possible to drive the enemy's outposts further back. At this time the action became bloody, the enemy throwing shell and shot very fast. At this time the whole lines were engaged. Lord Wellington, thinking we should not cause the enemy to retreat from this strong position had previously sent one Division on another raid on the other side of the river, unobserved by the enemy, which came on the enemy's flank, which rather surprised them.
At the same time the whole of our Cavalry and Infantry charged and the enemy commenced a retreat on the greatest confusion and disorder, closely pursued by the British Cavalry and Infantry, leaving behind them 250 pieces of cannon, all of their stores, ammunition, cattle, treasure, etc. etc. and retreated to a garrison town called Pamplona, closely pursued by the British Cavalry which greatly harassed their rear. The French Army was commanded by King Joseph ( -- illegible --) of the Spanish Nobility out of the war to see him beat the English but in this he was greatly mistaken'.
Killed and wounded etc. by the 28th Regiment - 21st June 1813 in the action at Vittoria in Spain.
Killed - 1 Sergt. major, 1 Sergt. and 11 Rank & File
Wounded - 1 Major, 2 Captains, 12 Lieut., 2 Ensigns, 6 Sergts. 165 Rank & File
Missing - 9 Rank & File
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TO PAMPLONA AND THE PYRENEAN MOUNTAINS
We continued closely to pursue the enemy until we arrived at Pamplona where the enemy had left 10,000 men to guard the town. On the arrival of the Spanish Division we immediately marched following the enemy to the Pyreen (sic) Mountains which divides France from Spain. On the 5th July (1813) we encamped near a large town called Allazondo, the enemy at this time were on the mountains. Accordingly on the 7th we were ordered to advance up the mountains, which was so steep that it was equal to walking up the roof of a house. After we arrived at the top of the mountain our advanced commenced an attack with the enemy. At that time a heavy fog came on so that you could not discern any object, even at 10 yards distance. The enemy, taking advantage of this, retreated, we remained on those hills that night and following morning encamped under them. The next day proceeded through Puerto de Maya, a small town about 2 leagues from the mountains, and encamped at the foot of the mountains sending piquets to the top, and 2 regiments. The enemy at this time were encamped on the other side, about one league from it.
We remained here until the 25th which was Sunday, and we was going to fall in, to have prayers read, immediately the alarm guns fired when we all immediately stood to our arms marching as fast as possible to the top of the mountains where the enemy was advancing, and at that time actually engaged with our out-posts. We no sooner arrived at the top of the hills than we commenced firing, and the enemy at the same time making a rapid advance up the mountains, and cheering, we repulsed them three times. They being so superior in number, and we at the same time, lost some men, we were at last obliged to give way and run down the mountain, every one making the best of the way, and the French firing and cheering. Accordingly, we retreated about 9 leagues, followed by the enemy until we came near a village called El Ariba where we took up our position on the heights, waiting to receive the enemy. Accordingly,on the 30th July the enemy advanced thinking to drive us from the position we had taken up. In this they was frustrated for, after a little skirmishing we made a charge and totally drove the French form their position. Evening advancing, we again took up our position for the night, sending out our out-lines for the night, and for our good conduct during the affair Lieut. Gen. Sir William Stuart ordered each man one pint of rum including in the ration.
Wounded - 8 Rank & File and 3 missing in action on the heights of El Ariba -
30th July 1813 of the 28th Regiment of Foot.
Accordingly on the 31st, at day break in the morning we again advanced to the hills where the enemy occupied, and immediately attacked them, and caused them to retreat.
28th Regiment had on the heights of Santa Maria 31st July 1813 -
1 Rank & File 'killed'and 1 'wounded'.
The enemy still continued to retreat and we closely pursued them by the same road they advanced, until we drove them over the Pyrenean Mountains again, and we took up the same position we recently occupied. Accordingly on the 5th of August we took up our position on the mountains and remained there until the 9th of November when we received orders to march, at night, and pas the Pyrenean Mountains, and once enter France. At the same time the French occupied a range of hills about 3 leagues from this, our present position, having erected forts, batteries etc. thinking they were perfectly secure. Accordingly, about 9 o'clock at night on the 9th of November we commenced our march down the mountains until we had travelled about 2 leagues, but finding we was getting near the enemy's out-posts, and the morning was not sufficiently advanced, we was ordered to halt and lie down to rest. But we was soon roused from our slumbers and day-light approached we again advanced and soon fell in with the enemy's out-posts, consisting of one Brigade of Infantry and 6 pieces of cannon which we soon caused to retreat. Accordingly we continued our march until about 10 in the morning when we had the pleasant view of seeing the 3rd Division charging the right of the enemy's position, and giving three cheers, which was immediately answered by the whole of the Allied Army, which made the whole element echo with the noise.
At this time the whole army charged up the hill and compelled the enemy to make a speedy retreat for Bayonne, a large garrison town,then about 5 leagues distant. That night we occupied the ground the enemy left, taking possession of most elegant huts they had built, although in their retreat they set fire to a number of items. The following morning we again pursued them until we came to the side of a river which the enemy had crossed, and took up their position on the other side. We immediately took up our position and waiting for our ammunition, guns, stores, etc. coming up. On the 9th of December, when everything being arranged, we again was ordered to attack the enemy. Accordingly, at half past 12 at night we stood to our arms and advanced down near the river side and waited for day-light. We then made a rapid advance and forded the river, although a rapid stream, and so high as the middle in water, under a heavy fire of musquetry, but caused the enemy to make a speedy retreat for Bayonne.
Killed and Wounded of the 28th Regiment crossing the ford at Halsa River Nieve in France 9th Decenber 1813.
Killed - 1 Drummer, and 6 Rank & File.
Wounded - 1 Captain, 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer, and 35 Rank & File
Accordingly we followed the enemy and took up our position near Bayonne where we remained until the 13th at daybreak in the morning when the enemy piquets attacked ours. Then immediately the 28th Regiment was sent to reinforce the piquets. Immediately a general action commenced which lasted until late in the afternoon. At the same time the enemy made a desperate charge on the main road where was stationed a Division of Portuguese, and in their rear, on a commanding height, a Brigade of British Artillery which opened a most destructive fire and left the enemy lying in heaps one on the other covering the road and adjacent fields on both sides with men and horses. At the same time the Portuguese made a charge and the enemy was glad to fly, and made the best of their way for the garrison
Loss of the 28th Regiment in action with the enemy near Bayonne in France
- 13th December 1813.
Killed - 6 Rank & File
Wounded - 1 Captain, 2 Lieuts., 1 Ensign, 4 Sergts., 1 Drummer, 86 Rank & File
At the same time the weather was excessive bad, almost continual rains, so that the troops were ordered into contoonments. Accordingly on the 16th we went into quarters in the adjacent villages, still keeping out-line piquets next the enemy, which was relieved daily. We remained there until the 4th February when the French army had commenced a retreat leaving troops to garrison Bayonne. Accordingly we followed the enemy close after times obliged to ford rapid rivers until the 15th.
The enemy took up their position on some hills, and the evening was advancing, and our position, not being very secure from any sudden attack, we was immediately ordered to charge and dislodge the enemy from their positions. Accordingly we advanced in open columns of Companies, and caused the enemy to make a speedy retreat, we then bivouacked there for the night.
Loss of the 28th in the affair on the Heights of St. Pallais 15th February, 1814.
Killed -1 Rank & File.
Wounded - 1 Captain and 8 Rank & File.
The following day we again advanced, and the enemy still retreating although some skirmishing frequently took place until the enemy made another faint stand. Accordingly, on the 17th of March we were contooned in a small village where we regaled ourselves with plenty of good wine. On the 18th, by the evening, we found the enemy had taken up a position near Lambuge. We commenced our line of march about 8 in the morning, and about half past q0, fell in with the enemy. They then covered the main road and was sheltered behind the houses and trees in a straggling village, and opened a heavy fire of musquetry which caused us to make a more rapid advance, and soon made the enemy leave their position.
Loss of the 28th Regiment in a skirmish with the enemy at Lambuge on the 18th March 1814.
Killed - 1 Lieut.,1 Sergeant and 6 Rank & File
Wounded - 1 Captain, 1 Lieut., 2 Sergeants and 36 Rank & File.
On the 19th we again advanced following the enemy until we arrived near a large town called Toulouse where the enemy determined to make a stand, and had constructed batteries round the town and had also blocked up the bridge that leads across the River Garonne. Accordingly we went into quarters in some old houses, sending our piquets down near the river. At that time Lord Wellington, with the remainder of the army was on the other side (of) the river leaving the 2nd Division under the command of Lt. Gen. Sir Rowland Hill on this side.
On the 7th of April we constructed a pontoon bridge in the night across the river unobserved by the enemy, but finding we had not boats sufficient, was obliged to take it up again, and on the 8th again made another where the river was not so wide, and our Division crossed and marched about 5 leagues, and then returned, and crossing the bridge of boats again, we then took up the boats, which is a beautiful sight to see an army cross a pontoon bridge that is made on so a short a time. Everything remained quiet until the 10th of April, being Easter Sunday. We commenced an attack at day-break in the morning which continued during the day, the enemy's loss must have been severe. The enemy that night retreated from the town.
Loss of the 28th Regiment in action with the enemy at Toulouse in France on the 10th April 1814.
Killed - 3 Rank & File
Wounded - 3 Lieut., 1 Sergeant, and 24 Rank & File
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NEWS OF PEACE
In the morning of the 11th (April 1814) we found the enemy had evacuated the town. Accordingly we received orders to march. We marched through the town taking the same direction the enemy had gone until we came near a town called Villa Franca where we found the enemy had taken up a position about 2 leagues from this place. Accordingly we encamped outside the town. Here we received the glad tidings of Peace. Joy flowed in the breast of each British soldier thinking we had put an end to a long and tedious war where we had been so much harassed. Accordingly we went back one league and contooned in a town called Villa Navilla where we staid until the 27th of April when we commenced a march for Burdaux (Bordeaux) in France, a distance of about 40 leagues through pleasant towns and villages, and the band, drums and violins playing every day along the road which made it appear more pleasant and on the 15th of June arrived in the city of Burdaux where we remained one night regaling ourselves with plenty of fine Burdaux wine.
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RETURN TO IRELAND
On the morning of the 6th at 7 o'clock, marched about 9 English miles and encamped. Here all the British Army assembled. We remained in this camp until the 2nd of July when we marched 4 leagues and encamped, and on the 3rd marched to Poliac and embarked on board of Transports in the Burdaux River, and sailed down the river, and then went on board His Majesty's Ship 'Rippon' of 74 guns, destined for Cove of Cork in Ireland where we arrived on the 22nd. Landed and marched to a town called Middleton, and from thence to the City of Cork, and from Cork to a town called Birr in the King's County, and from that to Fermoy, Co. Cork. From Fermoy to City of Cork again where we continued until the 7th November when we again received orders to embark for North America
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Colleytown, Chittlehampton.
This page last updated on 28 Jul 2015