Carole Divall

2^nd Battalion – Nave de Haver

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro (Heath)

The battalion have experienced an interesting month.  Having played a part in driving the French out of Portugal, they were expecting nothing more dramatic than the blockade of Almeida.  Under General Erskine, in command of the 5^th Division in General Leith’s absence, life became rather more relaxed, for Erskine took off the main guard and dispensed with the requirement for turning out at reveille.  Marshal Masséna, however, was determined to relieve Almeida and get the garrison out.  On the 2^nd May the 5^th Division marched into place on the left of the position Lord Wellington had adopted to thwart the marshal’s plans.  Their function was to guard the Fort Concepcion to Almeida road.

There followed an extended action, two days of fierce fighting with a quiet day in between, at Fuentes de Oñoro.  The 5^th Division, however, saw very little of the action, although there was some skirmishing with General Reynier’s corp, which had taken up position opposite them.  As a result, the battalion suffered six casualties wounded, Major Hamilton, a sergeant and three rank and file.  Nevertheless, they had been part of the means, even if in a minor role, by which Lord Wellington had prevented the relief of Almeida.

On the 7^th May, at night, a rocket was fired from Almeida.  This caused some puzzlement at the time, but when the French made a dash for freedom on the 10^th, it became clear that the rocket was a signal to the main French force.  General Brennier and his men should have been taken by the 1^st battalion of the 4^th Foot, had they been in place at Barba del Puerco.  Instead, many of the fugitives, helped by comrades on the far bank, were able to cross to safety.  Some of the 5^th Division, including some men of the 30^th, arrived in time to inflict casualties, but Brennier’s escape provoked an angry response from Lord Wellington.  (There is a rumour that General Brennier owes him a considerable sum of money!)

Wellington has publically blamed Lieutenant Colonel Bevan of the 1/4^th for not carrying out the orders he had received.  Colonel Bevan has protested his innocence and requested a court martial, which has been refused.  The word in the division is that General Erskine received the order but did not pass it on.  As a result, there is a great deal of sympathy for Colonel Bevan and his battalion among the officers and men of the 30^th.  There are also considerable doubts about General Erskine, whose arrival was initially welcomed, but who is now considered very unreliable.

After General Brennier’s escape the battalion returned to Aldea do Obispo, but when Lord Wellington took part of the army south to Badajoz, the remaining three divisions (1^st, 5^th and 6^th) remained to guard the line of the Agueda under General Sir Brent Spencer.  The battalion is now at Nave de Haver, quartered in the village or in some quickly built huts.  In this part of Spain the French are now quiet, although news of a bloody battle at Albuera has reached the battalion.

Although there were six deaths this month, including Sergeant Henry Hunt and Corporal Ben Gammage, the health of the men present is generally good.  There have been two promotions.  Corporal Matthew Donnellan, having redeemed himself after his earlier fall from grace, was promoted to sergeant, while Sergeant George McCann is now drum major.  There has been one desertion.  William Mason deserted to the enemy on the first day of the action at Fuentes de Oñoro.

Three officers remain in Lisbon.  Lieutenant Adamson is attending a court of enquiry, and Lieutenant Brisac and Quartermaster Kingsley are on duty.  From Lisbon arrived the sad news of Lieutenant George Rumley’s death.  Although this had been anticipated for some time, he was generally mourned, he and his brother, Ensign John Rumley, being popular in the battalion.

1^st battalion – Trichinopoly

Traditional painting of the period

The death rate remains low; only two deaths this month, John Bull and Thomas Upchurch.  The battalion encourages seriously sick men to make a will, and Upchurch willed his effects and money owing to his child at the regiment.  A further five men were invalided to Europe.

There have been several demotions.  Sergeants Robert Shiritt and Sam Heaven were both reduced on the 9^th May, and Corporal Chris Holmes on the 20^th.  Corporal John Wilson was promoted to sergeant on the 9^th.

Depot – Wakefield

A raw recruit being trained in basic musket drill

It has been a quiet month at the depot.  One man joined at headquarters, and another two came in from recruiting parties.  There has been one desertion.

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General Sir John Doyle Continue Reading »