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6th Regiment of Foot at the Battle of the Pyrenees
Following the British victory at the Battle of Vittoria, the Duke of Wellington’s army occupied the passes of the western Pyrenees. Marshal Soult then took command of the French army, and made a counter-attack on 25th July 1813, which was followed by a week of fighting in the mountains.
On 2nd August, General Clausel’s two French divisions held a strong position at Echalar. Wellington was determined to dislodge him. General Dalhousie’s 7th Division crossed the mountain from Sumbilla and attacked before the 4th and Light Divisions (which were sent round to turn the position) were ready to reinforce them. In his Dispatches, Wellington wrote, ‘… Major-General Barnes’s brigade was formed for the attack and advanced … with a regularity and gallantry which I have seldom seen equalled, and actually drove the two divisions of the enemy, notwithstanding the resistance offered to them, from those formidable heights. It is impossible that I can extol too highly the conduct of Major-General Barnes and these brave troops, which was the admiration of all who were witnesses of it.’
The 6th Foot formed more than half the brigade of 1500 men. They had driven 6,000 French infantry from a very rugged position. Wellington sent a message to the brigade commander that their attack was the most gallant and the finest thing he ever witnessed. An officer who witnessed the feat said, ‘Barnes set at the French as if every man had been a bulldog, and himself the best of the breed.’
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire)
Price(s): £70
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