1st Battalion 95th (Rifle) Regiment of Foot (1/95) and 2nd Battalion 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot (2/44)
participated at:
Oporto, Portugal - 7-11 May 2009 - 200th anniversary of Wellington's crossing of the Douro, 12 May 1809.
Albuera, Spain - 14-18 May 2009 - 198th anniversary of the Battle of Albuera, 16 May 1811, by the British/Portuguese/Spanish Army under General Beresford.
Got back last night from Porto. Alan and Les Earp and the rest of the 44th stayed over there for Albuera, lucky gits!
The battles were the best I've ever taken part in including a night street battle on the south bank of the Douro. But the best was the crossing of the river in five port barges, landing on the north bank, taking the French by surprise and forcing them into an ignominious retreat through the streets of Porto. The sound ricocheting off the buildings was deafening and the huge crowds were really encouraging the redcoats!
The 44th were the only English heavy infantry there but we were ably assisted by the Dutch 92nd Highlanders as well as the Portuguese. I have to admit that our volleys were awesome, I've never fired so many in a battle, and unusually, there was no shortage of powder.
Alan Earp upheld the honour of the 1/95th showing the few other sweeps (Portuguese) there how it should be done while Les took loads of video. We were mgnificently led by Major Parker and Captain Surgeon Page took care of our bodily needs.
Oh, and beer only 50 cents a bottle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All in all - awesome!
I had to come back and the other lucky buglers have gone on to Lisbon, Badajoz, Albuera and Madrid!!!!
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)