King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.

Napoleonic Campaigns 1799-1815

The French monarchy was overthrown by Revolution in 1789 following a financial crisis. As the new leaders fought against neighbouring countries discontent at home increased. In 1799 the military overthrew the civil government and appointed Napoleon as First Consul.

Napoleon restored order in France and built up his power. He became Emperor in 1804.

Napoleon expanded the French Empire and took over new lands which brought great wealth. Initial success was outstanding, mainland opposition was defeated, and Britain stood alone.

The Continental Blockade, which aimed to destroy Britain economically by depriving her of her European markets led Napoleon into his greatest blunders. The invasion of Spain in 1808 and the Moscow Campaign of 1812 where his downfall.

Britain despatched troops to fight France across Europe, but the main actions were fought in Spain and Portugal - known as the Iberian Peninsular.

The King’s Own were involved throughout the campaigns, fighting in North Africa, Northern Europe, the Peninsular, and at the final victory at Waterloo in 1815.

The Campaigns and Battles

Copenhagen, Denmark, August 1807
To prevent the French seizing the Danish Navy a British force, including The King's Own, was sent. Arriving on 16th August 1807, the Army began a bombardment of Copenhagen on 2nd September. By 7th September the city fell to the British. Lieutenant Colonel Wynch was appointed Governor and the British took control of the Danish Fleet. The King's Own returned to Colchester.

Gothenburg, Sweden, April 1808
The King's Own arrived with the British force, under Sir John Moore, to assist the King of Sweden against the French. No actions took place. The British government and the King of Sweden disagreed over the use of the troops.

Corunna, Spain, 16th January 1809
Arriving in Portugal in August 1808 the British Army, including The King's Own, advanced into Spain. From December strong French forces pushed the British Army back in some disorder. Arriving at Corunna on 11th January 1809 the British maintained a defensive position until they were evacuated by sea. The King’s Own played an important defensive role when the French attacked on 15th January. The transport ships were loaded over night and the British were all away by the next day.

Walcheren Expedition, July to September 1809
The King's Own were part of the British Expedition of 600 ships and 40,000 men sent to capture the French fleet and destroy the port of Antwerp. Within a month the British lost 4,000 men through sickness and on 28th August the expedition was called off. The King's Own left on 14th September. The doctors were powerless to do anything. They had few medicines, a poor water supply and a rapidly spreading epidemic.

North Africa, January 1810 to April 1812
The 2nd Battalion of the Regiment was stationed here. On the outward voyage their ship was blown ashore in Spain, 300 men were taken prisoner by the French. Those who arrived were still sick from the Walcheren Expedition. Their fever was made worse with the intense heat of Ceuta.

Fuentes d'Onor, Spain, 2nd - 5th May 1811
French and British forces met on 2nd May. The French escaped due to the negligence of the British. British commander Wellington unjustly blamed Colonel Charles Bevan of The King's Own who, unable to clear his name, shot himself shortly afterwards.

Badajoz, Spain, 6th April 1812
Badajoz was one of the strongest French held fortresses in the Peninsular. It was repeatedly attacked. The attack on 6th April succeeded under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Brooke of The King's Own. Private George Hatton captured the Colour of the Regiment of Hesse Darmstadt by bayoneting the officer who carried it. Private John Kelton captured a second colour.
For two days British soldiers, half mad with stolen liquor, plundered the town until stopped by the Duke of Wellington.

Salamanca, Spain, 22nd July 1812
The British fell back to Salamanca. Underestimating the British forces and thinking Wellington was about to retreat further, the French attacked. Wellington quickly turned his defensive position into an offensive one; after suffering many attacks the British infantry were then supported by the Cavalry. The French defences broke and a large part of the French army fled.

Vittoria, Spain, 21st June 1813
As Napoleon retreated a force commanded by his brother, King Joseph, made a stand at Vittoria. Desperate fighting took place with The King's Own attacking bridges to the North. Despite a valiant struggle the Spanish and French were defeated. The French withdrew leaving behind their plunder from five years of occupation including money, gold, silver, pictures and jewels.

San Sebastian, Spain, July 1813 to 31st August 1813
An initial attack on the fortress was a failure and a siege began. At the end of August after a bombardment, Lieutenant Francis Maguire led the 'Forlorn Hope' - a small group of about forty men who formed the initial attack. Followed by storming parties, and artillery bombardment the French guns were silenced. The fortress was left burning. There had been very heavy losses in the siege; the King's Own lost 122 officers men including Lieutenant Maguire who died on his 21st Birthday. A further 176 men were wounded.

Nive, France, 9th - 13th December 1813
The British army followed the French into France where a defensive line held on the River Nivelle for a short time. On 9th December 1813 the British pushed forward across the River Nive surprising the French, many of whom fled. Poor weather meant the campaign was suspended. By April 1814 the Germans had advanced on Paris and forced Napoleon's abdication. He was then banished to the Island of Elba.

North America, May 1814-May 1815
The United States declared war after the Royal Navy boarded an American ship in search of English sailors. Not wishing to get involved in a major campaign the British force, including The King's Own, rarely moved far inland. The King's Own took part in:
Battle of Bladensburg
Battle of Godley Wood
Skirmish on the Mississippi
Battle of New Orleans
Attack on Mobile
Peace was signed and in Spring 1815 The King's Own set sail to England, unaware of Napoleon's escape from exile on Elba.

Waterloo, 18th June 1815
Napoleon's return delighted the French people, but Britain and Prussia undertook to defeat Napoleon once and for all. After marching 48 miles in 30 hours The King's Own arrived at the battlefield at Waterloo. They were one of the few Regiments to fight both in America and at Waterloo. After three days of fighting Napoleon was defeated by the evening of 18th June. The Allied armies headed for Paris where a victory parade was held.

Paris, Summer 1815
Napoleon was finally defeated and allied troops, including The King's Own, occupied Paris. On 20th November 1815 the Treaty of Paris was signed reorganising Europe.

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.