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1793-95
The
opening of the campaign against Napoleon came in 1793 when the French sent an
expeditionary force into
 Holland, which at that time was an ally of Britain.
The army at that time was ill-equipped or prepared for war, and amongst the only
troops ready for service overseas were the Foot Guards regiments. A Guards
Brigade was formed from the 1st Battalions of the three regiments, and a fourth
battalion was formed from the grenadier and light companies of the 2nd
Battalions of the three regiments.
They arrived in Holland in February 1793, with few stores, no transport, and
little reserve ammunition. It was not a particularly
successful campaign, but the Brigade distinguished itself at Lincelles where
they had been sent to support the Prince of Orange. On arrival there was no sign
of the Dutch and they found that they were expected to displace 5,000 strongly
entrenched enemy. Despite only being 1,100 strong, and in the face of heavy
artillery and musket fire, the Guards Battalions stormed the position and drove
the enemy out of Lincelles.
The campaign dragged on but achieved little, and so the force was withdrawn in
April 1785. Related Images:
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