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The campaign dragged on but achieved little, and so the force was withdrawn in April 1785.

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