Keogh, ordering the capture of the Eagle charged forward slaying any French man which got in the way of his prize, he came face to face with the French officer carrying the eagle and as he grasped the staff, a young French Soldier aimed at the Ensign and fired, the round pieced the Ensign's heart killing him instantly. The Irishmen surged forward with fury in there eyes, 'Faugh A Ballegh!' (Irish Gaelic for Clear the way) went a cry, throughout the ranks it was echoed as the Fusiliers charged ever closer to their foe, the two battalions clashed and the French with low morale didn't stand a chance.ĭuring this engagement a young redcoat officer, Ensign Edward Keogh spotted the eagle and gathered a few men to come with him, including Serjeant Patrick Masterson, who with his spontoon spear was encouraging the fusiliers alike with cry's of 'In the belly lads, Come on now in the belly! Lunge! Twist! Recover! show the frogs the steel!' The small group of fusiliers led by Keogh started to fight through the French ranks making their way to where the eagle was being defended. After a attack from the the 2nd Kings Legion Hussars the 8th regiment de Ligne started to retreat to the remainder of the French force, however the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers gave chase, firing a volley at near point blank range from its double ranked line and this was followed by a devastating Bayonet charge. This great honour was the envy of all other British Regiments in the Peninsular War. While the Regiment was serving in Portugal and Spain The Regiment took part in many battles and light engagements throughout their time of service, including the defense of Cadiz, the Battle of Talavera - where the regiment's casualties mounted up to 40%-, The Battle of Vitoria and the Battle of Barrosa where it gained a great honor. In 1809 both Battalions of the Regiment went to Portugal and took part in the Peninsular War. This war took them around the globe, fighting through Europe, Egypt, South America, West Indies and Canada.

The Regiment was raised in Ireland as a response to the Napoleonic crisis in 1793.

History of the unit, Battle honours and the eagle of Barrosa

Mount and blade warband winged hussars