The Diehards
On 16 May 1811 a British force under Marshall Beresford with elements of the Spanish and Portuguese armies fought a pitched battle near the Spanish village of Albuhera to prevent French troops under Marshall Soult reaching the town of Badajoz.
This was the bloodiest battle of the whole Peninsular War; thousands were killed on each side. Much of the day was spent in fierce musketry duals as each side sought to gain advantage. Although the French, with the help of Polish lancers, gained the first initiative, the sheer determination of the defenders held them at bay until they were finally defeated by a counter-attack and forced to withdraw from the combat, leaving the British side victorious.
During this bloody day, many units were inspiring in their courage, but none so much as the 57th Foot (later to become The Middlesex Regiment), under their Commanding Officer Colonel Inglis. The casualties they suffered were horrendous, 89 killed and 339 wounded out of a strength of 647 all ranks; but they closed ranks as their comrades fell, showing great stoicism and determination to hold the line and keep back the enemy to the last. The 57th won high praise from many quarters, including from Marshall Beresford personally, and through their courage in this battle earned the immortal nickname "The Diehards".
2011 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Albuhera. Brian went with a group of others from many of the regiments involved to visit Albuhera in May this year and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for their country so many years ago. Their memory lives on in history.
The Diehards have fought bravely in many battles since then. One which stands out is the defence of Hong Kong in December 1941 when once again the regiment showed its tenacity and was amongst the last to surrender to the Japanese against overwhelming odds. The regiment was one of the largest groups of prisoners on board the Lisbon Maru and it was their Commanding Officer, Colonel "Monkey" Stewart who organised the breakout from the ship's holds.
