Hi, I am trying to research the actions of the 1/50th regiment of Foot during the Walcheren Expedition and am finding it rather difficult working out when they landed and on which island (Walcheren or South Beveland).
The order of battle of 28th July 1809 has them in Huntley’s 2nd division (in the Right Wing) as part of Dyott’s Brigade - which landed at South Beveland on August 8th
However the Regimental History of the 50th Regiment (by Arthur Evelyn Fyler) states that the 50th landed with Fraser’s Left Wing on Walcheren on August the 2nd, that they formed part of Major General Keith’s Brigade (I think he means Leith) and that it wasn’t until the 21st that they were reorganised into Dyott’s Brigade and moved over to South Beveland (at Ouderland and Overland”).
Is Mr Fyler wrong? Many Thanks
There will be a variety of possible reasons for inaccuracy in regimental histories- and indeed more generally. I can think of various episodes that do indeed seem to be 'poor relations' in terms of inattention but in this case I doubt the error arose from Colonel Fyler thinking the Walcheren expedition was a sideshow, notwithstanding the unfortunate results. As you say, it was one of the larger expeditions to leave British shores.
Nineteenth century regimental histories are, alas, notoriously variable in their quality. Even more recent works, despite the resources that have become available, cannot always be relied on.
Thank you :-)
Mr. Fyler would appear to be in error.
As early as 21 July 1809 Major General Dyott's Brigade was in Lieutenant General Lord Huntly's Division. It consisted of the 1st Battalions of the 6th, 50th and 91st Foot.
Dyott's Brigade was on South Beveland until chosen to garrison Walcheren. Its composition was unchanged.