Note 48 — SIEGE OF BADAJOZ. 17th. March and 6th. April, 1812.
Reading edition
At its head marched the 45th. regiment, supporting the advanced storming party, composed of the flank companies of the division and the 83rd. regiment. Few more desperate conflicts are on record than that which took place. After repeated assaults the escalade was effected, and the place carried.
Lieutenant M‘Pherson, of the 45th., though wounded previous to his ascending the ladders in the escalade, was distinguished in hauling down the French flag from the staff of the citadel, which being brought to Major Greenwell, who commanded the regiment, he ordered a jacket of the 45th. to be substituted, in its place, acting upon the well-known adage of—“exchange no robbery.” It had been a point of emulation amongst the different regiments during the siege, which should have the honour of striking the French flag, and spiking a certain gun in the castle, which had been particularly offensive during the operations; the 45th. had the good fortune to do both.