Salamanca Eagle

 

To Chelmsford to see Napoleon's Eagle, captured on 22 July 1812 in the battle of Salamanca.

Unfortunately the Eagle is overwhelmed by being at the back of a large cabinet filled with bling of the Essex Regiment.

 

"Made from gilded bronze, every French battalion was ceremoniously presented with an imperial eagle by Napoleon, which was then carried on top of the Tricolour flag of the Regiment.

During the battle, the French tried to get behind the British lines but they were over-extended. Despite Britain having a smaller army, the British saw their chance and broke through the French line.

Essex Regiment’s most prized trophy, the eagle was captured at sword point from Napoleonic troops by Lieutenant William Pearce of the 2nd battalion,44th (East Essex) Regiment.

Only six eagles were captured during the Peninsular wars, and so it became an icon for the Essex Regiment, worn on badges and buttons, unit flags, notepaper, vehicles and sports kit, and continues to be worn by all ranks of the serving Royal Anglian Regiment."

(from the museum website)

The Regimental banner carries battle honours.

The Essex Regiment Museum is in Chelmsford Museum,

which is in Oaklands House built for local brewer and industrialist Frederick Well in 1865 in the Italianate style based on Queen Victoria's residence at Osborne on the Isle of Wight.