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In June 1801 five regiments, including the
24th Regiment, were sent to Egypt to reinforce the British
force under General Hutchinson fighting the French. They arrived
to take part in the capture of Alexandria, which ended the
campaign. The 24th, together with the other regiments engaged,
was awarded the Sphinx, superscribed 'Egypt', which was later
an insignia on the Regimental Colour and the collar badge
of the Regiment.
In September 1804, a 2nd Battalion was raised
and took part in Wellington's great victories in Spain, gaining
nine Battle Honours for the Regiment. The most significant
and hardest was Talavera in July 1809 when the 2nd/24th held
their line, suffered many casualties, but allowed the Foot
Guards to reform in rear to secure victory for Wellington.
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