THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN MOORE

The 16 January 1809 is an important date in the history of The Rifles.  On this day, Sir John Moore died during the Battle of Corunna which was the culmination of the desperate British withdrawal to La Coruna, Northern Spain.  The rearguard action of Rifles regiments enabled the Army to escape, Dunkirk-like, the French forces in this early phase of the Peninsula War.  Two hundred years on and a party from 2 and 4 RIFLES attended the commemorations.

Riflemen of 2 and 4 RIFLES at Elvina Commemorations

The visit began with a tour of the battlefield which is spread out around the building and road network of the modern city of La Coruna.  Along with forty members of 29 Coruna Battery RA who were also on the trip, The Rifles party visited the major sites of the battle.  These included the bridge where the 95th fought a delaying battle against the French at the village of Elvina.  It was the scene of fierce hand to hand fighting and the probable site of the fatal injury to Sir John Moore.  The French selected this location to set up a memorial in his honour.

Riflemen of 2 and 4 RIFLES at Sir John Moore's tomb

Two parades were held on 16 and 17 Jan to commemorate La Coruna with British representation headed by Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Mrs Denise Holt.