Lieutenant William Pearce
Lieutenant Pearce was responsible for
one of the best known exploits of the Essex Regiment courtesy of
his capture of a Imperial French Eagle.
During the later stages of the Battle of
Salamanca, Lieutenant William Pearce and Privates
Finley, Murray, Blackburn and Devine of the 44th Regiment
together with Lieutenant Francis Maguire of the 4th Regiment and
Ensigns John Pratt of the 30th Regiment surprised a small group
of French soldiers.
Lt Pearce noticed an Officer wrench the
French Eagle of the French 62nd Regiment of the line from its
pole and conceal it under his Greatcoat.
Lt Pearce attacked the French Officer
who resisted and a French soldier attempted to bayonet Lt Pearce
but was shot dead by Private Murray.
Lt Pearce was then able to secure the
Eagle.
Further French Infantry came into sight
and at once the Eagle was hoisted above the 44th to great cheers
with the French infantry making no further advance.
The Eagle is now on display in the Essex
Regiment Museum.
Click here for the full story of Salamanca
