Dorset Brochure Final(4) - Flipbook - Page 7
Peninsula War (1808-14) - 2/39th were deployed to the Iberian Peninsula in 1809.
They went on to see heavy fighting, notably at the Battle of Talavera and the Siege of
Badajoz, and were later joined by 1/39th in 1811.
Martinique (1794) - The 39th formed part of an invasion force which captured
the island of Martinique during the French Revolutionary Wars. In a three-week
campaign, the British pushed the defenders back into the interior until the French
were forced to surrender.
South Africa (1899-1902) - 2 DORSETS arrived in South Africa in December 1899
and fought at the Battle of Spion Kop and later, they took part in the successful
Relief of Ladysmith. In the final guerrilla phase of the War, a detachment from the
Battalion served as mounted infantry.
Ypres (1915, '17) - 1 DORSETS fought in the Second Battle of Ypres and were
exposed to one of the first gas attacks of the war, suffering and suffered
heavy losses. 1, 5 and 6 DORSETS took part in the Third Battle of Ypres.
Somme (1916, '18) - 1, 5 and 6 DORSETS took part in the Somme
Offensive. 1 DORSETS took terrible losses, however, they
succeeded in taking and holding the key position of the Leipzig
Redoubt. The same battalions were again engaged at the Second
Battle of the Somme.
Megiddo (1918) - 1/5th, 2, 2/4th, 4 DORSETS fought throughout
the Palestine Campaign, however, only 2 DORSETS took part in
the Battle of Megiddo and this decisive victory resulted in the
near total destruction of the Ottoman force.
Italy (1943-45) - 1 DORSETS landed in Italy at Porto San Venere
and were met with resistance, but succeeded in advancing
inland. The Battalion was shortly afterwards withdrawn from
combat to accompany General Montgomery on his return
to Britain, in preparation for D-Day. This was the first time 1/
DORSETS had returned to Britain in six years.
Normandy (1944) - 1 DORSETS landed on Gold Beach on D-Day and were
among the first Infantry ashore and, despite strong enemy resistance, the
Battalion secured its objectives. 4 and 5 DORSETS also played a crucial
role in the Normandy Campaign.
of Dorset regiments from 1751 to the formation in 2007
1958
2005
2007
The Devonshire & Dorset
Regiment (DEVONS & DORSETS)
The Devonshire & Dorset
Light Infantry
The Rifles
(RIFLES)
