Very soon, Moore realised that he could not depend on the Spanish army and took the decision to fall back. Napoleon sent Marshall Soult to destroy the British. The winter retreat was a terrible affair but the British finally reached Corunna where they were to face the French.

"Corunna was a notable victory, against veteran troops by an army which had suffered all the rigours of a winter retreat over mountains...... the battle was more than usually violent, for there was a great accumulation of venom and anger stored up by both sides .... it was kill or be killed, a fight to the finish. For a long time both lines fought without giving ground, but at last the French wavered, and with a final bayonet charge driven back.... It was about this time that Moore was mortally wounded by a cannon-ball. In spite of a terrible wound in the breast, he was uncomplaining and courteous, and when the news was brought that the French were decisively beaten he thanked his friends, sent his remembrances to a lady, and died.... The whole army mourned their commander sincerely."

The British army embarked for England, but 5 months later the 28th were preparing for action again; this time 40,000 men under Lord Dalhousie were heading for Holland. They landed at Walcheren and pushed the French back, but an outbreak of miasmic fever swept through the army. The survivors sailed home to England.

The British had not all left the Peninsular after Corunna. A number of men had been left in hospital at Lisbon. Among them were 200 men of the 28th under Captain Bradby.

Talavera  (July 27th - 28th 1809)

Marshall Victor had 46,000 troops. Wellesley had 22,000 British and 32,000 Spanish. True to form whole Spanish regiments fled and Victor placed a mere 16,000 men to deal with the Spanish. Victor concentrated the other 30,000 foot and 5,000 cavalry on the British.

"When victor first saw the British troops drawn up in their thin line he said 'If I can't break that line I'd better give up soldiering !' But he had never before met the British."

The French were defeated and retreated from Talavera, this was greeted with joy across Europe, which had considered the French unbeatable. More battalions arrived to join the army, including the 2/28th Foot.

The French attempt to break into north Portugal was defeated. More victories followed, with the 28th fighting at Barrosa and Albuhera.

At Barrosa Lt-General Graham had 4,000 men and 11,000 Spanish troops. Marshall Victor had 11,000. At the start of the battle the Spanish commander, La Pena, withdrew, leaving the 4,000 British and Portuguese to face Victor. In less than 2 hours the French were in full retreat. Another Regimental tradition was established when, after the battle, the Officer's Mess was reduced to 2 men. The senior officer proposed the toast "Mr. Vice, The King" The other officer stood and changed the usual "Gentleman, The King" to "The king, Mr. President." This unique loyal toast was used by the Regiment from then on.

Full details of the Barrosa battle are detailed elsewhere and it is not clear whether William was set home after being injured or went on with the regiment to

Albuhera (May 16th 1811)

The 2/28th fought at the 'murderous battle of Albuhera.' It lasted from 9am to 3pm and the French lost 8,000 men to the Allies 7,000.

Vittoria (June 28th 1812)

"Vittoria was a great victory, one of the greatest in the history of the British Army. The fighting was desperate, losses on both sides were very heavy, and the victory was complete."

Battle of the Pyrenees

The 28th fought in this battle, which extended over several days. During the action Ensign Delmar was killed while carrying the Colours, another boy, Ensign Hill, seized them and shouted "The Slashers shall never want a man to display their Colours to the enemy."

November 1813 the British entered France. wading across the River Nive the 28th joined the attack on the French, driving them off.