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Quiz about The British Army in the Peninsular War

The British Army in the Peninsular War Quiz

Some fascinating facts about the men and regiments who fought in this war

A multiple-choice quiz by ParkerB. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
ParkerB

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
315,382

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
463

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. When he first went to the war he was known as Sir Arthur Wellesley. By what title is he now remembered? Hint

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Uxbridge

Duke of Marlborough

Duke of Cumberland

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Question 2 of 10

2. Who was the commanding General killed in the last stages of the Battle of Corunna in 1809? Hint

Sir Henry Clinton

Sir Thomas Picton

Sir John Moore

Robert Craufurd

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Question 3 of 10

3. What did Sergeant Patrick Masterson of the 87th Foot capture at the Battle of Barosa in 1811? Hint

A French Pay Chest

A French General

A French Eagle

A French Cannon

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Question 4 of 10

4. At the Battle of Albuera in 1811 the 57th Foot held their section of the line despite losing 440 men of all ranks from a total of 600. What nickname did they earn? Hint

The Old Faithfuls

The Immortals

The Stubborns

The Diehards

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Question 5 of 10

5. A painting depicting the Corps of Drums of the 57th at Albuera entitled "Steady the Drums and Fifes" was painted by a famous Victorian military artist. What was the artist's name? Hint

Robert Gibbs

Harry Payne

Lady Butler

Caton Woodville

6. Owing to the success of the French Lancer Regiments there were a number of proposals to raise Lancer regiments in the British Army. What was the main reason that these proposals were not followed up at this time? Hint

We did not have the ability to make lances

The High Command considered the lance a barbaric weapon.

Their were no suitable instructors

It would have been too costly to re-equip new regiments

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Question 7 of 10

7. After the Battle of Vittoria in 1813 the baggage of King Joseph Bonaparte was seized. From this baggage the 14th Light Dragoons "liberated" his silver chamber pot. What nickname did this earn them? Hint

The Pot Hunters

The Emperor's Chambermaids

The Chamberlains

The King's Pot Men

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Question 8 of 10

8. What weapon is associated with the 95th Foot? Hint

Brown Bess

Baker Rifle

Lee Metford Rifle

Martini Henry Rifle

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Question 9 of 10

9. At the Siege of Badajos, having no suitable flag, what did Lt Macpherson of the 45th Foot fly from the flagpole of the Santa Maria tower to signify the castle had fallen? Hint

His Corporal's trousers

A woman's shawl

A horse blanket

His red jacket

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Question 10 of 10

10. Lt General Sir Rowland Hill was well liked by his troops. What nickname did they give him? Hint

"Grandfather" Hill

"Uncle" Rowland

Old Rowly

"Daddy" Hill

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. When he first went to the war he was known as Sir Arthur Wellesley. By what title is he now remembered?

Answer: Duke of Wellington

He was granted this title on his return to England in May 1814.

2. Who was the commanding General killed in the last stages of the Battle of Corunna in 1809?

Answer: Sir John Moore

Having masterminded the retreat of the army through terrible mountainous country and in terrible weather, Moore was mortally wounded by a cannon shot towards the end of this battle. The battle held the French at bay enabling the army to be evacuated by the Navy.

3. What did Sergeant Patrick Masterson of the 87th Foot capture at the Battle of Barosa in 1811?

Answer: A French Eagle

Eagle Standards were presented by the Emperor and like our regimental colours were the rallying point for a regiment. They were well guarded and their loss was a great dishonour. This was the first Eagle captured from the French.

4. At the Battle of Albuera in 1811 the 57th Foot held their section of the line despite losing 440 men of all ranks from a total of 600. What nickname did they earn?

Answer: The Diehards

Their mortally wounded Colonel refused to be moved from where he fell and called on his men to take careful aim and die hard.

5. A painting depicting the Corps of Drums of the 57th at Albuera entitled "Steady the Drums and Fifes" was painted by a famous Victorian military artist. What was the artist's name?

Answer: Lady Butler

Lady Butler was the wife of a serving general. Probably the most famous of her works is "Scotland Forever", depicting the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo.

Answer: The High Command considered the lance a barbaric weapon.

After the Waterloo campaign the view of the High Command changed and in 1816 the 9th, 12th, 16th and 23rd Light Dragoons were converted to Lancers. The 23rd were disbanded the following year and replaced by the 19th Light Dragoons. They in turn were disbanded in 1821 to be replaced in 1822 by the 17th Light Dragoons.

Answer: The Emperor's Chambermaids

The regiment which became the 14th Hussars kept this vessel in their Officer's Mess and on special occasions it was used for the drinking of toasts.

8. What weapon is associated with the 95th Foot?

Answer: Baker Rifle

The 95th were the first regiment to be totally armed with the rifle. The 60th Foot initially only had two battalions equipped with rifles. In due course the two regiments became the Rifle Brigade and the King's Royal Rifle Corps.

9. At the Siege of Badajos, having no suitable flag, what did Lt Macpherson of the 45th Foot fly from the flagpole of the Santa Maria tower to signify the castle had fallen?

Answer: His red jacket

The Sherwood Foresters still fly a red jacket from their flagpole on Badajos Day.

10. Lt General Sir Rowland Hill was well liked by his troops. What nickname did they give him?

Answer: "Daddy" Hill

It was said of him that "he was very charitable by nature be it with friend or foe, enlisted man or officer.

Source: Author ParkerB

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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