Egypt (battle honour) facts for kids
The Egypt battle honour was a special award given to soldiers from the British and Indian armies. This honour was given for their bravery and service during a big expedition to Egypt between March and August 1801. This mission was led by General Sir Ralph Abercromby and later by General John Hely-Hutchinson. Their goal was to fight against the French forces who were in Egypt at that time.
What is a Battle Honour?
A battle honour is like a special badge of courage and achievement given to military units. It celebrates their success in important battles or campaigns. It's a way to remember their bravery and the important events they were part of. Units that earned the "Egypt" honour were allowed to display the badge of the Sphinx. This ancient Egyptian symbol showed their connection to the campaign. At first, Indian units just got the name "Egypt," but later they also started using the Sphinx badge.
Key Battles in the Egypt Campaign
The expedition to Egypt involved several important battles and sieges. These were crucial moments where the British and Indian forces fought bravely against the French. Here are some of the main engagements:
- Battle of Aboukir: An important early battle.
- Battle of Mandora: Another significant fight, which was also recognized as its own battle honour.
- Battle of Alexandria: A major battle near the city of Alexandria.
- Siege of Fort Julien: A siege where forces surrounded and tried to capture a fort.
- Siege of Cairo: The surrounding and capture of the city of Cairo.
- Siege of Alexandria: The final siege of Alexandria. During this siege, a specific part of the battle called Marabout was specially recognized for the 54th Foot, which later became the 2nd Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment.
Images for kids
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Badge of the Sphinx as typically displayed on a British Army Regimental Colour
