Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum: Battle of Alexandria in 1801.

“On 21 March 1801, the troops were under arms at 3 a.m., and at 3:30 a.m. the French attacked and drove in the outposts. The French army now moved forward with great rapidity in their usual formation of columns. The brunt of the attack fell upon Moore’s command, and in particular upon the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot. The British repulsed the first shock but a French column penetrated in the dark between two British regiments. A confused fight ensued in the ruins, in which the 42nd Black Watch captured a colour. The front and rear ranks of the 28th were simultaneously engaged, whereby the soldiers received the order ‘Front rank stay as you are, rear rank about turn’ and the conduct of the regiment won for it the distinction of wearing badges both at the front and at the back of their head-dress.”