Granting the Battle Honour 'TALAVERA'

Portrait of Major Thomas Somerfield who was severely wounded at the Battle of Talavera.

The third and final day of the Battle of Talavera was 29 July 1809. Battle Honours for such actions were often awarded many years later. The following letter, written in 1819 by the Deputy Adjutant General at 'Horse Guards' in London, recognised the 83rd Regiment's various actions during the Peninsular War - including Talavera. The letter was received in 1820 by the Regiment when it was serving in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka):

"SIR,—I have the honour to acquaint you that the Prince
Regent, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, has been
pleased to approve of the 83rd Regiment being permitted to
bear on its Colours and Appointments, in addition to any other
Badges or Devices which may have heretofore been granted to the Regiment, the words:—
'Talavera,' 'Fuentes de Oñor,' 'Ciudad Rodrigo,' 'Badajoz,' 'Sala-
manca,' 'Vittoria,' 'Nivelle,' 'Orthes,'
in commemoration of the distinguished Services of the Regiment at
the Battle of Talavera on the 27th, 28th, and 29th July, 1809, at
Fuentes de Oñor in the month of May, 1811, at Ciudad Rodrigo
in the month of January, 1812, at Badajoz on the 16th of March,
1812, at Salamanca on the 22nd of July, 1812, at Vittoria on the
21st of June, 1813, at Nivelle on the 10th of November, 1813, and
at Orthes on the 27th of February, 1814.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
(Sd.) John Macdonald,
D.A.G.