'The Buffs at the Battle of Albuera', 1811

Aquatint drawn by Manskirch, engraved by M Dubourg, published and sold March 1st 1818. From 'Historic, Military and Naval anecdotes, of personal valour, bravery and particular incidents which occurred to the armies of Great Britain, 1803-15, and her allies, in the last long-contested war terminating with the Battle of Waterloo', published by Edward Orme, 1819.

Albuera was a battle fought in Spain during the Peninsular War (1808-1814) in 1811. This print depicts an incident in the battle where the King's Colour of the 1st Battalion 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) was saved by Lieutenant (later Captain) Matthew Latham. He managed to hold on to the flag, stuffing it into the front of his jacket. It was later recovered by a British soldier who thought that Latham was dead. Miraculously Latham survived the battle and was treated in a local convent. He returned to England, where he received further restorative surgery with the financial support of the Prince Regent.