Three musket balls, from the battlefield of Albuera, 1811 (c)

The Battle of Albuera was fought on 16 May 1811 between an allied force of British, Portuguese and Spanish troops and a French army, under Marshal Soult, attempting to relieve a besieged garrison at Badajoz, during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). After a day of fierce but inconclusive fighting the French forces withdrew. Both sides had suffered terrible casualties. While Soult had not reached Badajoz his expedition contributed to the abandonment of the siege a month later. The 57th (the Middlesex) Regiment of Foot under the command of Colonel William Inglis, gained the battle honour, 'Albuera', and the nickname 'Die Hards', for their actions during the bloody battle.