Like Almaraz, it was one of the many engagements fought by Hill's division single-handed, and it has always been a matter of keen jealousy--if such a word can be used--on the part of the other regiments present that they have been denied the privilege of inscribing this battle honour on their colours. Lord Hill in his despatch laid no especial stress on the conduct of the 34th; indeed, his highest praise was reserved for the two Highland regiments, the 71st and the 92nd. Hill's division consisted of:
Howard's Brigade: The 50th (West Kent), 71st (Highland Light Infantry), and the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders).
Wilson's Brigade: The 28th (Gloucesters), 34th (Border Regiment), 39th (Dorsets), and a Portuguese battalion.
Erskine's Brigade of Cavalry: The 9th and 16th Lancers, with a couple of batteries of artillery.
The French occupied the town of Arroyos dos Molinos, when, to use Hill's own words, "The 71st and 92nd charged into the town with cheers, and drove the enemy out at the point of the bayonet." Wilson's brigade had been sent round to attack the enemy in the rear, and the 50th (West Kent) supporting the Highlanders, secured the prisoners, whilst the 28th (Gloucesters) and the 34th (Borderers) pursued the flying French until the arrival of the cavalry enabled them to follow up the enemy. One general and 35 other officers, with upwards of 1,000 men, were taken, our total casualties being but 65 of all ranks killed and wounded. On more than one occasion the Gordon Highlanders have applied to be permitted to assume this distinction, but whilst conceding the valuable part they played at Arroyos dos Molinos, the War Office have declined to accede to their request on the plea that the battle honour was conferred on the 34th in lieu of a particoloured pom-pom to their shako. As the present generation of soldiers apply the term "pom-pom" to a man-destroying weapon, and not to the ornament of infantry headgear, and as shakos have been relegated to museums, it might be fitting to reopen the vexed question of this battle honour.
CASUALTIES OF THE ACTION OF ARROYOS DOS MOLINOS, OCTOBER 28, 1811.
+------------------------+-----------+-----------+ | |_Officers._| _Men._ | | _Regiments._ +-----+-----+-----+-----+ | | K. | W. | K. | W. | +------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |9th Lancers | - | - | - | - | |13th Hussars | - | - | - | - | |Royal Artillery | - | - | - | - | |28th Gloucesters | - | - | - | - | |34th Border | - | - | - | - | |50th West Kent | - | - | - | - | |60th King's Roy. Rifles | - | - | - | - | |71st Highland L.I. | - | - | - | - | |92nd Gordon Highlanders | - | 4 | 3 | 7 | +------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+