The British Regiments joined the forces of the Emperor, commanded by the Margrave of Baden, when the new line of battle was formed and the brigade, consisting of the Royal Scots and Royal Irish Dragoons, was posted on the left of the first line. Marlborough wishing to possess Donawerth as a place of arms, decided to attack a division commanded by the Count D'Arco, posted on the lofty heights of Schellenberg, on the north of the Danube commanding the passage of that river at Donawerth, and the Greys formed part of the force chosen for this service. After marching, on July 2nd, through a country intersected with rivulets and other obstacles the troops came near to Schellenberg. At 6 in the evening the attack was ordered, and the British infantry going forward with firm and resolute step assaulted the entrenchments, while the Greys and other cavalry moved forward in support. In a few moments a storm of bullets assailed the ranks of the Bavarians, and the thunder of the British fire echoed in the valley below. The post was valiantly defended, and a fierce fight had gone on for some time when the Greys were ordered to dismount, form as infantry, and assault the trenches. The regiment instantly obeyed, and led by its gallant Colonel, Lord John Hay, advanced boldly to the attack and mixed fiercely in the conflict. At this instant the enemy gave way on all sides, and the cavalry rushing forward sabred many as they fled towards the Danube; whilst the Count D'Arco, and other officers escaped by crossing the river.
The post won and the enemy's baggage, artillery, and many standards captured, the Royal Scots Dragoons remounted. The Regiment lost in the action Captain Douglas and 7 men killed, two officers, and 17 men wounded. Donawerth was occupied on the following day.
The next great event to refer to is the Battle of Blenheim, in the valley of the Danube, fought on August 13th. The following words are Sir Edward Creasy's:--"Like Hannibal, Marlborough relied principally on his cavalry for achieving his decisive successes, and it was by his cavalry that Blenheim, the greatest of his victories, was won. The battle had lasted till five in the afternoon. Marlborough had now 8,000 horsemen drawn up in two lines, and in the most perfect order for a general attack on the enemy's line along the space between Blenheim and Oberglau. The infantry was drawn up in battalions in their rear, so as to support them if repulsed and to keep in check the large masses of the French that still occupied the village of Blenheim.