These bold manœuvres of the enemy were watched by the British commander, who waited patiently for an opportunity to strike a decisive blow, and this occurring on the 22d of July, a sanguinary battle was fought. In the early part of the day the KING'S OWN were posted on the slope of one of the heights, called the Arapiles, where they remained until the afternoon, when they moved to the rear of the village of Arapiles; Lord Wellington having detected a fault in his adversaries' movements, ordered his divisions forward, and the battle commenced. In this action the fifth division, commanded by Major-General Sir James Leith, attacking the enemy in front, distinguished itself; and the KING'S OWN,--the first battalion being commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, and the second by Major David Williamson--had their share in the glories of the day. During the action the first battalion made a brilliant charge on a considerable body of the enemy, and nobly sustained its reputation. The skill of the British commander was bravely seconded by the resolute valour and discipline of the troops; the action lasted until dark, a decisive victory was gained over the enemy, and eleven pieces of cannon, two eagles, and six colours were captured. The gallantry evinced by the KING'S OWN was afterwards rewarded by the privilege of bearing the word SALAMANCA on their colours; the commanding officers of both battalions were rewarded with medals; Major David Williamson was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the occasion. Major Piper, who succeeded to the command of the first battalion during the action in consequence of Lieut.-Colonel Brooke[33] being called upon to take the command of the brigade, was likewise rewarded with a medal and the rank of lieutenant-colonel; and Major Alured Faunce, who commanded the light infantry companies of the brigade, also received a medal. The regiment had Major O'Halloran wounded, and forty-eight serjeants and rank and file killed and wounded.
The troops pursued the flying enemy on the following day, and after numerous marches and evolutions, the first battalion of the KING'S OWN proceeded with the army to Madrid, where the British were received with acclamations of joy. Meanwhile the second battalion was in cantonments at Cuellar, with the sixth division under Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton; but in September the two battalions were united in front of _Burgos_ during the siege of the castle.