Sir Thomas Picton's 3rd Division are ordered to seize the river crossing at Portina. Everyone was enjoying the morning stroll, till Marshal Ney hove into view, with the same intent and much malice aforethought!
Urgent orders were sent down Picton's columns to pick up the pace, the race was on! Sadly, the British could not match the dash of the Frenchies and began to straggle. Marshal Ney's plan was to fight a holding action on his left flank, and personally lead a mass assault over the Portina on the right. Both sides advanced, on the right flank the Young Guard Colonel saw his chance, and on his own initiative led his two battalions directly for the bridge. For the first time, his covering skirmishers felt the full force of British musketry and suffered accordingly...
Ney's assault on the right came on splendidly, not even Picton's ranting and cursing could get his men up fast enough. Luckily for him he had a pearl among his swine, Cornet Harry Faversham of the 10th Hussars!
In a charge, that even had the old Hussar in Ney cheering, Harry's squadron thundered over the bridge and into the French masses. This splendid action held the Frenchies till Sir Thomas had led up the 42nd to the bridge.
Cornet Faversham (on the left) taking on a French Regiment, single handed.
I feel that, if he survives, this young lad will go far!