During the Napoleonic Wars, Great Britain raised regiments from European countries to augment the crown forces fighting the French around the world. One such regiment was The Hompesch Mounted Rifles.
Hompesch Mounted Rifles, also known as Hompesch Light Dragoons, were raised by Ferdinand de Hompesch, in Sept 1796 three companies were posted on the Isle of White, these formed the basis of a new corps “Hompesch Mounted Rifles”, from 9th January 1798. The unit consisted of Swiss, German, Belgian, Royalist French and Dutch, in four troops of 114 men each. They were sent to Ireland from April in 1798, to counter the Irish Rebellion of 1798, where they received their mounts, they were engaged against the Irish rebels at Wexford, and a small detachment fought at The Battle of Vinegar Hill on 21st June. They also took part in the pursuit of a small French force helping the Irish in August of that year, earning themselves a savage reputation. In July 1800, 164 officers and men were sent from Ireland to participate in abortive raids on Ferrol and Cadiz, in Spain. A detachment of 179 men were sent to Egypt until being sent back to Cork, Ireland to rejoin their regiment in mid 1802. The unit some 450 men strong were then transferred to Portsmouth and disbanded on 28th September 1802.
The figures are from Posties collection, painted by myself and are from Minifigs range.