REORGANISATION could see Lancashire lose its regiment, ending more than 300 years of history linked to the county. In the second of a series of articles exploring Lancashire soldiers' battle campaigns, ANDREW TAYLOR looks at its involvement in the French Revolutionary War and Napoleonic Wars. . .

BRITAIN became embroiled with Revolutionary France in 1793 but it was a war for which it was unprepared, so additional regiments had to be hurriedly raised.

Two were formed in Lincolnshire from militia volunteers. They were the 81st Regiment, popularly known as the Loyal Lincoln Volunteers, and the 82nd Regiment, which earned the title of The Prince of Wales's.

Both regiments would gain their Lancashire identity nearly 100 years later in 1881 when the territorial basis of army recruiting was reorganised and the old Regiments of Foot were linked and redesigned.

In the Mediterranean, the first priority on the outbreak of the war was manning the Fleet and the 30th Foot (later the East Lancashire Regiment) became marines, as they had done in the American War of Independence.

Their service included the defence of Toulon, the capture of Bastia and Calvi in Corsica (under Nelson's command) and a naval action off Hieres.

In 1798 they returned to the Mediterranean, first to Sicily and then on expeditions to capture Malta (1800) and West Egypt from the French (1801).

Four flank companies of the 40th Foot, which later became the 1st Bn of the South Lancashires, took a distinguished part in Egypt. For their part in the victory of Alexandria both regiments were awarded a Sphinx, superscribed 'Egypt', which was incorporated in their colours and badges.

Back in Holland, the regiments were involved in several attempts to co-operate with unreliable allies against advancing revolutionary armies.

In 1802, under threat of invasion by Napoleon the British Army expanded rapidly and all predecessor regiments raised 2nd battalions.

All six Lancashire regiments took part in the war against France and her Allies, serving with distinction in many parts of the world.

In 1806 and 1807 they saw victories in Southern Italy (where they routed a French army at the battle of Maida), South Africa, South America and Scandinavia.

But the main battles were in Spain and Portugal, where the regiments saw heavy fighting during the Peninsula War of 1808-14.

Serving under Sir Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington, they eventually helped drive the French out of Spain in 1813.

In 1815 Napoleon returned from exile signalling the start of the Waterloo campaign. The 30th, 14th, 59th and 81st joined Wellington's army.

For their steadfastness and discipline at Waterloo the 30th and 40th were permitted to encircle their badge with the Laurel Wreath and the battle is commemorated annually by the regiment.

After Waterloo the 59th took part in the storming of Cambrai and with the 30th, 40th, 81st and 82nd, the occupation of Paris.