A GROUP of historical re-enactors from Worcester travelled to Spain to mark the 200th anniversary of a battle which decimated part of the Worcestershire Regiment.

Richard Delingpole and four other members of the Worcester Re-enactors group travelled to Shorncliffe Barracks in Kent to join two coachloads on a 33-hour journey to be the British contingent of the re-enactment of the Battle of Albuera.

The landmark battle in the Napoleonic Wars is a battle honour of the 29th Regiment of Foot, the Worcestershire Regiment.

The brigade lost about four fifths of its strength, forcing the regiment to be returned home to re-form.

Mr Delingpole said: “The first duty was to parade through the town, each regiment with their colours flying, officers with swords drawn, drums beating and the public lining the streets and cheering. The parade ended in the centre, where festivities were in full swing. Stalls everywhere were selling local delicacies and crafts.

“In the evening, as we donned our battle gear, which is a subtle variation on parade gear, the heavens opened. The significance of this was not lost on anybody. “During the original battle 200 years ago this month, heavy rain made it virtually impossible for our troops to keep their powder dry and they became prey to the merciless mounted Polish Lancers who, in return for their eventual independence, were fighting for the French.

“However, this day’s rain storm was short and barely wet the dry, sandy ground, and the armies marched off to do battle.

“It was a weary but happy crowd of soldiers and camp followers that arrived back at Shorncliffe barracks to collect our cars and return to the reality of our lives.

“As a Worcester man, I was hugely proud to take part in such a prestigious event.”

The Worcester contingent consisted of a Colonel of Fusiliers, Wagg Ellis-Jones, playing his Worcester-born namesake, Colonel Ellis. With him was his wife, Maggie, as an officer’s wife. Mr Delingpole as a Sergeant of 7th Royal Fusiliers, Brian Bullock, a Pioneer of the 9th East Norfolk Regiment and his partner Catherine Underwood.