The British

The Spanish Government (Cristinos faction) had been involved in a multi-lateral treaty arrangement with Portugal, Britain and France over a similar revolt occurring prior to the Carlist revolt. The Spanish supplied most of the Troops for the Portuguese Expedition with Britain provided naval support and the French funds.

After a successful conclusion to the Portuguese problem, the Spanish asked for similar support when the Carlist revolt began. I am not positive about the numbers which seem high for some countries but one source has Britain providing 10,000 troops but only 7,800 were considered combat worthy, Portugal sent 6,750 troops and France contributed 9,000 troops.

The British troops were titled the British Auxiliary Legion and enlisted for one year which was extended to two years. Its commander was given the rank of Lieutenant General. Initially it had eleven foot battalions, 2 Lancer squadrons and artillery support of 9pdrs with some 5" howitzers. During its brief tour of duty, the Legion reorganized and merged battalions several times.

In 1835 the battalions were 1st = English , 2nd = English, 3rd = Westminster English Grenadiers , 4th = Queen's Fusiliers, 5th = Scot Highland Light Infantry, 6th = Scot Grenadiers, 7th = Irish Light Infantry , 8th = Scot Highland, 9th = Irish, 10th = Munster Irish Light Infantry , 11th = Rifles, 1st Queen Isabels (English) Lancers, 2nd Queen's Own Irish Lancers.

In 1836 battalions were merged due to losses from battle and sickness which brought the remaining units up to full strength. The battlions were now the 1st = English , 3rd = Westminster English Grenadiers , 4th = Queen's English Fusiliers, 6th = Scot Grenadiers, 7th = Irish Light Infantry , 8th = Scot Highland, 9th = Irish, 10th = Munster Irish Light Infantry , 11th = Rifles, 1st (English) Lancers, 2nd Irish Lancers. Three battalions of about 600 men each were grouped into Brigades. The Irish Brigade included the 7th, 9th and 10th Bns. The English Brigade contained the 1st, 8th and 4th Bns. The Elite Brigade had the 6th, 3rd, and Rifle Bns.

In 1837 a final consolidation was performed. The remaining battalions were : 1st = English , 3rd = Westminster English Grenadiers , 4th = Queen's Fusiliers, 6th = Scot Grenadiers, 8th = Scot Highland, 9th = Irish , 11th = Rifles, 1st (English) Lancers, 2nd (Irish) Lancers. The Legion's organization followed the British structure with six centre companies + a light company and a grenadier company. As part of their naval support program, the British did provide Marines and Naval landing parties with guns to assist in some land operations along the coast. The Marine battalion consisted of 4-6 companies and on occasion independent detachments were also used. The composition of Naval landing parties varied with the assigned task.

The French

The French provided funds but because of internal support for the Carlist, its main military contribution was the newly formed French Foreign Legion of 4,000 men + 5,000 reinforcements (Six infantry battalions and a Lancer Squadron). Its commander was given the Bevet rank of Brigadier General in the Spanish Army. Initially each battalion was composed of a specific nationality but soon, due to losses and mixed replacement groups, the battalions were mixed but each company was still composed of a single nationality. In 1836 the French troops were placed under the commander of the British commander in the mountainous French border region. The hard campaigning reduced its ranks and by the time of their disbanding only two years later in 1838 the force had less than 500 men fit for duty.

The Portuguese

The Portuguese also sent a Legion of 6,000 infantry and 750 mounted composed mainly of veteran troops. Twelve Lancer Squadrons based on 60 men per squadron organization. An estimated nine battalions with 640 men each based on an organization of eight companies at 80 men each. The organization and unit numbers may be different. The Porto Cazadore Rgt was composed of 'Liberal' foreign volunteers. The other units were from the Portuguese regular army.

Spain's First Carlist War

Historical Background
British, French, and Portuguese Troops
Carlist Troops
Comments on Standards and Colours