Background
In March 1819, Bolivar combined most of his foreign volunteers into a brigade of 250 men named the British Legions, with James Rooke as commander. The British Legions consisted of the 1st British Legion led by Colonel James Towers English, the 2nd British Legion led by Colonel John Blossett, and the Irish Legion, led by Colonel William Aylmer (1772–1820).
The British Legions were an important part of Bolívar's army. They played a pivotal role in the Vargas Swamp Battle on July 25, 1819, and Bolivar credited them with the victory at the subsequent Battle of Boyacá on August 7, 1819, saying "those soldier-liberators are the men who deserve these laurels." At the victory at Carabobo Bolívar describing them as "the saviours of my country". Nonetheless, they have been largely forgotten in the countries in which they fought: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.
| Expedition embarked Under command: |
Number of Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Colonel Hippisley | 720 |
| Colonel James Towers English | 1.200 |
| Colonel Elson | 572 |
| General John D’Evereux | 1.729 |
| General Gregor MacGregor | 600 |
| Colonel Meceroni | 300 |
| Others | 387 |
| Total | 5.508 |
Read more about this topic: British Legions
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