Both battalions fought well in the Oporto and Talavera campaigns. The light infantry and rifles detachments were mentioned in dispatches three times for their actions at Oporto and the 1st battalion was commended by Wellesley on 31 July 1809 for gallantry and good conduct. The 1st battalion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Bunbury of the 3rd Foot, who was awarded the Army Gold Medal in recognition of his and his units' exploits.