In July 1800, Captain Hudson Lowe of the 50th Foot was detached to command the unit, with the temporary rank of Major. Lowe had served on Corsica during the brief period of British control, and spoke both French and Italian. The unit was transported to Gibraltar, where they impressed General Ralph Abercromby, who was preparing an expedition to remove the French from Egypt, which they had conquered in 1798. Abercromby issued them with new uniforms and Baker rifles, and placed them in his Reserve Division. They took part in the opposed landing at the Battle of Aboukir after which they were re-titled the Corsican Rangers.