Maltese Pioneers | |
---|---|
Active | 1800–1801 |
Country | Kingdom of Great Britain |
Branch | British Army |
Role | Pioneers |
Size | 500 men |
Engagements | French Revolutionary Wars |
Commanders | |
Lieutenant | Francesco Rivarola |
The Maltese Pioneers was a pioneer corps that served from 1800 to 1801 within the British Army.
In December 1800, Sir Ralph Abercromby instructed Lieutenant Francesco Rivarola to raise and command a force of 500 Maltese volunteers as pioneers for the expeditionary force in the Egyptian Campaign.[1] The troops were assigned to the Ordnance Department, and their work included cutting wood and loading fuel on transports.[2] Officers could also hire the pioneers as servants. The Pioneers saw combat in March and April 1801.[3] Apart from the pioneers, a third corps of artificers was also set up and joined the Egyptian Campaign.[4]
After their terms of engagement expired, the Maltese Pioneers left Egypt and returned to Malta in late 1801, after a year of service.[4]
The Pioneers shared in the proceeds of the French property captured in Egypt in 1801.[5]