Aboukir Bay (Abu Quir) features as the scene of two major conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars, which led to the reversal of Napoleon’s attempts to control the eastern Mediterranean and British supremacy in India, by capturing and occupying Egypt.

Nelson’s well documented and dramatic victory in the bay in August 1798, also known as the Battle of the Nile, decisively  denied Napoleon control of the sea, and support for the French invasion force.

The scene here records the landing of the British expeditionary force some eighteen months later under Sir Ralph Abercromby. The purpose was to follow up Naval victory with a land victory and so re-establish British/Ottoman control of the region.

Naval support, depicted clearly in the background was considerable including some seven ships of the line.

After extensive training of landing under fire the Brigade of Guards and the 58^th Foot made a dawn landing in the face of heavy opposition from well entrenched French positions. However with determined purpose the British troops rushed and then over whelmed the defenders enabling the remainder of the 17,500 strong army to disembark in an orderly fashion.

The force then moved south towards Alexandria, where the ensuing battle resulted in a further French defeat and siege of the city. Surrender was finally received in September.