 This was a preliminary action before the Battle of Alexandria eight days later on 21 March.That morning, the regiment had been ordered to return to Abukir, having now only 150 effective men, because of illness and casualties sustained.However, on hearing the sound of firing, the regiment saw the commander-in-chief, Sir Ralph Abercromby, passing on his horse and called out to be allowed to return to the line of battle, to which he gave his assent.