At the Battle of the Alma, the British attacked with two divisions, Light on the left, and Second on the right, with all battalions in line covering a front of about two miles. The 1st Division including the Highland Brigade followed in support.

Despite the loss of cohesion due to terrain and poor command the Great Redoubt was taken only to have the Russians successfully counterattack. At this critical moment the Coldstreams and Grenadiers arrived and the Russians being driven from the Redoubt were engaged by the Black Watch, securing the Russian retreat.

This moment at the Alma has been recorded in the stirring painting by Robert Gibb, 'Forward 42nd'.