 The regiment was formed of two battalions each of ten companies (including grenadier and light companies) and had an authorised strength of 1,698 men.De Roll had requested that the British Army release all Swiss prisoners of war to him for incorporation into the regiment but this was not authorised and instead he recruited most of the men by traditional means in Switzerland, Alsace and Germany.The regiment fought with distinction at the Battle of Alexandria on 21 March 1801.