Masterson's Glory Barrosa 1811, Painted, C42e

Whilst the Guards slogged back up the ridge, the 87th, as part of Wheatley's Brigade were ordered to attack left and drive back a division of 3,800 Frenchmen under command of Laval. Opposing the 87th were the 8th Line Regiment, and unfortunately for them the 87th were about to prove themselves to be some of Wellington's finest troops. They cut into the 8th like tigers. In the midst of the chaos the Irishmen could see an eagle held proudly aloft by Sous-lieutenant Guilleman and protected by a strong guard. Ensign Keogh and Sgt Masterson made a dash for it and Ensign Keogh succeeded in laying a hand on the pole before he was cut down. Sgt Masterson stepped over Keogh's dying body and killed Guilleman with a thrust of his pike. The eagle was in the hands of Paddy Masterson. He is supposed to have shouted out "Bejabbers, boys, I've got the cuckoo". The French reacted ferociously attempting to seize it back but the 87th pushed inexorably onwards. Slowly, in patches, the battle was won and the battered French withdrew from the area leaving Graham's exhausted force in possession of the field.

The Eagle was sent back to London where it was initially laid up with much ceremony at Whitehall. General Graham wrote to the Colonel of the 87th, 'Your Regiment has covered itself with glory; too much cannot be done for it' and the Prince Regent ordered that the Regiment be known as the Prince of Wales's Own Irish Regiment and that it should bear a eagle with laurel wreath on its Colours

Sgt Masterson was rewarded with an ensigncy in the Royal Yorkshire Light Infantry Volunteers. Later the eagle was stolen and never recovered. The original staff is on display in the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum in Armagh.