In December 1800, Sir Ralph Abercromby instructed Lieutenant Francesco Rivarola to raise and command a force of 500 Maltese volunteers as pioneers for the expeditionary force in the Egyptian Campaign.

[1] The troops were assigned to the Ordnance Department, and their work included cutting wood and loading fuel on transports.

[3] Apart from the pioneers, a third corps of artificers was also set up and joined the Egyptian Campaign.

[4] After their terms of engagement expired, the Maltese Pioneers left Egypt and returned to Malta in late 1801, after a year of service.

[4] The Pioneers shared in the proceeds of the French property captured in Egypt in 1801.