Translation of "Were" in English

But were slowly pushed back by the British.

but were slowly pushed back by the British.

Soldiers of Britain's elite 95th Rifles were prominent in these skirmishes.

Soldiers of Britain’s elite 95th Rifles were prominent in these skirmishes.

Davout was stripped of his rank and income, though they were restored two years later,

Davout was stripped of his rank and income,  though they were restored two years later,