A real life Richard Sharpe: Up from the ranks...The life of John Shipp

Welcome to the first of my new "5 minute Friday" strand. In this first episode I am talking about the remarkable John Shipp...His story is absolutely amazing.
During the Napoleonic era being promoted from the ranks was more common than most people think. . .But Shipp was still an exceptional man and managed it twice.
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[@VersusARCH]

The ultimate "rose through the ranks" story is Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. From a private in French royal army's guards, via a meteoric rise through all the ranks of the French revolutionary and imperial army to a king of Sweden. And his descendents still sit on its throne.

[@010bobby]

He was once one of Napoleon’s generals but fought against him with the allies...

[@HandleMyBallsYouTube]

@@010bobby Well although he and Napoleon weren't fond of each other, he literally told Napoleon that if he became the king of Sweden he would put matters of his own state ahead of anything else, and if my memory serves me right Napoleon didn't object.

[@karter969]

Aurelian is the ultimate ‘rose through the ranks’ - son of a farmer, rises to a general, then to the emperor of Rome

[@chuckn4851]

@@karter969 Nah, being a "farmer" in the time of Imperial Rome already meant that he was part of at least the lower nobility. And his father's lands were pretty wealthy already, so...not really.

[@karter969]

@@chuckn4851 well no. Most of the sources of Aurelians early life are considered unreliable but we know his farther was a colonus. Also known as a tenant farmer, or the precursor to medieval serfs. He also didn’t have a last name, which is why he took his wife’s name after marriage.

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

Can't help but hear Sean Bean's Sharpe saying, "Now that's soldiering!"

[@redcoathistory]

I like it!

[@jaidenleandro3297]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@davesy6969]

Dipping a thin strip of hot buttered toast into a soft boiled runny egg, that's soldiering.

[@conmcgrath7502]

@@davesy6969 Melting hot lead to join, seal or repair metals; now that's soldering!

[@ComradeCommissarYuri]

I can only hear Sean Bean’s Sharpe saying.. “BAstard!!”

[@RARDingo]

As Shipp was the inspiration for Sharpe, so Thomas Cochrane was the inspiration for Hornblower. I always find the true stories more engaging than the fictions. Thank you.

[@pr-tj5by]

I don't know, you'll struggle to come up with anything that will rival Sharpe, watched all the episodes dozens of times

[@lordomacron3719]

⁠@@pr-tj5bywell Cochrane had a wild and eventful career and life. There are a few great videos on him out there if you have an hour to spare one day try watching a few.

[@spartacusgladiator]

Great job! As a retired U S Marine Officer, I am currently reading book 17 ...Sharpe's Regiment. With a bit of Hollywood, John Shipp should also be filmed. Unfortunate from what I have seen of battle, the best warriors are rarely recognized and most die during the battle or soon after.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, James. Sharpe's Regiment is actually my favourite of the Sharpe books. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hopefully you'll enjoy some of the others on the channel too.

[@pauldirac808]

@@redcoathistory if you haven’t already I recommend reading col David Hackworths biography . 👍

[@redcoathistory]

@@pauldirac808 About face? It's on my wishlist

[@pauldirac808]

@@redcoathistory yes sorry I couldn’t remember the name . I bet you have read Eugene sledge with the old breed both of these books have left a lasting impression on me . I have read and collected many military books on all campaigns throughout history from Alexander the Great up to modern day but About face taught me how to live my life and conduct myself and I have never been in the military. America should have his face on the dollar bill . A real patriot. Love from the UK .

[@redcoathistory]

@@pauldirac808 Thanks, Paul. Now I am even more keen to read it as soon as possible. Thanks for reminding me.

[@katarn999]

All too often we forget that fictional characters like Richard Sharpe or Jack Aubrey had real-life models after which they were sculpted. Incredible! Thanks for this episode! 👍

[@mpetersen6]

I'm wondering just who the inspiration for Harry Flashman was beyond the throwaway character in Tom Brown's Schooldays. One of them has to be Sir Richard Burton. And no. Not the Welsh drunk.

[@VersusARCH]

Aubrey was partially inspired by some of the early exploits of Thomas Cochrane.

[@rustynaild4247]

I read the whole series of the Sharpe’s Regiment by Bernard Cornwall and loved them. Thank you for introducing us to John Shipp. Very interesting.👍

[@jangriffiths1305]

Loved the series

[@robertmosher7418]

I read them years and years ago and just found that they made them into a TV series years ago in the UK. I have been watching them on youtube but they are severely lacking in detail though they would be entertaining had I not read the books and saw them in the years they were filmed.

[@APersonOnYouTubeX]

@@robertmosher7418 where can I buy em

[@adamazzalino5247]

@@APersonOnKZbinX anywhere lol

[@truthbtold2910]

He was rather a fine writer, and keen at describing detail.

[@redcoathistory]

Certainly was.

[@minxythemerciless]

Forlorn Hope is actually from Dutch verloren hoop meaning lost troop. High risk but high gain occupation at the very front of an attack.

[@jamesmcdonell5038]

Want to speak of someone whose military feats were more on the order of those of Richard Sharpe: Try James FitzGibbon. A sergeant in the 49th of Foot when posted to Canada in 1803, FitzGibbon was the unit's RSM when promoted to ensign in 1806. Promoted to lieutenant in 1809, FitzGibbon is best known in Canada as the victor of the Battle of Beaver Dams (24 June 1813) where with 50 regulars and 400 Mohawk and Odawa warriors he defeated 500 invading Americans, capturing 462 of them. For this feat he was promoted to captain in the Glengarry Light Infantry, which even though armed with muskets, wore rifle green.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - I will look him up

[@jamesblonde2271]

Cool, he sounds cool af

[@steveosborne2297]

My great grandfather , Jesse Osborne ,joined the 49th in August 1818 . He served in South Africa , India and finally the first Opium War in China until retiring as a Sergeant in 1843 .

[@eyesofstatic9641]

Oh yeah I remember watching a video on him! Wasn't he like a Canadian hero after that? Basically stopped the whole annexation plans the U.S. had iirc.

[@coherentmud]

Many years ago I was shot behind my right knee. I went down like a sack of spuds. The pain amplified by the impact shock wave as it propagated up and down the bones in my leg and ankle. My friend apologized to me for not letting me finish putting up the bottles and cans on the target mound when he visited me in the recovery ward after my knee reconstruction. ( Chromium Cobalt no less ). However, after seeing this episode, I now consider my wound as a mere scratch.

[@stevek8829]

Some friend!

[@ErokLobotomist]

I saw Richard Sharpe and instantly clicked lol Love that show, damned fine stuff. Great video and presentation! Cheers from Canada!

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant, thanks!

[@Drewbius333]

Well done, sir. "Bite. Pour. Spit. Tap." I had to say it..

[@redcoathistory]

Top man!

[@andrewmcneilismcneilis6596]

“Do you know what makes a good soldier, Frederickson.”

[@Drewbius333]

@@andrewmcneilismcneilis6596 "Yes, sir. Keeping his mouth shut when asked damn fool questions by a superior officer..sir."

[@Southern_Crusader]

Achievement Earned: *Thats Soldiering*

[@starguy2718]

LOUDER!

[@michaelplanchunas3693]

Several years ago, I read an autobiography of a Sgt. at the Crimea. Because of consistent actions he was offered a commission. However, he turned it down because he couldn't afford the cost of the lifestyle officers were required to lead at that time. He later migrated to Canada where he became an officer in its militia. I think his name was Mackenzie. His book gave a pretty grim picture of the conditions endured by the ranks during the Crimean War.

[@elizabethghent194]

I believe I had a copy of that book you mentioned. It was very interesting, I am sorry II no longer have it but I would love to get another copy. My 3x great grandfather was in the Gordon Highlanders, fought in the peninsular war and I have copies of his military records and signed notes regarding his promotion to battalion Quartermaster Sergeant. All very interesting.

[@nautifella]

The Crimean War has a special place in western military history... and not a good one. The British troops had the Russians in front of them and their Quartermaster behind them. Both inflicted severe casualties. Although the Quartermaster carry no blame. You see. They (lots of science type people) had just begun to can and preserve food, and believed it ideal for military use. But they didn't do it right. Much of the food sent to Crimea was canned and had gone bad causing food poisoning and terminal dysentery. By WWI military scientist had learned to preserve food for military campaigns. Well, preserve the food, but not the flavor. I've heard they've gotten better. I joined the Navy because we eat freshly (sorta) prepared food off of plates.

[@welshwarrior5263]

I find myself again with binge watching another Redcoat Military History. This was excellent.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - yes John Shipp is one of my favourite men to talk about. Must have been an amazing soldier tho sadly I think he was not the best with money...

[@welshwarrior5263]

@@redcoathistory It seems so with the money issue. Like all soldiers really. They teach you how to kill, but any domestic lessons are non existent.

[@adamwilliams434]

With the Name "Welsh Warrior" you clearly know the history of the Royal Welsh Battalion. I try listening the Story Lord Thomas Cochrane. The Scottish Royal Navy Captain who secured the Independence of Chile from the Spanish.

[@xowaspxowasp5772]

There's a grave in a Church Yard in Sinfin, Derby. That tells a short story of a Private rising through the ranks to become a Captain (IIRC). I discovered it whilst I was a grave digger working for DCC back in 1985.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for covering the story of John Shipp, great piece of British history .

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching and glad you are enjoying it 👍🏼

[@pigpig252]

that description of his survival of the three Forlorn Hopes sounds right out of a Sharpe book. It's amazing that he survived and carried on

[@stevek8829]

As a horse race fan, I can attest parlaying 3 long shots is a forlorn hope for sure.

[@jimramsee]

John Shipp was my 3x great grand uncle by marriage. Awesome to see a video about him.

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

In 1986 - as an NCO of the 1st Bn The Royal Green Jackets - we were doing a moon lit night movement in Kenya and were passing through a long rocky valley. We heard and saw a troupe of large baboons up among the rocks who were making individual rushes at our platoon, just stopping short of actual attack. We had only 40 round of ammo split among me and another nco, which we were issued to defend against animal attack. If they had gone full blown and actually carried out their threat, we would have been very badly mauled - of that I have no doubt. That remains with me as possibly one of the scariest moments of my service.

[@redcoathistory]

They really are crazy animals!

[@flotiggy]

@chip Cobb in 1986 I was a rifleman in C company, 1 RGJ. Would love to get in touch.

[@howardjolley2215]

I am from Canada, and I have a great fascination for British and Commonwealth military stories. The kilts swirling, the discipline of the British soldier, and the apparent disregard of danger. All the necessities of great stories. (Despite the stupidity of many senior officers).

[@eyesofstatic9641]

I wholeheartedly agree with you and respect the hell out of the British/Commonwealth. Such rich histories and heroes. Oh and the awesome uniforms you said. Like Mad Jack Churchill who killed a German soldier in Ww2 with a longbow.

[@alanwilkin8869]

Cheers Canada for getting our back, you tube has showed me just how much support you gave Britain, we’d all be talking German otherwise probably, Sla’inte.

[@crouqetoo2]

If you havenae read this, do yourself a favour, get it and read it, He wasnae a great heroic figure but he certainly was there at the heart of Canadas beginning, as a part of Britains Empire. "Bard of Wolfe's Army:" James Thompson, Gentleman Volunteer,

[@Beaulocks_]

Its really quite simple why officers of the day where so stupid. You were able to buy officers commissions, so you can imagine what happened to idiot sons of the rich...

[@grogery1570]

The British lost to a Baboon troop. As an Aussie this makes me feel better about losing the Emu war!

[@themesiasinrs]

It shouldn’t! Baboons are smarter than peanut size brains of the emu

[@loyalpiper]

And baboon's have the use of hands.

[@mjc8281]

funny enough that was my first thought when I heard the story!!!

[@alessiodecarolis]

Emùs? Nothing as compared to KOALAS!😁😱

[@adriansmith3427]

@@alessiodecarolis how do you defeat them though, they're just too damn cute.

[@craigjones8024]

Brilliantly fascinating. This channel is one of the best channels on KZbin, great work.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Craig - that's great to hear

[@joaoconchilha2231]

Right.

[@robertthiry9712]

As a former soldier I appreciate what Mr. Shipp endured and loved.

[@redcoathistory]

He was certainly an amazing man.

[@robertthiry9712]

@@redcoathistory Again as a former soldier I thank you for posting about honorable and courageous military men of the past. Well certainly courageous 😉

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Ditto, a 70 year old career Aussie Army Veteran here.

[@davidmcintyre8145]

As a descendent of one Charles Ewart who took an eagle at Waterloo I applaud this man

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic! Welcome to thr channel.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Gawd not another BS "as a direct descendant" wannabe.

[@davidmcintyre8145]

@@ardshielcomplex8917 Actually I am and no wannabe

[@intercat4907]

@@davidmcintyre8145 Some people can't imagine knowing who their ancestors are ... at least on their fathers' side.

[@jelkel25]

@@intercat4907 Ouch!!!!

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Absolutely absorbing , stayed riveted for the whole presentation.

[@phillipallen3259]

The man must have had balls that clanked! I understand his plight the first time he was discharged. Starting at 9 or 10 he lived a soldier's life of receiving orders and passing them on, to having no one to give you orders. People struggle with that even now and modern western militaries don't have Drummer Boys so we are "adults" when we enlist. Shipp was indeed a great warrior.

[@elizabethtamp1537]

My great uncle was a professional soldier, a Life Guard, killed in the Great War. My Uncle Bill told me he was the eldest of three sons and was expected to surport his family (mother and younger brothers) so at the age of 14 joined as a musician, although he played no instrument at that time. He joined a carvary regiment in Egypt then was shipped to India. His regiment 5th Enniskillen Dragoon Guards. He remitted all his pay to his mother except for he a small amount to puchase clean kit - family's were tight in those days and understood duty. He told me this, when I was about eight (1961). He said: "The happiest day of his life was after church parade, he and a couple of chums hired bicycles and rode around the local Indian villages. They bought and ate mangos (Me what a Mango? He: "Is like an apple but many times sweeter.") that was their fun. Life in the barracks must have been monotonous and hot.

[@phillipallen3259]

@@elizabethtamp1537 thank you for sharing those wonderful memories! I love hearing things like that because history isn't just about the entire picture, it's also about the personal little things that get lost if not passed on.

[@jelkel25]

If you can find a good diary or accounts of exploits long forgotten it's a goldmine for historical fiction writers, Shipp for Bernard Cornwell and Cochrane for Patrick O'Brian. (And Cornwell was an O'Brian fan). It's a tribute in its way but it's a shame more of these heroes stories aren't told using their own names.

[@christophernewman5027]

Very interesting but this gentleman can top even that. Enter Sir William "Wully" Robertson, who went from enlisted man all the way up to become CIGS.

[@davesy6969]

Dipping a thin strip of hot buttered toast into a soft boiled runny egg, that's soldiering.

[@Raindogjimmy]

As a Shipp I can indeed confirm, we have big cahones. lol Thanks for this sir, it’s always interesting hearing about a cousins adventures.

[@redcoathistory]

Top stuff!

[@wasp6594]

Just imagine having all those wounds treated and bone removed with no anaesthetic. I shudder at the thought of it!

[@rosiehawtrey]

The bone might well have worked its way out.. Like the way a splinter or in my case once a cornsnake tooth does. Surgical screws and other fun things have been known to do it too. Not a pleasant experience.

[@conradnelson5283]

Fascinating history. What a man.!

[@Wolfsschanze99]

Amazing, Reality is far more exciting than fiction, I bet Shipp is the reason the Ghurkha's swore allegiance to the Crown, up until that point in History, the Ghurkha's had never been defeated & were impressed by their Chivalrous & brave foe.

[@kellybreen5526]

It definitely was a case of mutual respect because Gurkha's became an esteemed part of the Army.

[@norrinradd3549]

Up to their first meeting, neither group had been beaten in battle, by any foe..!..!..!.. So, their meeting in battle, was singular, because they were both unable to defeat their opposition, and so when they realised they were unlikely to reach a conclusion, they came to a mutual agreement..!..!..!.. It was this agreement, which lead to the formation of the Gurkhas within the British army, and which has brought nothing but honour, to the Gurkhas and the army..!..!..!.. And, this honour, was only matched by the UK government, when they finally agreed with the pressure of public opinion, to allow all of the Gurkhas to live in the UK, if they wish to, after they have retired from the army..!..!..!..

[@Guitarmickey23]

Wonderful story of a very unique hero!

[@davidberesford7009]

What a character! Great tale, well told.

[@mickharrison9004]

Amazing man great to hear about him and big respect 🇬🇧

[@Kimdino1]

In the British army of the time social rank carried a great deal of weight. But less so in the Royal Navy. While social rank still carries significant weight in terms of how much 'influence' your friends and family could wave, aptitude & ability were often taken note of. Thus there were quite a few Captains raised from the foredeck (ranks) and even an Admiral who started his seagoing life when caught by a press gang.

[@hirakd2800]

Hi there! New subscriber here from Bengal, India. I have been following Company history for quite some time now. I have watched the Sharpe series and been wondering ever since. Thanks for quenching my curiosity. Those were interesting times. As a history researcher I don’t look at the Company soldiers as the textbook enemy, although we were taught otherwise in school. Those were different times, different circumstances and the Indian subcontinent was in everyone's list. Shipp wasn’t an exception when it came to raw bravery by a Company man although his rise through the ranks, twice over, is mind blowing stuff. Thank you once again. Our histories are entwined. Cheerio!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Hirak! Keep in touch as I'll be doing more on British/Indian history in the future.

[@hirakd2800]

@@redcoathistory Surely my friend!

[@lufe8773]

Nice to hear from you Hirak also our histories are entwined (a excellent observation)

[@brokenbridge6316]

When I heard the story of Shipp fighting that Gurkha commander and that he stayed on the defensive for most of it I thought of the lightsaber form called Soresu. Which is a very defensive lightsaber form that keeps one on the defensive until a good opportunity to strike presents itself. Obi-Wan Kenobi used Soresu quite often. Great video.

[@Nick-cs5yc]

Lets go Redcoats, lets go👍👍👍

[@garychynne1377]

being in shipp shape has more meaning for me now. thank you

[@alanfaulkner6329]

Bit of the Harry Flashman’s about him.

[@dannyhhewitt]

Exactly what I was thinking every time his journal was the record of his deeds!

[@jdgoesham5381]

I'm American(by way of Norway)but I still love any type of man from the ranks stories about any military. These are the stories that keep young men from losing hope in a way. Like telling them even if you're the lowest shit in a group of shits with enough hard work, blood/sweat/tears and a sharp mind(pun kind of intended)you can pull yourself out of the shit. Subbed for more like this.

[@Ciarananthonymitchell844]

This is a Fantastic idea, Greatly Enjoyed.

[@Vietnow15]

My fav show right now Harper is a beast!!!

[@glenntungay5140]

Redcoats - the true expendables.

[@lauraholland347]

Brilliant story- this is what history is all about.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot

[@stevenguevara2184]

The Man was a living Legend!

[@joshmatt2011]

Just caught the first episode and loved it. Presented with such humour, enthusiasm and verve! Can't wait to watch the rest.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Alvin!

[@dalewilson8476]

Excellent, I’ve been a fan of Sharp for years..thank you.

[@bjharvey3021]

I appreciate the effort you undoubtedly put into this content. Good job, Sir!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot.

[@vicsutton2]

Riveting stuff and very well presented, many thanks I look foward to more British heroes.

[@christopherbiggs1266]

Another brilliant story! You must tell the story of Robert Clive in this series!

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant - yes he is certainly a character tho he probably needs a long documentary to do him justice!

[@TheNotoriousCheeto]

BUT Could he fire three shots a minute in any weather?

[@geoffburrill9850]

5 shots wasn't it.

[@dh2360]

I enjoyed this historical story of a very brave man, thanks for sharing.

[@andretorres75]

Outstanding!

[@monikaburdon8793]

Years ago (50!) I read about John Shipp although I do not remember some of the detail you gave his name has always stayed with me. I would be interested in little talks about various military uniforms. Thanking you for your talks.

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

Damn...!!!!! I be most Happy I clicked this...!! What an amazing story, AND read very nicely well too I do must add. Thank you GREATLY Sir.

[@andrewhoward7200]

That was terrific.

[@dougmoore5252]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@TheFamousECCLES65]

Just found your channel and bloody glad I did. Well done.

[@jamesreid3103]

Great story telling I look forward to more

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, James.

[@davidclearwater773]

Bought 2copies of the series sent one to my son STILL SHARP

[@robertharvison6162]

love it thank you such heroes are quickly forgotten now

[@patrickselden5747]

Thanks for bringing this fascinating story to my attention. ☝️😎

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for a great story. I enjoyed it immensely. Have a good day from Sydney Australia

[@tm502010]

Fascinating!

[@marcosaraiva9205]

Great channel ! Keep coming for more! From Portugal

[@redcoathistory]

More to come!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

This was so very good.Thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@estroud6274]

Outstanding

[@billybowen3023]

See if this was history at school i would be a historian! Thank you your channel is ace 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Glad to hear it - thanks mate

[@mikegrigg11]

Brill....I enjoyed that !!

[@richhughes7450]

I read of ship some years ago. Thanks for sharing... Very interesting.

[@simondavid3546]

Really enjoyed this…, the British have certainly been there and done it

[@nicolasberesford4933]

Superb, thank you.

[@philipjenkinson3591]

Brilliant ! Says it all 🎉

[@kraccusblack1022]

thats soldiering right there it is

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Excellent....

[@artfuldodger9312]

Excellent video - please keep it up, Sir.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - will do mate

[@Weesel71]

Excellent narration and presentation. I never heard of John Shipp, but now ... I can see where Richard Sharpe may have origination.

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

Oh wow! Six matchlock wounds, led the Forlorn Hope THREE TIMES, defeated a Gurkha in single combat, commissioned TWICE into the Army. You can't make this stuff up!

[@redcoathistory]

Amazing isn’t it. What a man!

[@johnmuers2146]

Brilliant storey that, thank you 😊

[@martynbuzzing3327]

Interesting stuff. Thanks.

[@fettlerjohn3419]

Very good. Thanks for posting 👍🏼

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Wonderful tale.

[@martincarroll8637]

I have had the pleasure of picking up one or two books over the years depicting the daringly-do’s of ensign’s climbing the giddy ranks through one campaign or another. Depending on what part of the book you would believe, on whether the age of a person being 9 or 10 at the time of joining the Army, tickled me pink. Can you imagine a modern day chum of a similar age, contemplating such a life-threatening and indeed, life-changing adventure. These are the types of lessons that have gone missing from the curriculum, mores the pity.

[@MisterNizz]

Loved it. I like his literary voice, he seems an excellent fellow.

[@TermiteUSA]

My Lord, don't forget to salute Bernard Cornwell for all he wrote. Every single book is better by a long nine than any movie can ever equal.

[@Nick-cs5yc]

The UK today needs Mjr Sharpe!!!

[@cedric3973]

That was a great video I enjoyed it, first time I have come across your channel

[@TheBranchez]

What an interesting story.

[@paulisemonger280]

Brilliantly presented! Subscribed!

[@redcoathistory]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JamesJames-zr3kz]

Love that show.

[@todddavis2041]

John Ship is a true legend!

[@kevenmcinerney]

very good presentation.

[@heria_shg7225]

Great sir

[@bradcampbell7253]

Well done

[@kendelvalle8299]

Great story.

[@James-nl6fu]

Great 👍 👌 video. We've got to be lucky, Sunshine 🌞