American Revolution: The surprising truth about Britain's redcoats

The British Army of the American revolution. Like most British armies throughout history, they were over-stretched, under resourced and fighting thousands of miles from home against a tough and determined enemy.
But what do we really know about these men in the red coats?
Were they the proverbial scum of the earth? Was the army their only option to avoid the gutter? Where were they from and how long did had they served?
And what about the officers? Were they “foppish dandies, or oafish brutes”? Or were they well-motivated and experienced soldiers doing the best for their men?
Well today I am joined by author and historian Robbie MacNiven to discover the answers to all of these questions and more.
Robbie has written a book about the 33rd Foot on campaign during the revolution - it’s called the Pattern and I’ve posted a link below.
amzn.to/3PRSoPL
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also join the Patreon page to watch the KZbin videos well before they drop here. . . / redcoathistory

[@Error_404_Account_Deleted]

I’m a Yank Historian. One of my favorite things is correcting the HUGE misconceptions about the “savage” Redcoats. Or the “Boston Massacre” that was a complete and total accident. I try to remind my countrymen about John Adams and how he stood for what was right by defending the British Soldiers accused of killing the colonists in cold blood. Fact must reign supreme. Great video gents! I’m very proud America comes from Britain.

[@TheOnceMoreGaming]

John Adams is the GOAT! His actions and beliefs are the basic premise for the ACLU. He may have cussed out the British Authorities, but he believed in the sanctity of life, and knew full well about how all of our families were interconnected.

[@jon9021]

Well said..

[@YaBoyStein]

The series John Adams on HBO did an "ok" job of depicting that. Too many people in our country are ignorant to how we started or why it happened.

[@raylopez99]

Yank historian are we? Then you will also mention George Washington was a scoundrel for killing French soldiers after giving his word of safe conduct after surrender in the French and Indian War (1754-1763)? That the "tax" the patriots fought for was a tiny percentage of income (compared to today's roughly 33-40% of income)? That the "tea party" was largely fighting for their own pocketbook? Stuff they don't teach you in elementary school in the USA, though to their credit they did recently find cherry tree seeds at Mt. Vernon.

[@TheOnceMoreGaming]

@@YaBoyStein Ok is probably the best way to describe it. That miniseries fell apart after the 3d episode. He was an amazing person. They didn't even touch on the fact he paid people by their job, and that included women and men of all colors and races. He was ahead of his time in many respects - which is why he was a true leader! Pushing society forward! Now maybe some aspects of his life are not "modern" by our standards, but damnit, if he lived today he'd be pressing even further ahead!

[@revere0311]

As a US Marine infantry veteran and Revolutionary War reenactor, the more I discover about the combat skills of the redcoats, the more I am amazed. The 33rd was arguably one of the best! Thank you for sharing this.

[@bradleycooper5436]

They were good at beating up on 3rd world counties however they couldn't stand against mainland European armies. They were excellent sailors and Marines however.

[@eleveneleven572]

​@@bradleycooper5436 That sounds like the American Army 😂

[@redcoathistory]

@@bradleycooper5436 Dear boy - of course we couldn't match the European powers in a large continental war as our army was tiny and was generally for policing the empire. Man for man we have always been excellent but no one, no matter how patriotic claims we could have swanned into europe and beat the French or Germans on our own...A great power works to its strengths and historically ours was always a huge and powerful navy.

[@bradleycooper5436]

@@eleveneleven572 yeah they are the same tbh. I'm not a delusional American thinking our military is the best that ever lived :P Americas only proper enemy was Japan and they are a tiny island

[@OzzieMozzie777]

​@@bradleycooper5436you're forgetting the Germans and the American south lol

[@sid2112]

I'm an American, and I never heard that the British Army in America was anything but a professional army led by a capable general. I heard they were hard, sometimes brutal, but hell, history is rife with a lot worse. Good fight! Thanks for making us earn it.

[@fortyminutes]

You're welcome. The French would like their loan back.

[@patrickmiano7901]

Both sides had good and bad generals.

[@MrCadet08]

You must be from the north, or a state that was not one of the southern colonies or MD or VA With the amount of loyalists in the south, the Revopution became a really bloody, grudge filled civil war full of atrocities on both sides. As a result most southerners in GA, SC and NC still HATE red coats (the education system in those states also way over emphasizes British war crimes). The only person that South Carolinians hate more than Banister Tarleton is William Sherman.

[@sid2112]

@@MrCadet08 Yeah born and raised in Georgia. Graduated high school in 1993. I think I'd know.

[@sid2112]

@@fortyminutes We paid that back in 1944, thank you very much.

[@v1e1r1g1e1]

Empires are not made without dedicated rank and file. Empires are not kept without dedicated leaders.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

True!

[@stirlingmoss4621]

try 'competent Leaders'

[@randomyoutubebrowser5217]

Fighting a thousand miles away from home? If only there was a simple solution to avoid that.

[@Universal_exports87]

As an American, I really have nothing but respect for them. Only twenty years earlier, we had the French Indian War on our side of the Pond and even George Washington himself was in that...under British Colors. I'm glad that the US and UK are the closest of Allies 250 years later.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Brother.

[@darkstarr2321]

There is a reason the revolutionary war is sometimes called the USA's first civil war, it was often British against British or British against someone of British descent

[@montrelouisebohon-harris7023]

well yeah and even my mom's family is English and I took a Heritage DNA test and I'm 59% English, 10% Scottish so I'm at least 19% British on my dad's side of the family. I'm also 15% Eastern European polish on my bad side of the family and despite my blonde hair blue eyes and olive skin I am Southern Italian Greek on my dad's side of the family. it's just amazing how things turn around but the Colonials in the American colonies under Britain thought themselves to be good British citizens and yet General Washington was a colonel in the Virginia militia and wanted to be a commissioned officer in the British military but he was not allowed since he was born on American Colonial soil . how sad and he even helped the British army when the French and Indian War because the British soldiers were not familiar with the Continental territory so they took Colonel Washington with him when they went West and he kept warning the British not to build roads behind them because the Indians would follow and come up from behind them and Ambush them and they wouldn't listen .it happened twice and after that Colonel Washington resigned any Duty with the British Army because it was worthless and he was never going to get a commission anyway and he was only one of maybe 20 other British that made it back to the east coast alive and not slaughtered by the French and the Indians . Americans are rather and silly bunch and it really started out with something as funny as the Boston Tea Party . who would think that colonists would dress up like Indians go on board an English ship and throw a thousand pounds of tea overboard😂😂 it made the British sick but that's funny to People Like Us . that's nothing because it's not like burning down property or anything but the British love their tea . Americans love our coffee and Southern Americans love coffee and sweet sweet iced tea which is something the British thing is so gross . the British military were exceptionally trained and the colonial army was not but they did get something together and it was after the Declaration of Independence July 1776 ..King George declared war on the colonies and these people had to fight if they were not loyalist or Tories and IF they did not fight and die trying or live to succeed they would certainly be hung and disemboweled by the British military .

[@darkstarr2321]

@@montrelouisebohon-harris7023 That's awesome about your heritage, thanks for replying. I agree us Brits did a lot to provoke the 13 colonies in terms of looking down on them etc, but this was a common theme for the upper class in Britain then as is the same today really. The working class folk would have got on I have no doubt

[@KuhniDD]

Not to forget, that many of the english troops were german merchaneries from Hannover, so the german Americans also fought against brothers in ethnic

[@patrickmiano7901]

@@darkstarr2321Many Britons still look down on Americans, and vice versa. We are divided by a common language.

[@Andrew-is7rs]

@@montrelouisebohon-harris7023 As beautiful as Kent’s rose gardens in summer too …

[@frakismaximus3052]

Its about time the British started sticking up for themselves and their history! Bravo 👏 🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks, Sir.

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@redcoathistory great video. Could you tell me the names of the black and white movies. You show at the start of your video, Great work. You stay safe 👍

[@roymcnicholas4825]

True, centuries of history should be protected just like the future of the uk

[@Clipgatherer]

+frakismaximus3052. So true. Don’t leave it to Hollywood and Mel Gibson to tell you your history. 😊

[@spanglestein66]

Our numbers are growing day by day ….since the woke era began and through its lense of hatred has only served to reignite the passion of the blue blooded Englishman

[@ryanziegler1410]

I love studying the American Revolution, and I'm glad someone is remembering these heroes. Their professionalism and fighting prowess had been seriously underestimated. Great episode as usual and best wishes to you from the USA!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Ryan - I have a few more segments from this interview being released over the next few weeks that I think you will enjoy.

[@garyfullmer4353]

Heroes? They were fighting a subjugate a people who did not want to answer to a king who was taxing them to fund overseas expansion over in other words imperialism so that he could subjugate other cultures mainly cultures who didn't have modern weaponry.

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@redcoathistory can you tell me the name of the film you got the black and white footage from , Thank you. Great video stay safe 👍

[@Mulberry2000]

@@garyfullmer4353 No they were fighting rebels who were criminals, who wanted power and were willing to do any anything to get it. Time to read a book. The American elite turned on the average American soldier after the revolution, and the Indians. They subjugated and committed mass murder, so think on that before speaking about the revolution. The British did not want the Americans to go on Indian land.

[@WhiteCamry]

@@Mulberry2000 "The British did not want the Americans to go on Indian land." An empire favoring natives over its own colonists? 😂😂😂😂 Go on! Tell us anotther!

[@ny9thzouave]

I've read "The Pattern", a great microcosm of a British unit the American Revolution. It also shows the effect great leadership can have on a unit. The 33rd was a run of the mill infantry regiment before Cornwallis, but during his administration it became known as the Pattern. The paragon example of what other regiments should strive for. Thanks Redcoat History for delving into the American Revolution.

[@jeffreymathis3379]

Funny how the British are down on the army of the empire days. The rest of the world stood in awe for a couple of hundred years.

[@jugbywellington1134]

It's a very recent thing. It was seldom mentioned when I was growing up. Odd.

[@HankD13]

@@jugbywellington1134 The British loved their Navy and pretty universally despised their tiny army, during peace time in particular. Kipling wrote numerous poems on the subject "Tommy" really tells that story. Britain was never really a land power of any great note mainly due to its size.

[@unhippy1]

Its the woke brigade that's beating down on anything empire.......its kinda sad when you think about it

[@invisibleman4827]

​@HankD13 That came from the days of Cromwellian dictatorship when it was considered a force of oppression. This changed in the 19th Century when people could learn how to read and stories about them as "Empire heroes", of "patriots" and "adventurers in far off distant lands for Queen and country" were in demand.

[@HankD13]

@@invisibleman4827 Not generally. They were pretty despised for most of their history - Empire took them far away and made some nice stories. Tommy was popular when the bullets flew in far away places, but in peace time or at home, not - which was what Kipling highlighted. The slaughter of WW1 and generation lost started a change - but even between the wars the Army was not popular. WW2 and onwards improved things - I was in Army in the 70's and 80's and we were generally appreciated. NI, Firemen's strike, Falklands, were highlight I remember.

[@JohnELemmenes]

The British army was extraordinary for many many centuries

[@user-zh9wq8cc9k]

I was taught in school here in the states that the British Army was the best in the world. Well trained HIGHLY Disciplined. There’s a story about an American sharp shooter was picking them off. As soon as one man would fall, the man from the second row would step up in the man’s place and never we blink an eye. Stood at attention in ranks. Very disciplined. At Bunker Hill the British marched in the open up hill being slaughtered but they kept coming. On the 3rd try they broke through and took the hill… they were no joke

[@jamesnewton6872]

Bets in the world maybe but spread thin across multiple fronts. The redcoats in the American were just a small fraction of the British armies who were mostly fighting elsewhere.

[@Joe-rb8ju]

At Breeds Hill the battle of Bunker Hill was fought. It’s why the monument for the battle of Bunker Hill is on Breeds Hill. It’s where the dug in.

[@anthonytroisi6682]

The officers were usually the younger sons of the upper class. Because the first son usually inherited everything the younger sons often went into the military or the Church. Officers had to buy their commissions. Because of the widespread povery, many of the men from Scotland joined the Army.

[@SnoopReddogg]

Wastrel is a word grossly underused these days.

[@barriemilgate]

Might be guilty of this at times .lol

[@marlkarx1757]

The most incredible thing about the "war of independence" is the willingness of all to believe it wasnt another British civil war.

[@michaelmurdock4607]

Not so much a civil war as a minor police action at the tail end of a supply line to Nowhere that inconveniently occurred during a major, world-wide war with a real enemy- the foul and very foreign French.

[@user-xe3mc9wu1e]

During the period, it was seen as a civil war. There are letters from colonial officials to prepare for "the upcoming civil war." It only became a war for independence after the colonies declared independence and then won independence.

[@zacharyfisher8152]

From the US: this was very informative and it’s good to know what we were up against. Thank you for the video.

[@user-zp1qx6ed3k]

as an american....I honor the British forces as well

[@gr-s2143]

What is interesting to me is that it was one lot of British people fighting another lot. We should remember that in 1776 the Americans were over 90% ethnically British.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@gr-s2143 Yes it was largely seen as Brits vs Overseas Brits (or Colonial Brits).

[@jeanlawley6483]

@@lyndoncmp5751 ... it was a kind of civil war really

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@jeanlawley6483 Yes it's been called that too.

[@steveww1507]

As an American and a Rev war reenactor I have nothing but respect for the British solider . Great video

[@welshwarrior5263]

Another brilliant account of the history of our past soldiers. Thanks both.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - really glad you enjoyed this one.

[@mikeyjohnson9596]

How refreshing and interesting to learn about Cornwallis and the 33rd without the typical bias that we've grown up with in the US. It's nice to finally see them humanized and gives me a newfound respect. Thanks and cheers from Ft. Lauderdale guys ✌️

[@highmarshalbalian680]

What public school failed you lol

[@Aim54Delta]

I come from Missouri and had history in two different school districts. I have no idea what they teach elsewhere in the nation, but the British are generally portrayed as competent and capable. If there is any misconception, it's criticism of infantry tactics/strategy at the time and too much belief that irregular warfare was the cause of Britain's defeat. There may have been a bit of "the King's army" washing - but it was generally implied that the British army was far more competent than the people back in Britain telling them how to handle the people said army had to live with. Several of the founders were proud British men right up until a year or so before the declaration of Independence was signed. It was specifically the failure of the British back on the island to take their concerns seriously and their tendency to stage show trials which resulted in them becoming extremely resolved to independence.

[@TheOnceMoreGaming]

See, I never heard anything bad about Cornwallis in school... it was General Clinton that we definitely heard was a moron. Given so many historical evaluations of his command during the Revolutionary War I think that he is one of the very few members of the British Army who is deserving of being mocked for his callous disregard for the lives of British Soldiers AND Colonists. His battle tactics were atrocious, and it seems evident he only cared about High Society parties in New York without understanding the tactical situation. iirc Conrwallis hated him more than the Colonists.

[@ImperatorRomulus]

I have ancestors on both sides of the RevWar. Two Redcoats. 53rd & 24th Foot.

[@MrTony079]

A lot of the common colonists must've ended up on one side or the other by sheer circumstance.

[@whirving]

A distant relative was "recruited" into the 42nd at a very young age. His elder brother fled the recruiters but he figured he was too young and was surprised. He fought in France and eventually in America, by then an officer. He stayed after the war and married a Scottish American woman. Col. James Stewart III.

[@redcoathistory]

Why put "recruited" in quotation marks? The British army was a volunteer force.

[@whirving]

@@redcoathistory I should have elaborated on that in my first comment, my brevity makes it look a little like a challenge to some of the points made in your video, not my intention. I have a written account of Col. Stewart that says he was "pressed" which is a red flag. Many accounts of early Colonial and frontier times are sensationalized. Either way, it's clear that he made his life as a soldier. He is listed as Lieutenant for the American campaign, but called a Colonel. It's really quite a story, and is part of a Captivity Narrative genre from the time. Yet it is part of family history and actually fills in some gaps in the timeline. if you'd like I could send a copy, it is an interesting tale, if not a bit of a tall tale.

[@patrickmiano7901]

@@redcoathistoryAll military forces define “volunteer” very broadly.

[@user-qq2vq4fv8b]

​@@redcoathistory what about " Taking the Kings shilling "? The reason why Pewter beer mugs had glass bases .

[@user-xf2eq7to1p]

@@whirving Is the written account by him, or someone making one of him?

[@pedrosalinas6509]

To my knowledge, the American Revolutionary Army where just farmers who took weapons and fought a very well fit army and were losing the war until a French King decided to spoil the British by sending the French Army to fight them in American soil. This Louis King spent enormous amounts of money until the US won the war. Unfortunately spending enormous amounts of money lead the French Treasury nearly empty to which high taxes were imposed to pay for King Lois' caprice and as taxes got higher the people got fed up and a Revolution came, he was deposed and guillotined. A high price to pay for messing up your enemies success against the uprising British Colonial .

[@claudeoverstreet8791]

Former Redcoat reenactor of the 23rd Regiment of Foot, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Really enjoyed this video and shared it.

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks, Sir

[@garrywynne1218]

Claude- see my comments above some interesting Regimental traditions that stemmed from that period for the Royal “Welch” Fusiliers

[@st.davidpipes]

Cymru Am Byth! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@johnhansen8272]

Fascinating detail. It was an absolute miracle we, the US won our independence. I’d wager if we started a revolution 10 times we’d have lost a minimum of 8 times at the time. An absolute miracle.

[@carbidegrd1]

Not sure I agree. Logistically, it was a nightmare for Britain, on top of that, war in Europe Trumped everything else. The timing of both the Rev war and 1812 were not accidental.

[@davidmccarter3429]

I’m an American who studied British Colonial American and Eighteenth-century English history. Very well done and informative. Yes, British troops were very good and it was only in the later stages of the war that American soldiers could perform bayonet maneuvers like the British troops. One thing I would question is the reality and opinion of the public of the standing of soldiers. It is true that class consciousness was not as developed in the Eighteenth century, but people did have a pretty good sense of who was above and beneath them among the various “orders” or “sorts.” That a third of the men in the 33rd were either untrained laborers or from the declining cloth trades speaks to many being from the lower orders. Also, John Beattie’s book on the courts and law (about 1985) noted that much of the writing public believed soldiers were the dregs of society and that they often became criminals when they returned home. Many would have preferred soldiers to die in their county of service, rather than to have such likely unemployed men (post war periods often have high unemployment) who have been trained in killing loose in British society. At least , that is what I remember of many of the points Beattie made. Of course, the educated public (and officers like Wellington) could be quite prejudiced.

[@josephososkie3029]

The more accurate rendering of Paul Reveres cry “ The Red Coats are coming “ was more like “ the regulars have turned out”. Somehow more respectful.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Really enjoyed listening to the many revelations ( to me) about the ‘ ordinary soldiers ‘ and the “ usual officers “ . I grew up under the old teaching of ‘ the scum of the earth ‘ , the fop foolish officers and of course the “ harsh brutal discipline “ . So this was a fascinating eye opener exposing those old myths as just that …..the reality discussed as openly as it was and supported by the facts actually makes far more logical sense than the myths . Great video and most thought provoking , thank you.

[@allanburt5250]

Another cracking episode Chris. So many myths about the AWI good to see them brought up short and the facts come out. I have a copy of The Pattern fantastic read. Cheers

[@Paulftate]

👋 when I was a young man still in school .. I read the complete works of CS Forester ... Horatio Hornblower .... I remember it as a must-read

[@redcoathistory]

I also love the books. Many thanks. Do you have a favourite?

[@Paulftate]

@@redcoathistory I remember beat to quarters, ship of the line and flying colors ... they all were good👍

[@williamromine5715]

I really enjoyed that series of novels. As a young American man, my desire to learn more about English history was started by those books. That desire continues even to this day(I'm 82). My first love is my own country, of course, but England is a close second. U-TUBE channels, such as this one, continues to aid in my study of English history.

[@patrickmiano7901]

Hornblower never fought Americans, did he? Forester knew where the money was.

[@Paulftate]

@@patrickmiano7901 best to my recollection Horatio Hornblower never fought with the Americans ....

[@roymcnicholas4825]

The revolution was a civil war no matter how it's put majority that fought on both sides were English and European

[@jayturner3397]

Always said so 😊

[@UkrainianPaulie]

As an American nope. We may have been originally British, but by the time of the war, we had hundreds of years as Americans in a different continent. By that time there were Poles, Portuguese, Palatine Germans, Dutch living in the colonies. Not british born. Thank God we rebelled!

[@alecblunden8615]

​@@UkrainianPaulieAnd thank God you get, as ever, the regime you deserve.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - do you have statistics you can share? I'd be keen to know what percentage were British born. It would be interesting to know.

[@roymcnicholas4825]

At the beginning of the war there was 21, 514 British born or ancestry in the American army

[@mikewelch7656]

Great vid, Christian! Love Robbie’s work. Thanks for doing the redcoat of this time period justice! (Says this guy in the recreated 52nd Regt Light co., AWI).

[@TheTacticalHillbilly]

I had family that fought for both sides. My 5th grandfather fought for America with his 2 brothers. His other 2 brothers fought for the Redcoats. My 6th great-grandfather. Their father also fought for America. I always wondered what Thanksgiving or Christmas would be like in their house..

[@Mulberry2000]

Well it was a civil war and most loyalists would have left America at the war's end- to Canada etc.

[@patrickmiano7901]

It is sometimes called “America’s first Civil War.” It was often literally brother against brother more often than in the war that followed 80 years later.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

I loved the detail in this video guys. Got to love a well researched book.

[@glendryhurst8234]

One of the most prominent British regiments during the red cost period was the 44th Regiment of Foot which excelled in combat and won in Bunker Hill, Havana and numerous other battles both before and during the late 1700s independence period. Today, many US reenactment groups now display the "44" Regiment redcoat insignia.

[@user-qq2vq4fv8b]

Really? The 44th Regiment of Foot , was wiped out in Afghanistan, at a place called Gundamak . Not sure about the spelling there . They had become a rabble by this time , from many accounts.

[@glendryhurst8234]

Userqq, that is a rather insulting comment made about very brave soldiers who fought bravely for their country and died in a series of massacres under atrocious circumstances including terrible winter conditions. Furthermore, your unfavourable comments are about Afghani military actions 75 years AFTER the period that our previous articles were describing during the American redcoat battles.

[@user-qq2vq4fv8b]

@@glendryhurst8234 l read history. You cannot sugar coat history. Every military unit has its breaking point .

[@jon9021]

@@user-qq2vq4fv8bnot really..

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Enlightening interview. Thank you Redcoat History" and Robbie MacNiven

[@mikehillas]

This was very informational and interesting--thanks for posting.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Any other subjects you'd like to see me cover?

[@mikehillas]

@@redcoathistory I'd be curious if you could do a general history of Welsh regiments or Welsh participation in the British Army from the 18th century forward.

[@redcoathistory]

@@mikehillas Thanks - it is a good idea.

[@russellbates2125]

This is a great channel . Thank you for making it

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomaszaccone3960]

A good book on this : Noble Volunteers by Don N. Hagist. Like rank and file soldiers North and South in the Civil War, Redcoats and Rebels in the Revolution had a lot in common.

[@barriemilgate]

British Soldier American War is also a good read.by the same Don Nagist.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

@@barriemilgate Thank you. I shall try to acquire it.

[@Mulberry2000]

@@barriemilgate Richard Holmes' books red coat is good as well as his documentary about the revolution. Also read the book with the same name by Hugh Bicheno, warning if you are American it will upset you as he he really goes to town on them as well as the British. Sady Richard Holmes died a few years ago.

[@james_t_kirk]

*Major Sharpe of the 95th Rifles is all I'll ever need to know about the British Army. Besides, I preferred their green uniforms over the red ones.*

[@ashadowawhisper]

CHOSEN MEN!

[@johndally7994]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@olafweerts7653]

Thanks. Loved the demographic detail - puts the army of the time within a social context which fwiw is important in understanding its history .

[@dennismitchell5414]

You , your channel and content are awesome !! . The two things that got me interested in the British Redcoat were the painting by Howard Pyle of the British Grenadiers at Bunker Hill and the movie " ZULU " . Thank you for all the hard work you do providing us with this information and the guest speakers you have joining you . Much love , respect and admiration from Baltimore Maryland USA . ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Dennis, that sort of comment makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Thanks so much. Any other stories and people you would like to see me make films about?

[@dennismitchell5414]

@@redcoathistory I'd really like to know how and why the Hessian troops came to fight alongside the British in The American Revolution . Thank you for your reply

[@redcoathistory]

@@dennismitchell5414 That's great as Robbie is writing a book on that subject and will be back to discuss once it is ready.

[@redwelder]

I’m an American 🇺🇸 and grew up in that area close to the battlefield of the battle of New Orleans (war of 1812) we named an area of our town full of oak trees after Fallen Major General Sir Edward Pakenham …Pakenham Oaks, there is also a street named for him… he was respected even as our enemy, i was always fascinated with the war tactics of the British Redcoats, Great Uniforms Great Military minds of the British Army And Navy they ruled the world at a time 😊

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Read Mark D'Urban's "Fusiliers", for an in-depth look at Redcoats in the AWI. Very good book. Deals with a lot of the myths. And, and I know it's not what this video is looking at, let's remember that more colonists fought for the British crown than against.

[@patrickmiano7901]

The numbers were about even. The South was Tory country, the North pro- independence.

[@fookdatchit]

Top content. Thank you very much

[@peterixon8708]

Really enjoyed the insights given by this video. Thanks to both of you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - any other subjects you'd like to see me tackle in the future?

[@peterixon8708]

Sadly, I also have a tragic fascination with the successive Scottish uprisings, particularly the '45. Family has some heritage with Clan Leslie NW of Aberdeen.

[@davedraycott5779]

Excellent video learned a lot and a few myths shook out of my head.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great thanks a lot.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Very interesting episode this. Dispels many myths, some which I still believed. Looking forward to hearing more from Robbie. Im surprised at the height of the men in the 33rd at the time. I always thought the average back then was about 5ft 5/5ft 6 so to hear most were over that height is an eye opener. Cheers to both of you. Have a great weekend 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. Yep, Robbie is a lovely bloke and a brilliant historian. Can't wait to share more from him. Have a lovely weekend mate.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Me too. I'd like to learn more about this period. Cheers mate.

[@garyhosier4765]

Very nice. From 20 yrs, 1985-2005, experience in the USAF, which may very from person to person and branch to branch, we had airmen enlisted that came from a troubled atmosphere that were fantastic and excelled as aircraft mechanics of all specialties. Maybe the structured life suited them but those above me were very mechanically skilled and displayed great leadership and interpersonal skills. They generally even held the respect of their Officers. I imagine it being similar in the 33rd at the time when you mention maybe criminals and hardened people being recruited.

[@zach7193]

It's great that the channel will talk about the Redcoats in the American Revolution. Very interesting.

[@adriandunn6039]

Fantastic well done really great to watch 🇬🇧⭐️👏👏👏👏

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks, Im glad you enjoyed it. Any other people/stories you'd like to see a video on?

[@ashadowawhisper]

I’m sure it was both… it is always the case… Armies rarely turn men away. I say this because I served as a U.S. Marine at the beginning of the GWOT and while the supermajority of men were there because they wanted to be there after Sept 11, there’s always the exception and were some scummy dudes too. That’s the nature of the military. I’m sure that the British Army of the Revolutionary War was the same… most were patriots for England, saw it as an honorable calling/service for King and Country and the dregs were most likely the exception. It’s interesting that Yorkshire makes up such a high percentage of enlisted men. We have a phenomenon much like this in the U.S. military today… the Scotch-Irish descendants that reside mostly in the South and Appalachian Mountains region make up a LARGE portion of the U.S. military. That’s been historically true for some time.

[@hiramabiff2017]

The loss in the Colonies changed the British army and armies across the world forever. From Rogers Rangers to the early Rifleman , green camouflage uniforms and the use of Rifles instead of musket formations in the hands of free thinking soldiers taught to adapt fire and move is standard tactics across the world now.

[@davidburroughs2244]

So very glad to learn more truth about a past for which most of us have little glimmer

[@13JAMLAND]

Really interesting thank you 🇬🇧

[@DidierDidier-kc4nm]

Great ;i love this doc about soldier 's background and sociology .I didn t know that the commun soldier of 33 RD mainly came from from yorkshire .i was thinking they came from Ireland ,maybe due to it was former rgt of Welllington .Speaking of Yorkshire ;go visit the muséum of York army museum, it is focuses on Inniskilling rgt and 5th dragoon .

[@runninghill7694]

Fantastic video, very interesting

[@johntaylor8095]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you liked it. Thanks

[@bingcoteeagle6932]

I find it interesting to expose the historical myth from the reality of the situation. The tendency of the American myth machine to distort history is renowned. As an amateur historian, it is part of my research to separate the two to get a clearer picture of a historical event or period. Thank you for helping to make this topic clearer regarding the state of the British armed forces during this period.

[@danielblake6850]

It was very interesting to learn that some British recurits nearly 300 years joined the British Army for similair reasons i did in 1997. For a simple reason of wanting to serve and protect Great Britain and the Union flag. Unfortunatly i severley damaged in basic training so was never able to become the soldier i always wanted to be and that is my single biggest regret in life. Although i may have reconsidered if i had actually been deployed in a war zone and been shot at 😂.(tounge in cheek)

[@GMN360]

So interesting. Thank you.

[@jamesm3142]

I suggest you look into the author Don Hagist’s books! Great research on the regular British soldiers during the war.

[@redcoathistory]

Would love to get him on the show! Is he still around?

[@jamesm3142]

@@redcoathistory Yes! He’s living in Rhode Island. I’m sure he would be open to being on! If you’d like me to email you I may be able to help you connect with him!

[@daviddavies2072]

Good video thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks 👍 Any other stories or people you'd like to me to cover in the future?

[@charlietreston4035]

Very informative 👏 👌

[@theoutdoorhistorian]

I saw the guy in the thumbnail at the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. I didn’t speak to him, but recognized him.

[@jaytowne8016]

And General Picton leading his men forward calling out insults at them, while the fife, bugle and drum played " the girl I left behind me"

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

Good afternoon sir. Could you please make a video on Walter Hamilton VC and the siege of the British Residency in Kabul? They're not two separate stories, Hamilton was one of the protagonists of the siege but lived a heroic life on his own and deserves to be remembered and honored. There's no video about him nor the siege on this platform. Totally forgotten and underrated. I wish you could bring his story to life! I would be most grateful! In 1879, the same year where the British fought against the Zulus, in Kabul, Afghanistan, a 75 men party of Corps of Guides led by Lieutenant Hamilton himself, escorted Sir Louis Cavagnari, a British military administrator and diplomat which task was to supervise Afghan foreign relations. Long story short, some afghan soldiers created a mutiny demanding two months of arrears in back-pay. The british were entrenched in a compound which served as Cavagnari's headquarters. A siege ensued, 2000 mutineers against 75 british. The fight continued for 8 hours. All but 3 british and allied soldiers perished, with Hamilton being one of the very last to fall after several sorties, charges, seizing enemy guns etc. The afghans had lost 600 men. A film is most needed to portray that heroic man and his ultimate sacrifice at the very young age of 23! We said before that he was awarded the Victoria Cross, well, if you're thinking that it was awarded to him posthumously after this battle, you'd be be mistaken. He won the medal around 5 months earlier during the battle of Futtenhabad, here's the citation: "For conspicuous gallantry during the action at Futtehabad on the 2nd April, 1879, in leading on the Guide Cavalry in a charge against very superior numbers of the enemy, and particularly at a critical moment when his Commanding Officer (Major Wigram Battye) fell, Lieutenant Hamilton, then the only Officer left with the Regiment, assumed command and cheered on his men to avenge Major Battye's death. In this charge Lieutenant Hamilton, seeing Sowar Dowlut Ram down, and attacked by three of the enemy, whilst entangled with his horse (which had been killed) rushed to the rescue, and followed by a few of his men cut down all three and saved the life of Sowar Dowlut Ram"

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

I forgot to say. Another Irishman :)

[@redcoathistory]

A wonderful story! I will need to do some research but will add to my list.

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

​@@redcoathistoryGod bless you sir.

[@280StJohnsPl]

Back in 1976 (?) a London newspaper published a poster titled "The British Redcoat In America and then the U.S. government printed it as well. If you want a real good look at what life was like for the Redcoats this has everything. I got my copy around 1981 and rolled it out on the floor....wow, it was filled with pictures and information of the real war. I drank several beers while going over this :)

[@Spindacre]

Fantastic video.

[@Caratacus1]

I think with the inevitable incompetents in any large organisation those Army Officers typically only messed up badly once and then they were out. I'm not aware of officers who got away with it ad infinitum. Good vid - enjoyed it.

[@theimmortalgrenadier3851]

15:36 I laughed so much there. I love your humor

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha thanks a lot.

[@robhaldane3347]

That was really interesting

[@Turf-yj9ei]

The story I got in American public school wasn't that they were "scum of the earth or all criminals" but that the British Army was a professional army and the best trained army in the world and it's that much more impressive that we defeated them.

[@bevinboulder5039]

Very interesting video, but I have questions. If the officers were responsible for the training of the men, who trained the officers? And second, since you used several clips of the movie, can you tell me the name of the film where Olivier played an 18th century British officer? Thanks in advance.

[@Mulberry2000]

Good video a lot of Americans think they defeated the British army, the main reason was because of lack of training and the red coat. I remember years ago i watched a video given by a history academic on George Washington's website. He asked the audience what was the average experienced of the a British solider at the start of the revolution? There was total silence, he then said about 6 years and there was loud gasps of shock from the audience. He said the British soldier was very experienced and well trained, people could not believe it.

[@brycesuderow3576]

I wish I could share with you a quote from a book called April morning, which was written by Howard fast. He describes a lot of the redcoats in the ranks as men who had been malnourished as children. Do you think that’s possible? If they came from a lower class they probably had a pretty rough life as children

[@invisibleman4827]

Same with WW1 Tommies. Rough teeth, poverty, malnourished, lack of finance for dental and medical care.

[@cowboy101lisa]

American here: would be really interested in your parallel take on the Hessian contemporaries that were deployed to the theater. One of my ancestors was such a man who chose to stay after the cease of hostilities, settling in Juniata County, Pennsylvania

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - Robbie is writing a book on exactly that right now. As soon as he is finished I will invite him back to discuss. Watch this space. Thanks

[@spanglestein66]

The old RGJ …..swift and bold ❤

[@user-hl7nt1og7k]

Is there any way to find the men used in these graphs? I'd love, if possible, to learn a bit more about the chaps of the 33rd from Herefordshire, name and places of origin, anyhow.

[@redcoathistory]

I believe that Robbie used their original service records. If you look up his book or message him on twitter he may be able to give more info.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Could you tell me the name of the B&W film shown where Sir Laurence Olivier plays a British officer? Thank you!

[@cherylelainewilliams6449]

On the western Pennsylvania colonial frontier, the American side recruited sharp shooters from the militias to serve at Saratoga. Two sons of the Oliver Miller family helped win that battle, as remembered by the historical society Oliver Miller Homestead (where I was a volunteer docent for many years), part of the Allegheny County Parks System in South Park PA 15129. The western Pennsylvania colonial frontier beyond the Allegheny Mountains was largely settled by Scots-Irish who were strong supporters of the American cause. David McCullough in his book '1776' said Washington considered it an option in case of a worse-case scenario, he could retreat with his army beyond the Allegheny mountains.

[@one_eyed_odin]

Is there a video detailing the Irish contribution be it voluntary or forced? Fascinating period of history would love to know more.

[@RubberToeYT]

Really interesting video

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Any other subjects you'd like to see me cover?

[@RubberToeYT]

@@redcoathistory Would love to see more about individual regiments in various campaigns

[@redcoathistory]

@@RubberToeYT Will defintely do more on that. . .

[@TheReckoningBeginsToday]

HMS Birkshire is all you need to know about the Colonial English military’s professionalism, bravery and honor in the face of death.

[@deez.knurtz925]

Hello from Texas. We love British History 🇬🇧🇺🇸 A Reminder of 2A 🇺🇸

[@CoachIreland]

A friend of mine in Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 actually said it best that, in regards to military might and overall mentality, it could be said that the U.S.🇺🇸 is the son closest to the father🇬🇧. Canada🇨🇦 is the well-behaved first born but Uncle Sam is the rebellious son more like the father in his prime (which the father hates to admit😂).

[@davidbettney785]

Great video

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GTX1123]

I'm a 61 yr old American. All throughout elementary, secondary school and college (I took 1 yr of American History in college). We were ALWAYS taught that the British Army was the greatest army on the face of the earth for that time period; i.e. both British officers and soldiers were well trained, well disciplined and fearless in battle. This was a huge hurdle the Continental Army had to overcome as its soldiers had a tendency to break and run in the heat of battle against such. This was why von Steuben's appointment as inspector general of the Continental Army by Washington was invaluable. He immediately saw the lack of discipline and proper training with the troops and whipped them into shape by creating a training program during the winter at Valley Forge. That training had a significant impact on the rest of the war. I would also add that the arrogance nd or presumption of certain British commanders towards the Continental Army at the worst times, also cost them dearly.

[@cavoneant]

Great video! Being an American, we are always taught that the British were poorly trained and that the Americans being from an agrarian culture were just better able to fight with unconventional tactics that the British could not match. Probably the British failed as a result of logistical problems more than tactical issues.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - we will be looking at this in a future episode

[@beachboy0505]

11:50 Take account of the grenadier units.

[@KopperNeoman]

The men I'm most interested in during this era were the American Redcoats: otherwise known as the only ones who were actually following the "alter or abolish government" part of the Declaration of Independence (which was signed by the President of the United States and ratified by the government)

[@redcoathistory]

I'd love to do a video about the loyalists...watch this space.

[@davidtuttle7556]

A bit of a sticking point. There wasnt a President of the United States per se. There was the office of President of Congress. But it had very little real power. Basically the office functioned as a precursor to Speaker of the House.

[@Warcrimeenthusiast]

A Man named Todd Braisted would be the man to talk too ​@@redcoathistory

[@woahhbro2906]

I'm from Florida and apparently a lot of American Loyalists moved to Florida after the Revolution. I would be interested in that story as back then, Florida was an unknown death zone that many avoided (moreso than today lol). Of course many went north to Canada as well.

[@redcoathistory]

@@Warcrimeenthusiast Thanks will look him up...

[@jameswaterfield]

Is it a coincidence that Richard Sharpe (Bernard Cornwell) was supposed to have started his military career in the 33rd Foot?

[@redcoathistory]

I don't think so because that was Wellington's regiment and he saved his life at Assaye so Cornwell needed to find a way to get them together. . .

[@joplin.baby123]

How many Redcoats switched sides (turncoats) during the war do you think? I'm descended from one, Thomas Hustler, he had a $25,000 price on his head but lived to fight in the war of 1812 too.

[@earlcollinsworth]

Please explain Banistre Tarelton and his actions in the Carolinas!

[@jeffpilkington7480]

Love the content, as an American, I’d love to see an episode about Royal American regiments from the periods before the Revolution. The French and Indian War (Seven Years War for you non-colonials), I know it’s a bit bias. I’m curious how the Royal Americans were seen by the typical British regiment and how they got along in combat in the American Colonies

[@redcoathistory]

Great idea - thanks a lot...Will add to my list for future video ideas.

[@ronaldedson496]

1st casualty of colonists anger? Captain Josiah Edson British Royal Marines 1762. Bridgeport, Connecticut.

[@spanglestein66]

1700’s …FIBUA and BATAS …..get some in 💪🏻🇬🇧

[@AtheAetheling]

I think the thing to remember about recruitment from England and Ireland, is that it definitely makes sense for Ireland to provide the second largest number of recruits after England because they had the second highest population in the UK, certainly higher than Scotland and Wales. And Ireland was unquestionably part of the UK back then, so I think a lot of people look at that with modern eyes; but its not really all that amazing in the period. I think that somewhat later in the period, not quite so much in the final years of the 18th century but going into the 19th, Ireland roughly provides a third of the manpower overall in this period for both army and navy. England with the most at half, Scotland with one sixth. Welsh numbers are not recorded due to being quite low, but in proportion with its population.

[@Joe-rb8ju]

Never heard a word about the British being unprofessional. Heard George Washington started the 7 years war but was not offered a Commission afterwards.

[@kingbillycokebottle5484]

Yeah George started the seven years war. The taxes he rebelled against were to pay for the war he started.

[@spudjuice9314]

Did we consider a reason for military men being shorter than average is that they make smaller targets? Given the accuracy of long guns at the time, I suspect the taller soldiers were easier to hit and didn't last as long as the shorter soldiers.

[@kingbillycokebottle5484]

Survivor bias? I can see broader soldiers being culled but never thought of the taller ones.

[@danmorgan3685]

I'm just shy of 6 foot. It would suck for me back then because I'd be head and shoulders taller than most of the other soldiers in the regiment. It would be like having a huge bullseye on my forehead.