British Army Fitness: Then and Now - How do they compare to modern standards?

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Napoleonic era: two eyes, two hands, all your digits, not a cripple. Front line infantry!

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha yeah that sounds about right.

[@rhonin255]

Thing is, when there was a 95% chance your average recruit had done manual labour since being 12 years old, physical fitness becomes less of a requirement, but more of a given...

[@sherwoodforester4666]

Don't forget the front 4 teeth to bite the rough the paper cartridge. Hardcore men back then!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

@@sherwoodforester4666 Shattered your teeth cause you got a mouth full of cavities that need to be pulled? that's dentistry!

[@tomtaylor6163]

@@sherwoodforester4666I’m pretty sure it was just to have enough opposing teeth . In the American Civil War that was at first a requirement . So some potential draftees would actually have their teeth pulled

[@barryj388]

When I started work at the railway I went for a physical. I ran up the stairs to the doctor's office. The doctor was an old man, even back then. He asked me "are you tired from running up the stairs?" I said no and he responded "you're in better shape than me!" then he said "can you hear?"... yes. "can you see?...yes. "OK, you're good to go!" When I told the older guys at work about this, they said "that's the same physical he gave us during the war."

[@johnnyarvind]

😂

[@mercurycid]

i did my apprenticeship in he railway...fond memories, (i deliberately forget the bad shit...) great, learnt lots and learnt well. also learnt how to play cards( 500. dont bet as a teenager ego and just being dumb is enough to have you eating noodles and toasties lol). aside from that in the 80s, there was no physical, you could do the job, or learn and work how top do the job. would not trade it!

[@adamc1272]

A driver I know told me about his physical at Crewe. They checked one eye, which was fine, but the other eye he didn't reach the standard. "OK, we'll do your weight and then come back to that." Probably helped that the scales were right next to the chart. Needless to say he passed with flying colours and has driven every train imaginable over the past 36 years. 😊

[@iangarrett741]

I remember a French Foreign Legion doctor saying he got potential recruits to run up and down several flights of stairs. He wasn’t interested in how quickly they could run but how quickly they recovered.

[@amh9494]

​@@forthfareandirty pervs lmao

[@dg20120]

My grandfather spent much of his teenage years plowing behind a mule. When he went into the army in 1944, he thought that basic training, including marches with full gear weren’t that bad.

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

thats the thing. in a society where heavy manual labor was the norm, as it was in the 1930´s and 40´s, certain "feats" were not as amazing as they seem today. spend 2/3 of your live working hard in the field, steelworks or similar with 1930´s tech, meaning primarily manual work and maybe horsedrawn etc, you got a very different stature than a modern day men. similarly you grow thick callus or weals on your hands etc. so grabbing a hot barrel of an MG42 or Browning M1918 after sustained fire without gloves is not going to bother you the same way as a modern day human would be affected by it. Most modern day humans would burn their hands, humans with thick callus wouldnt so easily. etc.

[@cattysplat]

@@zhufortheimpaler4041 There is however a modern fallacy, that musculature gives endurance strength. It's simply not true, muscles just give very short performance strength, useful for sports and short events. You can watch the skinniest Africans without an inch of muscle dig out giant boulders with picks, carry on their heads and crack them open for 10 hours a day everyday, even the women. They also live off just cracked wheat and dehydrated due to no running water. The brain training and pain tolerance is by far the most powerful aspect to human capability.

[@BudgetGainsByJJ]

@@zhufortheimpaler4041during my young adult years I worked as a brick labourer and later a bricklayer, I would still also workout in the afternoons, I trained with a lot of marines and did many military style types of training (like rucking heavy with a heavy rifle) and a lot of the things they thought were “hard” I found weren’t that bad. If someone wants to prepare for military labouring for a year or 2 (bricklaying specifically) might be of great help

[@aaronb2779]

@@cattysplat yeah… that’s not how the human body works. “Endurance strength” is a product of muscle strength and anaerobic/aerobic conditioning (fitness). And neither do “muscles give short performance strength”, not how the human body works whatsoever. You body has no way of performing any kind of movement without muscle. If you can dig better than someone who is stronger and fitter than you, that’s because you’ve developed the skill of digging better than they have.

[@alexanderaugustus]

I reckon it's what you're used to. Plowing a field and doing work on the farm really make you strong and tough. People in the past were simply strong enough to do some heavy war stuff. But as the presenter says, young lads from the city didn't have that experience, so they weren't as strong, even if they worked in a factory. Medieval peasants were ready to pick up a polearm any day, but some kid from a factory was probably struggling with a rifle.

[@davidryan4454]

King Harold's march to Stamford Bridge & then back to Hastings....... impressive in any era.

[@redcoathistory]

Oh damn I wish I'd thought of that as I could have included it. Any good sources?

[@PortilloMoment]

@@redcoathistory 'Anglo Saxon Chronicle' is the only real source and it provides little detailed info. The general distance is known and the time taken to cover it but beyond that the detail regarding fitness is very limited. A large proportion of the force taken north would have been composed of Housecarls and some Thegns (perhaps the most senior of the Hundred), and these can be expected to have been professional, well equipped and fit but definite detail is lacking. Harold's casualties of about 5,000 from Stamford Bridge would probably have been decisive 3 weeks later at Hastings.

[@Arcwelder12]

The Anglo Saxon Fyrd is likely to have been largely mounted. The expectation was that a man would serve from every 5 hides of land. This was about the average size of a thegns estate and most members of the fyrd were probably thegns themselves. Being relatively wealthy part time soldiers (rates of pay and the amount of land required to provide a fyrdman was about the same as that used for knights after the conquest) the fyrdmen were expected to provide their own equipment and mounts. This and accounts from Alfred the Greats tine make it likely that the Anglo-Saxon armies fought as mounted infantry. Using horses for strategic mobility and (mostly) dismounting to fight. The Normans initially changed over to a more Calvary centric system like they had used in France (and were actually pretty famous for) but encounters with Welsh longbowmen and Scottish sciltrons during Edward I's reign led to a similar system re-emerging for the Hundred Years War. With mounted Archers and Men-at-arms dismounting to fight on prepared positions.

[@jkent9915]

You’re not wrong. The crazy part isn’t the soldier, I expect almost any modern infantryman fresh out of basic can make 45 miles a day, it’s the logistics that are overwhelmingly impressive.

[@2adamast]

@@Arcwelder12you overestimate horses, they will have just as many problems covering the distance.

[@davepangolin4996]

Harold and his march up to Stamford Bridge and back was quite some effort

[@olwens1368]

Amazing- fight and win, then march all the way back and fight again.

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

And he would have won both, if his men had of obeyed orders.

[@kennethsanders786]

Harold and his elite Karls were mounted for longer maneuver but fought their battles on foot. Local militia, the fyrd, maneuvered locally on foot. However, this did not change this remarkable achievement of Harold. Perhaps, Harold thought his surprisingly rapid entry onto the field of battle was worth more than waiting for reinforcements. Who knows?

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

They didn't march. They rode on horses. And the locals were raided in the locality.

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

@@olwens1368they rode on horses

[@ThePierre58]

Royal Marines training, 1980. The PTIs were savage on correct posture, hydration and diet. At 65, I can still do 30 press-ups

[@bastogne315]

I'd like to see that mate..upload a video.

[@juliandavies9591]

Since when could a bootneck count to 30?

[@ThePierre58]

Hahaha, I suspect RAF has joined the chat.@@juliandavies9591

[@luciusesox1luckysox570]

So can I, Im 66... Dont use it you lose it.@@bastogne315

[@GoreTexTillEndEx]

Hi Royal - RM training for me also; went through CTC in 2007-2008. At the time it’s the hardest thing ever, and everything gets worse. I didn’t realise how much they were conditioning us for life in units though - apart from operational deployments, things like Norway and mountain training packages were harder than nod training.

[@briangulley6027]

Back when I was in the USAF one of our harder requirements was, we had to get out of our chairs for at least 30 minutes per day. You read that right 30 minutes per day. The Gestapo didn't treat suspects that bad. I somehow manage to survive until retirement yes, the USAF has some hard as nails people don't underestimate us.

[@jonathanhicks140]

Love it, as British ex infantry I understand that the RAF are still working up to these exacting standards, but still have a bit of a way to go……😈😂😂

[@jon9021]

Hahaha! Well done sir!

[@jon9021]

@@jonathanhicks140😂😂

[@Matt_Alaric]

As pilots and pen pushers surely you should be getting encouraged to spend more time sitting down to really push that iron ass experience!

[@freespeech4023]

​@jonathanhicks140 hey us RAF do the 5 mile of death march ,let's see you crayon munchers do that ❤❤❤😂😂😂😂

[@nicolasberesford4933]

Some of the men who worked on the railway walked miles to work every day and when they got there, worked for 16 hours or more , then walked home again. I wonder when they found time to sleep? I worked on the railway after leaving the RAF and I'm glad that I didn't have to do what they did.

[@redcoathistory]

Yes, they were certainly tough cookies. Thanks for sharing.

[@rule3036]

No electricity, instant hot water, motor transport etc. If you wanted to cook you had to chop up wood for a fire, pump water by hand and unless wealthy had to walk everywhere...that was normal daily life let alone in the field so people were used to physical work as a norm unlike us today.

[@jonathanhicks140]

Nothing can compare with Monty Python Yorkshire Men! I mean, when I wer’ a lad………….

[@tdoran616]

Oh but remember! They’re now trying to push the narrative that diversity / Africans built Britain. I’m tired of seeing that sh*t.

[@Uruz2012]

That's because the "16 hour workday" meant 16 hours away from home. Still a long day but with a few hours of commuting and an hour for lunch, it's like a regular modern factory job.

[@shaunpcoleman]

I joined the military when I was 19. At that age I could pass the standard. Go all day in all full kit, sleep rough wrapped in a ground sheet and be ready to go again. At 40, not so much. Anybody who says they are as good at 40 as they were at 20 was not very bloody good when they were 20.

[@fyrdraca77]

Depends on how active one is throughout their lives. Been at athlete most of my life and at 46 still work out 5 days a week between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & weight training. As I age the difference I find is that it does take me longer to recover. A few years ago I would train 6 days a week and only need 1 rest day to feel refreshed, whilst now I need 2!

[@747urhdh]

I enlisted as a Tanker (19k) at the age of 33. After about 1 month of OSUT I was running a 12min and some small change 2 mile. Knocking out 80 push ups in 2 min, and around 70 sit ups in 2 min. I’d say that was def above the standard, but also common from the young guys. At 40 I’m in college and pushing pencils😂

[@jamie49868]

Come on man, we all know that it is the 40yr's who dominate athletic competition...oh wait. We all know that those 40yr's can drink and party all night and work all day the next...oh wait. Okay, we all know it's 20yr's who need knee/elbow/ankle wraps, have aching backs, take naps in the middle of the day, and can't get out of the chair without making noises...oh wait. I was really fit for a 40yr but couldn't carry my 20yr jock. It is what it is.

[@shaunpcoleman]

@@jamie49868 It truly sucks getting old.

[@jamie49868]

@@shaunpcoleman Well it does beat the alternative.

[@andrewcarter7503]

I'm sure every military person and sports player would like to thank that wonderful chap who came up with that simple, most loved exercise. The wonderfully named Dr Royal Huddleston Burpee.

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha I hadn't realised that it was named after a person - will look it up. Thanks for the info.

[@andrewcarter7503]

@@redcoathistory if I remember right it was developed as a quick standardised initial fitness assesment in the 1930s for the US army. You were only supposed to do 4! Then timed as to how long it took your heart rate to return to normal. No jumping, no clapping, And only 4. If only he knew the monster he created!

[@ThePsiclone]

I think you're being optimist on the probability of thanks giving. Unless the thanks are being given warmly and firmly around the neck? In which case I believe there's a queue over there -------->

[@topsysdad1]

Love burpees

[@allanh7137]

Love them. They feel easy now. Navy seals are my go to exercise.

[@ak9989]

As an American I can't get enough of Redcoat military history 😊!

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent news!

[@BreezyE-d3n]

Is that cus we burnt down the white house in 1812? lol jk. Respect on both sides

[@thomasmurphy6595]

​@@BreezyE-d3nIt was 1814, and you lost a month later at Baltimore, so we got over it soon enough 😉

[@BreezyE-d3n]

@@thomasmurphy6595You're right! Fair enough. Good thing we're both on the same side now lol. Stay cool my colonial brother.

[@sillymesilly]

Our ancestor were mostly farmers, therefore already physically ready for battle.

[@nathangriffiths6218]

Depending on how far you go back, by the 18th and 19th century a lot of their recruits would have been from urban slums (and hence the decline in fitness seen)

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

this is true, and were much fitter in their daily lives,

[@NMahon]

Nutrition was very mixed though a lot of people weren't well nourished

[@gromm93]

@@NMahon ... except the farmers. Who made food.

[@NMahon]

@@gromm93 that really depends, a lot of farmers (unless you were a farm owner) were very poor and most people were labourers and they wouldn't have had access to the wide variety of foods available now. Just look at the heights of people in the 19th century compared to now. People are much taller now and that comes down to nutrition, we don't have to deal with winter scarcity which nearly everyone but the rich had to deal with

[@brightmodelengineering8399]

My father was a WW2 commando and later opened a supermarket. During the winter of 1962 we lived 3 miles from the town where his shop was and 1.5 miles from a main road. A customer had ordered a large turkey but it was in our freezer, so dad set off through snow up to 4 feet deep the mile and half carrying this 30lb plus turkey and managed to get a lift at the main road. So even at the age of 44 he was capable of doing that.

[@redcoathistory]

Great story - thanks a lot for sharing.

[@Briselance]

Eh, 44 isn't that old.

[@Michael-fj5sh]

I’m 44 and I’m the fittest I’ve ever been!

[@Putseller100]

@@Michael-fj5sh It is important to let people know that. Too many people let themselves go and they all like to blame it on age.

[@philiprufus4427]

@@Michael-fj5sh Yeah,sixty years on, sixty was considered old age then !

[@cymro6537]

Consider this : Immediately after his victory at the battle of Stamford bridge against the Vikings,Harold Godwinson was informed that the Normans had landed at Pevensey - 185 miles south. Harold then rushed his infantry to Hastings (and to his doom)in just four days. That's 46.25 miles a day Incredible.

[@CountvonCount33]

Something to take on board next time one has 'a bad day at the office'!

[@ubcroel4022]

I think a modern soldier or marine would die trying to do that, they were just built different backin the day.

[@jameson1239]

@@ubcroel4022modern soldiers carry a lot more weight then back then average gear weight now is like 80-120lbs back then they had non soldiers and pack animals carry all the gear

[@aaronb2779]

@@ubcroel4022complete nonsense. A modern soldier is more than capable of doing that.

[@StevenWJRichards]

They were probably to knackered to fight!

[@Halberd1216]

I went through Royal Engineer training back in 1990 as a 17 year old, and amongst the many highly physical stuff we did as Sappers such as field fortifications, trench systems, construction and FIBUA was bridge building, either improvised bridging, using wood and steel or building Heavy Girder Overbridge ( HGOB ) or Medium Girder Bridge ( MGB ) I recall the instructors pointing to various bits of bridge to learn and the components being described as a " 4 man lift " Top panel 180kg or a " 8 man lift " Bankseat Beam 280kg and so on ( this was the lightweight alloy bridge )...The Sappers who did the builds for the instruction book must have been human gorillas. Lifting 180kg between 4 of you to above shoulder height at night time with no lights and driving rain, covered in mud, bouncing the panel about so the locking pins go in, then doing another 20 panels, before booming the bridge, decking it and setting out trackway and route defiling is a feat to be experienced. Doing a " Bridge Gallop " on exercise in Germany where you build a whole succession of bridges in a short span of time, to enable a battlegroup of armour to cross a route is character building. HGOB was even heavier. Look up bridging by hand by the Royal Engineers with the HGOB and MGB, but not modern clips as we now have safe manual handling.....ie 4 man lift is now a 6 man lift.

[@jameseadie7145]

I was 171/2 in Cove doing my RE training building the Bailey Bridge, that's heavy stuff especially in the summer of 1976

[@Halberd1216]

@@jameseadie7145 Cove was just an empty bit of field on the other side of the M4 from Gib Barracks back in 1990. We still did a bit of bridging there, but it was all being wound down.Troop ran there from the barracks and crawled through the M4 irrigation tunnels to get there.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

You mention how many men it took to lift items. There is a book by a chap who ended up on the Thai Burma Railway Line as a POW, and there the Japanese told the men they were worth 1/16 of an Elephant, ie. It took 16 men to lift what one elephant could, so the elephants were treated better than the men. Anyway, this method of measuring weights by the number of men it took to lift them appears to work across cultures, as the Japanese were using it too. Obviously without the safety regs. (Book is called 'One Sixteenth of an Elephant'. Worth a read as it's also an interesting average mans' insight into that time period).

[@owensae45]

I joined the Engineers in 1975 at the age of 17. Classed as an Adult Soldier, I had nothing but sympathy for the Junior Soldiers, who used to get seriously beasted (And my training was not easy). They had to be hard, to lift the bridge loads you describe, aged 15/16 and not get injured so beasting was essential!

[@MiketheMadness]

I’m a sapper at the moment and I can tell you our PT regime has moved into powerlifting and weight lifting to compensate for the huge number of injuries bridging at speed can result in.

[@richardschafer7858]

Great channel, just discovered it! I was a paratrooper (recon) stationed in Vicenza late 80s early 90s. We were very fit, and even had a 6 mile run once a week wearing an 80lb minimum rucksack. Long term, my knees are messed up, and I've had a hip replacement from a parachute accident during an airfield seizure . We were extremely fit without regards for long term consequences.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Richard. Thanks for the comment. Yep, it seems dodgy knees do seem to be the downside of years in the military. I hope you are generally well though.

[@welshwarrior5263]

As a young frontline soldier of the 80's and 90's, I was as fit as any athlete. I could have gone out with the lads, drank ten pints of beer, and ran 20 miles the next day. Now, at the ripe old age of 52, it's a struggle to walk up the stairs. Lol.

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha yes age certainly catches up with us. I look back and wander how the hell did I drink all night and still manage to work the next day - now I have three pints and can barely walk the next day,

[@welshwarrior5263]

@@redcoathistory I could get a hangover just by smelling it now. Lol.

[@DGE123]

@@welshwarrior5263 chwarae teg bro-try a low carb diet its a game changer and I am older than you! also include Curcumin!

[@naughtyUphillboy]

52 is no ripe age.

[@jamiemackay1037]

💯 % with you on this....

[@daviddilley8310]

It was said of Tiberius' legions that their drills were bloodless battles, and their battles, bloody drills. The 'practice swords" were twice as heavy as the real one.

[@cowboy4378]

train hard, fight easy

[@zetectic7968]

Back before the 20th century most people either worked locally or could only walk about an hour or so to work (so 4 or 5 miles each way). There is a family story from my mother side that her maternal grandfather in his 80's walked from High Wycombe to Gerrards Cross & back in a day (8 miles each way). You had to be hardy to survive before modern medicine.

[@muskett4108]

Different fitness to today. Work was about a steady pace for long periods. People didn't rush about as that would be a fast way to get injured, but wow could they keep the sedate and safe pace going for hours on end. I remember cutting wood with an old woodsman. I was young and military fit and he was in his 50s. I was puffed after two hours, he just kept going and by days end his pile was three times larger than mine. He never broke a sweat and his work rate was methodical and dine for far longer without a break. People were more used to manual labour and better able to control heat or cold. There is a picture of the 95th in snow without boots, as their military boots had fallen apart on the march. Well many came from the Glasgow slums and grew up without shoes or boots, so it wasn't such a big deal. However, far more men just keeled over dead from disease or exhaustion?

[@Caratacus1]

The most astonishing British army marching and then fighting battle I know of was Quatre Bras. Napoleon had caught Wellington with his pants down and the British were scattered all over Belgium. They marched from all corners of the country in blazing summer heat and fought a pitched battle as soon as they arrived on the field. Hardly any of the cavalry got there in time but the endurance of the infantry was incredible.

[@2adamast]

Is it, I thought the British were undecided, waiting for orders and blocking the roads. Crouchy failed to push through the units that rushed there and will over compensate the whole day at Waterloo

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

I joined the Australian Regular Army as an Apprentice at 16 in 1978. We had our PFTs, Physical Fitness Tests and a BFT, Battle Fitness Test. At that age I could do all of the things required by the AGS tests and I suspect, so could you... at 18. I'm now 62 with bursitis, arthritis, diabetes, a huge hernia and heart disease (I had the heart disease all along!) and am fully capable of doing all the requirements to serve as a soldier in the Victorian British Army, adjusted for age and role ie; sod all of them, hahaha Enjoyed the video as always. I like these everyday life videos. Can you some on how they enjoyed their off duty time, what leave they got, pay rates and what it bought? My greatgrandfather served then, my grandfather 1910-1919 and my father 1949-76, me 1978-85. Lots of changes but lots of things were the same like the mateship, the BS etc.

[@redcoathistory]

Loved this line - "am fully capable of doing all the requirements to serve as a soldier in the Victorian British Army, adjusted for age and role ie; sod all of them." Ha ha. Thanks for sharing and for your thoughts on future videos.

[@julianmhall]

Hi Christian... in previous generations work was in general more physical in nature, so soldiers had a natural fitness, and even getting to work meant walking not just sitting on your bum in a warm car. Take the fictional Richard Sharpe and his men. Hagman, a poacher whose whole time was spent walking so his endurance would be good, even Harris a discredited teacher, would have walked to schools he taught in. Then of course there were actual manual jobs - farm labourers, road labourers, coal miners, etc. Nowadays fitness is manufactured in the gym, not natural, consequently the gap between the fitness required and the starting point is much bigger, and I think that's a major factor.

[@minuteman4199]

For the men who where farmers, miners, lumberjacks, fishermen, stevedores, and porters going to war was probably a break from their civilian lives, not so much for urban folk who worked in factories or trade. After I got out of the army I ended up working in construction, and even being fit it exhausted me until I got used to it. As an apprentice it was my job to unload trucks and move material to where it was needed and it was very hard work. Now at 60 I'm a qualified electrician and doing maintenance work instead of construction and I have my own apprentice to do the heavy lifting

[@johnvelas70]

I'm a USN Vet. I do high volume calisthenics. My Grandfather worked for the Bethlehem Steel for 40 years. In that time, he took of 4 days. Once the day after his hernia operation, once when he broke his rib walking to work (he never owned a car), once when my uncle gave his 1st Mass, and the day of my Grandmother's funeral. People back then were a cross between mules and bulls. Modern man would die to death before days end.

[@fazole]

That's why FDR admin set the retirement age of 65 for social security, most did not make it much past that age back then.

[@johnvelas70]

@@fazole He died young at eightyfour (84)

[@thelostcosmonaut5555]

Seems a bit silly to spend your entire life working like that, though. I'd much rather have more time to explore the world and be with loved ones.

[@johnvelas70]

@@thelostcosmonaut5555 He had 11 mouths to feed. But coming from someone like you, this answers itself.

[@thelostcosmonaut5555]

@johnvelas70 You don't even know me haha. Plus, I don't plan on having 11 kids.

[@hound3000]

I think at first, the army soldiers were physically fit to the highest level. However, if there was a prolonged campaign, I got the feeling that there might be some corners being cut to hasten up the reinforcements. Sean Bean hosted a Waterloo documentary talking about the battle, the area itself and other things. One of the things that was mentioned was about the remains of a soldier, most likely for the French army. As the archaeologist checked the remains, they found out that the soldier was physically unfit (spine problem if I remember correctly) to be a soldier, but he was still pressed into conscription. It kinda meant that one side or both lost too many men along the way to the point they don't care about the fitness and cared more about filling the ranks.

[@wmccormack4647]

I was 75th Ranger RGT late 80’s-early 90’s. Minimum PT requirements: Minimum 60 pushups/2 min Minimum 60 sit-ups/2 min Minimum 6 pull-ups 2 mile sprint NLT 13 min. 5 mile run in 8min/mile Marches @ 15min/mile -with 60lb ruck DRY Must shoot US Army rated EXPERT PT conducted MON-FRI every week

[@johnsharp6618]

With regards to the jump test, the army back in the 80s used to make the potential recruits do a jump test at sutton coldfield as part of the fitness tests prior to being accepted. They had a board that was dusty with chalk suspended on a beam, you stood directly under it and reached up with both arms and they would lower it so it just touched your fingers , you then had to lick your fingers on one hand and do a jump up and hit above a line painted on the board to pass. I cant remember the hight.

[@66lesjo]

Yep, I remember doing this in 86, in Sutton Coldfield. But the board was behind you so you had your jump and turn. I guess also a test for coordination.

[@redcoathistory]

Thinking about it that is probaby similar to how they would have done it in Victorian times. makes sense. I should have tried to set that up.

[@Rabies4818]

Yeah I also remember doing that test at Sutton Coldfield, also in 1986.

[@reachandler3655]

St George's Barracks? I used to work there!

[@simplefieldcraft]

I did that in 1985 at SC. Still test myself with the same style and I’m in my 50’s. Not as high as I was in my teens

[@thomasholden3323]

As someone who is just starting High Medieval re-enactment it's mental to think we used to fight in all that gear and equipment 😅😅 it's bloody hard work

[@redcoathistory]

i once filmed guys competing HEMA in full medieval body armour - looked absolutely exhausting! Where do you train?

[@thomasholden3323]

@@redcoathistory I'm part of the warminster medieval society, the chain maille and gambeson is the hardest part so far

[@thomasholden3323]

@@redcoathistory so far the training is mostly cardio

[@MrTangolizard]

Try patrolling in full body armour with 40kg in 30 degree weather on 2 hours sleep up and down hills for hour after hour

[@thomasholden3323]

@@MrTangolizard um OK 👌

[@StuartMcKenzie-me9wc]

RAMC veteran. Used to love the 4mi CFT and then 8mi CFT. (Is it longer now?) I was a cross country runner, so 10k runs wouldn’t even bring out a sweat. Now, I’m 42 full on dad bod but trying to get back in shape. I have to remember that I’m not 23 anymore. My knees sound like cyalume light sticks being activated.

[@Braun30]

In 1914 a Swiss infantry battalion marched from Bellinzona to Liestal to secure the border with Germany. I met one of the fusiliers who lived this, they entered service and were kitted to be told that the next day the would have walk to Liestal. The distance is just about 230 km and they did it in 5 days walking through the Gotthard rail tunnel in pitch darkness with one every 10 men carrying a lantern.

[@Cryeceratops]

A point about the Roman Legions fitness, they had a requirement that you be avlento march 20 miles in under 5 hours, in full armour, build a fortified camp at the end of it, and trained forn2 hours a day with weapons and shields twice as heavy as the real ones

[@robertcottam8824]

I’m not disputing what you say but I’d be interested in your source. Best wishes

[@jerryappleton6855]

This is a common myth dating back to the 19th century. I'm in the military. What you're suggesting is that with 80lbs (35kg), the Roman Legionairre would march 4 miles an hour, in hard sandals, on those bumpy roads, without issue. Nonsense. The modern infantryman is required to march 4km per hour (2.5 miles) with the same weight for no more than 2-3 hours whilst moving from one sleeping location to the other (patrolling is different: far less weight). In reality, if we take the we'll documented and proven speed of late Medieval/ Early modern armies that required infantryman to carry a similar weight, 8 miles a day was the maximum. In time-sensitive moments, 12 miles. Only in an emergency would 20 miles even be contemplated (and done for 1 or 2 days maximum before the soldiers were exhausted).

[@Matt_Alaric]

@@jerryappleton6855 Just saying it's hard doesn't mean it isn't true. We know for a fact that soldiers in many armies in history have marched 20+ miles per day repeatedly. In the American civil war Stonewall Jackson's infantry routinely marched 30 miles a day, and their fastest recorded march was 54 miles in 36 hours. In modern military all Royal Marines have to be able to march 30 miles in 8 hours whilst carrying 40 lbs of equipment or they don't pass basic selection. So no marching 20 miles a day is far from unrealistic. Edit: Also just from the video above he gives the example of the British army marching to Talavera covering 42 miles in a single day while carrying 45 lbs. So the extreme that can be attained in emergencies is a hell of a lot more than just 20 miles.

[@sanjivjhangiani3243]

​@Matt_Alaric, I'm not sure if you are wrong, but remember, Jackson's troops were called "Jackson's Foot Cavalry." So, they were unusually rapid in their marching by the standards of the day.

[@RayvenQ]

A roman mile was slightly shorter than a modern mile, about 0.9 miles to the 1 modern mile, so 20 miles would have been about 18 modern miles, so about 3.6mph marching speed, in a time where people pretty much walked everywhere all their lives, long before they even joined the legion. Seems fairly achievable.

[@reinhardtsiebert1834]

I believe what you said about our forefathers being tough as nails, sums it up perfectly. Not only did the British army perform some impressive feats marching, but if you look at the distances covered by both Union and Confederate troops during the American Civil War it continues to astonish me how those lads had the energy and grit to keep going on those often long campaigns and in all manner of weather.

[@minuteman4199]

And they did it it some pretty wonky boots too.

[@fazole]

​@@minuteman4199 Often in shoes without socks, but the southern boys grew up barefoot anyways...

[@dustyak79]

Look Up General Joe Shelby ride From Missouri/Arkansas to Mexico City that old John Wayne movie undefeated where the battle flag is sunk into the rio grand is very loosely based off that. Turns out they were still an organized force that maintained order in Texas as they marched through saving the Texas gold deposit from looting and I’ve only found one reference but supposedly broke up a siege of a French fort inside Mexico .

[@trickydicky2908]

Remember in the movie, Zulu, where the soldier opined about the absurdity of running, in order to fight a battle? A great line. Lol

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha yep that is a classic line.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

Worth bearing in mind that he is a squaddie carrying up to 70lbs, comparing himself to a Zulu carrying only his weapons, with boys to bring along a little food, for a very short campaign.

[@CountvonCount33]

Pvt William Jones......"Well, there's daft, it is then. I don't see no sense in running to fight a battle."

[@craigbaxter4595]

Very good movie

[@Toxoplasma13]

​@realhorrorshow8547 the Shakan system pushed "pack light, move fast, show up first" to the limit of what a man can do in foot.

[@weenedonpetrol]

An interesting question Chris. My father was brought up in a Presbyterian orphanage in the 1920s and 30s and served through the whole of WW2. I think he was amazingly strong and fit. I remember one incident in the 1970s. I’m disabled a couldn’t walk very far. We were having a kick about in the park and were on our way back to his car. I dropped the ball over a 4 foot metal railing surrounding the park. He couldn’t send me back for it as you would with a non-disabled kid. After telling me off for being careless (naturally), Dad just put one hand on the top of the railing a jumped straight over it. I was about 12/13 at the time which would have made him around 50. I wonder how many 50 year old men could do that these days?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for sharing the story. He sounds like a tough man! I am 45 and I couldn't do that. Take care and keep in touch.

[@Busybee-tt1qu]

You have to remember there was no teenage in the Victorian era for most of the Victorian era the school leaving age was 10yrs . Then if you were poor like most people you worked and most of that was hard physically work. So by the time they could enlist 17-18yrs life had already made them pretty tough.

[@notmenotme614]

For many working class in the 1800s and early 1900s (such as WW1) they actually had ate a better diet in the Army than they could back at home.

[@MegaWillieo]

I barely survived Boot Camp. I could run but fell off slide for life and could barely do pull ups! But made it Nam

[@yeildo1492]

Glad you made it back. 💪

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for sharing, Sir and thanks for your service.

[@alastair9894]

Of course you did, they needed cannon fodder.

[@brenwoodard9956]

I'd love to see more of these. I seem to remember seeing something about one of the early post Napoleonic Royal Navy sword manuals including what was essentially the first stretching or warm up exercises. I'm currently in, I work at a desk and train hard when I can get away from that.

[@redcoathistory]

That's interesting, thanks for sharing. If you find a link or name of the book please share. Thanks

[@roverboat2503]

Yes I've seen that as well. Can't remember the name of the book but I remember it had diagrams of standard cutlass fencing positions and as you say, limbering up exercises. I have also seen photos of Victorian era sailors in squads carrying out what was essentially PT with cutlasses.

[@keithagn]

A great video! Really enjoyed it; I've been a slug all my life so I very much doubt I would even do well in 18th century army 😅 Thanks for the video!

[@bigbattleslittleworlds]

Great video and very enlightening. I left the army a few years ago and they had also just started the soldier conditioning review. (seated med ball throw, deadlift, 2km run, broad jump, sprints and pull-ups. The Victorian pull-up standard is higher than the modern army standard.

[@richardnorris1897]

British Military (Infantry) final training test requirements to pass out throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s: A Mile and half run: 09:30 or less 8 mile combat fitness test (CFT) in full kit: 1 hour 30 minutes. 10 pull ups 5 rope climbs 60 press ups (in 2 minutes) 40 sit ups (in 2 minutes) This would have also included various log runs, stretcher races and steeple chaises around Catterick Garrison

[@YesYes-xb6he]

Brown Bess was 5kg/10.5lbs while being 1.5m/almost 4' long (both without bayonet fitted). Simply doing a couple of hours of drill with it would give you a pretty decent workout.

[@sherwoodforester4666]

I was infantry back in the early 90s. The 3 main things were the basic fitness test. A 1. 5 mile warm up run @15mins and immediately after a second 1.5 mile run best effort but you had to do it in under 10.30. My best was 9.20 The second thing was the CFT 8miles in kit with weapon in under 2hrs if I remember right. The 3rd thing was circuit training in the gym, pull ups press ups dips squats and all that fun stuff. Loved it.

[@redcoathistory]

Tough tests. Do you think current fitness standards are harder or easier?

[@sherwoodforester4666]

@@redcoathistory Aye they were hard especially as a kid fresh out of school, I forgot to mention at the end of the CFT you had to jump a 6foot trench and do a casualty carry for 100mtr. As for today I'm not sure on the times for the runs or gym standards but the tests I saw on your video looked easy enough to me.Id say they're just as fit now as back then what with how busy the army has been for the last 20 years. The kit they have now is a million times better especially the new boots are fantastic. I was shocked at the requirements of the Victorian era I had no idea it was such a high standard for the time. I learned a lot today so thankyou for another excellent video.

[@jonathanhicks140]

I’ll second the vote of thanks for that!👍

[@Bombardier9011]

Great clip…and,I was that bastard PTI that ran you ragged, but gave the less fit and the fittest the same degree of workout. I always knew who was not pulling their weight! BFT failures were usually the heavier WRAC and the QM’s dept wimps who had gotten soft. Remedial PT for them! Great days!

[@ianwatson129]

i've been there with BFT and CFT. I used to love the March 7 Shoot, a CFT followed by range work.

[@christopherruff4001]

Got to keep fit and hydrated for sure! Hardest bit of pretend soldiering I’ve done is to represent a Royal Artillery Soldier at the Brandywine Battle Reenactment. We had to run a 3 pounder field gun up hills, over tree roots and undulating ground in full kit with slung muskets in hot weather! Felt like we did something at the end of the day! Crew of 6-8 artillery men. Absolutely must be fit otherwise your dead…

[@stuartjarman4930]

Been there, done that, with the 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line. 3 pdr Verbruggen brass light infantry gun, tube and carriage weighed just over 500 pounds. Our commander was an ex USMC Master Gunnery Sgt.!

[@ed7650]

Watsons pier, an Australian book, describes an exchange between a British and Australian officer in ww1 where the British explains the lead in training saw British men increase in height and weight one joining because they didn’t have the same physical environment as men from the bush

[@Matt_Alaric]

How does training increase height??

[@anthonyhulse1248]

@@Matt_Alaricthey were stretching? 🤣🤣🤣

[@sharkwolf7788]

​@@Matt_Alaric I believe it wasn't so much the training, but for a lot of recruits at that time, the army was the first time in their lives they were getting three square meals a day, every day. Poverty in Britain back then was extreme in some places.

[@ed7650]

@@Matt_Alaric Less training more diet. Going from a pittance of food to regular meals, regular sleep etc as a late teen.

[@gracecollins8415]

They were young and still growing combined with good food and exercise.

[@sd3457]

I only heard about the march to Talavera when I fell in love with history, long after leaving history lessons at school behind. I'm a child of the 70's and 80's though, so the legendary advance of the Marines and Paras across the Falklands meant that every hike we made as Scouts, became a "Yomp".

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for the comment. Thinking about it I should have mentioned some recent feats of endurnce such as Falkands.

[@RupertBear412]

YOMP = Your Own Marching Pace whereas TAB = Tactical advance To Battle - the Marines YOMP and the Army TAB. typically the Army Tac for 8 miles at a very fast pace where the Marines may go further slightly slower

[@Rzagski]

I could do 10 pull-ups well into my late 40s. Not anymoee

[@richardsimpson3792]

interesting that the Marines and Paras could 'yomp' across the horrible terrain of the Falklands, but the Guard's Regiment fresh from squarebashing outside Buck House couldn't and had to get back on the ship and go round to Bluff Cove.

[@MasterShaneHylton]

I have researched this subject for the last 10 plus years. I can say confidently that you are barely scratching the surface.

[@redcoathistory]

You are correct. . .It's a 10 minute YT video mate - not a 50,000 word thesis. Please share your research so we can all learn as I would love to know more.

[@tomtaylor6163]

I was US Navy in the 1980s. In Basic training as I remember we did push ups,sit ups, and these things called 8 count body builders which were a combined jumping Jack and push up ,and the mile run which I think was around 8 minutes but as a group. As a group you did push ups and sit ups maybe 75 each. I know the Navy has different requirements from the Army even in those times. 10 pull ups even today is tough for many

[@Blueowl1867]

When I joined up the basic requirements to pass selection in 1987 1 1/2 mile run under 10:30 10 over hand pull ups 3 foot standing jump (bars in the gym with a chark board with two lines on 3 foot apart) 0:15 . Stand straight with arms extended above your head, first line adjusted to finger tips, wet fingers and from a standing jump touch the board above the 3 foot line. Once in. AFT Same as above with dips Rope climb BFT twice year mile and a half out as a squad and individual run back in boots CFT 8 mile loaded run as a squad not sure of time and weight.

[@ak9989]

I see your ZOULOU movie poster😮. I have a HUGE,I mean huge Zulu movie poster that show zulus and British soldiers fighting on it. It's around 7 feet long. It's original to the movies release😊

[@redcoathistory]

Wow that sounds amazing...My wife would kill me if i brought that home! :-)

[@JamesGibson-iz9el]

Look into the winter march of the "104th New Brunswick Regiment of Foot" from Fredericton NB to Kingston Ontario during the War of 1812.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, do you have a source you reccomend?

[@anselmdanker9519]

​@@redcoathistory Merry hearts make light days: the war of 1812 memoirs of Lieutenant John le Couteur, 104th foot. Edited by Donald E Graves.

[@michaelcullen6375]

I was in the USN in the 1970-1980. Spent some time at Corinado Naval Station in California. There was some sort of NATO exercise going on and I met a group of Royal Danish Marines. In order to stay in the unit they do a physical qual. It's called the Viking Raid. 30 min rowing machine followed by a series of free weights 5 mile run and then more rowing. Those guys were as tough as they come.

[@fazole]

That's close to my crew team training in college! We had exercise days and rowing days. 15 mins in the rowing machine, 15 mins push ups. sit ups, dips, pull ups. Then run hills...carrying a team member on your back or carrying logs. 4-6pm, 5 days/wk.

[@kleinweichkleinweich]

what about the ultimate endurance test for NCOs? looking out of a window on the parade ground without thinking for 2 min straight

[@stuartjarman4930]

Brutal!

[@FranciscoPreira]

I still have nightmares with that darn calestenics with pine logs, the ropes, the water pits and the running like a bloody idiot to nowhere, I hate running still do, the hellish marches with 40 poud bagpacks, the ammo boxes filled with sand to simulate the weight. Great video mate, thanks for reminding me of that :), I will get a pint in your honor later on, best regards mate.

[@redcoathistory]

Enjoy the pint! I hope I haven't triggered too many bad memories. Do you still keep fit?

[@FranciscoPreira]

@@redcoathistorymore or less, I have diabetes, so every morning 40 minutes walking and that is it.

[@cattysplat]

Must make you wonder at all the lycra clad joggers and cyclists, preparing for office warfare.

[@Wildwest89]

I’ve read in various veterans accounts from late WW2 in the US that you were required anywhere from 9 to 21 pushups to pass the PE test. Makes me thing some standards were fudged to get the bodies needed.

[@redcoathistory]

Any good sources you'd reccomend?

[@fazole]

In late 44 the training was cut substantially. They also were drafting older men, up to 35 yo for infantry. George Wilson, in his memoir "If You Survive", relates as a 1Lt company commander in the Ardennes, the new replacements barely knew how to operate and maintain their rifles and some were actually crying in their foxholes BEFORE seeing combat. It may seem strange, but they sent those crybabies to the rear to avoid lowering morale. So the crybabies survived and the brave often did not.

[@pincermovement72]

More to the point are the fighting retreats like Corunna and the first Afghan war although only one survived , it’s one thing marching to a destination then fighting a battle with staged feeding posts but a fighting retreat under constant attack and impending death like in Afghanistan , living off the land to me is the most impressive.

[@owensae45]

My uncle joined the KOSB's at the start of WW2. Guys who could not hack it on the marches were made the Battalion cooks, storemen etc. Hence his joy when the Army Catering Corps was formed in 1943, and the food was cooked by people who were not failures, there were big improvements.

[@Ludwig_Cox]

10 pull ups is actually quite difficult for the average man, i don't believe the were really strict on the requerments at the time because nowadays the average men you hardly do 1 pull up haha

[@redcoathistory]

I'd certainly be interested to know if they used the same form we do today.

[@Putseller100]

Yes, but give it 1 week of effort. Perhaps it will not be 10 but it will be a lot more than one! People like to underestimate themselves. Or just as bad, think they have to remain at the level they currently are at.

[@patrickpaganini]

Awesome video - thanks for this. I'm surprised it was so tough back then.

[@alanredmond88]

Hello, Im, I guess, a modern New Zealand farmer. Unnecessarily specific, and silly though it may be, I do have a personal observation, in that my grandfather (1950s/1960s) used to do things a fundamentally different and more physical way than we do. While i can only guess that no specific person was stronger back then, it might be that on average they may have been more fit, and/or fit for service. For example, I believe German in WW1, which was becoming more urbanised, struggled to send its mobilised men to the front at the beginning of conflict, despite the fact that they were the instigators, and had vastly higher paper reserves than the allies. They struggled to march the distances required. So I guess, rather than national pride, it might be a combination of urbanisation, and training that produces the best base template soldiers? And then motivation, pay, food, etc..?

[@gearbox3773]

Mario reform of Roman army: training with twice weigth for gladio and schield. Then 40 km marching a day with around 30kg equipment and building a temporary fort for the nignt.

[@daverankin2246]

National servicemen in the SA Defence Force had the 2.4. 2.4 Km (1.5 miles) in max 12 minutes. Done "staaldak, webbing, geweer" (helmet, patrol webbing and rifle) long pants and boots. Done monthly. As our training was very physical, this wasn't a major problem. Our war in SWA/Angola finished in 1989, so now we'd need to retrain to allow for arthritis and bifocals 😂

[@redcoathistory]

Very tough standards. Thanks for sharing. Those SADF lads were certainly tough. I'd be interested in current SANDF standards are similar. Do you know?

[@daverankin2246]

@@redcoathistory I'm not certain. Many standards have fallen, but there are also many pockets of excellence and some excellent soldiers who are a credit to their uniform. I'll have to say undecided 😀. At least until I have more information. As an SADF "ou man" (veteran) I'm probably not an impartial commentator.

[@johndasilva2686]

Haha an interesting post. I always say , it’s always hard to judge the past by today’s current rules and standards. I’ll always remember seeing a TV movie about the Manchester United busby babes 1958;Munich disaster . One scene had the manager talking to his players in the dressing room whilst a player was smoking a big pipe .

[@Mis-AdventureCH]

Any information on what they were fed during the training period during the gymnasium period? Regards Crawford's forced march, I'd like to see the roster at the start of it and present for duty at the end.

[@redcoathistory]

Nothing specific - though I know they had tonnes of potatoes!

[@Mis-AdventureCH]

@@redcoathistory Would be interesting to see quartermaster reports, especially tallies for beef and mutton. No way those kids put on build without protein.

[@jonathanhicks140]

I believe that it was a pound of bread biscuit & a pound of fresh or salt beef or pork per man. So not aimed at today’s gluten intolerant vegan keyboard warriors…..😂😂

[@Mis-AdventureCH]

@@jonathanhicks140 After the Crimea, they tried to reduce the salted rations, especially in garrison. Cardwell Reforms 1868-74. They also established canteens in garrison which offered expanded opportunity to eat better. I've been trying to dig up actual quartermaster returns, but that's going to be a slog. It def wasn't veeeegan. 😄

[@petehoskins1267]

Unfortunately John some of us who have Coeliac Disease have to be gluten free. It’s not a choice believe me. Cheers.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Major Cooke-Russell a former Scots Guardsman and DCM winner at Omdurman was a main player in PT in the Australian Army before the Great War. He later did the same with the education department.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate.

[@ak9989]

I'm a US Army combat vet and yeah I would make it in the 1800s military easily. I pole vaulted, cross country runner, football, baseball and track in high school 4 years😅

[@richardhoare9963]

There is a video somewhere of an experiment carried out, I think, by the Royal Armouries in conjunction with the Royal Artillery. Modern gunners were tasked with handling a French Waterloo era 12 pounder to test the energy required. A medical team was involved measuring heart rate, breathing etc. If memory serves correctly it started well but when they added water to get the ground to the same state as at Waterloo it all got a bit nasty. In fairness it wasn't just the physical effort involved but also a lack of familiarity with the equipment. If I can find the video I will stick it in the comments. If you have any contacts in the Artillery they may know about it or even have a copy.

[@redcoathistory]

Wow - if you can find the video please share as that sounds great.

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY 🙏🙏. Previous generations would walk everywhere, and have a more manual labour lifestyle, so fitter generally. Worn out earlier though to. As disease could take you in a couple of days, then it was more important that at the required time, you could still fire a musket/rifle, than be fit.

[@translunar1]

Our end of training tests for the Guards Combat Infantryman course, when I passed out of the Guards Depot in 1986 we had the BFT, CFT(8 mile march in 2 hours) and March and Shoot, which I forget the standard, but it consisted of a march, followed by assault course and then shooting, but I do remember Sir John Moore was such a trend setter in military circles and he had his ideas written down in Colonel Fullers book in the 1920's, called Sir John Moore's system of training.

[@beefsuprem0241]

That 7 min mile is pretty much the same as the run time when I was in, the 2000s. For a male under 30 it was 10:30 for 1.5 miles 09:30 (minimum) for 1.5 miles for airborne. Impressive at the time in whatever god awful footwear they probably had.

[@willems7454]

Hi tec silver shadows! The shin splint makers. However they were better than the unnamed green things I got in 96.

[@camrenwick]

When I was a soldier (1975-1985) we had to do a BFT (Battle Fitness Test), which was a 15 minute run/march and then the same distance again in under 11 minutes (if I remember rightly. Easy for good runners, but difficult for others. But the conditions centuries ago must have been extremely hard.

[@eddyd8745]

Your memory needs a little refresh. BFT Basic Fitness Test, CFT Combat Fitness Test.

[@robertthomas3777]

Great topic. So interesting. 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks a lot. Any other stories from military history you'd like me to cover?

[@robertthomas3777]

@@redcoathistory no mate. Love the info, topics, detail and surprises. 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@timgosling6189]

Nice. I flew with the RAF and served till 55. Initially the annual fitness test was a level mile and a half run in gym kit, in I think 12 mins 30. Then we got the standardised RAF Fitness Test that included sit-ups and press-ups and the run was replaced by the beep test. By the time I left I could still get into the highest band with 45 sit-ups in a minute, 45 press-ups likewise and 9.03 on the beeps. I don't know if it says more about me or the test but I can now still do the same at age 66. My son is a Royal Marine; he just laughs.

[@packhorsetriumph5319]

very interesting video buckaroo

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Any other stories you'd like to see me tackle?

[@terrydeath3514]

I’m ex British army , in my time in the army , there was BFT which was a squaded 1 .5 mile run followed by a 1.5 mile best effort , must be completed in under 10.30 minutes . The next text was a CFT , 8 miles in 2 hours carrying webbing helmet and rife total weight 44lb . ICFT 1.5 mile run in 18 minutes carrying the same as kit as the CFT

[@zulubeatz1]

In History at college, we were taught that the introduction of free Milk and school meals for the poor children in Britain was because recruits for the Crimean war were unable to be trained as soldiers because of malnutrition. My recruits course was a hell of a lot harder than those modern ones featured. I ended up bloody, in tears and soaked through! Passed though. Passed out literally lol.

[@DeMontaigne86]

Was that not the Boer War or the Great War? State schooling in England wasn't in place during the Crimean War.

[@zulubeatz1]

@@DeMontaigne86 The Boer war, actually yes I was mistaken. It was a long time ago I was at college !

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@zulubeatz1 It could be argued that the British military was actually responsible for the start of our Welfare State. Even in WWII there was huge attention given to children's diet and exercise. The aftermath of this was still apparent in the 1960s... our primary school had regular visits from a school dentist in a Land Rover towing a caravan equipped as a dental surgery and we had a tooth lady come once. year to make sure we knew about tooth decay and how to brush properly. They don't do that any more...but they do have 'mindfulness' lessons and learn that girls can be boys if they want to. All about priorities.

[@awineandfoodnerd]

This was a great video. A perfect mix of history, great research and information, and humor. Would very much like to see more on this topic…because, like you, I can’t seem to find much about it. And I agree…I think these pre-Victorian soldiers were just built different.

[@sensationalfailure]

In former times they did NOT rather drink wine and spirits (or beer) than water. Where on earth does this stupid prejudice come from? Stop spreading it.

[@redcoathistory]

You can’t have read many contemporary accounts of the peninsular war then…

[@sensationalfailure]

Have you heard of exaggeration by young men? Archeology, medicine, and biology, not to mention common sense, speak a different language.

[@redcoathistory]

@@sensationalfailure so without reading any of the accounts you have decided that these men were exaggerating…you then call me stupid for reflecting what I read in dozens of 1st hand accounts? You are welcome to your opinion but be aware it is just your opinion and not reflected by the accounts. All the best and if you disagree that’s fine but please keep it polite.

[@sensationalfailure]

@@redcoathistory You claim that I call you stupid and then you ask me to keep it polite? You might want to reconsider.

[@SuperParatech]

Regular army fitness in the ‘90’s included BFT - 1.5 miles squad run, in pace over 14 minutes followed immediately by a 1.5 mile run best individual effort. The last part was a fail if over 10:30 but anything over 10 got remedial PT and the shame associated with it. It also varied. Some units did this on a track, like vicars and tarts (admin etc) and those doing over undulating ground. We usually wore trainers but occasionally, they could demand boots which made it harder. This was a monthly test. Minimum annually was CFT which had many variations over time. Generally, in boots, fighting order. Different weights for vicars and tarts vs combat soldiers. 8 miles as a group, paced, over two hours. Usually on soft ground like grass or could be a road. It was north a race but a test of endurance. After the 8 miles, must climb into Bedford truck with tailgate up, do a few exercises then a five round group at 100 meters with an advance to contact sprint. The purpose was to test ability to fight and shoot after a some physical effort. Units like the paras would expect that as the minimum not the achievement, so, their standards of fitness were much higher. That’s how it was. I cannot compare it to the new standard today

[@nigden1]

I'd prefer British military history to be describing distances in miles, and weight in pounds, but good stuff nonetheless.

[@redcoathistory]

Apologies, Sir. I'm afraid I grew up with metric not imperial so I am not used to talking in feet and inches etc. I'm glad that you enjouyed the video though. Thanks for the comment.

[@michaelmarler7016]

USMC: 3 mile run perfect time

[@redcoathistory]

To be fair - that is very tough...What sort of scores do most of the lads get?

[@windyworm]

After passing selection the boss would say "Don't think you're supermen, you are now as fit as the average soldier in WW1 after they'd had a few weeks of decent food". Both feet solidly back on Terra Firma.

[@riderofthewhitehorse8879]

Still remember the PFA: 44 Press Ups 2 mins 55 Sit Ups 2 mins 1.5 Miler 10:30 (9:30 if you didn't want to do remedial PT)

[@Spectrecontrol]

The fitness isn't just about the ability to move in the field but also maintaining a good state of health to be able to recuperate quickly and as fully as possible from wounds and injuries and get back into the fight

[@mineplow1000]

A very, very interesting look at things. Thanks, man!

[@demonorse]

Zulu impi's allegedly ran to battle, even the old guys.

[@redcoathistory]

Fit lads for sure.

[@lagancider6153]

I had a great uncle who joined the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards in 1902, wanting to know a bit more about his service I came across a book entitled “Tickled to death to go” written by someone who joined the regiment about the same time as uncle John. Incredible book with terrific insights into the moulding of young Dragoons, well worth a read if you can snaffle a copy.

[@redcoathistory]

Thnaks will look it up.

[@wyattpatterson2123]

I would definitely enjoy another video on military fittness, that was very interesting

[@atomnissen4251]

In 1814 a norwegian battalion marched ca 450 km in 14 days with one day rest in the middle only to get right into battle with the swedes

[@twofiveb]

I retired from the USAR last year as a signal corps NCO. The only thing I miss from the Army is being in decent shape. I used to do at least 30 of something every day, whether it was 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, and/or 30-minute run. I would ramp up my efforts 1 to 2-months before a physical fitness test. I never got close to joining the 300 club, but I consistently passed my physical fitness tests. Of course, I have become totally flipping lazy with PT since I retired but this video inspires me to do better. It was also interesting and thanks!

[@johngetty3839]

Fascinating stuff! Excellent info.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Devonshireoldfart]

I was based in with BAOR in Germany in 1978, we regularly ran a couple of miles every morning, pre breakfast. We were sent to a US base for 4 weeks as part of the exterior perimeter security of a Strategic Arms Supply site. The US personnel would gather for their morning run, then set off, from the PX to the gate and back. Ooh, must have been 100 metres there and back at most!

[@stuartjarman4930]

Done that too. Site guard was a lot of fun!

[@sharonspeyers5590]

@@stuartjarman4930 MunsterHalle site guard. ;)

[@thomasbaagaard]

By 1850tis I know that Danish infantry companies had both gymnastics and swim instructors. (but not sure when it first started) Both marching in full kit and running in actual fields where seen as important. And bayonet drill was similar seen as important to build the needed fitness. The danish army first developed its light infantry culture in the late 1780ties and early 1790ties. This was done by hiring Hessian Johan Ewald, who had commanded Jägers (both foot and mounted) against the American rebels. And in some of his later writing on light infantry and "the small war" he do make it clear that the ability to march long distances, run in terrain and general fitness was important for light infantry.

[@peterjaimez1619]

Check on the Swedish system by Pehr Henrik Ling, the Germann Turner, and others. Almost forgotten today they were liked to military fitness. Cheers

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - any good links?

[@jordanw9204]

I'm in Royal Marines Training, you should give that a look, it's an absolute hang out

[@oddrocket2743]

10 Pull-ups seems fairly reasonable and is about the same as the average enlisted Marine can complete. 14 Dips is low, but it is nice that they chose dips instead of push-ups because push-ups are at an impractical angle. 7 minute mile run is also a little low for modern militaries where your average enlisted Marine will run around a 7:30 mile for 3 miles, even though I assume that the old timers probably ran it in their very awkward uniforms instead of running shoes. Surprised to see there is no abdominal or deadlift component.

[@kyalebrooks]

Love this video buddy! I’m still serving, 14 years in. I still go to the gym once a day but sadly not all do of their own accord. We’re always told about the generations before and how fit they used to be. But 10 pul ups to join! That great strength!! I think it’ll would count 95% of my troop out sadly… Great watch! Thanks Kyale

[@keithwalker9003]

To this day the hardest test the army had was the 2 miler. 35lb of belt kit, 10lb rifle, helmet, combat dress (For want of a better term). Time; 18 minutes. Try it. I promise you, you will be breathing out of your hoop! It starts as a sprint and finishes as a sprint. If you slow down at any point you will fail. NB go with just the belt kit first. Be warned. The rifle and helmet will add exactly one minute to your time. Enjoy! My PB 16:30. My regular 17:30.

[@vincent6203]

I would of made it (as a 30 year old man) but just about. It's amazing to hear how fit our ancestors had to be. A lot of my family have been in the army, and so I'd love to see more videos like this if you make them.

[@marksheen4873]

Very interesting as always, thank you

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Mark - Glad you enjoyed it

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

Standards were still high in the 85', at the end of my basic training at the Light Division Depot in Winchester, unlike the rest of the infantry at that time, there was a longer 26 mile run with your SLR and CEFO plus you were all given your turn humping the GPMG and the 84 as it was passed around on the run without slowing down or stopping, unlike another certain unit, there was no pastie stop half way either.. as I remember it, if you failed it you had one life given to you a 26 mile road test to be done the following day, fail that then it was a backsquad, I remember Col. Dewar congratulating us all and made the remark that we were 'supermen' . Pegasus platoon, the one that passed out 6 weeks ahead of us, because of a issue on their route ended up doing 35 miles.

[@redcoathistory]

Wow a 26 mile run! A full marathon. That is impressive.

[@ColinScudder]

Back in 1972 when i joined the RGJ the mimimal British Army fitness test for every unit was as follows. Complete 10 miles with 65lb belt order minimal with your SLR weight 10lbs.Total 75 lbs. On arriving at destination carry your mucker 100yds firemans lift while wearing a respirator and twice over the assault course. Finally put tweny rounds standing at 100 yds all within two hours. You was kind of expected to do the 10 miles in around 1hr 30-35 mins. Supposedly this was the minimal standard . Unfortunately the standard wss lowered to 3miles in 22 minutes with rifle snd belt order. Later still after my time it was 3 mile run an no kit. Later i joined the legion where the minimal fitness was as i remember a bergen run with 60 odd lbs plus weapon. Two km sprint at full speed and a timed 8 km run in about 45 mins less as i remember. Britsh army was better at field craft ɓut the legion used to push the endurance side of things on long marches .You would get 30 miler at times when i was with theGreen Jackets but it was not the norm .Where as the legion after one month training you had to complete an 80 km march. Thats not to say they are better but if you dont do it on a regular basis it will be a challenge. It makes no matter now as all this was between 1972 and 1981. Have no clue to what fitness levels are nowadays and just put this down as a comparison.. Apologies for dragging on.

[@cray2349]

Celer et Audax brother😁👍

[@ColinScudder]

@cray2349 Thanks Mucker .👍