Could You Survive as a Sharpshooter in Britain’s Elite 95th Rifles?

Download World of Warships: Legends Mobile - wowsl.co/3vjB3Iw
If you think you could cut it as a crack shot in the Duke of Wellington's 95th Rifles, then step back in time with Survive History as we delve into the harrowing world of Napoleonic warfare. In our latest episode, "Could You Survive as a Rifleman in the Napoleonic Wars?", we immerse ourselves in the story of the 95th Rifles, joining a dedicated reenactment group to experience the life of a rifleman in the Duke of Wellington's army. Many have become familiar with their story through the exploits of the fictional Richard Sharpe, but the real accounts of the Rifles are every bit as gripping.
Filmed at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Louee will attempt to earn the legendary green jacket of the 95th Rifles by exploring every aspect of the unit's history. Discover the meticulous recruitment process and training for Rifles recruits, the deadly precision of the Baker rifle, and why these sharpshooters were so feared by the French on the battlefield. From the gruelling conditions and long marches of campaign life to the brutal realities of the Peninsular War, we uncover the challenges faced by the men of the Light Division fighting in Spain and Portugal. We follow the regiment to the iconic Battle of Waterloo, where the 95th Rifles fought fiercely to defend the farm at La Haye Sainte. Join us as we assess the odds of survival in one of history's most legendary units.
Thanks again to the 2nd Battalion 95th Rifles and 45eme Infanterie Regiment de Ligne for making this episode possible, and to the Chiltern Open Air Museum for hosting us.
#militaryhistory #napoleonicwars #history
00:00 Introduction
02:24 Origins of the Rifles
04:49 Battlefield tactics
08:48 The Baker Rifle
12:46 Skirmishing in action
15:38 Recruitment and training
17:27 Plunket's legendary shot
19:03 Strict rules and regulations
21:32 Rifles officers
29:06 Life on campaign
33:51 Fighting the French
39:47 Battle of Waterloo
44:54 Could you survive?

[@survivehistory]

We hope you enjoy the episode! Let us know what you think in the comments and please consider supporting the channel at: ko-fi.com/survivehistory Thanks again to... The 2nd Battalion 95th Rifles www.95th-rifles.co.uk/ 🇬🇧 45eme Infanterie Regiment de Ligne www.45eme.com/ 🇫🇷 If you want to see these re-enactment groups in action in 2024, or join up yourselves, head to napoleonicassociation.org/ for the latest events The Chiltern Open Air Museum, home to over 30 rescued and reconstructed historic buildings coam.org.uk/ And cheers to World of Warships: Legends Mobile for sponsoring this episode - go play it now! wowsl.co/3vjB3Iw 💥

[@JhettSimpkins]

do a US civil war video

[@harrypainter266]

Great video ,my dad is part of the 2nd battalion you filmed with

[@davidelabarilemobile7094]

Yes i have enjoyed both man

[@davidelabarilemobile7094]

​@@JhettSimpkinsoh me too im waiting for that thing But i Hope its about the confederate side

[@user-mi8ef4qd2k]

Great video. Nice shot on that French Musketeer at the end, by the way, you took him when he was distracted and shot him down. Good job

[@lolproplayer5651]

Before watching, no I wouldnt survive as a rifleman in the Napoleonic Wars

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Well, you might, but you would probably hate it🤣

[@user-mi8ef4qd2k]

Probably I would.

[@LucasFelipe356]

@@user-mi8ef4qd2kNah, I would 👍

[@josephturner7569]

I'd have joined the RN. Purely for the prize money you understand.

[@user-mi8ef4qd2k]

@@josephturner7569 I would join the Navy too, but that's because I'm in the Italian Navy

[@AdministrativeResults]

Id be the one dude that got his head taken off by a canon, I'm not built different

[@artyom1264]

Same I guess

[@garethmorgan3665]

😂😂 I would probably just have died of the shits . No mention in dispatches for me .

[@jordanhicks5131]

Shredded by cannister for me. Just erased in a pink mist.

[@Potatoes_police]

Oh hi admin

[@ostrowulf]

As some one who has been in combat, and has commented a number of times that as soon as you fire your rifle back, I found (and others have said the same) that I had a feeling of control in the situation, which helps with the obvious fear of being shot at. An officer with no musket knowing he is the prime target sounds absolutely terrible in evey way to me. I imagine they felt a bit of control of their destiny in normal fights, when giving commands, but seeing the green of a rifles uniform likely removed all of that. Respect for those French officers standing their ground.

[@zhubotang927]

Interesting perspective.

[@bigprovolone4209]

rah you have to just smile

[@gabrielboi3465]

if i may aks sir, in what conflit did you take part? huge respect btw

[@ostrowulf]

Afghanistan, I went in early 2008 and again late 2009 (which carried into 2010).

[@basamortua8791]

To some degree, it’s still similar. I’m not sure who you served with, but I assume similar doctrine. I was trained that officers shouldn’t be focused on shooting so much as being aware of what’s going on and communicating. Yeah, they are armed, but their priorities are different and they aren’t so focused on shooting. Not that different, in terms of specifically targeting them. What the hell do I know, I was a medic. Regardless of all that, you’re right that being armed is better.

[@tylerframpton2113]

A video aboit the 95th rifles? Now thats soildiering

[@davidintrabartolo5887]

Making a video about the 95th Rifles, now that's soldiering.

[@Jmatthaeus184]

NW reference?

[@AlexrsGAME]

Sharpe reference

[@Ratmasssss]

Shut up​@@ralfklaus64

[@williambuchanan8607]

​@@ralfklaus64Are you the expert, what association do you have ??

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

Oi, I heard that some where eh..!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Upon sighting a video about life in the 95th Rifles, I proceeded to click on the thumbnail to enjoy the content therein; that's my style, sir!

[@zachsmith1676]

And what of lieutenant Sharpe?

[@ethanhatcher5533]

​@@zachsmith1676 he led a relief effort into the comments

[@malcolmmacgregor8837]

Major Hogan leaves the best for the last. He says you liked the video!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

@@malcolmmacgregor8837 The fault was not mine, sir. Major Lennox should answer.

[@malcolmmacgregor8837]

@@eldorados_lost_searcher MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIKE!

[@ThePilot4ever]

Surviving history? Now that's soldiering!

[@user-gj6rl7po9q]

Find me one soldier from the 95th who’s alive today. Check mate

[@britishpatriot7386]

​@user-gj6rl7pyo9q they still exist

[@thomaseubank1503]

@@user-gj6rl7po9q It's a reference to a TV show

[@user-gj6rl7po9q]

@@thomaseubank1503 yeah I don’t know why I said what I said. But I was probably fucking around trying to make not sound sense

[@desertraider2424]

​@@user-gj6rl7po9qthe rifle brigade continued to exist up to 1966, so there are probably plenty.

[@TheIrishvolunteer]

I was petrified that this was going to be an April fool’s joke! Thankfully it was another informative and interesting documentary, please keep them up!

[@NobleKorhedron]

Nah, no joke. They've a whole bunch of these "Could you survive as" programs...

[@PubliusYoutubeiousAgrippa]

That is soldering.

[@kianabogaert]

now thats soldiering!

[@valdeingruo]

The quality of this channel, especially with its first video being posted only 5 months ago is unmatched. Informative and fun. Everything is so well done.

[@survivehistory]

Wow, thanks!

[@AsutoroNami]

gotta love those dark green KGL uniforms the british had, honestly one of the best uniforms in the napoleonic wars in my opinion

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

They’re not specific to the KGL. The KGL certainly had them as well, doubtless copied from the British example. The Brits, however, got them by copying other Germans in British employ in America, namely the Hessians. Most of the KGL were recruited near Hannover rather than Hesse.

[@carrott36]

The KGL at Waterloo were typically wearing the British red.

[@LeChevalierAnglais]

​@@carrott36he means The K.G.L. Light Infantry

[@justinchu6170]

This was my first time learning about the 95th rifles. What a show it was!

[@lcpltpow5870]

I hear the 95th used to repair their damaged buttons and cap badges by melting small bits of wire. Now that's soldering!

[@sidwills]

Underrated comment!

[@samellowery]

Ahh I see what you did there have my 👍🏻

[@christhorpejunction8982]

History Channel are you listening and watching? This is how you deliver an informative and fun programme based on imparting history in a visual format. Well done chaps on your series, keeps getting better and better! As ideas for future programmes theres the Federation of the Wars of the Roses, plenty households to choose from and topics for coverage be it survive as an archer, handgonner, camp follower, etc, theres Redcoats and Rebels and The Pattern for the AWI. Finally looked like COAM were great hosts for you! Thanks!

[@FuFureal]

Oh good Sir, I do indeed enjoy this episode. You have earned my thumb up and this humble little comment just after 4 minutes time. This is a help for you, and I am left with another 44 minutes of joy.

[@survivehistory]

Thank you kindly!

[@doughboymilitaria]

Where are the baker rifles with telescopic sights? They were in that historical movie about Napoleon weren’t they? 😂

[@marshalmichelney-bc8qn]

lol yeah that was absolutely silly. I audibly groaned when I saw that in the theater

[@AtlasNL]

@@marshalmichelney-bc8qnI cackled from the unexpected ridiculousness of it, earning me many angry glares of the people around me. I couldn’t help it!

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Ahh, the famous telescopic sight invented in around 1800 by that great scientist Sir Wrigley Scott!

[@jakukuja7736]

I was in middle of watching Joshua. But I had to watch this as sooon as I saw the notification

[@survivehistory]

You have great taste!

[@jiaang256]

That is the most coolest regiment in my opinion. I also have a grandpa who fought late WW2 he was a staff sergeant

[@bismarckbismarck6352]

Everybody´s gangster until a frenchman with an axe shows up.

[@britishpatriot7386]

They are killed all the time in Napoleon battles against the British.

[@jordanhicks5131]

He takes a musket ball as easily as a general. They all fall to the baker rifle

[@randomhttyddev9245]

Blood and iron moment

[@keonidiacamos5265]

Very fun doc. I miss when History channel used to do things like this. Keep up the good work! I may pick up Sharpe's Rifles after this

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Brilliant stuff! This is TV quality reporting. This channel is going to go FAR!

[@tristanpesic4436]

Me who has played countess hours of blood and iron and guts and blackpowder: "Nah, i could survive"

[@orianaroneh1127]

Relatable

[@GlazeMyDonuts]

The KZbin shorts pulled me into the longer formatted videos! Keep up the great work, I look forward to future installments.

[@survivehistory]

Awesome, thank you!

[@FieldMarshalRain]

Upon sighting this video i naturally clicked on it to watch thats my style sir

[@Grognard-ne3pf]

I strongly recommend Schwerpunkt's videos series on Napoleonic warfare

[@PeterOConnell-pq6io]

My guess is riflemen had significantly better odds than their redcoat counterparts, and French opponents. Their green uniforms offered camouflage, their freedom of movement better cover, their Baker rifles, while slow to load, outranged their opponents muskets by five-fold. Their detached skirmisher assignments from the rest of the army likely protected them in part from the epidemic diseases responsible the vast majority of fatalities in that era.

[@marshalmichelney-bc8qn]

General John Moore was the innovator for these tactics after serving in the American Revolutionary War. He was a good man. His actions in Ireland prevented Dublin from being sacked by more….less than honorable British soldiers. He was hit with a canon ball and died in Spain. Where Marshal Soult of the French or the Spanish commander, had a monument erected in his honor. Sir John Moore was a brilliant general, and a good man. Lest we not forget great men like him. 👍🏻✌🏻💂🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@2adamast]

Did he innovate by seeing Hessian Jager in America and making a British version under similar colors

[@martinanderson4721]

Thers a statue in Gasgow's George Square of Sir John Moore.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

I'd recommend the bool "Rifles", by Mark D'Urban for more detail and history. This video was your best so far. More than a mention to the KGl riflemen who held La Haye Sainte until they ran out of ammunition would have been good though, they took 90% casualties during that long and bloody day.

[@carrott36]

The KGL, imperative at Waterloo and iirc the only unit to break a square with cavalry.

[@williambuchanan8607]

I read Urbans book, very interesting account. Swift & Bold.

[@LeChevalierAnglais]

​@carrott36 breaking squares had occurred a few times in the early french revolutionary war in the 1790s, but the KGL Heavies are the main example in The Napoleonic Era

[@JamesHS]

Can also recommend 'Fusiliers: Eight Years with the Redcoats in America' from the same author which acts as a kind of prequal to Rifles

[@SamWright-yu3qv]

I know it's marginally off the main topic but it was mentioned, but being in a square formation being hit by canon must feel truly apocalyptic.

[@mouthfulofdirt]

Great video! I've never found Napoleonic War stuff engaging but your channel has made it gripping to me and I've learnt so much! Keen to see more of your fantastic content in the future

[@romahors7453]

One extremely underrated channel, good content and explanation and generally story telling, this is cool

[@dylanmckinnon5465]

This channel has made some of my favorite historical videos I’ve seen yet on the platform. Y’all are awesome, and it’s clear how much work and passion goes into each video.

[@survivehistory]

Appreciate that Dylan!

[@xj900man]

The best live action doc I have seen in ages. Great info. Brilliant camera work. Love the uniforms. The Bakers Rifle is so cool. Now I will check out the other vids.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much!

[@SMJ495]

What a great channel. Love the insights from the re enactors and the passion they have for history. Easiest sub ever!

[@OotsutsukiShibai]

What can I say, awesome as always. Thank you and thanks to reenactment group

[@user-sh8dy4yo4v]

How the hell did 95 people watch this in 9 minutes when this just came out and it’s 48 minutes long.

[@The_Great_Letter_E]

I believe views are added when you click on a video, not nessaserily when you finish it

[@uhlanmadmandev]

95 people 95th Rifles.

[@ericbraley838]

Y'all are putting out some top tier content on a channel with relatively low subscribers (primarily because you're new). Is this simply a passion project or affiliated with some museum or university? Some of my favorite genres of books are historical first hand accounts of regular people and historical fiction in the same vein, so I love these videos!

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Eric! It's a passion project with a small team at the moment, but who knows in the future.

[@charlies40556]

great video! was waiting for this one

[@survivehistory]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheRendar]

Excellent video! Subscribed. Keep up the awesome content

[@IvanPopov-gq1sp]

Great video as always!

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Ivan!

[@abieldiaz4015]

Love the channel I love the Napoleonic error videos hope to see more in the future❤

[@anacapamori]

Love these! Hope to see many more

[@Yung_Corz]

This was great, thankyou

[@jonathalon6022]

Brilliant video, cheers guys

[@andrewevans6172]

Swift and bold, proud to have been a chosen man

[@w-qwerty]

Best video yet, love to see it.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks a lot!

[@darkking300]

I love your videos since the first Episode! keep up the good work! ❤

[@Saurischian]

A spectacular spectacle

[@amyfoster3554]

I was super glad when he uploaded again

[@rosenbaek5708]

Keep up the excellent content.

[@mario_1683]

Really amazing video. I loved it.

[@mdaly724]

My gr-grandfather served with the Rifles (the Prince Consort's Own Rifle Brigade) from 1864 to 1870 when he bought his discharge. His brother served from 1862 to 1870. They were sent to Canada. Both were in the band. He was sent back to England for medical treatment and they met up in New York State.

[@Tactical_Airsoft]

Great video guys!

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much!

[@CelxD]

Fantastic video!

[@roccoS38]

Christmas cane earlyyy! Great work lads

[@AMultipolarWorldIsEmerging]

Awesome idea for a video I’m excited

[@artoriasabysswalker4812]

great vid champ

[@joeking1956]

I am so happy to see more of these videos! They are always an entertaining and informative watch.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Joe!

[@Vega_13]

Quality stunning as always. One of my favourite history channels, keep em coming!!

[@survivehistory]

Much appreciated!

[@Egman2013]

Survive history? Yes please!

[@almadesikevin1525]

Guys love your shows

[@Dullborn]

I have enjoyed this series and wish you success...

[@okancanarslan3730]

amazing documentary

[@NoSaysJo]

Really well made video. Thanks lads

[@bobthebomb1596]

Excellent documentary, thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@survivehistory]

Many thanks!

[@TimeWarpKing]

Love your channel guys, I'm subscribing :)

[@zororosario]

Excellent stuff superb reenactment ❤ Thanks cheers 😊

[@gregoryhoddinott8502]

I love this channel just started watching today and i love history thank you so much keep up the amazing work guys

[@survivehistory]

Thanks for watching!

[@ramblinfan99]

This was amazing!!! Thank you for making this! Now do Roger’s Rangers!!

[@darthguilder1923]

Another great video, these are better than tv quality

[@4sakenreaper42]

Cool reenactment at the end

[@kv-2156]

Lovely vid

[@kennethr2525]

This is just an amazing video

[@grumblekin]

Surviving a single battle without injury...THAT'S SOLDIERING

[@Shandalt1]

Great video! Thank you

[@philgreen815]

In 2006 I joined the 2nd Bfn 95th Rifles and was lucky enough to attend Waterloo that year, it was amazing, and we were allowed to camp within Hougemont Farm. We were told the term grasshopper related to a type of movement on foot ? Almost like a hop skip and jump ? To cover ground. And yes whilst skirmishing we also trained to fire in volleys like the main army, but the rifles covered the flanks of the army.

[@JonSiegel-ts2gk]

This channel should have 30x more subscribers than it does. Great work on a quality documentary.

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Jon!

[@MaximMladenovic]

i love your napoleonic videos keep posting them please!

[@4sakenreaper42]

Great video

[@Techn9cian123]

The shorts were so good, I had to watch the full video!

[@survivehistory]

Great to hear!

[@nice_ol_history]

As a history nerd I love this channel & I’m subbed

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much and welcome!

[@theprancingprussian]

One thing not brought up much if how skirmishers would find it difficult to hold ground Besides engaging other skirmishers they would do things like give a good volley to enemy line infantry then retreat and disperse They would in genral take less losses while dealing less damage This is why they were great for raiding camps, batteries and since they have so much space to manoeuvre they don't have to fight a large conflict if enemies advance They would also chip away at line infantry while focused on fighting your line infantry Pretty close strategy and tactics to medieval archers, chip away and fell back behind lines / outflank and help delay enemy retreats with shots while they are focused on something else

[@maapaa2010]

You could get a feeling for their power when they fired them.. quite scary

[@The_Great_Letter_E]

I'd love to see a video on the American Revolution or the american Civil War! Great video, as always!

[@justanobadi6655]

Upon first sighting the video I gave the order to watch, that's my style, sir!

[@Iamtheman143]

The scary part of a skirmishers is when you bump into a dragoon.

[@Tonks143]

TV quality stuff. I'd like to see it expanded to civilian occupations - Could you survive a tudor farm, Could you survive a Victorian coal mine, etc.

[@jackdorsey4850]

Enjoyed the episode nice job

[@damiengreenhill3631]

I did a battlefield tour of the western WW1 trenches during basic training and one location “I can’t remember the name, but it was Hill something” was a trench line held by the rifles and it was literally 20 meters from the German trench! “Still can’t wrap my head around how opposite trenches became so close”, but i learned a lot from the tour guide about the rifles not even knowing they stretched back as far as the Napoleon wars

[@ParutoTH]

Do one next about the Light Infantries of the french. (or you can't do that)

[@mammasut8280]

Upon seeing a video about Sharpes Sharps I clicked the link - That's my style Sir!

[@thchickenmasterthe2nd]

amazing videos! they're cool and interesting at the same time- I wish more people would watch them

[@survivehistory]

Thanks so much.

[@basedfantastic4341]

Very good video

[@totalnike03]

Masterpiece 10/10

[@davidian7787]

Having spent nearly two years homeless with several months out in the woods. Some of it dealing with violence. The simple act of staying clean, not starving and not succumbing to exposure, dehydration, disease or random injury are your day to day concerns. I've essentially lived the life but without getting shot at apart from on one occasion and it is a hard life with a steep learning curve as it is. It's brutally hard to live out in all weather with what you can carry. It's not like going for a hike and you have somewhere you can retreat to, like a home. You're out until it ends or it ends you. The real enemy is your environment, your food and water situation, your feet. Most people look at the combat but thats a tiny percentage of your time. You're not thinking about winning as much as not dying and keeping your mates alive.

[@jeremypike5263]

Very well presented and great insight into the lives of soldiers during the napoleonic wars .And Louis you seem genuinely engaged in this documentary and not falsely interested like some presenters

[@survivehistory]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@pielover1455]

When the coffee mug actually having coffee in it you left me no choice but to subscribe 4:18

[@jessebelt8732]

I first learned about the 95th from Rifleman Dodd when i enlisted in the Marines. we had to read in Recruit Training.

[@SomethingSpecial.]

Did you work in production before this? Your channel quality is documentary-like with how good it is