The Battles That Made Wellington a Legend (But Almost Ended His Career)

[@redcoathistory]

Hello everyone, After much thought, I've decided that I will no longer be replying to comments on the channel. While I truly appreciate the thoughtful, engaging, and often hilarious conversations many of you bring to the table, I've noticed an increasing number of comments that seem more focused on negativity, criticism, or just finding something to be offended about. This channel is a labour of love, and I want to spend my energy creating more content that the majority of you enjoy rather than getting caught up in endless debates or responding to those who seem determined to stir the pot. I probably waste an hour a day replying to comments that would be better ignored. From now on Ill also just delete rude, offensive or aggressive comments. To all of you who regularly bring positive vibes, share your insights, and show genuine interest in history-thank you! Your support means the world to me. If you'd like to keep in touch and stay updated with all my latest content, feel free to join my mailing list - bit.ly/redcoathistory. It's the best way to stay connected without the noise. Thanks for your understanding and support! Cheers, Chris.

[@robhaldane3347]

This is a good reminder and replication of your awesome peninsular war series of videos and podcasts. Great content as always.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Remarkable how Wellington's career almost imploded because the guy above him, Dalrymple, agreed to let the French leave with their stolen property on British ships.

[@EK-gr9gd]

He was not Wellington at that time!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

@@EK-gr9gd Wellington is easier to spell than Wellesley when dealing with autocorrect

[@zetectic7968]

@@EK-gr9gd Lt-Gen The Rt Hon Sir Arthur Wellesley KB (25 April 1808 - 4 September 1809

[@BeastofCaerBannog]

I'd love to know more about how the conversation went when he was told to sign the treaty.

[@kidlast4154]

I never heard that!😲👍

[@FranciscoPreira]

In December 1807, the Portuguese Army was disbanded and a 9000 strong French Portuguese Legion was conscripetd and sent to France, only around 6000, actually arrived in France. Great video again mate, incidentally next saturday I will be at Roliça, and Columbeira, were the actual fight did occur. Great work my friend, extend my congratulations to your mate Robert a super communicator, thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi great to hear from you. Will you be there for a battelfield visit or just passing through? I will pass on your regards to Rob - thanks a lot and I hope to speak soon.

[@FranciscoPreira]

@@redcoathistory I there my friend, I will be there for a family gathering, in a fantastic house, looking to the high ground that the brits had to climb to ward of the "frogs", best regards.

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

It all started with raising that fellow Sharpe from the ranks...

[@brokenbridge6316]

I think this was a very nice video. Nice to hear about the nitty gritty details.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know.

[@TheRedneckPreppy]

The most important lessons of the Peninsular War were: - That Major Lennox paid with his life - Those who lose the King's Colours have no friends at Court - A cousin at Horse Guards won't be enough

[@michaelshanahan4042]

Stay sharp 😊

[@keithagn]

Excellent story, and very well presented! Thank you, Chris! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching Keith. Hope all is well with you

[@keithagn]

@@redcoathistory Yes, sir; everything is fine! Thanks

[@reynardthefox]

I think of the Peninsular Campaign like the pivot to the Middle East in WWI... Central Europe was bogged down and what began as a distraction became the beginning of the end...also a great story!

[@trevorfuller1078]

It was more that like the Italian Campaign was to Hitler in WW2! It had effectively tied up the best part of 20 to 25 combined Wehrmacht, Waffen SS & Luftwaffe Divisions in southern Europe, rather than giving the Germans the opportunity of deploying these frontline forces subsequently to either the Eastern Front or else to Normandy/NW Europe in 1944-45!

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Another Great presentation , love your own solo videos always deeply thoughtful and balanced , BUT I also really look forward to and massively enjoy when you provide a platform for so many other experts on “ their “ area of expertise. For the Peninsular that includes so many great guys , to name just a few Marcus Cribb , Josh Proven , Marcus Beresford , Zack White ..the list goes on and on …..hopefully see and hear more from them soon. And your American Revolutionary war ones are super with people like Todd Braisted and Robbie MacNiven . Again hope to get more on that War soon.

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent many thanks for the comment. Lots more good stuff coming up...

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Good one Chris and Rob

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@kronckew]

They UK and Portugal have the world's longest alliance, continuously since 1386 and now.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there - yep, if that interests you I have an entire video on it that you may enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2aXYppmgaqhpbc

[@notthefbi7932]

Had no idea Wellington was supposed to go to South America, I'm guessing Napoleon would have been a little happier with him on the opposite side of the world 😁

[@paulsmith489]

Got the book and its brilliant.

[@xyz8512]

Love your stuff!

[@Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

I always thought it was Assaye that started it

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there - Assaye was a terrific victory but as you know the French were the world's most powerful army- the Maratha's were tough for sure but not in the same league, hence this was his step up to "world stage" like a boxer moving up from domestic to world level. . .

[@declansalisbury5698]

​@@redcoathistory yes but 9500 men with 17 cannons against 30,000 infantry (1/3 European trained) with over 100 guns. I'd still say this is his first blood

[@doctorbritain9632]

​@@declansalisbury5698I agree, @redcoathistory is just wrong on this one.

[@brianford8493]

Cracking stuff ta!✌️

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you kindly

[@johnsieverssr8288]

It's a good story ... Thank you❤

[@scotthill2917]

To list and fight the foe today over the hills and far away

[@thatcouncilestatekid1832]

I really enjoyed that Chris 👍🏻

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it..I am hoping to do a regular Tuesday long form interview with authors - wont be every week but hopefully every two or three weeks. If there is anyone you think I should approach then please let me know.

[@mikewilburn5884]

Thank you.

[@ethanlewis1459]

I suggest you do Videos on The Lives Of British Generals like Cornwalis Sir Thomas Picton Lord Raglan or Bernard Montgomery

[@doctorbritain9632]

Interesting but Wellington's "first blooding" was in India a few years before this and most notably at the battle of Assaye.

[@redcoathistory]

Correct, but while the Marathas were a worthy foe the French were the world's most powerful army so until you faced the French there were still question marks over your competence.

[@EK-gr9gd]

Convention of Cintra a minor diversion. Which gave Moore time to scatter Boney's forces in the peninsula. A great loss at Corunna.

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Very nice

[@kurukblackflame]

Interesting stuff :)

[@jonathandonnini6653]

Love your vids mate. Brilliant content. Hate to criticise but I’m pretty sure wellington fought the French as the colonel of the 33rd in the Low Countries (as they were then called) at the battle (more a skirmish really) of Boxtel (not sure if I’ve spelt that right? ) Anyway keep up the great work!

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - thanks for the comment…you are correct but I think Commanding a battalion isn’t the same as commanding an expeditionary force in a major campaign so I don’t think that undermines anything in the vid. Cheers and hope to speak soon. PS good memory on Boxtel.

[@shackledcitizen]

I wish I could have understood all the guest speaker was saying, so many slurred words. The interviewer, I understood perfectly.

[@Ayns.L14A]

Surprised you didn't start with the Battle of Assaye (India) after all, it was his first major victory and the one he was most proud of, I have to say, I am a bit biased as it is the first of my Old Regiments Battle honours, ( 15th /19th The King's Royal Hussars now The Light Dragoons)...at the time they were The 19th Light Dragoons ...

[@redcoathistory]

Assaye was a great victory to be sure but we’ve covered the Maratha Wars before and Rob’s book is about Rolica and Vimeiro. I might do more on Assaye in the future though. Thanks a lot.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Did Sharpe fight in Canada?Most of Wellington’s veterans went there to fight against the Americans.🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Hi, no I don’t believe he did.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

@@redcoathistory Thanks for the response.Maybe a story could be weaved in of Sharpe setting fire to the White House.Maybe a whirlwind romance with Dolly Madison.🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

@@carausiuscaesar5672 Watched on by a leering drooling Simmerson, with his face pressed up against Dollys bedroom window.

[@sturoe7361]

Just imagine without the officer purchase system Wellington wouldn't have been in that rank .

[@JohnSmith-rr1oc]

You know! You know!

[@mellongfield9873]

Get on with it !!!

[@NobleKorhedron]

I would say that Rolica was a tactical victory, but a strategic defeat....

[@EK-gr9gd]

Why?

[@redcoathistory]

Interesting - can you give more detail on your perspective?

[@NobleKorhedron]

I was just basing it off your description, @redcoathistory ; sure the British were left in possession of the field, but the French army was left intact, and able to fight again. And then later on, the Convention of Sintra really put the cat among the pigeons...

[@redcoathistory]

Many thnaks for explaining for your perspective. All the best and i hope we chat further soon.

[@NobleKorhedron]

Was Hubbard found to have had much say in things, @@redcoathistory? As I recall, Wellesley happily - and probably rightly - threw Dalrymple under the bus, but did Hubbard have much say in deciding the terms of the #ConventionOfSintra?

[@chrismac2234]

The closer I look. The more I'm sure, Wellington is the most brilliant commander since Caesar

[@gazzabnaki]

Great review, would really appreciate a review of the New Zealand Land Wars from 1862 if you have time 🥝

[@steveconway1948]

Junot was never a Marshal of France as suggested here at 26:41.

[@redcoathistory]

Dear Steve I apologise for making a mistake. Many thanks for pointing it out. All the best. Chris,

[@steveconway1948]

@@redcoathistory Sorry I didn't mean to make a big deal of it, I was just wanting to make sure no one thought Junot was a Marshal. I really enjoy your work and have watched many of your vids.

[@kevinvilmont6061]

I knew him when his name was Artie Wells.

[@Sandhoeflyerhome]

Actually he fought 68 prior battles in India.

[@raywhitehead730]

Wellington got his start, reputation in India.

[@redcoathistory]

Yes, correct and we mention that. But he became a legend fighting the French, not the Marathas.

[@brianjones2899]

Funny how Wellington was supposed to be going to the Philippines before being rerouted to India and Assaye.

[@kevwhufc8640]

Is there any truth about the saying we had the best cavalry but the worst lead ?

[@redcoathistory]

@@kevwhufc8640 A little to be fair. I have a video about it in my Napoleonic playlist you may enjoy.

[@kevwhufc8640]

@@redcoathistory I'll look it up, thanks ⚔

[@shackledcitizen]

I wish I could have understood all the guest speaker was saying. So many slurred words and need for pauses. He obviosly knew his subject well.

[@Paul-r3v]

I am quite sure that Napoleon was after Brazil, the region that really made Europe rich. About 70% of the British exports were paid by Brazilian and its mega tons of gold. Thats why the Portuguese king and all monarchy went to Rio de Janeiro and thats why Brits and Portuguese fought hard to keep Napoleon in Europe. Afterall, on those times there was not much to profit all over old poor Europe. Yet, LusoBrits already knew very well how europe would become rich enough to pay for the industrial revolution. Then everything changed, but before it was gold, silver or nada!

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

Convention of Çintra almost wrecked him besides Talavera or Orthez combined.

[@brianford8493]

If you could run your eye over the siege of Lille 1708 I really would be much obliged chap....keep up the cracking work just wish I had more time to get it all in.✌️

[@brokenbridge6316]

I tried to find the video on Assaye on this channel like the host suggested but I couldn't find it?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there. You can call me Chris...Here is the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKXYqh6n7hmm9U

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---thank you. Chris.

[@northguy2367]

You know basically - too many you know basicallies

[@scotthill2917]

Simmerson lost the kings colors

[@morriganmhor5078]

Didn´t you forget his Indian victories, perhaps?

[@Xenophaige_reads]

He did mention them, but they were overlooked by many, because it was India. Even Napoleon was known to call him the sepoy general as an insult.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there they are not forgotten at all but this was his first taste of battle against the French. Remember the French were the world's most powerful army- the Maratha's were tough for sure but not in the same league. Thanks a lot for watching and commenting.

[@zetectic7968]

Sorry had to give up because I couldn't stand listening to Griffith saying "you know" at least twice every sentence

[@redcoathistory]

Dear Sir, I welcome your comments but I fear you are being unreasonably harsh to Rob - he is a lovely man giving up his time to share information with us. Our chat is not scripted and Rob is not a trained presenter who gets multiple takes to correct mistakes. I think he did a wonderful job and should be applauded for his research. The world of KZbin history may not be the slick world of the mainstream media but here we do our best to share important stories that matter. I hope you will continue to support that.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

@@redcoathistory Agreed, the man is a historian, not a presenter, and with no script most people will exhibit what I would call verbal 'tics' when answering questions on their subject, basically* they are audible placeholders while the speaker organises their thoughts. *'Basically' being one of mine :-)

[@orjeetghrajshingbade-d3d]

Robinson Mary Jones James Davis Matthew

[@jay8656]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@andrewmorton9327]

Good video, but Lord, please stop saying 'Y'know'!

[@bremnersghost948]

With 14 Shillings on the drum.........

[@davidstokes8441]

Too many "you know's" and Ums for me to take you seriously.

[@jwhrvy]

You know, you know, you know. Why does a clearly well informed speaker need to use ‘you know’ so much? It makes an interesting topic so difficult to listen to.

[@redcoathistory]

Dear Sir, I welcome your comments but I fear you are being unreasonably harsh to Rob - he is a lovely man giving up his time to share information with us. Our chat is not scripted and Rob is not a trained presenter who gets multiple takes to correct mistakes so needs a pause to gather his thoughts. I think he did a wonderful job and should be applauded for his research.

[@ianmajor1558]

It is a pity so many people cant speak properly with our saying "um ahh" and "the ..the ..the" . What could havebeen a good viseo is ruined by poor speech

[@alainsworth-sn4gk]

He might know a lot But he sure can not speak very well and hard to follow.

[@ClannCholmain]

Unfortunate channel name.

[@redcoathistory]

You not a fan of Butlins?

[@ClannCholmain]

@@redcoathistory it’s just that there’s not a good history of red coats in Ireland. Not my fault.

[@Grumfuttocks]

Well you know, it’s another , you know good, you know bud. Wellington was you know our greatest you know general. fFS. So annoying, you know

[@redcoathistory]

Dear Sir, I welcome your comments but I fear you are being unreasonably harsh to Rob - he is a lovely man giving up his time to share information with us. Our chat is not scripted and Rob is not a trained presenter who gets multiple takes to correct mistakes. I think he did a wonderful job and should be applauded for his research not sworn at.

[@redrb26dett]

I think Wellington may have been a bigger gambler when he was first getting notice ie the attack on the sultan tippoo where he failed in a night attack??? Or assaye his biggest gamble lot’s of gambling that payed off fyi he was one lucky Irish man 🇮🇪 that conquered India 🇮🇳