Britain's Forgotten Riflemen: Deadly Sharpshooters of the Revolution

[@robertsantamaria6857]

As an American, I find the British light infantry and their adaptations to local conditions to be the most interesting units of the war. More coverage on this topic is always appreciated!

[@timmytwodogs]

As a retired Rifleman in a light infantry regiment back in the 1970's we were expected to reliably hit a man sized target out to 600 meters with iron sights. There was an annual qualification and mandatory if you were to remain with the regiment. Imagine the skill and coolness involved in engaging the enemy at extreme range with a slow to load rifled flintlock. I have read that the Rifle regiments would allow the use of the very fine priming powder to load their Baker rifles as it burned more efficiently and therefore allowed more shots before the bore became fouled with powder residue. The history of the British army is absolutely fascinating.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot for sharing - was that with the SLR? I hear it was a tremendous man-stopper

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

In military use of the day, there was no difference between main charge and priming powder. Paper cartridges contained only one grade for both purposes. In 40 years of blackpowder shooting, I have loaded and primed with the same grade powder exclusively.

[@redcoathistory]

@@HistoryOnTheLoose When I come to the USA (one day I hope!) you and I must meet and you can teach me how to handle these weapons.

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

@@redcoathistory most gladly! Very simple but fascinating...like my head.

[@timmytwodogs]

@@redcoathistory Yes, C1A1 I was 3PPCLI.

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic Chris keep them coming. It is fascinating period and full of myths and rubbish and I have enjoyed how you are bringing the facts back , cheers

[@HiraethMasonry]

Awesome topic! The Jaegers and Queen’s Rangers did some fine work just over the hill from my family farm during the Brandywine Campaign, besting the American ad hoc light infantry corps. My ancestors that lived here at the time definitely would have heard those rifles in action.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic - thanks for sharing. What a wonderful history

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

What an Eye Opener , as an older Brit I was brought up on what is increasingly being shown to be “ the Myth “ of the omnipresent murderously accurate long range American frontier riflemen . So the revelations of the opinion of John Simco (?) at 7.16 minutes in that his riflemen easily kept the rebels at bay throughout his withdrawal , the statement about Jaegers supremacy over Rebel riflemen by Henry Duncan at 9.08 minutes was fascinating . All topped by the Lord Cornwallis statement at 9.38 that he regarded a single Jaeger as worth 10 rebels ……..not at all what I learned from films and books when I was growing up …..

[@redcoathistory]

Fascinating stuff isn't it?

[@JohnnyRep-u4e]

The Americans were British. And, "Americans" fought on both sides.

[@peterwebb8732]

With due respect to our American friends, they do tend to take Revolutionary propaganda at face value.

[@victornewman9904]

​@@peterwebb8732The modern tragedy is the impact of the revolutionary mythology on the way that later American military leaders approached warfare.

[@brittakriep2938]

Jäger units, consisting of forrest officials ( Förster/ Forstbeamte) and proffessional hunters, armed with their private rifles and Hirschfänger knives, appeared in HRE in first quater of 18th century , at least in larger states, not in microstates. Then in Free Imperial Towns ( Reichsstädte) also the militias included target shooters, some with rifles. During , Seven Years War' waponry changed a bit. Rifles has been introduced, being a Mix of civilian hunting/ target rifles and standardized military weapons. This was common, the last civilian features in german Jägerbüchsen had been the ,finger hook' of M71 Jägerbüchse , together with Gewehr ( battlerifle) and Karabiner of M71 first german military metal case breechloaders. Second wesponry change in Jägerunits of Seven Years War: The Hirschfänger got standardized, with blades, longer than civilian ones, which could be fixed as bayonnet, but was in reallity rarely used this was. Later M71 bayonnet was standardized for all battlerifles and Jägerbüchsen, also used as boarding knife. But up to 1930s police bayonnets had been called Hirschfänger, but had only in some cases an antler handle as last relict of civilian Hirschfänger. Today only civilian Hirschfänger is rarely seen, when some old guys carry one as dressknife at huntsmans ceremonies.

[@covertops19Z]

This is a fabulous brief!!.. And I'm so glad you put it together. Sheds great light on a little known subject. Thanks for embedding those two videos in your brief also. BRAVO ZULU!! Your content is always fabulous.

[@V.B.Squire]

How on earth is your redcoat history shirt not a redshirt?

[@redcoathistory]

I should get some red ones - good idea!

[@V.B.Squire]

@@redcoathistory just pulling your leg m8

[@MasonBryant]

@@V.B.Squire But it is a good idea

[@zyzor]

Legend says major Patrick Ferguson had a high ranking American general in his sights at brandywine. Shooting a man in the back from concealment was dishonorable

[@redcoathistory]

I think that was Washington himself

[@covertops19Z]

Correct, he had GW targeted but decided not to take the shot.

[@zyzor]

@@redcoathistory we will never know exactly, but it’s a fascinating instance of when personal honor affects the outcome of an entire battle or war.

[@jon9021]

Yes, Washington…so they say.

[@freedomloverusa3030]

@@redcoathistory He did not shoot him because he believed someone as important as Washington would never be among the common soldiers.

[@panzerdeal8727]

Give the Brits their due. They spent more on live fire training, than any other nation of the era. Oh they WERE professionals. A big reason Some Americans were afraid of going up against them. England's reputation as an Army was well known and deserved.

[@kodor1146]

"They spent more on live fire training, than any other nation of the era." Doubt that, just another Britaboo-myth. "England's reputation as an Army was well known and deserved." Especially the English land forces always had been a very mediocre bunch and never were on par with its continental adversaries as the French not to mention the Germans. The German auxiliary-troops no matter who (Hessians, Brunswickers...) were way better than the Brits.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

There was a difference in fighting for a king, and fighting for freedom. Sorry to break it to you, but after Valley Forge the Continentals handed you your collective asses!

[@angelastephenson1950]

​@@kodor1146you've just talked the biggest load of shite I've heard in a long time

[@panzerdeal8727]

@@kodor1146 Britian's trade routes allowed them to AFFORD it. Having a good sized navy and colonies are not for show you know.

[@steveforster9764]

Britains reputation as an army not English they are not the same nor are they interchangeable otherwise good post

[@victorkrawchuk9141]

A very interesting video, thank you. Something I read recently is that the British Army modified its battle-line tactics during the Revolutionary War. Rather than marching into battle in a tight line side-by-side, as is often seen in videos and re-enactments, they started spacing men further apart, with double spacing, quadruple spacing, as much as 10-spacing. This tactic wasn't always successful, but the British didn't simply throw lives away. I wonder when during the war they started doing this. Was this modified tactic already in use during the 2nd Battle of Trenton on January 2nd 1777? My mother lives very close to Lawrence Road about a mile north of the most Northerly engagement of this battle on Shabakunk Creek, where British troops under Cornwallis would have started fanning out into battle lines after marching South on the road from Princeton. It would be interesting to know if British troops might have marched over her back yard on the way.

[@TibbyTibbles]

Howe completely retrained the army along light infantry methods after evacuating Boston in 1776, it became standard to have 18 inch space between each man after then

[@davepangolin4996]

One of the very best unit history books is ‘Fusiliers “ by Mark Urban … essentially reading for this war

[@redcoathistory]

Yes, it is a cracking read - any other books you reccomend?

[@Wildwest89]

With Zeal and With Bayonets Only: The British Army on Campaign in North America, 1775-1783 By Matthew Spring busts most of the American propaganda myths about the British Army during the American revolt

[@scruffscruffeton986]

John Graves Simcoe, (6:58), a name during my school years, known by every Ontario student.

[@haalstaag]

As a former 60th/KRRC/2RGJ Rifleman....yes please (The battle of Quebec and Henry Bucket)

[@MrTangolizard]

I got attached to 2 RGJ in 1999 for Kosovo

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Thanks Chris, your presentations always top notch mate, subscribed ages ago.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great, thanks a lot.

[@jeffpilkington7480]

If you recall any of my previous comments on other videos, you know I’m all in to get more content like this, love it

[@Thurnmourer]

When in doubt, blame France.

[@redcoathistory]

Rules to live by, Sir!

[@JohnnyRep-u4e]

An Anglo-Saxon sport.

[@johnfisk811]

@@redcoathistory “Angleterre. Une colonie qui fait mal” George Clemenceau.

[@bremnersghost948]

FTF ;-)

[@josemauriciosaldanhaalvare1507]

That was a funny comment, but it's true. When you don't blame France, you blame Spain, with its Leyenda Negra, the Armada, the Inquisition, and Sargent Garcia of Zorro. I prefer to laugh at the Nazis.

[@swampyankee]

Excellent video Chris!

[@TomXPorter]

I ran into the Pattern 1776 rifle at a demonstration at Fort Ticonderoga back around 2010 when reenactors of the Company of Select Marksmen, Indian Department (CSMID) showcased it. Absolutely fascinating group of people, very dedicated to their reenacting. I was gobsmacked, never having heard of a British military rifle of that early date. A really lovely weapon, but unfortunately, reproductions are few and far between here in the states. Thank you for the coverage. Would love to hear more about George Augustus Howe and his tactical and uniform changes as part of the 1758 Ticonderoga campaign. His loss was a great tragedy for the British army. My opinion, possibly not supported by detailed research, is that general adoption of his tactical approaches might have sped up the adoption of loose order light infantry tactics.

[@guyharrison5773]

One point that I think gets very overlooked is that the tough hunter-trapper frontiersmen were very nearly as likely to remain loyalist as to turn rebel in the first place. Would love to see a video on Butler's Rangers for example.

[@redcoathistory]

More loyalist content is in the pipeline Sir. Hopefully you will enjoy it.

[@reynardthefox]

Well,as an American,whose relative's fought for the Crown here ,from 1757 through that dust up in 1776,I understood it was the proficiency of British rifleman to form up and fire effectively,that made the Brits,the best military in the field ...from Blenheim on ..bit biased,I guess 🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Well said, Sir.

[@FranciscoPreira]

This was another great brief you got us, thanks for sharing mate. Got a couple of pics from the battleground at Roliça, will sent them to you to form a database :), best regards.

[@redcoathistory]

Oh fantastic. . . yes please mate that will be brilliant.

[@davidlewis967]

another interesting episode, nice one

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks

[@welshwarrior5263]

Excellent. Thanks Chris.

[@redcoathistory]

Very welcome mate. Hope the weekend is treating you well. Im off the Zululand soon to make some more Zulu war films - will keep you posted.

[@welshwarrior5263]

@@redcoathistory I will look forward to it.

[@cavoneant]

Another awesome video. Keep up the good content.

[@julianmhall]

*LOL* at 'squaddie proof'. Reminds me of my late father's camo tunic when he was in the TA (I think the regulars wore the same kit). All the smocks had a label in the collar where you often have washing and ironing advice, but this label only had instructions for using a zip!! Errmmm... their jobs often involved using weapons. I'd hope they could all use a zip!

[@BRH0587]

As a squaddie I can confirm NOTHING is squaddie proof. Not even a sledge hammer.

[@julianmhall]

@@BRH0587 if there were anything 'squaddie proof' they'd just build a better squaddie! Not that there is anything better than the British squaddie obviously ;) Reminds me of a mug I saw advertised once. On the side was the Union Flag, and the inscription 'On the eighth day God invented beer so the British Army wouldn't take over the world' *LOL*

[@BRH0587]

@@julianmhall lmao very good sir. Very well played and thank you. I am off on a mug hunt I think 🤣

[@kodor1146]

The standard weapon on both sides at the beginning of the war was the English Brown Bess musket which was used by both the British and the Americans, as well as the Germans. Later on in the war many French rifles such as the Charleville musket from 1777 had been used by the Americans as well. A legendary weapon of the American Riflemen was the Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle as used by James Fenimore Cooper's hero Hawkey. It was said that a skilled marksman could use it to hit a squirrel at 150 paces. It was a very long-barreled, rifled and relatively small-caliber weapon. The fact that these riflemen were quite dangerous was proven by an order of the Hessians after their first battle at Flatbush in 1776 - 24 hours after their landing in the new world - that the officers should take off their braids to avoid becoming a target. However from diary notes we know that the Germans did not consider these riflemen to be particularly dangerous and since their long rifles had no provision for attaching a bayonet it often happened that these units were fleeing from German or English troops. In the early battles the Americans were unable to withstand the rapidly firing German troops and at Flatbush many Americans were nailed to the trees by the Germans with their bayonets. Nevertheless the German auxiliary troops also used light infantry armed with rifles. Light infantry has a long tradition in Germany and was already widely used by all German lands in the 17th century, especially during the Thirty Years War. These light infantrymen are called Jager (=Hunter) in Germany. They were an elite force consisting of foresters that were excellent marksmen. Jager were exempt of guards duty and received almost twice as much pay as a grenadier. The Jager used German made rifles* so called "Stutzen" or "Jagerstutzen". These weapons were just as accurate as the American long rifles but were more handy and could in contrast to the Pennsylvania rifle be loaded in lying down position. However loading took longer than with pre-made paper cartridges. The rifles had a patch compartment on the butt that contained shot patches. The Jager fought "a' la debandand", i.e. two men shot, two others provided them with covering fire until they had reloaded. Since the Jagerstutzen also lacked a bayonet, for close combat the Jager were equipped with a so called "Hirschfanger" a long hunting dagger. *German gunsmithing in the 18th century had an outstanding reputation worldwide. An interesting weapon was the "Kuchenreuthersche Flinte" which was hand-made but with industrially prefabricated parts. One could order a custom-made weapon from the gunsmith Kuchenreuther and easily get spares if a part was damaged. A late homage to this highly capable gunsmith can be found in the German 1943 movie "Munchausen" in which the Lying Baron's servant Christian Kuchenreuther has a wonder weapon, a very precise gun with a range of hundreds of miles. In one of the most iconic scenes in this movie Kuchenreuther while being a prisoner of the Turkish sultan, shoots a fig into the face of the runner who is sleeping under a fig tree on a country road near Belgrade to wake him up (min 1:12:37): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHOuc2mnfbyCkMU&ab_channel=Z

[@redcoathistory]

You might enjoy my recent video on American riflemen. Many thanks for the comment.

[@blue5562]

Cover the 60th Royal Americans during the American Revolution!

[@redcoathistory]

I have a video about them coming soon in the Peninsular war though

[@victornewman9904]

​@@redcoathistoryAnd Rogers' Rangers?

[@japhfo]

Sadly for regimental tradition, the 60th were effectively consigned to the sidelines during the AWI.

[@redcoathistory]

@@victornewman9904 on the list!

[@blue5562]

​@@japhfo elements were involved. Specifically in the seige of Pensacola FL where they were notably the only Americans present, and (obviously) were loyalists. But yes, unfortunately too much of the unit was sidelined.

[@Rustygulley-r3r]

another excellent video. Thanks!

[@redcoathistory]

My pleasure!

[@janlindtner305]

Thank you for your instructive lectures. Feel free to pass on internet addresses to Conteneltel Marines reenactment groups for uniform details and use👍👍👍

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - Im afraid I don't have any details for re-enactment groups of colonial marines. . . But if you have questions I can ask one of previous guests for you...just drop me an email - redcoathistory at gmail dot com

[@janlindtner305]

@@redcoathistory I would like as many pictures of the mentioned regiments as possible, references etc. You are the man❤👍🤟

[@rockymountainstranger3754]

Thank you for your great video! It is really neat learning about the 1776 pattern rifle. You’ve made a very fine video. I have an ancestor who was one of the over the mountain men who was actually created with being one of the men who shot Ferguson it’s an amazing part of history and its really neat hearing the other side of the story thank you again

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks Sir. I think a video concentrating on King’s Mountain is long overdue. . . I will add to my list. Any good books you think I should start my research with?

[@rockymountainstranger3754]

@@redcoathistory unfortunately most of what I learned is from whckopedia and from some very scant family stories , however Will T Graves Backcountry Revolutionary and Lyman Draper Kings Mountain And it’s Heroes look like good books if one can get ahold of them. sorry I’m not much help

[@davidmcintyre8145]

On shooting and accuracy it is worth remembering that when battleship division 9/6th battle squadron arrived from the USN to aid the RN their gunnery was so bad even by the standards of such luminaries in the field as Admiral Beatty that they had to undergo remedial gunnery training

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

The first battalion to wear Green Jackets in Britain Army was the 5th Royal American Regiment (60th Foot), the Regiment was later The Kings Royal Rifle Corp (60th Rifles). The 60th Rifles and The Rifle Birgade plus The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (43th /52th) to become my old regiment The Royal Green Jackets.

[@Wildwest89]

I’d like to see a video on the 60th Royal Americans pre American revolution

[@Centurion1993]

I’m glad to see videos about the revolutionary war I think it’s a fascinating war. Surprised there was no mention of the Roger’s Rangers commanded by the famous Robert Roger’s that earned distinction in the 7 years war.

[@themightyculsh]

There was another unit raised and used in the Saratoga campaign known as the Company of Select Marksmen, they were also known as Fraser's Rangers for the commander of the unit Captain Alexander Fraser of the 34th Foot. In May of 1776, Governor Guy Carleton directed that each company of each regiment in Canada should provide two men to Captain Fraser of the 34th Regt. to form an elite company of skirmishers that were intended to work alongside native allies, they were also recipients of the P76 rifle.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Really interesting Chris

[@richardsawyer1825]

Very interesting. I did read the recollections of a 95th Rifleman from the Napoleonic era but I should dig into the most useful war that us Brits lost🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@willjones2788]

My Great Great Great Great Grandfather was in the 95th Rifles, 1st battalion. From 1806 to 1816. Could you do a video on the history of this unit? Haha, just a thought. Love your work regardless!

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic. I have something coming soon on the 5/60th rifles but will defintely do something eventially on the 95th. Thanks

[@zsoltbocsi7546]

2 tshirts stuff is very Duog Demuro, great episode thou

[@Kristiana-mb9lk]

How about the Light Companies of the 35th Regiment of Foot for a new video. I enjoy and appreciate your work and the content. Long may it continue.

[@ethanlewis1459]

i suggest you do some videos called Hollywood Vs History where you compare what's falsely portrayed on screen to what really happened

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent idea - thanks a lot.

[@antonrudenham3259]

I was at Shorncliffe barracks in Folkestone in the early 80's and at the far SW corner of the giant sports field next to a Martello tower is what used to be a sand quarry or pit and if you grubbed around a bit in the sand you'd find musket balls and the slightly smaller rifle balls, I assumed that this sand pit had once been used as firing butts back in Napoleonic times. I later learned that this was the barracks where the first LI units were raised back in the very early 1800's. The barracks were named after the famous general Sir John Moore who founded the light infantry and who died at the battle of Corunna.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

Or go crazy and watch the entire DVD library of Sharpe's Rifles! It is excellent!

[@BertPreast]

A vote for an episode on the 60th Royal Americans, celer et audax, make it so!

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent - already working on it Sir.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Hey Chris in all the video's you made about India have you ever tried to do one on The Battle of Kohima aka "The Stalingrad of the East?"

[@redcoathistory]

I haven't but it's certainly one for the future. Thanks for flagging. Any good books I should look up?

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---Your welcome. And I'm sorry, I can't recommend any good books on it. The only reason I found out about this battle at all was thanks to me reading a book called "Turning The Tide Of War, 50 Battle's that Changed the Course of Modern History." That's where I learned about Kohima and also Assaye. Hope you do find something good. Have a nice day or night wherever you are.

[@redcoathistory]

Lovely thanks - just about to hit the hay 10pm here in Joburg

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---Your welcome. I forgot you mentioned that you lived in South Africa. I hope you find other books to help you out.

[@rogervandusen8361]

I currently live near the Oriskany battlefield where St. Lger's force of Iroquois, Loyalists, and Hessian jaegers ambushed the Tyron County militia marching to relieve Fort Stanwix on August 6, 1777. 247 years later the terrain is still wooded and rough. At the edge of my backyard is a green wall of vegteation.

[@mitchellline4242]

One fact I'm sad you didnt bring up was that during the Battle of Brandywine, Ferguson saw a continental officer unguarded and easily in range. But he refused to shoot him as he saw it as a dishonorable kill. That Continental Officer was George Washington

[@redcoathistory]

Yes- good point - I should have included that. . .

[@jonmce1]

A couple of things that may not be known. Muskets became more accurate but harder to load in humid weather because of increased carbon accumulation in the barrel. I met a re enactor once on a humid day who said his accuracy with a brown bess was greatly improved that day. Secondly for all the claims of inaccurate muskets a French practice would suggest different. In the case of a covered position the French chose their most accurate shooter supported by two others. The two additional soldiers would load the muskets and the shooter would fire them. Presumably the muskets was accurate enough for that to be a practice. Incidently John Graves Simcoe is highly regarded in Ontario with some locations calling a holiday Simcoe day. He organized the layout of the province. established the provincial capital in Toronto, phased out slavery(a practice he hated). His wifes journals are the earliest record of like in the refugee colonies, three townships are named for her pet dogs, Tiny Tay and Floss. A town, lake and county is name after him and almost every town has a Simcoe street.

[@peterinbrat]

They should do a series on these guys and maybe put them in Italy and Spain. Oh wait, they did and it was call Sharpe's Rifles..

[@SusCalvin]

That is few years down the line, after a lot more experimentation with light infantry.

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

Just this afternoon I was whistling the tune to sharpest rifles, the song that was sung by a lone cornish man, which goes as follows "O'er the seas and o'er thr main, Through flanders, Portugal and Spain, King George commands and we obey, Over the hills and far away." As a young kid at the time it was aired, that solitary man's song would always pull on my heart strings, and even today, that song brings a mist to my eyes. My Son is a British soldier today, and I'm.very, very proud of him.

[@whoflungdung1046]

We hear a lot about the 95th (3rd Greenjackets), it would be nice to hear a bit more of the 60th (2nd Greenjackets).

[@wor53lg50]

big up 48th regiment of Foot..

[@redcoathistory]

Then you are in luck Sir. A video on the 5/60th is incoming. . .

[@whoflungdung1046]

@@wor53lg50 left naafi break right naafi break left naafi break right naafi break

[@Weasel-vp8zk]

At Kings Mountain in 1780, is it true that the Loyalist militia were armed with smoothbore musket and bayonet, or would many of them have been carrying longrifles as well?

[@celston51]

This one is difficult to verify since both sides at King's Mountain were colonists (loyalists and Patriots). Frontier communities had far more rifles since they were more effective for hunting which was their primary use. Ferguson is famous for the rifle that he invented which bears his name but few were made and used in the war itself. It's more accurate to say that among the Patriot forces there would have been more rifles than the loyalists but both sides used whatever equipment they could bring to the fight. For instance, according to several sources both patriots used muskets as did Ferguson's men who had some captured French muskets from the arsenals at Charlestown.

[@Weasel-vp8zk]

@@celston51 Thanks for the information.

[@brokenbridge6316]

I had heard most of this before. But now I know a few new things. So that's nice. And also it would be nice to hear about how much the Former Loyalists participated in the Napoleonic Wars. When I saw that one American guy in that one episode of Sharpe I was surprised that he was their. But after thinking about it I felt that it made sense. I wouldn't mind hearing more about that.

[@redcoathistory]

Off the top of my head I think there were a few officers who had been loyalists - im sure others fought in the war of 1812 also.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---That wouldn't surprise me. I heard that Benedict Arnold's son also joined the British Army. But weren't much good.

[@nickd4310]

Wouldn't they be fairly old? Many loyalists later fought in the War of 1812, but they were mostly in their 70s.

[@redcoathistory]

More like 50s I would think so not too old for officers - probably not many still running around as grunts tho.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---How interesting

[@Skipper.17]

05:18 top left had corner. 6 shots a minute. Sharpe would be jealous. Lol

[@arkhamasylum8382]

Look back at your collaborations with Rob from British Muzzleloaders!!!

[@redcoathistory]

So many years ago...He and I must do somethin g new together for sure. What subject should we look at?

[@charmainevandiford6622]

All my reading showed the Red Coats as being excellent marksman and they practiced and drilled all the time and many of the books I have stated that it was suicidal to go toe too toe with British Regulars in open Ground. Many of the accounts from the revolution stated they were very good Professional soldiers. Largest army and best Raines of the time.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for your comment, Sir. Generally your points are excellent But just to clarify they had a very small army actually - the British army has always been an expeditionary one not suited to large near peer wars due to its size. Thanks again and I hope you continue to join us here on the channel moving forward.

[@Paulftate]

You mentioned Ferguson? Would that be the same Ferguson of Kings Mountain Fame

[@jameswilliams3241]

Yes

[@Paulftate]

@@jameswilliams3241 thought so

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Referenced in detail 4.30 thru 5.30 , particularly the page shown at 5.11 minutes in which says he , Fergusson the inventor , was the best shot in the British army …..and the Fergusson rifle was “ believed “ to have used by the Provincial Regulars at Kings Mountain ,

[@Paulftate]

@@andygeorgeparkinson2515 I have heard or read it was said Ferguson said that God Almighty couldn't take him from this mountain .... so they planted him there

[@ThatOneGuy-mn6dv]

Objectively speaking the American Revolutionary war is very interesting war in many different areas around the military topic yet is sadly like many wars clouded in myths, lies and misunderstandings ether in a good or bad light on either side. Yet this brought up a few ideas for those more aware of the military matters around it but if one hasn't already since you're brining up the British side of use of matter of Riflemen was it seen and understood by the British point of view this was regarding the use Riflemen as a key part in fighting in the Coalition Wars? If so, in what way? Did others also learn from this and how they learn from? This last one might be asking too much but let's stick with the old Brits if possible.

[@nedmccarroll8462]

Your history is cool 🎉10/10

[@redcoathistory]

And your comment is cool 10/10

[@Calum_S]

According to Martin Pegler in one of his books on snipers, a British sharpshooter had George Washington in his sights but was told not to target him as it wasn't the correct thing to do.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

I need a cuppa tea and a lie down....

[@julianmhall]

Anyone can shoot.. shooting /accurately/, and hitting what you aim at is a deeper issue ;) IIRC the British soldiers were the only ones who trained with live ammunition, so in combat they were used to the recoil.

[@HydraHolden]

I’m American and I’ve been saying this for years. America didn’t win via unconventional tactics. We won with the help of our allies and becoming a professional military. In America we get our understanding of 17-19th century warfare from mainly five movies: Barry Lyndon, Gettysburg, Last of the Mohicans, Patriot, and Napoleon.

[@rosslangsjoen6820]

And in America we know that the second world war consisted of Pearl Harbor and D-day. I wonder if people in other western nations are as totally ignorant as we are.

[@melbea03]

I've never heard the Brit regulars couldn't shoot but I've often heard of patriot accounts of how they feared the redcoat bayonet works

[@Panzerleute9]

And Thayandanagea ( Joseph Brant)

[@transplant-f3p]

i would guess the American frontiersmen started using a gun at an earlier age. This environment produces excellent marksmen. People like Sergeant York. They did not really need much training on marksmanship. Marine Charles Mahnney, a U.S. Marine, was so effective the enemy placed a bounty on his head.

[@DavidDavidunderthebridgeChampi]

The British had a rifle made for just that purpose. It was called the America Rifle by some. Rifles were deliberate given rifles and trained in their use up tp 1000 of them. Muskets properly loaded and trained could be effective. Skirmishers were selected for just this purpose.

[@Warcrimeenthusiast]

As a Jager Reenactor I approve this message .

[@zach7193]

Well, this was something. Interesting. The Pattern 1776 rifle does resemble like the Baker rifle used after the War of Independence. Did the British had light infantry in dealing with rifleman in the war? I mean, they did learned after Braddock's defeat to make better use of light infantry. Same thing after the Revolution, make better use of rifleman. Where would Wellington be without Sharpe?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

They did indeed. Every regiment had their own light infantry company, in addition to a grenadier company.

[@mikewilburn5884]

Had the crown wanted to spend those coins this would be a different video

[@vorynrosethorn903]

The German huntsmen were probably in response to Austrian border troops (in reference to the border with the Ottomans, in many ways they were like Cossacks but on foot) , who proved a right pain to Prussia during their wars. Prussian infantry were generally superior, but they had trouble even coming to grips with masses of irregular troops from Hungary (which at this time included both the Austrian Balkans and Transylvania within their separate but co-ruled (by the house of Austria) kingdom), notably Hungarian hussars captured Berlin, imitation is is the greatest form of flattery and there was no shortage of flattery for Austrian light and irregular troops though their heavy troops (with the exception of the Tyrol regiments, some guard units and the Hungarian line and grenadiers, and Croatians in terms of heavy cavalry) and command were quite safe from it.

[@davemillwall5420]

It's funny, us Brits are still not liked... "Loved by few, hated by many, but feared by all".

[@PaulYardley-i7t]

American revolution was an overseas British revolution! So we didn't lose. Celer et Audax (31 Delta, 2 RGJ).

[@Matthew-z4q]

im American but I love the British! in 1700s

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Bust those myths my friend!

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha we are trying bit by bit!

[@JohnnyRep-u4e]

@@redcoathistory - And Brit by Brit.

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent!

[@peterrooke5336]

The only time I fired a rifle I got hit in the head with the telescopic sights so they called me rapid recoil rooke 🤣

[@graemer3657]

The German Jaeger weee partly a response to the Austrian Croat units

[@trevorfuller1078]

The war would actually have been more accurately & better described & perhaps then named as, “The Anglo-American Civil War of Independence - 1775 to 1783!! 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸 😂😂👍👍❤🤍💙

[@darbyheavey406]

The Brits had a fabulous breach loader that was quite accurate. The Yanks just had more of them- all muzzle loafers however.

[@jacklamb2904]

Yea been waiting on green jacket history. A recent rotational Afghanistan rifleman. Until a sniper got me on herrick 16 shooting me twice. Which is abit annoying

[@redcoathistory]

“Annoying” - understatement of the century - love it mate! Hope you are alright now mate. I’ve got a video out in a couple of weeks on the 5/60th Rifles in the Peninsular that should be up your alley.

[@ak9989]

I learned how to shoot at age 6, my two sons at 6😂. Both are crack shots, ones a current jarhead😂. It's unfortunate that the UK doesn't have a 2nd Amendment. Oh love this channel. It's addicting. I've bought several books on your recommendation😊

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. I agree re. 2nd amendement. . . Luckily I live in SA and am Glock owner...gonna start taking my boys to the range once I think I can trust them

[@davidtrail4731]

Doesn't have a 2nd amendment and doesn't have 30,000 firearm related deaths a year

[@charlieross-BRM]

And the sun never set on the empire but, but, (sniff) no 2nd amendment. Hardly seems fair. ​@@davidtrail4731

[@BRH0587]

So we have a lot of rifle clubs. As a SAA instructor in the British army though, we take great care in our teaching and instruction ref shooting. If we get someone who uses an air rifle etc - there can be real bad technique and posture. So we then have to unteach the bad habits. Don't get me wrong I am all for rifle clubs etc. But I don't think the right to own a weapon is the answer I'd choose.

[@SusCalvin]

I thought both sides had a limited amount of light infantry, but these units suffer losses in America. Europe has elite jager infantry among the nations. An army can't be all elite though. Its similar to why the entire military might of European nations does not ship off to the colonial periphery, but stay in Europe.

[@MarkHurlow-cf2ix]

The British is my most respected military.They burned our Capital now you’ve got to respect that. They had the best military in the world for hundreds of years and only the French had the go with all to stand up to them. I have great respect for the French also but boy those British soldiers are not a joke. I’ve seen SAS training and them in action . They are the deadliest fighting force ever. Hands down. Their navy was incomparable up to the the 1940’s when WW2 broke the British economy and they simply couldn’t afford grand high seas fleet’s as they owned in the past and they didn’t need those fleets after they lost empire. The lose of the British empire was the single most tragic event in world history.

[@SusCalvin]

The colonial presence of the European powers has a lot of local militia. In the Americas and elsewhere.

[@chrisstewart7420]

Thanks, Chris, great. The Germans and the pattern 1776, the 18th century version of Jaeger bombs 😂 (pardon the pun.)

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha excellent!

[@trevorfuller1078]

👇What about doing an interesting article sometime soon from the Korean War about combining both the 1 Glorious Gloucesters action at the Battle of the Imjin River & that of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade that also involved some units of the 1 Middlesex Regiment 🇬🇧 but mainly the 3 Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment 🇦🇺, the 2 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 🇨🇦 & the 16 Royal NZ Artillery 🇳🇿at the Battle of Kapyong, which took place simultaneously only about 15 or 20 miles away from each other during the beginning of the Chinese (PLA) & North Korean Spring Offensive between the 20/April to around the 28/April/1951, as a prelude to their drive then on the South Korean 🇰🇷 capital of Seoul that was successfully defended by these joint actions & those of US & South Korean Forces, occurring at this time & in roughly the same place, as well! ​​⁠👉Hi Chris, For some reason, apparently best known only unto themselves, YT did a note 404 on me & wiped out my original reply with all my advised references contained therein!?? Anyway, you can of course either Google or go to Wikipedia & type on either Battle of the Imjin River (1951), Battle of Kapyong (1951), Chinese PLA Spring Offensive (1951), Australian National War Memorial - Korean War/Kapyong, Canadian National War Museum- - Korean War/Kapyong, Cunningham, Cyril (2000), No Mercy, No Leniency: Communist Mistreatment of British Prisoners of War in Korea, Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Leo Cooper, ISBN 0-85052-767-8. Farrar-Hockley, Anthony (1990), Official History: The British Part in the Korean War, vol. I. A distant obligation, London, ENG, UK: HMSO, ISBN 0-11-630953-9. Harding, E D (January 2011), The Imjin Roll (4th ed.), Rushden, Northamptonshire, England: Forces & Corporate Publishing, ISBN 9780952959762. Hastings, Max (November 1987), The Korean War (1st ed.), Simon & Schuster, ISBN 978-0-671-52823-2. Salmon, Andrew (2009), To the Last Round: The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, London, UK: Aurum Press, ISBN 978-1-84513-408-2 Salmon, Andrew (2010), To The Last Round: The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, Korea 1951, Aurum, ISBN 978-1-84513-831-8 Gray, Hub (2003). Beyond the Danger Close. Bunker to Bunker Publishers. ISBN 1894255240.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Trevor - these battles are quite new to me - are there books you reccomend?

[@gusgone4527]

Northumberland's Fighting Fifth.

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

Yes, yes, quite right folks... The British knew about rifles way before the Baker...

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

They get eclipsed thanks to Hessian jäegers.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - not seen your comments here for a while. . . How are you?

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

@@redcoathistory okay, my hiatus is longer than planned.

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

Taking a friendly dig at help received from france and (to a lesser degree) spain, while then going on to tout the hessian mercenaries (forgot to mention that bit) certainly has its ironies. It was an occupying force of these overrated troops in Trenton, NJ, that was handily captured famously after an iconic river crossing by Colonial troops. You have overlooked a crucial part of the story. While the European forces did have limited yet effective rifle troops, most of their troops were introduced to firearms after enlistment. American riflemen, using their own rifles, were born to it. This more than equalizes the training that European forces pushed. So much of this was a war of cultures. Rifles are no more fragile than smoothbore muskets. They all contain the same elements, short of barrel characteristics. Aside from battering doors down with the buttstock, a military arm of the day was no more or less superior in that aspect from a quality rifle. Overall, rifles, smoothbores, or arrows didn't decide the land engagements and campaigns. Leadership, such as Marion's decisive victory in the South, forever stopping any more British ideas there, to dog stubbornness by other commanders even after defeat, further illustrates the advantage of a people fighting for their home over an increasingly apathetic foreign force. It'd be great to have you come out to shoot and camp with some of us Yanks. Many of us still pursue the experience of those days. I'm not talking about the military reenactors with ice chests and sleeping bags in their tent. I'm talking about the woodsmen.

[@johnfisk811]

In period most Americans actually lived in towns or on established farmland. Only a small (but very real) proportion lived on the ‘frontier’ and were notoriously found ill disciplined by the rebel officers. Strategically the rebellion succeeded because of French and Spanish support. The old French and Spanish royal flags really should be flown on the 4th of July as well as the USA one to represent the campaign for independence.

[@redcoathistory]

Count me in, Sir!

[@SusCalvin]

Early jäger units are picked from that background. Field armies on continental Europe are massive. Like a couple towns manouvering around eachother. There is a whole element of skirmish warfare in the no man's land between the field armies.

[@SusCalvin]

​@@johnfisk811I think jäger infantry in Europe also hit that scale limit. There are only so many hunters. Eventually you will need formalized training in how to skirmish. I thought that was a limit to both sides in the war. Elite troops like light infantry who takes on these risky duties also deplete. Napoleonic light infantry has gone beyond early hunter militia and into elite infantry.

[@rosslangsjoen6820]

The British never really had a chance during the Revolution. Even though most of the American effort was a confused mess, they could always keep the war going somehow, eventually wearing down the British will to transport men, arms, provisions and horses all the way across the Atlantic. Even though it is sort of an article of faith now that the American militia were useless as a military force, they were actually an important part of that business of always keeping the war going somehow. These 'Redcoat History' episodes seem to me to be very accurate.

[@peterinbrat]

You aim a rifle, you point a flintlock

[@redcoathistory]

Not true Sir. British soldiers were taught to aim muskets also.

[@colinharbinson8284]

"Sniper" British origin, someone with the ability to shoot the fast moving zig zagging bird the "Snipe"

[@redcoathistory]

Is that true? I wasn’t aware of that…

[@colinharbinson8284]

@@redcoathistory In as much as it is mentioned in a book by J Hargreaves, either "out of Town" or The old country" i can't remember which, without looking it up. He points out that when flushed out, the bird will fly low,with a fast zig zagging flight , but in flight will defecate and for that short period of time fly in a strait line. that's what the "sniper waits for!

[@tomtaylor6163]

I thought it was because the Redcoats were always stopping to make their Tea lol

[@MarkHurlow-cf2ix]

All Americans with a brain in their head knew we almost lost the revolutionary war and intervention by the French at the worst possible moment saved the American military. Fact,,, the Americans were trained by French officers.

[@jamesorth6460]

An American Rebel here

[@redcoathistory]

Don’t worry we can’t all be perfect 😉

[@jamesorth6460]

@@redcoathistory Well, at least my government won't throw me into prison for my opinions

[@redcoathistory]

Bravo! It takes quite a talent to be both loud and incorrect at the same time. Your future in parliament is assured.

[@Derecq]

An American will claim to be Irish on the basis his great great granny was born in Ireland but fail to realise that the "Americans" of the Revolution were ethnically British. Nationality and ethnicity are not the same, being born in a stable doesn't make you a horse to quote the Iron Duke when somebody referred to him as being Irish.

[@davidw.5185]

"It's a myth we've been losing for the last 250 years." 🤣

[@ricardobufo]

but, But, BUT .. Sharpe never went to da Rebel Colonies. :o

[@Pwelvr]

Oh maybe any trained solider can shoot but what the Brits can’t do is rule their colonies or “possessions” fairly and effectively. As regards to the U.S. I suggest you review the Declaration of Independence to refresh your memory. 🤨

[@redcoathistory]

I must confess, your comment left me rather bemused, as one might be when encountering a gnat that dares lecture an elephant on matters of weight.

[@bobstine3785]

Didn't British riflemen wear green coats?

[@redcoathistory]

@@bobstine3785 Hi, yes they did later on but at this point it was a mixed bag depending on if they were in British infantry regiments, loyalist regiments or Hessians. I have a video out in a couple of weeks about the 5/60th Royal Americans who did wear green in the Penisnualr War.

[@outdoorlife5396]

In the first one, the ramrod is attached because it belongs to the calvary. I learned that early. As far as the Fergusion Rifle, I still am at odds why this was not a good idea at the time. The same problem with producing these rifles produced itself during the American Civil War. I call them desk top soldiers. Thing is these rifles where expense. That said, I think in forward thinking, that the British along with the Americans learned that accuracy along with rapid fire is important. In the future both armies would learn that snipers would play an important part in history. Thank you, my DISTANT British cousins. We have got to be kin somehow. Look at it like this the British and the Americans kissed and made up, which made the third rule of French warfare. LMAO

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha yes, blood is thicker than water as they say.

[@outdoorlife5396]

@@redcoathistory I must have been tired when I wrote the last line. To explain, 3rd rule of French Warfare is let the British and Americans kiss and make up and they will do most of your fighting for you. WWI and II. 1st rule is the French do much better when not lead by a Frenchman ex Joan of Arc. 2nd is arm the Americans and they will fight the British for you. AR. lol Sometimes I look at these post and videos when I cannot sleep.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

Tim Murphy....mic drop.