The Forgotten Story of How British Redcoats Took on Japanese Samurai

Samurai vs Redcoat. In this video we examine the multiple times that bayonet and Katana battled during the 1860s. It includes the bombardment of Kagoshima and also the Shimonoseki campaign.
This is the story behind James Clavell’s Gaijin: a tale of samurai, imperialism, politics, war and gunboat diplomacy in the Wild East.
This video also sees the first American earn the Victoria Cross and the ancient rule of the Japanese Shoguns come to an end.
Thanks to Joshua Provan for researching and writing the script. His KZbin channel can be found here - / @adventuresinhistoryla...
His book Wild East is available via this link - amzn.to/3un24KU
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or join my new Patreon - / redcoathistory

[@parmentier7457]

The Dutch were the only Europeans allowed to trade with the Japanese between 1641-1854. This was agreed between the Japanese and the Dutch. The Japanese studied Dutch so that they could read and study Dutch books such as medicine, mathematics and science. The Japanese wanted to be kept informed about what was happening in the world through the Dutch. The port where Dutch trading ships were allowed to moor was Dejima. Once a year there was a procession with European (latest technical) attributes from Dejima to the Japanese capital to show this to the Japanese emperor. This would be faster by boat, but the procession went over land which took much longer. The Dutch often warned the Japanese that they had to modernize and that there was a danger that other nations would force Japan to trade with them. The Spanish and Portuguese were thrown out of Japan because they converted Japanese to Catholicism. The Dutch were allowed to stay because they wanted to trade alone.

[@SC-jt3uf]

If Japan had believed the warnings of the Dutch and modernized at this time, Japan might have conquered the world.

[@alstjrqkr689]

I think this was the turning point that changed japans fate.

[@drob437]

That was the Dutch learning period.

[@Farhan917]

@@alstjrqkr689It was 🇺🇸 that change Japan’s fate when they forced them to open their port.

[@alstjrqkr689]

@@Farhan917 mommy n daddy then.

[@baldyman1965]

I had no idea about any of this, two VCs awarded in Japan. Another great video. Thanks.

[@CommissarDoggo]

Three in fact, as mentioned in the video. I don't believe that Thomas Pride ever had a photo taken of him or a portrait done, hence why he wasn't pictured in the video. The whole saga in history is largely forgotten, something I found out rather quickly when I was trying to find sources for the Wikipedia page on William Henry Harrison Seeley.

[@user-yh6ti7bn4l]

@@CommissarDoggo There was 4 two brits one Canadian One American

[@CommissarDoggo]

@@user-yh6ti7bn4l And a Canadian you say? I don't think I came across that anywhere when I was researching, I don't suppose you have a name?

[@addom88warzone89]

U never seen the last samurai?

[@CommissarDoggo]

@@addom88warzone89 The 2003 film of an American cavalry officer based on the stories of Eugène Collache and Jules Brunet, two French officers of the Imperial Guard? No actually, I haven't, but I might do now. Unfortunately no Canadians there.

[@gorotv5826]

I would like to share some trivia here. As a Japanese, I have to say that many of the samurai photos on the Internet, although not seen in this video, are fakes. From the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period, many fake photos taken in photo studios were sold as souvenirs to foreigners. These photos were popular with foreigners because they showed ordinary people wearing armor and pretending to be samurai by imitating seppuku (ritual suicide) or practicing martial arts. In many cases, the only photos that can be authenticated are those in which the person in the photo is a famous samurai.

[@Fire_ov_Renewal]

Oh, interesting.

[@user-uj5kn6co5q]

I have a photo album filled with postcards of these that my Dad brought home. One can tell by the facial bone structure that a lot of the subjects were commoners.

[@MD-rl2qk]

that makes sense, none of them are holding a sword correctly

[@scubathehun]

Well done Sir! As a former Hungarian Loyal Canadian and fan of British and Japanese History, this satisfied a curiosity about military comparison between EDO period Samurai and Western Military Doctrine. Keep up the good work !

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Are there other good books on the subject you’d reccomend?

[@wickuswoss7257]

I'm a Afrikaner living In canada, tbh I'm probably the most anglophobic person you'll meet. celebrated when the queen died, and generally wish Canada would cut any ties to that mud island. Japan is cool tho

[@almightykingpin6322]

@@wickuswoss7257all I’m hearing is coping and seething

[@wickuswoss7257]

@@almightykingpin6322 would only cope if I was a mud person(english) I am not. Seething... maybe. Just kinda find it cringe to watch people simp for garbage tho

[@almightykingpin6322]

@@wickuswoss7257 how does being English equate to being a mud person what’s the thinking behind that

[@adventuresinhistoryland5501]

Pleasure to work with you on the script! I loved writing the book!

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

How about Fuzzy Wuzzy (Kipling)?

[@alejandroschmidt542]

Publishes the two defeated English invasions of Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807 and the battle of Vuelta de Obligado, which was a failure for the English navy......

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

How about the Onslaught of New Orleans (in which Jean Lafitte played a big role)? Gen. Braddock's last campaign to take Fort Duquesne? @@alejandroschmidt542

[@robertcottam8824]

I have every respect for your nation. Your rugby and polo players are lovely… Hard. Skilled. Chivalrous. Argentina is the most English of places - and several of my most disreputably-English relatives built lives there on the River Plate… They tended to be commercially-minded: Some were perverts - by late Victorian standards… And hats-off to that! Go West! (And all that.) For example: Great-uncle Albert was a little (ahem) ‘mauve’, ‘liberally accepting’ of all fauna with a pulse… He ‘went native’ with cohorts of Italians. Creoles, Spaniards, Gurani… - even fellow Brits! A fraction of ‘em were women! He was expelled from school for ‘beggaring’ a soldier in Piccadilly! As bold and incorrigible as you like! In short, your nation is lovely. But, alas, The Falklands can never be yours… The current Falklands garrison - a single Daring Class desroyer; a squadron or two of Eurofighters… two subs… is capable of bonking the whole of Latin-American armed forces with three button-presses…. Nowt you can do, poppet. Enjoy the site.

[@elvispearce5422]

What Book?

[@alanowen5379]

Interesting episode. My Great grandfather served with the 10th Foot in Yokohama in 1868. He may have had a more interesting time than I first thought.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Alan, did he leave much info?

[@alanowen5379]

@@redcoathistory His army pay book, that was all. I only found out that he had been in Japan by searching Forces war records.

[@flashgordon6670]

Another outstanding episode, Tyvm! 👏🏼👏🏼💛🎖You deserve the Medal of History. Is there anyone we didn’t fight with in the 19th C? If so, pls make a video about them, if you can thanks. Pls upload films, dramas and documentaries, with redcoats in. And what about re-enactments and drill contests, soldiering etc, or VR matches?

[@TrumpIsRetarded]

Lying in KZbin comments for attention is hilarious

[@rmbdec-xu8pj]

Your grandfather was a participant in oppression of other countries all for monetary gain. The Japanese and Chinese have the equal right to trade on their own terms like anyone else. Thankful for America which cherishes and respects each individual countries right to trade or not to trade, and how they want to trade.

[@Maverick0451]

Excellent coverage of this topic!! I’m a US Marine veteran, and I have to say I smiled when you brought up Redcoats and US Marines fighting side by side!! Thank you for another fantastic video!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. You know that’s got me thinking…there must be other times (not including GWOT) that it happened. I’ll see if I can find anything.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@redcoathistory I’m thinking Taku forts… err… 1859 or 1861. Famous ‘blood is thicker than water’ thingy when the Americans got involved. I THINK they saved a detachment of Brits who were under heavy fire, in thick mud, with a rising tide… It may be worth a look, Chris. (Have to admit that my source was ‘Flashman’ but I’ve lost my copy of errr. ‘Flashman and The Dragon’?)

[@alittlebitofhistory]

9th Regiment of Foot later to be known as the Norfolk Regiment the last time they shared a battlefield with American troops they would have been against each other at Saratoga in 1777.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@alittlebitofhistory Ahem. Let’s not mention that, eh? 🤣

[@redcoathistory]

@@robertcottam8824 oh nice - I will look that up. My knowledge of the war is very limited.

[@BigSkySix]

The irony of these incidents is that all they did was weaken the Tokugawa government. Satsuma, Choshu, and a few others, realized that the Tokugawa needed the foreigners to fight their battles. Even worse (for the Tokugawa), these domains eventually reached out to the foreigners and obtained their weapons, training and tactical and strategical skills. All of this then came to blows in the Boshin war, as you correctly point out. During that war the supporters of the emperor became known as the Imperial Army, officially, with approval of the emperor. The Tokugawa forces were beaten quickly, and the remnants installed the short lived Ezo Republic on what is Hokkaido today.

[@brittakriep2938]

In contrast to other parts of the world with other culture and religion, the japanese people soon recognized, that only a quick modernisation in Military, technic and science protects the country from becoming a colony. and they had been successfull. Similar to the members of european counterparts, the nobles of knights class, the Samurai class members switched from battlewinning warriors to leading officers. After 1867 they could carry a sword only when being officer, but still own one, also in napoleonic era the smallsword came out of use by european noblemen, but they also still could own swords. As a first step in modernising japanese weapons, they transformed the more modern type of matchlock muskets into percussion muskets, bought more modern weapons from outside and hired french officers to train their soldiers, because in late 1860s the french army was seen as worlds best Army. Also in late 1870s they introduced first self invented and produced modern cartridge rifle.

[@WilliamLaurenson]

​@@brittakriep2938 Protect their country from becoming a colony owned by whom? They can hardly be called "successful" in this regard since no Western country had any remote interest in colonizing Japan. In fact, they never had any interest in it to begin with. It just wasn't practical.

[@brittakriep2938]

@@WilliamLaurenson : English is not my native language. I have read, that when the japanese noticed that in their isolation time, technolodx etc. in western countries became more advanced, they FEARED becoming a colony. This fear was not ,Out of the blue', in german : (literally): Not taken out of the air'. It seems, that no Western Power realy wanted to colonize Japan, but japanese people could not know this then.

[@stefthorman8548]

@@WilliamLaurenson they didn't have an interest, since Japan is stronger compared to other Asian powers, plus being an island nation, it's more practical to take over an country full of tribesmen that don't have guns and cannons, with land in an more profitably location since they get their troops there by ship, it's the same reason why the brits can't conquer other European powers, without another European powers support, an strong coordinated land army, is immune to invasion by sea, an ship artillery is strong and numerous, but they can only target the coastlines, but land artillery is capable of defeating an invading small land army, and dissuade any attempt for the ship to land, the tech gap was too small for the Japanese to be easy prey, unlike the islands above Australian, which were also used as ports, but since they were with primitive weapons, they were conquered. so yes, they did protect their country from becoming an colony, if they didn't get their guns since the 1540's they would have been taken over like the Philippines, and other countries

[@geroutathat]

@@stefthorman8548Actually attacking by sea is the single best way to invade a country, there is simply no better way, there is no better way on the planet than moving large groups of people for a battle. Even the vikings were able to turn up with 6000-8000 in Dublin for one of their first big battles. It's very very cheap. Land at a remote beach and you can land soldiers for weeks before being noticed. If there was no sea between England and France then they would have failed to move so many people for an attack so quickly... Saying all that, Japans fear doesnt have to be rational for want of a better word. It just has to be understandable, do we really think they might have thought they would be invaded by sea? sure. It was also highly likely they were starting to think they could invade places by sea too.

[@cjod33]

Wow, i love learning something new. Thank you 😊.

[@MultiFkUtube]

Its great that you are sharing events that most people have never heard about. However, I feel that this was told from a western POV and could have elaborated on the historical context. This era was a revolutionary period in Japanese history leading to the formation of the foundation of modern Japan. It all began with the Americans one day sailing to Edo with gunboats and enforcing one-sided trade agreements, soon followed by other European nations vying to expand influence in Asia. This was during the age of western imperialism, where underdeveloped civilizations were colonized and annexed. China, British Malays, French Indochina, etc. The Japanese knew about this and the fact that China was overtaken was a huge shock as China was considered the most advanced civilization in the region for most of history. As western nations began to influence the country through show of force, meddling with internal politics, demanding agreements that only merit the west and disadvantaged Japan, etc. etc. naturally many people considered their country to be threatened, risked being overtaken like all the other asian countries, and their way of life to be destroyed. So its important to clarify that there was cause on the west one way or another for any clashes. Japan knew it was time for change and these events caused many many young men to think about what should be done, what course the country needs to take. Of course there were different factions, different views and conflicts of interest, etc. so it lead to civil war and incidents with western countries like what was covered in the video. This was an era full of energy, bred many brilliant people who took a country from the feudal era to the modern era in just a few decades. One unfortunate lesson Japan learned from the whole experience was that they thought that Japan too must become imperialistic like all other modern nations at the time, or else risk being colonized, which influenced the path of foreign policy/national security strategy afterwards.

[@geosqueezebox4016]

There's a West Version and a British Version. This was definitely Wes-Brit. 👌

[@FranciscoPreira]

Great video Chris. Thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching. A relief to see your comment. Most people commenting are not from the "core audience" and seem more concerned with my Japanese pronunciation. Always good to hear from an old redcoat history regular.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

Fascinating. As with other comments this was completely new history to me. As an ex-colonial I was amused that I was rooting for the Redcoats! I keep telling others that what makes it into the history books is a fraction of one percent of what actually happened. Excellent research and great presence as the narrator. Just enough emotional reaction. A side note. On this side of the Pond we receive little of British military history. The biggest source is Sharpe's Rifles series and the two follow up episodes. Is this worth a video context on accuracy and dynamics? Also, an episode on the Light Brigade charge? I'm subscribing

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. I have done quite a bit on Sharpe on the period so please have a look. Next week's episode does cover the charge of the Light Brigade also. Thanks and keep in touch.

[@andyf4292]

always root for the Redcoat!

[@sheerluckholmes7720]

@@andyf4292 Redcoats can get rooted mate ! 🥱

[@urmum3773]

@@sheerluckholmes7720He says, in English

[@subliminaljuggernaut7278]

What's an ex-colonial?

[@KeithJohnson.]

Great stuff thank you! This is all news to me! I had no idea about our actions in Japan. Thanks again, keep up the great content 🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Keith - any other stories you'd like me to look into?

[@DBNwargaming]

Thanks for that, thoroughly enjoyed it, it was all new to me, well researched & well produced. 'Long Live the history of the Red Coat'

[@RachDarastric2]

You look like the one to ask. If a samurai and a redcoat got combined, would they wear their armor over their red coat, or would they wear their red coat over their armor? Would they be more concerned about padding or uniformity.

[@Myself-yf5do]

Japan is the Britain of Asia.

[@decipheringenglishleaveitt3812]

The parallelism is very much interesting.

[@winzyl9546]

More like the prussians of asia, they modernized and reformed their country in the blink of an eye.

[@Myself-yf5do]

@@winzyl9546 A mixture of both, perhaps.

[@waylingtons]

I’ve always seen Japan as the Germany of Asia. Very industrious and economically solid. I can see what you mean though.

[@wesleyashton9813]

Outstanding account, I’d never realised that we had had military action in Japan.

[@martinsmith6049]

We fought in over half the countries on the planet.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

A samurai was defeated by a soldier who extended his foot and make him trip over it... That is gotta be my new favourite example of why real history is not like a movie.

[@WindlePoones]

Excellent content. Uncovering sections of history I knew nothing about. Thanks for posting.

[@Matty10thDVN]

Another outstanding vid sir.

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks.

[@scootertart]

Fantastic snippet of history and great video- many thanks

[@Mendrawza24]

"Sam-yoo-rai" lol Great summary! It's great to hear some first hand accounts of the skirmishes.

[@redcoathistory]

Very good, Sir. If you wish for further instruction on the Japanese language I charge a small fee of £200 per hour. In two hours I can bring you to my level of comprehension or you money back!

[@Mendrawza24]

@@redcoathistory Wow, that's an amazing deal! Do you take yen? 💹 💴 I really need to figure out what this daimyo is yelling on about.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

@@Mendrawza24 It's British humour, he was making fun of himself, he realizes that he doesn't know the perfect pronunciation, so the joke revolves around "charging money to _bring you down_ to his level", ie, diminish your knowledge, however good it might be. I found it funny, but of course, once explained, I believe no joke remains funny.

[@VL1975]

@@hansvonmannschaft9062 We get that, buddy.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

@@VL1975 Well, _buddy,_ 🙂 - The guy above me didn't seem to, otherwise wouldn't have wasted the time. 😕

[@user-oc3xm9ip2d]

Absolutely fascinating- thanks for this and a great channel

[@Dav1Gv]

Excellent. I hadn't heard about these actions before.

[@user-cm8en8or1p]

Looks like I've found a new favourite channel. Great stuff. Thanks.

[@bigbattleslittleworlds]

Fantastic video, and a brilliant channel. I thought I knew a lot of history but you keep giving me more and I love it. Keep up the great work.

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you very much!

[@benwolf2356]

As a Yank living in Sagadahoc county (state of Maine), bravo to Mr. Sealy! And cheers to you for telling the tale!

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic - I hope I pronounced it correctly!

[@desdicadoric]

Haha nice one

[@benwolf2356]

@@redcoathistory given the separation of the Maine accent from Oxford English, we may never know!

[@flashgordon6670]

It’s the offshoot nation’s that don’t pronounce our language correctly, not visa versa. The English can pronounce their language however we like and all the offshoots have to follow. That’s the Law of Language I just invented.

[@rmbdec-xu8pj]

What the brits did was wrong and sowed the seeds for ww2 in the Pacific. The Opium wars was evil and worse type of enslavement than conventional slavery. Each country should have the right to determine who and how they trade, or even if they want to trade at all. What you are saying is very un American. America is about freedom world wide and not oppression!

[@mileymarielow3850]

Just found this channel,looking forward to watching all the uploads past and present...😁😁😁😁

[@Flintlockon]

12:26 The Emporers clothes are real and the hat is FABULOUS! Looks like a giant novelty exclamation mark.

[@desdicadoric]

Just what I said, less is more

[@desdicadoric]

@@homie3461 that’s interesting, thanks

[@tannymanny1000]

Lol, the emperor has a side quest for someone

[@tuomasronnberg5244]

Same, I had to pause the video to chuckle when he first popped up. They really made sure that everyone knew who was the most important person in the room 😄

[@Caliber50bmg]

Well done 👍! Im 52 livin’ in Houston Tx, and enjoy Japanese lore and history as a whole. I came across this along with a couple other videos of yours and enjoyed them. 😊

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed them. Thanks a lot. Would love to visit Houston one day - many interesting historical sites?

[@Caliber50bmg]

@@redcoathistory Not nearly as much as what the north/eastern coast has going back to the founding of the country. Of course NOTHING here does when your side of the pond goes back to the beginning of Recorded History! We do have the San Jacinto Battlegrounds and Monument as well as the Battleship Texas, which is the last of the Dreadnoughts which served over there in WWI and II. Its being completely restored in Galveston Tx , which is very interesting in its own. I can send links if you like.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@Caliber50bmg I’d like it if you posted links. Nowt wrong in learning new things - particularly if you’re my age! 🧐 Best wishes

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - thats good info. If I come will let you know. @@Caliber50bmg

[@mhoadievdelapaz3703]

Does that include Unit 731?

[@demvaril]

HMS Euryalus - You-Rye-a-lus. i served on a sister ship Hms Phoebe F42. Great video.

[@flashgordon6670]

Another outstanding episode, Tyvm! 👏🏼👏🏼💛🎖You deserve the Medal of History. Is there anyone we didn’t fight with in the 19th C? If so, pls make a video about them, if you can thanks. Pls upload films, dramas and documentaries, with redcoats in. And what about re-enactments and drill contests, soldiering etc, or VR matches?

[@barelyasurvivor1257]

Faascinating video. I had no idea about this or the first American getting the Victoria Cross. TY for a great video.

[@Hectorsdad]

New to the channel. Very interesting and well presented programme.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoy it! What other areas of history do you enjoy?

[@tn1881]

The Satsuma domain had been purchasing large quantities of Western weapons and warships from Thomas Blake Glover. Emperor Meiji was educating the Japanese people so that Japan would not be influenced by Western ideas. He created the Imperial Rescript on Education, and Inazo Nitobe wrote Bushido, a collection of ancient samurai morals. Katana was also used after WW2. Mongolians who were mercenaries of the Chinese Communist Party used guns and katana, so the Chinese Communist Party's construction methods depict Mongolians with katana. British physician and diplomat Sir Rutherford Alcock (1809 - 1897). "I have seen many a battlefield," "but of sabre wounds I never saw any so horrible. One man had his skull shorn clean through from the back and half the head sliced off to the spine, while his limbs only hung together by shreds." "They have attained the climax of dexterity. The sword is always carried at the side, and adepts in the use of it wound the moment it is drawn." "The fatal stroke, upwards, is given in the act of drawing. Hence, placing the hand on the hilt is equivalent to presenting a cocked revolver, and if the assailant is not disabled in the act it is too late for defence." British researcher Basil Hall Chamberlain (1850 - 1935) "Japanese swords excel even the vaunted products of Damascus and Toledo. To cut through a pile of copper coins without nicking the blade is, or was, a common feat." Francis James Norman (1855 -)"Though highly scientific, kenjutsu is a very rough-and-tumble sort of sword-play, absolutely free from parade and all theatrical touches, but wonderfully practical withal. As Japanese chivalry is most uncompromisingly based upon the idea that all is fair in war,so Japanese swordsmen resort to certain methods which are highly reprehensible from our point of view. "

[@stephenrose1343]

Thanks for this, an account of a conflict I had no knowledge of.

[@robertcottam8824]

Great content! I’ve been a subscriber for a while, now. I’m not as mobile as once was. So…. Thanks for what you do!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Robert - I appreciate that! Keep in touch.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@redcoathistory Your site is a great place to be. Your correspondents are so very courteous. You have trained us well.

[@abchaplin]

Seeley was the second American to receive a VC; he was, however, the first citizen of the U.S. to receive the VC. The first was Alexander Roberts Dunn, a Canadian, for actions at Balaclava. The other four U.S. recipients of the VC received it as a result of actions on the Western Front with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Great War.

[@satleet]

lmfaooooo we all knew he was talking about actual americans. stay mad my northern brother

[@abchaplin]

@@satleet, "actual Americans?" That's an arrogation, if ever I've read one.

[@stefthorman8548]

​@@abchaplin calm down, it's just that "American" typically refers to the USA, "North America" refers to the landmass, which includes Canada, Mexico, and US, and "the Americas" refer to both north and south America, but no other country of the Americas refer to themselves as Americans except the US, it's even in our name, "the US of America" Canada is just referred to as Canadians, unless you want us to be referred to as "unitedians " or "stateians" it'll stay as americans. and yes, the US are actual "Americans", since it's in our name, unless Canada's name is changed to "PA" or "provinces of America" then no, you aren't an actual American, nor can you refer to yourself as one, BUT, you can say "i live in north America" or "i'm north American" since "Americans" refers to only the citizens of one country.

[@abchaplin]

@@stefthorman8548, that is how many use it, but my view is informed by historical events. Our dominion was established by the British North America Act. We anglophones did not refer to ourselves as "Canadians" -- back then, "Canadians" meant "canadiens" -- until after the failure of the Imperial project between the Boer and Great Wars. Up to that point, we were British. At a meeting of the Imperial War Cabinet in the spring of 1917, an attendee was heard by Sir Robert Borden to remark that "At last the Americans are in." SRB growled in response, "We've been here for three[sic] years!" Keep in mind that SRB was Canada's last prime minister born before confederation -- and that he was a Bluenoser and proud of it. In the end, "American" is a colloquialism, admittedly widely used. Please note that, in official documents, the U.S. government does not use it to refer to its people except perhaps its indigenous peoples. It will use phrases such as "U.S. citizens and/or residents." Coinages such as Frank Lloyd Wright's "Usonian" never took hold. Other languages, however, have "Estadunidense" (Spanish) and "Étatsunien" (French) which succinctly covers the U.S.A.'s peoples. In the end, I think we should reclaim the term as applying to us. When people ask if we are American, we should say "Yes, from the Canadian part," or some such.

[@FurobaOA]

Prior to the confrontation with the allied fleet, Choushuu rushed out wooden cannons, pine reinforced with bamboo, that would perhaps get off two or three shots. These were used on small boats, and while they could reach the enemy ships, they did not do much damage. Interestingly, after the small boats were sunk, these cannons would float.. Choushuu also had domestically produced western style bronze cannons, which were a few decades behind in technology. These were looted by French sailors and can still be seen at the hotel des invalides war museum in Paris.

[@nickthurlow4456]

I thought I was a bit of a history buff , but I've never heard of this story, Great video 👍

[@colonelfustercluck486]

that is sooooo good, the ships band playing 'Oh Dear What can the Matter be', as they shot the place up (07.50)... so understated.

[@maxbuckley9762]

Favourite British officer - Mad Jack Churchill - frought during ww2 but only recorded being armed with only a broad sword / long bow / bag pipes 😅🇬🇧

[@mjspice100]

He was the last recorded person to kill an enemy soldier with the longbow and arrow. The sword he carried was a claymore, he said that an officer in uniform without a sword was improperly dressed.

[@aymonfoxc1442]

He also used submachineguns, grenades and scavenged German guns but that's often ignored in the somewhat mythical tales of his exploits.

[@aymonfoxc1442]

​@@mjspice100 Quite right. In fact, it was a shorter variant of claymore that had been popular in Scotland as it delivered a similar impact but could be wielded in one hand if necessary. The name of the variant however, escapes me at present. When it came to armament, Mad Jack Churchill was certainly a unique chap.

[@PrimeTime350]

brits like to talk big even after stealing other people's lands still shamelessly entitled

[@vatsal7640]

​​@@PrimeTime350lmao how was Churchill stealing others land when he was fighting against the germans???😂?

[@Klonen75]

One thing I notice when hearing about the red coats is their moral. It's always sky high almost to the point that it becomes a danger. Well it did when they fought the Zulus. They are so immensely proud and so convinsed of their skills and invincibility. And of the army's superiority. I'm amazed at how the british high command and the officers manages to instill such pride in the men and make them so proud to serve.

[@vincemeszaros9010]

It goes back to the time of Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. I've been reading Fortescues history of the British army and apparently during William IIIs mismanaged campaigns in Flanders in the 1690s many in England decried the fact that it was not in the 'natural order of things for English men to lose to French.' The french being of course, besides the germans, the most formidable enemy they ever fought. The successes of Marlborough and Wellington were felt to have 'set things back in their proper order' and gave a feeling of superiority which I think were not quite diminished until the disasters of the 2nd Boer and 1st world wars.

[@geomod6850]

10:56 I stood up and put my hand over my heart. I salute you sir!

[@0pPotato]

Interesting. These are the parts of history I seek. Things I know not much about. Thanks for the video!

[@thomaseley8386]

Awesome video. Would love to know more about redcoats in Japan. British-Japanese military interaction has had an undervalued role. William Fairburn a Royal Marine did bayonet fencing against Japanese soldiers. Based on this experience, and street fighting in Shanghai, he went on to create the blueprint for what is now known as SWAT.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic thanks for the info. Is there any good books on Fairburn?

[@paulmanson253]

Err,Fairbairn I think. And he himself wrote a book on the subject. Became a Shanghai policeman. About as much as I know.​@@redcoathistory

[@redcoathistory]

@@paulmanson253 thanks a lot. I’ve heard of his knife but don’t know much about him. Will look him up.

[@Kriegsman1119]

None of that is true

[@charlieross-BRM]

One of my father's cousins was in the British army in Shanghai. I met him when in Scotland - BIG man and the archetype of a military highlander. A Glaswegian brother-in-law was in the Hong Kong police; probably in the 1950s/1960s or maybe earlier. Those must have been "interesting" times. They were both interesting and entertaining men.@@paulmanson253

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

I cannot imagine that you would lack for material for your excellent videos, we British have always been a warlike nation and have subsequently chronicled both our victories and our losses

[@redcoathistory]

Very true. I think I’ve made approx 150 videos and I have barely scratched the surface. I hope you will join me for other videos going forward.

[@jorgegonzalezcastro3674]

Your loses you hid under the rug of your propaganda, don't fool yourself.

[@jorgegonzalezcastro3674]

Note how the 'Invincible Armada' event is well publicised in British history while the debacle of the counter armada expedition against La Coruña led by Drake and Norris is but a foot note. And there's a plethora of examples in this same line, I just bothered to mention two analogue events to make my point.

[@pevebe]

@@jorgegonzalezcastro3674 Sucks to suck. We speak English here

[@0ntimetaiment921]

@@jorgegonzalezcastro3674 I think the point still stands. These events are well chronicled. After all: we all know of this. The Brits just don't like to talk about it.

[@robertdownes4339]

First time I have listened to one of your podcasts, and excellent, a story I had never heard before. I think I will now read more about this period of Japanese history. Sounds like aftermath of this incident saw the birth of Imperial Japan, inspiring stuff

[@johnosborne1873]

History worth remembering!! Thank you!

[@joebombero1]

How about a video on the British capture of Manila and Cavite in the Philippines in 1762?

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Brilliant, loved it

[@josephfeeley3476]

Well presented young man! I enjoyed this and forwarded it to my youngest son who is like his dad a history buff!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thankyou, Sir.

[@bigheadrhino]

Fascinating! Just discovered your channel, looking forward to watching more vids.

[@redcoathistory]

Welcome aboard! - New video has just been released that you may enjoy.

[@redikaak9986]

the era when the British army doubled as a drug cartel in China

[@SonyJimable]

Yes they where into drug trade, human trafficking and theft of anything they could lay their hands upon. The Pedo Palace still has its hands in many of these areas to this day.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

The usual suspects, The Sassoon family…..

[@jasonallen6081]

​​@@bushwhackeddos.2703 At the time opium was the wonder drug of it's day. It seemed to cure everything and gave people the first real pain relief that they had ever had . It was seen as a medicine. And the British had the best product.

[@cjod33]

I went to school with a kid called Allcock. We used to joke with him about it, 'allcock no brains, allcock no balls etc ' being Australian in the seventies , he was the one who would laugh the hardest 😂. We used to be able to take And give a joke .

[@javiercastro8466]

History, as it was never covered during my developing years. Kudos.

[@warrenturner2906]

Great video.....I was unaware the Brits fought the Samarai....My second great grandfather was with the 18th Regiment of Foot in the Opium Wars of 1842...Well done, and very informative.

[@DarrellVermilion]

4:36 "only the merchants were itching for a war" Isn't it always the case? (´ー｀)

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

Several of my forebears were captives at Dunbar, indentured to Puritan farmers in Massachusetts, and they wedded the daughters of their masters. Another branch was couturiers for the rich. Queen Mary stayed at our house in Yorkshire during the first night of her exile, and we gave, to her, a dress. Her death may have been mercifully faked, so as to get the heat off of her, while simultaneously getting her out of the fracas. Chas. 2 stayed at the house of another branch of my family, the sister of Geo. Carteret of Jersey, during Charles's exile, before he went to France.

[@robertcottam8824]

That’s great research! I love ‘micro/family history like this. It must have taken you ages. Forgive my ignorance but did you refer to Mary of Modena?

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

Nice to be appreciated, thank you. Yes, but some cumulative from a sketchy earlier paid research, and some input from cousin. @@robertcottam8824

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

Mary Queen of Scots. @@robertcottam8824

[@RAMBLINGS7]

This was very fascinating i never knew this history thanks for sharing

[@gerryhasell7828]

Love this episode Chris, stand out viewing as usual-----very 'last samurai'

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Gerry. Hope all is well with you mate.

[@alessiodecarolis]

Another interesting story, surely British colonial history wasn't boring! It's strange that the US navy, neverthless the ACW, could spare ships and men for overseas missions. P.s. as shown on your video, the redcoats are soldiers, not warriors, andi the fomer generally eats warriors for lunch!👍

[@billballbuster7186]

Yes the British and Japanese were firm allies and Japan actually fought with the Allies in WW1. But the Americans forced the treaties to be absolved in the 1920s. The Americans fearing war with both Britain and Japan a possibility, this act served to increase Japanese hostility to the US and spurred their alliance with Germany in the1930s.

[@mike-cl7pb]

The Japanese were one of the victorious powers at Versailles however they felt snubbed by the other all white delegates. The treaty or Versailles was chaired by US president Woodrow Wilson now acknowledged as a ardent Southern white supremists. Nationalism increased in Japan during the 1920's and exploded when the Depression struck making imports expensive leading to ultra nationalism and expansionist aims from a increasingly militaristic controlled government. As you said the UK was incorraged to test up treaties made circa 1900 by the USA further isolating Japan from international trade agreements ie with the British empire and commonwealth. Even up until 1940 the biggest threat was considered the USSR but double agents off set the threat leading to expansionist plans in South East Asia assuming priority.

[@billballbuster7186]

@@mike-cl7pbThe result of American insecurity and Democrat Racism, really did lead to the militarization of Japan and the disaster in China in the 1930s. If Japan had been treated fairly and alliances maintained, World history could have been very different

[@MrBsUkuleleChannel]

A really interesting video, really enjoyed that thanks.

[@BigArnieNumeroUno]

Excellent presentation.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching

[@stevekay5486]

Amazing account of little known battles. Was a medal issued for these?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. You know I’m not sure about the medals. I suspect not, but joshua Provan might know. I’ll ask him.

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

How about Fuzzy Wuzzy (Kipling)?

[@robertcottam8824]

Eh?

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

Read the poem. @@robertcottam8824

[@redcoathistory]

Hi - It's a great poem but not sure the point you are making?

[@SkeeterHowitzer]

Some statement in the videograph about who were the ablest of adversaries against Tommy; and Fuzzy Wuzzy is missing from the enumeration. Also, a question is not a point. Get out of the habit of avoiding the answering process by "skipping straight to the point". You need to go through the mental process, not to skip. I infer this because I recognize the type whereof you have demonstrated yourself to be. @@redcoathistory

[@redcoathistory]

@@SkeeterHowitzer Lol I do love a good parody account - excellent work Sir. I'll go work on my videographs...

[@anguswatson418]

Liked and subscribed. This was fab!

[@notthefbi7932]

Interesting tidbit of history I didn't know about 👍

[@nvelsen1975]

Well, Japan wasn't really closed. Trade was possible, but only through the Dutch or Chinese. China because close, the Dutch because they had agreed to mind their own business and be strictly about trade, something in which they outbid the Portugese who had insisted on imposing catholicism on Japan. In an interesting historical boomerang effect, breaking this deal and forcibly opening Japan rapidly modernising it, creating imperialistic Japan that proceeded to start invading other countries, eventually into the Second Sino-Japanese War which I'd argue was the technical start of World War 2. Leaving Japan to its devices during this era until roughly the 1880s or 1890s and paying a couple Dutch guys to trade for them would've probably ensured Japan was so late to modernise they wouldn't have been in any position to wage war on anyone. Russia receiving less of a stomping in the region might even influence the stability of the czarist government and who knows how that would've worked out.

[@robertcottam8824]

The fall of the Romanov’s had more to do with their appalling domestic policies - and defeat in the First World War. Best wishes

[@NR-rv8rz]

I'm a patriotic Brit and love our history and think the Empire was beneficial for the world and most countries it administered. But you tell this particular tale as if the British were the heroes. They were not, they were murderous bullies. The Japanese defenders were the heroes in the encounter. Japan was a fairly stable, prosperous nation and people and the western powers used violence to get favourable trade terms (something which backfired within half a century). I get how our empire benefitted many nations and dragged some out of their pagan, widow burning hellscape cultures. Also that empire wasn't spread by the British government but rather it was missionaries serving those nations, then merchants abusing them before the British government came along as a third wave to administer them and in many ways protect the rights of the natives. However, the story told here is one of merchant instigated mass murder. Shelling entire towns and slaughtering people as a way of imposing their trade preferences on them. Not exactly covered in glory here.

[@xxxkueckxxx]

Right? It’s gross. They didn’t respect each other after this encounter. The Japanese thought the British as taking advantage of them during their industrialization.

[@NR-rv8rz]

I think in this case, the term respect is more related to how they respected the danger and capability of the British. Maybe also some qualities. One can respect someone without liking them. The British respected the German armed forces during WW2.@@xxxkueckxxx

[@HaggisOfDeath]

Here's a rule of thumb for the British Empire. Was it regular Britons, missionaries, architects, historians or eccentrics? If so, generally they did great good. Was it merchants (many jewish, irish and scottish)? If so, generally they did great evil.

[@shutit8949]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@HaggisOfDeathyep! It’s all thanks to those pesky Jews, Irish and Scots the empire has a bad name

[@NR-rv8rz]

Not sure about the ethnic and religious makeup of the merchants. But the Christian missionaries went first and sacrificed their comfortable middle and upper class lives in the UK to serve the poor around the world and spread the gospel. In Korea alone ten thousand missionaries were murdered before the country finally started to accept Christianity. Of course, the media only portray Christian missionaries as evil but almost all were setting up hospitals etc. Then the merchants came with their massive private armies and ravaged the poor people in backwards countries. Then when these abuses became known, the government took over administration and gave the natives many rights and protections. Again, this is something movies and TV shows and academia etc all distort. It would be interesting to see a comprehensive documentary about these three distinctive waves. @@HaggisOfDeath

[@spencerharrisondescales519]

3:29, Poe's fookin' doppelganger, wtaf. Excellent video sir.

[@emmettmeacham5005]

Always love the content, I would love a video of what British army training would have looked like during the Zulu and boar wars.

[@redcoathistory]

Funnily enough I have a video coming out on Victorian army fitness training that you may enjoy.

[@emmettmeacham5005]

@@redcoathistory exactly what I am looking for, thanks

[@MonDieuMaCauseMonEpee]

Love the Zulu movie with the battle of isandlwana and rorke's drift. The Zulus were so courageous to run straight into gun fire like that to defend their homeland and the British showed great discipline to choose hold their position despite being hopelessly outnumbered and both sides fought like all hell, great movie

[@redcoathistory]

If that is a subject that interests you please have a look at the rest of the channel as I've covered the Zulu war extensively.

[@MonDieuMaCauseMonEpee]

@@redcoathistory Okay! Bet!

[@robertcottam8824]

@@MonDieuMaCauseMonEpee Please check Chris’s presentations on the Zulu War. They are really very good and - not all about ‘Redcoats’ either. He taps into Zulu accounts. Best wishes and enjoy….

[@rmbdec-xu8pj]

The brits had no right to be there if the Japanese did not want them there or trade with them. They have a right to determine who they want to trade with. But if it was for the spread of Christianity, then it was good.

[@rmbdec-xu8pj]

How would the brits like it if China colonized them and forced trade with them?

[@robertpearce4316]

Like Japan and china-korea. Please take your woke righteousness else where. You do know the lack of usa trading with Japan caused ww2.

[@keithtt7798]

Always enjoy your videos. Good show Sir !

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks, Sir!

[@danstotland6386]

I just discovered your thread. Super video, very entertaining, well informed. So I just subscribed.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - Hope you enjoy the films.

[@robertcottam8824]

It’s a VERY good channel.

[@Centurion586]

It baffles me when I hear stories like this the brits had the largest empire in recorded history and were feared and respected and now they are a minority in their capital have an Indian pm a Pakistani mayor of London and Pakistani first minister of Scotland and are being made minorities in a lot of places throughout the uk and are expected to be a minority overall by 2100

[@robertcottam8824]

Your geography is woeful. Our prime minister was born in Southampton, Hampshire - England. The Mayor of London was born in… wait for it… London. The First Minister of Scotland was born in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Suggest you buy an atlas. Toodlepip.

[@pevebe]

@@robertcottam8824 Why are you bringing up the places these non-nationals were born as if it's relevant? I can trace my ancestors back 1,000 years in England, Scotland and Wales but I was born in Hong Kong. Place of birth is not relevant in the slightest

[@robertcottam8824]

@@pevebe The three gentlemen whom I mentioned are: a) British nationals b) more important than you Don’t bother to reply. Toodlepip.

[@pevebe]

​@@robertcottam8824 A) I am not Chinese Therefore: B) They are not British & C) I am more important than you You also type like a woman

[@pevebe]

@@robertcottam8824 A) I am not Asian Therefore: B) They are not British & C) I am more important than you You also type like a woman

[@MrZenGuitarist]

Hmm, I thought I knew a thing or two about the British Empire, and the 'exploits' of the so-called red-coats - yet I had no idea about this! Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Sweden.

[@Ducatipete]

Great video, thanks.

[@tinitus23]

Interesting article. A fascinating period of Japanese history not widely known about in the UK. Political turmoil.

[@patrickpaganini]

Hey, that was really interesting - thanks!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Patrick.

[@joaoconchilha2231]

You just do it every time, great video, as usual, congrats from Portugal.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Joao - that sort of feedback makes it all worthwhile.

[@alejandroschmidt542]

@@redcoathistory Publishes the two defeated English invasions of Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807 and the battle of Vuelta de Obligado, which was a failure for the English navy......

[@robertcottam8824]

@@alejandroschmidt542 Oi! 😂 We don’t talk about things like that! Best wishes!

[@alejandroschmidt542]

@@robertcottam8824 gggg

[@phillipallen3259]

I spent time in Japan as an active duty Marine and I love history. I never knew that the US Marines and the Redcoats stood shoulder to shoulder prior to the 20th century. The fact that this slipped past me is actually strange. Thank you for another brilliant lesson.

[@user-sv3yb7uq9n]

Great video and fascinating topic, as usual Chris! Nothing better to close the week than samurais against some good, battle-hardened redcoats and Royal Marines... Good old memories to Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai... P.S. A little correction though. In the end you said the UK and Japan were allies up until the beginning of WW2. In reality, by 1939 the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902 had been dead and buried for many years. In fact, it was not confirmed after the 1921-1922 Washington Naval Conference but let expire. Have a wonderful weekend and cheers!

[@user-bf1wg7jo9v]

Very cool. Thank you!

[@SabastianMoran]

March 1, 2024 - As a Yank and serious Anglophile, I'm quite pleased that I happened upon this channel. I've subscribed to it because as an old geezer 😊who has been a student of military affairs and history for decades. As testament, I am the proud owner of a W.Britain military figures collection. I have specialized in collecting figures representing the famous Scottish regiment the Black Watch 42nd. Foot. My collection honors the various conflicts that the Black Watch have fought in, but not in the world wars. My main display is of Scottish regiments that fought at Waterloo. Which includes the Black Watch, The Gordons, and the Scots Greys Cavalry Regiment. I of course have any number of books dedicated to British Military History. Regarding this video, I was very amused a the casual presentation of the host. Which included his wife(?) questioning as to whether intend to go somewhere. 😁That reminded me of something that a female friend once told me. She asked her husband, "Where you going?" To which he answered, "I'm not going anywhere." She in turn said.. "Well.. why is your car running?"😁 I never found out what the answer was. 😏

[@redcoathistory]

Welcome to the channel. It sounds like you have a fantastic interest in British/Scottish Military history so I think you will enjoy the channel. Keep in touch.

[@SabastianMoran]

​@@redcoathistory Sir, thank you for your kind and quick response. I have to warn you that I am quite loquacious 😊, as you can see from my comments. I am a late night person here in New England, and you apparently are an early riser. I have a service that allows me to watch British domestic TV channels like the BBC. So I am quite up on what is going on in Old Blighty. I didn't mention it but my bookshelf Waterloo display not only has the Scottish regiments, but also some French infantry on the attack with a wonderful French lancer. Who may represent the French cavalry that chased off The Scots Greys after their overly enthusiastic charge, causing them to over-extend themselves, and leave them open to a counter attack. One display is from one of the British campaigns in Egypt/Sudan where a British officer won I believe the Victoria Cross, and a lesser rank won another medal. (They are the only figures representing a British Army regiment that isn't Scottish). One of my stand alone figures is reminiscent of the Black Watch "Lone Scottish Piper" that played at the closing of the handing over rule of Hong Kong. I remember watching it live on TV in 1997, as the poor piper had to deal with high winds and perhaps a few rain drops. Stay well Sir, and as we Star Trek fans say "Live long and prosper!🖖🏻"😊

[@stevejones8660]

Good stuff! Enjoyed this chapter of British history.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks.

[@charlietreston4035]

Never heard of this as always very interesting video

[@alexshmalex]

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@redcoathistory]

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

[@alexshmalex]

@@redcoathistory Thanks for your reply. Honestly, I've only just discovered your channel and there's a lot of good looking content so I'll have to come back to you on that.

[@chrismainia]

Very exciting I thought I was really there 🤣Ps.many years ago I held a rifle used in the battle of Rorke's drift it was at the Leeds Armery England.Anyone that has never been there should pay it a visit.

[@chrisc5275]

I’ve visited the Foreigner’s Cemetery in Yokohama where many of the casualties are buried and there is a substantial memorial.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Chris. I didn't know about it. If I ever get to Japan Ill visit.

[@chrisc5275]

@@redcoathistory I’ve got some pictures which I’ll happily send if you have an email.

[@bwilliams463]

14:50 Did he move his hand while the photo was being taken, or was his pointer finger really ten inches long? Seriously, very informative video about a conflict that I was not really aware of. I am signing up and will see what else you have to offer.

[@MisterSiga]

brilliant video, never heard of this part of history

[@SmokinLoon5150]

Bravo! Thanks for sharing

[@DonaldDucksRevenge]

Amazing story. No idea before

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹

[@benketengu]

Thank you very much. I enjoyed this video immensely. You might find it interesting to note that the bombardment of Choshu can be seen on a Plastic bottle of soda in Japan! No explanation but you can clearly see the 1860s steam ships , I think I can make out an American flag with a cannonball flying towards the shore. I wish I could send you a picture of it.

[@LIR_Clarkey_Boy]

10:56 William Henry Harrison Seeley was born in Topsham, Maine! Maine uber alles! 11:18 Saga-da(h)-hoc

[@Flintlockon]

New England is the best England 😉 Love from UK.

[@ianradford502]

MOST EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you kindly, Sir.

[@davesmith9844]

...Josh Provan really ought to learn which way up the Union Flag goes before committing brush to canvas! 9:58