The Greatest British General You've Never Heard Of

Is this little known general the third greatest British commander of all time?
Court Martialled after his first battle, Eyre Coote went on to be Commander-in-Chief of all British and EIC forces in India. In this role he defeated the French threat, opening up the way for British dominance on the sub-continent.
His amazing career included the battles of Plassey, Wandiwash and Porto Novo.
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[@elanman608]

The only other that I can think of who achieved victory by pure Generalship would be Slim in the Burma campaign 1944-45.

[@indrajitgupta3280]

True, that, and far more in tune with Indian soldiers and officers than many others. Even Slim didn't mention a single Indian officer in his accounts, by then Thimayya had got his brigade, and there were several others who commanded battalions.

[@cuebj]

Just written same

[@cuebj]

​@indrajitgupta3280 At least he commented on the quality and effectiveness of Indian and African troops and Naga etc tribal assistance

[@sunrayisdown1690]

Slim did not kill over 100m people during his time. The British Empire did, just India alone.

[@willng1256]

He also wrote the book on how to defeat an insurgency not that the Americans would ever read it

[@imagrumpyoldman4809]

My military ancestors were all over these colonial wars on the Indian subcontinent. Am loving your work.

[@LesHaskell]

My colonial military ancestors invaded Canada two, probably three, times. 6th great-grandfather Captain Daniel Hale (Waldo's Regiment) was killed at the capture of Louisbourg in 1745.

[@asmirann3636]

You are descendants of people worse than N*zis. Germans took inspiration from the British and that is how they came with the N*zi ideology. Everything they did, British parasit*s had already done before them.

[@frankparsons1629]

I lived in an old cottage adjoining Eyre Coote's Rockbourne Estate, from my top garden I could see his tall column/monument which erected to his memory stands to this day on his old Estate. Sadly the Great House was demolished after the second War, the sad demise which befell many a fine mansion, a very sad loss for our village.

[@jaif7327]

those mansions were too expensive to upkeep, have to give more to indian and african welfare migrants

[@rafflesxyz4800]

@@jaif7327 That's bollox!

[@mrcockney-nutjob3832]

@@jaif7327 Agree, Indian has a space program but fail to feed some of its people, 1/4 of the country still has no power.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

The movie The Charge of the Light Brigade has a short, subtle but very effective theme/motif in it about how most young, skilled and experienced officers from recent wars in India were pushed aside in the Crimean War in favour of the old Napoleonic officers and rich aristocratic who bought positions. They see every officer from India as below them, not worthy of real officership, meanwhile those are the only officers that have seen real fighting.

[@anthonybrownhovelt]

Sadly, snobbery has been a curse for the Army! I knew some frightfully nice chaps who had to get on, don't you know? Some were nice but all too often, incompetent and only as good as their subordinates!

[@longiusaescius2537]

Yup

[@robruss62]

@@anthonybrownhovelt Lives of a Bengal Lancer has a related motif in that it shows the more egalitarian nature of the Royal Indian Army, compared to the regular British army. Interestingly, the Royal Navy has a more egalitarian tradition too, with lower deck promotions being far more common. Though aristocrats have permeated it's ranks, the Navy always had a meritocracy in that to be commissioned an officer had to pass examination, whereas army officers had to purchase commissions.

[@jugbywellington1134]

There's a very nice scene in Longitude in which Harrison - yes, he of chronometer fame - arrives at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. The only man of outstanding talent inthe room, the others treat him like dirt. I don't know if this really happened because films and "facts" are often not bedfellows. The only aristocrats I know in real life are polite to everybody, but I know only a handful. It's probably more to do with intelligence than background, but I don't doubt you have to know the right people in the UK, even today.

[@indrajitgupta3280]

@@robruss62 There was nothing called the Royal Indian Army. There were the East India Company forces, occasionally reinforced by British Army regiments, and then from1857 onwards, there was the Indian Army. While Britain had a Royal Navy and a Royal Air Force, there never was a Royal Army, only individual Royal regiments. So, too, in India, there was never a Royal British Army, only the Indian Army, but there were a Royal Indian Navy and a Royal Indian Air Force.

[@ross.venner]

Albeit in a later century, Sir John Monash would surely deserve a place in this list of great generals. Others, with higher commands, have greater prominence, but Monash showed mastery of the fast changing technologies of WW1 as well as adroit command and a talent for minimising casualties.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Ross. I haven’t read much about him. Will do more research in the future.

[@sauermaischeyahoo7834]

Another general turned statesman that is greatly overlooked is Jan Smuts.

[@colinbryant5598]

Monash! A top flight general. One of Australia 's best. From the private to the general, fighters to a man. Respect.

[@Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

Another soldier i think is underrated is John Talbot 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, he has one of the coolest nicknames "The English Achilles"

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

The 1453 battle of Castillon guy?

[@armstronggermany2995]

And ''Punch'' Cowan in WW2 against Japan.

[@eddierudolph8702]

I'm an American and this is amazing, naturally I've never heard of this general before.

[@lawrenceglaister4364]

Have you seen the video of John Shipp ? Now that was a man of action , volunteered three times to be in the Forlorn Hope , even Tom Cruise isn't hard enough to play him lol

[@patrickmullane30]

@@lawrenceglaister4364 I will look him up too!

[@redcoathistory]

@@patrickmullane30I have a video on him you may enjoy - just check my India playlist 👍🏼

[@serananc1551]

He’s one of my great great grandfathers

[@barrymcmanmon9595]

Of course we have heard of him!!

[@michaelburbidge5835]

South African with English heritage. Great to learn about history that wasn’t covered at all in my schooling. Love the videos. Keep it up.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Michael

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

Interesting to see British line beating French column on the subcontinent, several decades before the Wars of French revolution

[@redcoathistory]

Yes that is what I thought when I read about it also 👍🏼

[@zetectic7968]

This was a new general to me & an interesting story. Heard of Clive & Plassey plus in passing the Carnatic Wars. Truth is not up on my Indian history until Wellington appeared here & then the Indian Mutiny. Thanks for shining a light on this overlooked period of history. You deserve a sub after this a a few other videos I've watched.

[@redcoathistory]

brilliant thanks a lot. Glad to have you on board.

[@tigerboy1966]

If I see a video with "... you've never heard of" in the title I've usually heard of them, but you got me on this one!

[@bryanthesmith4441]

I had heard little of this General, When I was at School It was all about John Churchill and Clive of India. Wolfe then next up would be Wellington. Thank you for reminding of this brilliant general, specializing in our usual tactics of the government sending a token force and an inspired leader who got the job done anyway.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Bryan - yes sadly he is massively overlooked but hopefully this video will help raise awareness.

[@Jammil2477]

There was a pub on the foleshill road in Coventry when I was younger, called the general Wolfe. It’s a fantastic looking building, kinda strange how many Asians moved into the road where that old pub is, after his history in India.

[@bryanthesmith4441]

@@Jammil2477 think you mixed up the Generals, Woolfe was the one that beat the French in Canada, The general instrumental in the Indian champagne was Eyre Coote the one featured in this Video.

[@neganrex5693]

@@redcoathistoryWith Wellington never facing a healthy Napoleon at Waterloo was a hollow victory and he barely won that battle and that was with help. Coote was the real deal.

[@philipnorris6542]

I had heard of Eyre Coote before, though I didn't know a lot about him; thanks for a very interesting video.

[@richardhsiung7007]

Thank you for a great program.

[@callumbush1]

Those that don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it!

[@phann860]

A very good addition to the story of the conquest of India, too often the focus is on Northern India while the middle and southern India is not really acknowledged.

[@michaelmcginn7260]

Good work, thank you.

[@peterharrison5244]

Fabulous piece of little known history. Congrats

[@themanwithnoname3636]

I have been looking forward to this all day. I wasn't disappointed. Great work.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@indrajitgupta3280]

No reason for an Indian to harbour friendly feelings for British soldiers or officers, but this man was a genuinely good soldier. And general.

[@carbidegrd1]

silence! Draw my bath.

[@madcyclist58]

"No reason for an Indian to harbour friendly feelings for British soldiers or officers", maybe there is for all you know. Were your family ever living in a village continually attacked by bandits? Or without a fresh water supply, or medicine? Was your great, great grandmother saved from Suttee? Or a travelling ancestor protected from Thugee? There may have been times in your own family history when the actions of British soldiers or even an individual soldier was something they were thankful for. History is never black and white to the thoughtful person.

[@saadkhan1128]

​@@madcyclist58 ah yes, the white mans burden, right like the british never looted and murdered thousands, turning man against his brother that was the british Modus Operendi

[@danditto6145]

Well they did end the Thugee cult, stopped people burning widows, did a lot to prevent disease, built a lot of schools, introduced democracy, built a lot of roads, bridges and rail roads. Without them India would probably have looked like Hati a French colony. As an American I have to admit that although it was a painful period for us; we would not be the country we are without British colonialism. Compare countries like the U.S., India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to the fate of countries not colonized like Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, etc. Look at the mess that is South and Central America.

[@Ahfb72]

​@carbidegrd1 an English man taking a bath ???? That's a first 😂😂😂😂

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

Loving the vids mate, been wanting to learn more about this period for ages

[@redcoathistory]

Great stuff. Glad you like it. Will post more next month.

[@RajuDas-qu1li]

Great! From West Bengal, Kolkata.

[@LesHaskell]

My 4th great-grandfather Caleb and the rest of his company were court martialed at Quebec City in 1776 after their enlistments expired at the beginning of the year. Good ol' General Wooster (spelled "Worcester" by Caleb in his diary) wouldn't let them leave until May. Imagine thinking you weren't in the army anymore just because your enlistment was up.

[@ruairihiggins9932]

It’s interesting that Thomas Arthur, Comte De Lally was an Irish General as well. You can see Irishmen fighting eachother in nearly every war involving the British against other European powers in this period

[@redcoathistory]

Oh wow yes that is interesting actually. A future video perhaps.

[@54356776]

A staunch jacobite. With deep French and Irish nobility roots. Wasn't he beheaded in the end ?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

So sorry to be coming to this so late... You're really putting this series together very well, Chris... The pacing and rhythm is top shelf... oh, and the history is great too!

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Rob, thanks a lot. That feedback means a lot coming from you. Hope you are well!

[@wisconsinkraut3445]

Collaboration imminent?

[@andrewjames5738]

Outstanding, as ever, as with most, a name i was unfamiliar with until today, many thanks for this excellent production. to go from court martial to C in C, i think is close to unheard of in the British military. Certainly, a measure of a great and tenacious leader. Deserving of far greater fame.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Andrew, I'm really glad that you found the video interesting.

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

Exquisite work, tragic how many stations were removed

[@duncanferguson5659]

You do a cracking job - well done and keep it up - all the best

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Duncan

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I remember taking a class on India and how the East India Trading Company was essentially an army within an army and there was something of a caste system between “regular” army officers and “company” army officers…unless you’re Wellington

[@indrajitgupta3280]

What on earth is that about? There was never an Army within an Army, if you are talking about the East India Company. It was a regular share-holder owned and director-managed company that always was anxious about dividends. It had its own soldiers who were not encouraged to mingle with regular British soldiers, and whose officers were better paid That armed force that the Company ran had nothing to do with the British Army, other than gets its support from time to time.

[@windalfalatar333]

Magnificent video and an extremely interesting man!! I am glad I found these earlier videos.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic, thanks a lot. I am glad you found this interesting.

[@anselmdanker9519]

The father of the Indian Army .Sir Eyre Coote, Coote Bahadur .Brilliant! The remarkable career of Coote Bahadur has not been covered adequately. He had a very strong sense of justice as well as affection for the Madras sepoys who served in his army. He mentioned both British and Indian other ranks in his despatches. After Wandewash he gave over the presents he received to troops who did not receive prize money. He was able to defeat the French infantry in and infantry battle and Hyder Ali of Mysore , predominantly cavalry army with an army mostly composed of infantry. These being 3/4/5/6/8/9/12/13/14/15/16/17/19/20 th Madras infantry as well as the Madras Europeans.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - really glad that you liked it mate

[@kolfibrown6540]

​@@redcoathistory😂😂😂😂 so you're highlighting the military victory of the racist white supremacists who took over the Indian people land and basically trained the people to fight against their own best interest 😂😂😂😂😂😂....just because you want to be an online history teacher 😂😂😂😂😂 Go White imperialism!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@miketaylorID1]

As a Yank I have never heardof Coote but I sure remember Bunratty Castle - the memory of Durty Nellys is a bit foggy tho! I am amazed to have recognized it in that drone clip you jarred loose some good old memories of visit with my pop before he passed thank you for that - you have a sub for life!!

[@richards4025]

Sincere thanks for bringing this presentation, it helps understanding the secret behind the cemented foundation of British Empire on the soil of India.

[@michael5265]

In John Watney's book Clive of India & Frank McLynn's 1759: The year Britian became master of the world, give a good insight into Eyre Coote, Clive and the battles with the French and Indians in the subcontinent along with the politics.

[@raypurchase801]

The Year of Victories.

[@LeeBrasher]

After a lifetime of being marinated in history, it's always great to learn the exploits of an exceptional character one has never heard of. I really enjoyed this video.

[@Musrusticus-]

Really good, thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching

[@chrisstone7924]

Another great video keep up the good work

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot

[@shubhampaul795]

Coote is a person well respected in the circle of military historians of the Raj

[@keithagn]

Super interesting story; good to see you back. Thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, Keith

[@benjaminrush4443]

The Colonials in America were somewhat lucky that Coote wasn't sent to the Americas during the Rebelion. Instead, we got Cornwallis. Again, India was the Grown of the British Empire and so much more important. Thanks.

[@genghisthegreat2034]

Alas, we got Cornwallis and his retribution on 30,000 after the Rebellion in Ireland in 1798 after you kicked him out.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Enlighten us on what happened in Ireland in 1798. Sounds like some hidden Irish history that needs to be told.@@genghisthegreat2034

[@jj591]

​@@genghisthegreat2034ironically Cornwallis was one the few British politicians who supported giving equal rights and status to the Catholics in Ireland

[@genghisthegreat2034]

@@jj591 it didn't happen for 30 years after he was content to slaughter them, refusing to recognise them as combatants, in contrast to, and alongside the French troops allied with them

[@jj591]

@@genghisthegreat2034 but that wasn't his fault. It was the protestant ascendency in Ireland who didn't want catholics to gain rights in a United Ireland under British rule. And am not sure if he committed any major attrocities, he himself was traumatized with what was happening in Ireland. In early July he issued a proclamation offering amnesty to rebels who laid down their arms and took an oath to the crown, and he cracked down on the sometimes arbitrary courts martial held in the field by requiring the review of all sentences in Dublin.

[@robertotamesis1783]

The setting was timed in the movie Barry Lyndon, especially both men had Irish beginnings and everything was the 7-yrs wars (the unofficially First World 🤯🌎🌍 war).

[@fibber2u]

Pretty accurate description of that war, during which the Americans were saved by the British from the French. WW2 followed and the Americans gained independence mostly because of the French (and others in Europe). WW3 ended all realistic French ambitions in the Americas and a very minor victory resulted in an agreement over Canada curtailing (war weary after 23 years) British expansion and allowed America to expand safely westward. All three wars linked really by the American sideshow and the main event the British French conflict (and others in Europe) but fought globally, involving all continents and oceans. So in my opinion there have been five world wars. Do you agree.

[@54356776]

Maybe irish ancestry or links, but none of them were Irish.

[@jasontaylor1866]

Love your channel

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Jason.

[@errolmills2192]

Never heard of Coote. Very interesting indeed. Almost impossible to assess generals from different eras. e.g How would Wellington done at Alamein? Churchill at Mons? and what about Montgomery at Assaye. It doesn't work. They were all great generals though. Thank for the video I really enjoyed it.

[@serananc1551]

I only found out he’s one of my great grandfathers

[@freneticness6927]

Horribly as they would have absolutely no idea how to fight with those different weapons.

[@jayturner3397]

Fascinating article 👍 👏

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Jay.

[@user-cd4bx6uq1y]

Amazing

[@Jubilo1]

General Coote- who'd a thunk? Fascinating video.

[@Dom-fx4kt]

Wasn't expecting to see my great great great something uncle mentioned in a video on my youtube feed

[@yj9032]

13:40 I personally think The Third Anglo Maratha war as the one that cemented British Rule in India. Until then, even regional warlords like the Holkars of Indore and Scndias of Gwalior were powerful enough (with the help of French advisors) to drive out European armies. A combined Maratha army like the one fielded during the Third Battle of Panipat (4 years after Plassey) could've been a fatal threat to the EIC.

[@asmirann3636]

It was the Maratha infighting that gave an opportunity for the British to expand into India. Marathas should have conquered the whole country. But they were content with tributes. This is why even after defeating many powers, they never took over those regions. Marathas had defeated the British earlier very easily in the first battle. Even Mysore had defeated the British. British had an Indian mercenary army and it wasn't much difficult to defeat them.

[@Moggy471]

I had heard Coote's name before but this was a quite wonderful video. Thanks. I have subscribed. Regarding your list of British generals at the end of the vid; Marlborough stands alone because of his strategic genious, of the period only Napoleon was his competitor, tactically Coote and Wellington seem very evenly matched (and that is high company to be in) I suspect that Coote is overshadowed because his victories were in a far off land and against what would be thought of as lesser military minds by the rather arrogant British of the time.

[@liberalhyena9760]

Your last point is precisely what was said of Wellington, chiefly by French generals - Bonaparte among them - who had not fought against him.

[@indrajitgupta3280]

Marlborough was streets ahead of Napoleon, because of his handling of logistics. Napoleon left his soldiers to fend for themselves, with all the horror of looting and crime that it entitled. Marlborough won battles just as difficult to win as Napoleon, but Napoleon never had the dead weight of the Dutch commissioners telling him what they could or could not do.

[@user-gf1yr4jc1v]

A few other famous British generals in India - Duke of Wellington, William Hodson, Gerard Lake, George Pollock, David Ochterlony. Personally not a fan of the British Empire, my own great-grandfather was an anti-colonial armed revolutionary in Bengal in early 1900s. But must say that colonial Britain's Army, Foreign Office and Political Office produced some of the most capable and genius soldiers, spies and diplomats of their time. People of such capability would probably today be founders and CXOs but it is incredible that the British government was able to recruit these people, both aristocrats and commoners alike, and put them to such use. I guess the thrill of travelling to and conquering new places, albeit dangerous and hard, was so high that these people would rather put themselves in such danger than sit in an office and do business or be forever engaged in horizontal refreshments in some grand villa in the country.

[@freebeerfordworkers]

An officer's commission in the British Army was his private property and if he survived to retire he was able to sell it to provide for a pension. Some men bought their way up the ranks without ever seeing actual service and the man who commanded the light brigade at Balaclava was known for his stupidity but he had bought command of his regiment for the fabulous sum of £60,000. It was rare for an officer of the Indian Army to be an aristocrat or if an aristocrat to be a wealthy aristocrat. Indian army officers had to be competent because fools don't survive very long in battle. There were only so many vacancies in the Indian Army for officers without money and they normally took the best of each year at Sandhurst. In 1908 the Indian Army only needed 36 officer cadets so the 37th the son of a poor Irish clergyman gentleman cadet Montgomery went to an unfashionable British regiment instead.

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

Hmm when watching your Plassey season I thought to myself how on earth would a Royal Navy Admiral ever allow a Company Lieutenant-Colonel to lead things! This infighting is very interesting to me. In your previous videos you also mentioned that the infantry of the 39th Foot sailed in boats up the Hooghly, and I had thought it strange...until now. Good stuff!

[@redcoathistory]

Great -‘I’m glad that this episode has helped to fill in some of the gaps. In truth I’m far from an expert myself on this era and also find it quite complicated.

[@MrNcnc1]

This channel is everything I could of hoped for as a boy

[@redcoathistory]

Glad to hear it, thank you sir.

[@thomaseley8386]

Never heard of Coote before this video but he seems remarkable. Amazing he bounced back from disgrace to high achievement. I wonder how often his thoughts dwelt on that early misfortune.

[@richards4025]

One of the finest and wise generals East Company had! It was his mastery that brought the French Forces to the defeat.

[@jameslong5871]

Well done.

[@girishdevappa5562]

Thanks

[@mktf5582]

Please do Guillermo Miller (Latin American Wars independence) one of the complete soldiers/commanders (underlooked/understated/underrated).

[@riklangham6739]

GOOD MAN , CARRY ON .

[@DavidGS66]

There's a fog of war when reading books covering these battles. The maps in particular are lightly penciled & hard to read, likely designed to be rolled onto a large table. I wish an effort was made to update the maps at least to be easier to read on our electronic devices, possibly using drop down menus with descriptions.

[@garychynne1377]

great history. truth is stranger than fiction.

[@theanglo-lithuanian1768]

What a legend 🇬🇧

[@Aldarinn]

Also what really won it for them was Mir Jafar. Its a household saying in Bengal to this day that no army, however advanced, stands such a great chance of beating you from without as Mir Jafar can destroy you as the enemy within.

[@homosapienssapiens4848]

Nice 👍

[@bobbrown5529]

now that was an epic story . a bit like a Storming Norman of there time .

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Yeah he was a fascinating character.

[@anthonybrownhovelt]

It's interesting that the Key players often were their own best publicists! Gathering excellent subordinates who were masters in their field of expertise or just good at doing their immediate job but seemed to lack the nuance to think beyond their horizon, as it was done for them. Certainly, this was the case with Wellington. One only has to look at what a disaster Crimea was without him but fought by his Generals. Gen. Coote Was certainly a thinking soldier and decisive!

[@ethanpettit]

So now that we have KZbin, the battle of Plassey is no longer important? Now we have to learn about the battle of Wandy-who? Thanks for keeping a boomer up to speed. Good vid!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@brokenbridge6316]

This guy sounds like one of the greats. I wonder what he would say about India today?

[@rogersheddy6414]

Four, what is worth an "underwater tank" is usually known as a "cistern."

[@willsherman1049]

I think the British army has had a number of good generals (and their share of bad) and to compare across the centuries and diverse adversaries is to compare apples to oranges. On every battlefield a general does a dance with luck. Hence Napoleon's famous question. Coote is a very good general and I suspect just as clever in the backrooms of power in London, but "the greatest" may be more than his shoulders can carry. Each generation breeds its heros. Coote belongs as the greatest in his generation in India for sure, but to take it further does not render justice to our history.

[@janlindtner305]

Probably one of the most professional

[@serananc1551]

I’m proud to be his descendant 😊

[@JRSimoes]

I wonder what would have happened if Coote had been sent to the American Revolution instead. Great video about a man I knew little.

[@fibber2u]

Later on imagine if Wellington with his Peninsular Army had been sent to America in 1814. I don't belive the modern USA would exist.

[@liberalhyena9760]

He was sent to America but died en route. If you mean what would have happened had he gone earlier, that is indeed intriguing though obviously unknowable.

[@gj1234567899999]

Do you think the pay was deliberately withheld at certain times not because they lacked the funds but because they don’t want soldiers to take their money and run prior to a potential decisive (and dangerous) moment?

[@rickyj5547]

I heard of him since i was at school

[@serananc1551]

I haven’t and he’s my ancestor 😂 Proud to have the Coote name now

[@Lee-vk1xy]

In a number of discussions I've seen on great WWII generals one who has come out No1 on a lot of list and with no real detractors is Slim. I like I suspect most Americans wasn't even familiar with his name before getting involved in said discussions.

[@fastpublish]

Leaving the field to save the colours sounds very Harry Flashman

[@wingnut71]

Nice work sir. Was wondering if you have heard of a certian General Sir Hugh Robert Rolo Gillespie? There is a large memorial to him in the centre of my town in northern Ireland, (Comber). Where he was born, but he is seldom mentioned these days and has been somewhat overshadowed by Col. "Paddy" Blair- Mayne who also was born nearby. Gillespie apparently died fighting the French in India, but I will have to do my research as I don't recall when or where exactly.

[@redcoathistory]

Funnily enough you are the second person to mention him. I've googled his story and now plan on making a film about him. Thanks a lot.

[@wingnut71]

@@redcoathistory Cheers mate. Thanks for your work. It's been very interesting to watch your videos about what is now very much forgotten history. By the way my previous statement that he died fighting the French is not correct. But I'm sure you probably know that anyway. All the best to you.

[@jon9021]

Absolutely wonderful. Would love to see one about General Wolfe/78th Fraser Highlanders.

[@cuebj]

You missed out Slim from your list of great British generals. Managed a campaign covering similar area as London to Moscow

[@stevenwheeler5324]

I was investigating a local lord son and he was in charge of the bombay army he was also in America.

[@stuartmunro2474]

He sounds like a real professional. I have however, a soft spot for T E Lawrence, who prosecuted a campaign against Turkish forces with extraordinary vigor. It is true that many of the forces he faced may have been inexpertly led, but his irregular forces overcame regular forces conventional commanders were not keen to engage. I'd put him in the top three land commanders. England has been fortunate in its leaders - but often celebrated its Nelsons, not its Cochranes.

[@mktf5582]

General Rowland Hill, Bio please.

[@patrioticarchive]

Marvellous work

[@redcoathistory]

Thankyou.

[@invisibleray6987]

In St Mary's church Eastbourne, there is a memorial to Lt Lushington, who was Murdered in India in 1760, he had survived the black hole of Calcutta.....do you know about this man?

[@freebeerfordworkers]

6.15 Throughout its history royal officers of the regular British Army looked down on company officers as if they were tradesmen and nothing more than mercenaries. Brigadier Pendergrast whose family served in the Indian Army for generations told of an example of the prejudice in the 1930's. Indian army officers who passed through Sandhurst were required to spend their first year in India on attachment to a British regular regiment. A General inspecting a British regiment went into dinner and noticed half a dozen officers on their own in a corner of the mess. When he asked why they were not seated with everyone else he was told they were Indian army officers doing their years attachment. He said well in that case sent my place on their table because I am Indian Army.

[@udyandas]

Long live Sir Coote!

[@serananc1551]

This is my ancestor, I like being a Coote now

[@redcoathistory]

Oh wow very cool 👍🏼

[@proteusnz99]

The East India Company - the paramilitary wing of the London Stock Exchange

[@tombogan03884]

Generals like Coote, and Clive should not be judged the same as Cromwell, or Wellington. Those Generals did much with what they had, but the likes of Coote, and Clive did not have the resources of England at hand. They had their wits and what they could scrounge.

[@nikhtose]

Very informative! Details of this campaign long obscure. One correction: identifying the French with the republican tricolour is historically inaccurate. At this time, they fought under the white banner of the French monarchy;

[@redcoathistory]

Yes but no one knows what that is so to make it clearer for the viewer I opted for the tricolour 👍

[@clivebaxter6354]

Interesting

[@bhaijaan77]

Yashwant Rao Holkar , Single handedly fought the British. The British offered him unconditional peace treat. It's the luck of the Britishers that Y.R.Holkar died while planning an attack of Calcutta with hundred thousand men

[@NayanRanjanMukerje]

One question - the armies of EIC were as per today's nomenclature are Private Merciniers not Stete/National Army; why are the private army of a company is termed as British Army. These people were not part of a national army but are common men hired by a company to serve it.

[@redcoathistory]

Hello. There were British army regiments alongside the EIC forces, though you are correct that the majority of troops during this era were locally recruited EIC.

[@lombadariwaller]

2 monsoons was the average life span of any foreigner in India pre independence.

[@STOOFER2002]

any relation to cootes bank?

[@morriganmhor5078]

What about sir Frederick Roberts as the third?

[@notreallydavid]

Wyloch tune-bit! (for those who know)

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

Great video! and no i a history buff >> never heard of Coote!.... why has it taken so long to (( as it were re habilitate him? Did Clive of India have a much better Pr man ???

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another great brit hero story, thanks for sharing mate.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@serananc1551]

My dad and grandad look so much like him 😊 I’m also a Coote

[@blackdogbarking]

Perhaps wellington studied cootes use of two lines of infantry. what about montrose and cromwell [he created the british army.

[@Tellemore]

Cromwell created an Army that was English; there was no British army then.

[@votebritish]

Keep promoting pride in your British heritage.