The Incredible Story of the British Army's Oldest Regiment...Do you know which regiment it is?

In today's episode, I examine which regiment is the oldest in the British army...
It's not as straight-forward as you may think.
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[@clangerbasher]

I remember the MoD tried to flog the HAC's HQ in Chelsea. And were shocked to find that they didn't own it as it was the property of the HAC.

[@nickwilkinson5849]

Typical wanky politicians.

[@ceciljohnrhodes4987]

Same happened with the London Scottish in the eighties.

[@clangerbasher]

@@ceciljohnrhodes4987 Doesn't surprise me.

[@sfluendy]

HAC isn't in Chelsea,. it's on the City Road

[@clangerbasher]

Does anybody care about from you? No.....

[@auldflyer]

Also check out The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) the senior Reserve Regiment of the British Army with unbroken service to the crown since 1539

[@PotatoSalad614]

stabs lol

[@GavTatu]

and prior to them, before amalgamation, the jersey field sqn royal militia of the island of jersey, royal, engineers.

[@762parabillim]

I was in the Artists Rifles when the HAC were given their new role, and went with a couple of our PSIs to give them an introduction to the essentials. Highly impressed by their infrastructure, and just as impressed by their people. They made a bloody good curry, too.

[@NMMojavePoet]

The Artist Rifles are one of the hidden gems of the British Military. I have long admired the mad men, who have made up your regiment. Salutations from the USA.

[@zoiders]

It's just the TA for private schoolboys. It's a shocking state of affairs when the real army are struggling for kit and funds.

[@RugbyMatters]

​@NMMojavePoet if I remember correctly, in the early 90s the HAC had the highest success rate getting into the Artist Rifles.

[@VALORMEDIALLC]

Hey my brother, I’m a retired paratrooper with the American army and have always been fascinated with the army of our best of friends, the British! I’ve served with you guys in combat and couldn’t have asked for better mates when the bullets are flying! Could ya do an episode on the Black Watch. I’m a bit fuzzy on their history but do know that they are renowned world wide

[@redcoathistory]

That’s a great idea thanks a lot. Any books you’d reccomend I start my research with?

[@josephturner7569]

Bruce Fumi at Scottish History Tours has done one.

[@Scipionic1941]

@@redcoathistory If you want a book on the Royal Highland Regiment, the Black Watch (the Gallant Forty-twa) try John Parker’s “Black Watch” published by Headline, 2005. As a primer for all the Scottish Regiments, including the Army’s senior Regiment of the Line, The Royal Scots (the Lothian Regiment, First of Foot and Right of the Line) (otherwise Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard) try The Scottish Regiments by Diana Henderson published by Harper Collins 1993. The Royal Scots like the rest were drawn into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in the great amalgamation and subsequently ghosted into the Ranger Regiment.

[@V.B.Squire]

There's another channel Scotland History Tours, he's a qualified tour guide up there and quite good. He's covered many chapters involving Scots and Red coats quite fairly including Glen coe and Culloden maybe a collab episode?

[@gunner678]

Ubique

[@MrAwsomenoob]

Incedently the oldest chartered military organization in noth America is "The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts" it still serves today with Massachusetts national guard.

[@gaughantony]

This was founded by members of the HAC and the two bodies still have a strong relationship with visits back and forth every couple of years

[@llvienna]

See en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_and_Honorable_Artillery_Company_of_Massachusetts

[@haggis525]

Royal Canadian Navy veteran checking in on your latest. Well done.... I have rather a soft spot for my outstanding Brit brothers. Y'all are alright!

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks, Sir/ I need to do more content about the Canadian military/ will make a plan.

[@haggis525]

@@redcoathistory Excellent idea! We've had rather a lot of adventures together in the last few hundred years. Oh... I'm not a "sir".... regular civilian but PO back then. No worries, though.... and I'd love to see your take on Canadian military history.

[@drcarla.gibson8843]

HAC is also unique as the only UK military unit having a civilian police - special constabulary detachment, that patrols in the City of London

[@mikehebdentrains]

(they were). The Special Constabulary detachment is currently in suspended animation afaik.

[@dizzyprepper7850]

People have barely heard of the HAC, let alone that they support 4 SAS type sabre squadrons. Hidden entirely in the open. Its good to see them get a mention.

[@Chubby_T0511]

Oh dear

[@stevehuggett2098]

You're getting carried away now, your verve is bordering on hysterical, or psychotic.

[@Bob-Horse]

I used to help ride their Light Cavalry horses.

[@CheersDits2979]

I can guarantee you that they do not support SF.

[@V.B.Squire]

​@@CheersDits2979how do you know?

[@nickdougan394]

Great video. Another claimant to being the oldest regiment in the British Army would be the Royal Scots, First of Foot, albeit they are now merged into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. My brother served in the Royal Scots, one of my oldest friends with the HAC, so there was always some fun to be had discussing that question. As a mere parvenu light infantryman of course the only claim we might make is to being the oldest modern infantrymen, but I wouldn't push it too far. The DLI and the 95th/Rifle Brigade would both be good subjects, the latter with much scope for working in video from Sharpe, copyright permitting. (Bastids!).

[@TheSpritz0]

On a side note, the French 2nd regiment Dragoons from the Napoleonic Wars survives to this day as well…

[@railworker8058]

I served in exercises alongside the HAC and frequently considered them better soldiers than a lot of regulars that I knew. The HAC possesses a quiet professionalism and commitment to their role that other units lack based on long tradition and august history.

[@OldMusicFan83]

I think in the US. It’s the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard at Arlington. Dates to 1784. Pretty good for The Colonies!

[@mikehebdentrains]

HAC's daughter regiment, The Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, Massachusetts, was formed in 1638. Still in existence but no longer a formal part of the US military as far as I know.

[@dux_bellorum]

Yes the Old guard of the 3rd INF Reg is the oldest.

[@ninebangtrojan4669]

The Virginia Capitol Guard are interesting, they were established in 1618 as a bodyguard for the Governor converted to police in 1884 but still a interesting history

[@neilmorrison7356]

In my day the most senior infantry regiment was the Royal Scots. Their nickname name was Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguards bodyguard. Their history in the Scottish Army dates from 1633 but its core was made up from mercenary units that had fought in Europe prior to this.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Weren't they raised from a cadre of Hepburn's regt in Swedish service in the 30 years war, or am I misremembering this?

[@neilmorrison7356]

@@FelixstoweFoamForge yes and also picked up some other waifs and strays along the way

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

@@neilmorrison7356 Thank you!

[@ryanmichael1298]

@@FelixstoweFoamForge Very tenuously, their lineage can be traced all of the way back to Julius Caesar. ; )

[@neilmorrison7356]

@@ryanmichael1298 not quite they were Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard😉

[@karenalletson9767]

The Buffs/Queen's Own Buffs/2nd Battalion Queen's Regiment. Formed 1574 (Trained bands of London) 100 years in Holland. Returned and had to take 2nd Foot as another Regiment had been raised in their absence, Then called the 'Holland regiment'. Of course, they are no longer around , where as the HAC are.

[@paulmcgee1867]

PWRR today

[@Scipionic1941]

In terms of the Army List, the Buffs honourably hold second position to the Royal Scots.

[@Vince_Paul]

The 2nd battalion the queens regiment become the 2nd battalion Princess of wales royal regiment, which has now been renamed the 2nd ranger regiment.

[@michaeldowson6988]

Only one regiment wears the Royal Cypher of Empress Victoria in perpetuity - The Royal Canadian Reg. In 1940 French speaking troops stood guard at Buckingham - The Royal 22nd Reg of Quebec, homed in the Quebec Citadel.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one thanks. Any good books you’d reccomend?

[@michaeldowson6988]

@@redcoathistory Sorry, no. Have you seen the Fort Henry Guard performing on KZbin? They are a civilian re-enactment performance in a fort in 1860-ish uniform and firing Snider-Enfield rifles.

[@matthewfindlay2242]

What's that got to do with the oldest regiment in the british army then?

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

HAC IS THE OLDEST IN THE ARMY!! my uncle was an officer in the REG !! N still have family in the REG to this day!! 😊😊😊❤❤

[@christopherhahn6728]

I first came across the HAC in a book about the British force that was sent to support the Italians in the First World War. They played a key role in the decisive victory over the Austrians at Vittorio Veneto. Aside from this information, I had never heard of them so thanks!

[@lukerettie]

Would be interested in hearing about the history of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as I grew up north of Glasgow and at the time that was their recruitment area

[@uniformmike05]

The Life Guards of the Swedish Army were formed in 2000 when the the Svea Lifeguards (raised in 1521 as a personal bodyguard to future King Gustav Vasa) and the Life Guard Dragoons (themselves a product of a previous amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards and the Life Regiment Dragoons in 1927) were amalgamated. Its oldest battle honour is ’War of Liberation 1521’. Most Swedish (and many Finnish, as Finland was part of Sweden) infantry and cavalry regiments were formally formed as permanent units in the 1620’s under Gustavus Adolphus.

[@JelMain]

However, they're still kids compared with the Monmouth Ordnance operations, which were the childhood home of Henry V. Given ongoing excavations are revealing no end of metalworking and milling operations around the Anghidi River above Tintern Abbey, ten miles downstream, it's very possible that earliest date could be pushed back further still. Artillery, for example, was first used at Crecy in 1346, as part of that Ordnance, and the first known use of gunpowder was in 1320, by the Keeper of the Privy Wardrobe in the Tower of London, another Ordnance base. Although the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers were only split off from the Ordnance in 1714, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers maintain that residency in Monmouth Castle to this day, and so have a very arguable case for seniority by a good 200 years.

[@owoodward72]

Would love to see a video on the Black Watch (42nd) and another on the KRRC (60th).

[@user-yv8bb3ye5e]

HAC the oldest but Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers Militia is the senior regiment of the reserve army because Militia takes precedence...

[@redcoathistory]

Yep, fair one. Any good sources on the Monmouthshire’s?

[@diskopartizan0850]

​@redcoathistory could get in touch with the R Mons museum. They've got a published regimental history too.

[@andyroberts9410]

⁠As an ex R Mon’s I’d love to see you do something on them, they have an amazing history.

[@user-gp2zc8gi8i]

R.MON.RE (M) have the longest continuous service to the Crown.

[@GavTatu]

and prior to them, before amalgamation, the jersey field sqn royal militia of the island of jersey, royal, engineers.

[@user-iu5rn8cf4f]

Wonderful channel - one of the very best.

[@ryanziegler1410]

Love to hear about artillery! Fascinating stuff as usual!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Ryan. Appreciate the feedback

[@Bob-Horse]

Thank you for this interesting video. I used to help ride their light cavalry horses based in Windsor.

[@robertcottam8824]

What a lovely presentation - as always.

[@redcoathistory]

Thankyou, Sir.

[@IronGuardsman]

Cracking video as always! Please can you do, together or separately, the 43rd and 52nd?

[@allongshanks940]

Very interesting piece. Only ever heard about the HAC when watching the Lord Mayor's possession. The IWM interview was brilliant.

[@thetruthhurts7675]

The Kings Yeoman of the Yeomanry of the Guard are the oldest English regiment, they are older than the Royal Artillery. You will see them in the opening of parliament. They are now known as the Yeomen of the kings Body Guard.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

I liked the Rick Scollins art of, I believe, the English troops at Flodden. Another good vid!

[@FranciscoPreira]

Great video Chis, I allways fancy the RHA, best regards mate.

[@13JAMLAND]

Love your channel, great work thank you! 🍻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate it. Any other stories from the history of the British army you’d like me to look at?

[@13JAMLAND]

@redcoathistory Don't stop doing what you're doing it's all great especially the on location episodes. I find the training and tactics throughout the history of the British Army really interesting too and how they adapted to all the different campaigns and enemies around the world apart from all the battles/campaigns, last stands and individual stories of bravery.

[@13JAMLAND]

@redcoathistory love hearing the personal accounts of battle too.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Fascinating stuff.

[@mole389]

Very professional to work with

[@andrewway8381]

I believe the HAC also provide support to 7 Para RHA, our Airborne gunners. Top blokes. UP

[@robertbarras7893]

Very interesting video, as always. Would love to see a video on the Legion 9f Frontiersmen, a regiment of volunteers, men ranging from Circus clowns and Explorers to American Cowboys, who at their own expense travelled across the Channel at the beginning of WWI and joined the defence of Belgium, the unit was later encorporated into the regular British army and sent to East Africa where they were instrumental in the 😢fight against General Von Vorbeck's German East Africans. Frederick Selous the famous explorer was a Frontiersman and was KIA fighting with them in Tanzania. Would make a brilliant video 👌

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Interestimg film thanks. I would be interested to hear about the formation of the Natal Native Contingent and their effectiveness in battle.

[@30whacko11]

Great work as always. I would love to see you do a video on the ancestor regiments that make up the present day Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. The Lanc's are made up of some of the most storied regiments in British military history.

[@ste2442]

Kings reg 8th foot

[@redcoathistory]

Nice idea thanks. Any good sources I should start with?

[@30whacko11]

@@redcoathistory I would say a good place to start is the National Army Museum Website. The website provides almost a family tree style breakdown of the regiments that were amalgamated to for the Lanc's but as you go into each one, more information is provided about the further ancestor regiments, going back all the way to the numeral system. For example: Duke of Lancaster's - The Queen's Lancashire Regiment - East Lancashire Regiment - 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot. I think this would serve as a good place to start from.

[@ste2442]

@@redcoathistory The Kings Regiment (Liverpool) where formed in 1685 as The Princess Anne of Denmark Regiment. An old quirk of the Regiment was that the RSM had to be a catholic (I don’t know what year that was brought in and what year it ceased to be but I remember being told it when I served ). In ww2 they took the surrender of a German war ship , they played a major part in the Chindit columns , the offshoots of the regiment still exist today . Every old regiment has a fascinating history . We need to keep these histories alive .

[@brianclarke3880]

Brilliant thanks for that, how about the RTR?

[@glyndwr1391]

Hello great video. It would be good if you could look at the royal Welsh fusiliers.

[@harrybuik9763]

The two companies who formed the coldstream guards in battle for dundee august september 1651 under general monk, many killed

[@jackdickson9842]

A video on the history of the Royal Marines would be great to watch

[@DavidKitching]

My brother was an officer in the Green Howards back in the late fifties. When last in the UK I visited the museum of the regiment in Richmond. They have a long history behind them. Might be worth a review.

[@redcoathistory]

Would definetly be keen. Would be great to get to the museum one day. Thanks

[@nanorider426]

You might check out the Danish Army. Yeah, I know many regiments were put together in last century but a lot of the regiments were very old; like "Sjællandske Livregiment" or "Jyske Livregiment". They were in the War of the Spanish Succession around 1700 and participated in the Battle of Blenheim of 1704.

[@keithagn]

Super interesting video! Thank you! When you start to review Regiments in the colonies you could examine the Royal Canadian Regiment, the R.C.R.'s. Regards!

[@redcoathistory]

That would be good. Any books I should start with?

[@keithagn]

@@redcoathistory sorry, Chris none come to mind at the moment; I would start with their Regimental history source or the D.N.D. ( Dept. of National Defence).

[@terrywarner8657]

One of the most interesting former Royals was Maj Strome Galway. He was never a CO, but famous enough within the regiment. Apparently he wrote the Op Order which was the order of service for his funeral.

[@mrpamcn]

My uncle served with the 13th Regiment RHA (The Honourable Artillery Company) as part of the 11th Armoured Division in the campaign in NW Europe. General Sir Richard O'Connor, famous for the victory over the Italians in the western desert in 1940/41, commanded a battalion in the First World War too.

[@bombfog1]

I didn’t realize that you were a combat documentarian. Well done. There was a news crew imbedded with my company during the Invasion of Iraq and I always felt it took a lot of nuts to go into combat shooting film rather than rounds.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. Yeah I’m lucky enough to have been on the ground alongside army and Marines in Iraq and Afghan. Hope you good mate and thanks for the comment.

[@bombfog1]

@@redcoathistory Which country did you prefer? I absolutely fell in love with Afghanistan (despite it being where I had to fight hardest) and hope one day that it’ll be safe for Western tourists.

[@redcoathistory]

@@bombfog1same mate. In Iraq I never really got to meet any locals outside of the airport and Basra palace but in Afghan managed to also get to Kabul and go out into town a bit which was nice.

[@user-tg7zy8np1x]

Come on mate, as a Leicester lad you have to do the Royal Leicester Rifles! All that Indian battle history. There was a pub in Fosse Estate called the Royal Leicesters when I was a kid at Herrick Infants in the mid 70s 👍🏽

[@redcoathistory]

The 17th are certainly worthy of a film. Thanks mate will look into it.

[@alexnicole7431]

One of my relatives was KIA with the HAC in WW1.

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

Please do the 1st The Kings Dragoon Guards who later amalgamated with the 2nd Dragoon Guards, The Queens Bays to become the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards. My father served as a band boy in the KDG from 1949, through amalgamation til 1963 including service in Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaya. Despite serving in the RAF from 1964-71 and the Australian Army Band Corps from 1971-77 he always, always spoke of 'The Regiment' first when asked about his military service.

[@simoncampbell3144]

The best regiment in the British army

[@rascalap2968]

Hmm, the senior regiment of the British Army is the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers - the Militia. The HAC claim their lineage from the gunners of the Tower of London, oddly ignoring the fact that someone built the Tower of London - military engineers! 🤷‍♂️🤔🤣

[@TroyTempest777]

Was it not the Norman's who built the Tower?

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers were formed in 1539, the Honourable Artillery Company was formed in 1537

[@rascalap2968]

@@TroyTempest777 ? Irrelevant - whatever their origin they were very obviously military engineers…

[@boots869]

It was William, Duke of Normandy, then William the Conquerer who built the Tower of London.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

@@boots869 you mean William The Bastard?

[@SteelHand071]

I'd like you to do the history of 16th The Queen's Lancers. my dad was in the 16/5th when I was a kid in the 70's when we were based at Northampton Barracks, Wolfenbuttel in the former West Germany

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY 🙏🙏

[@christopherrussell2611]

In memory of my father. I’d be grateful for your coverage of the paras, particularly peacekeeping in 1950’s Palestine. We Brits are proud of ALL our military & the great work & sacrifice they make now and have made throughout history. God Bless You All & Thank You. Ms. J.L.Russell

[@gingemac]

The oldest infantry regiment was the Royal Scots formed in 1633 by Sir John Hepburn, then in 2006 merged with 1 Kosb to form The Royal Scots borderers (1 Scots) as part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Now known as 1 Ranger regiment

[@davidmac1004]

I assume your an old Royal

[@monty5692]

I'd like to know more about the relationship between the Ox's & Buck's Light Infantry, the 1st Airborne during WW2 (notably Pegasus Bridge, obv.) and the Parachute Regiment as it is today - worth a video?

[@johndally7994]

My request for a unit deep dive is The Lovat Scouts.

[@jon9021]

That would be very interesting.

[@willjohnson1273]

I have 2 requests for some coverage Obviously my own Previous Corps the RAMC with passing mention of the Colonial offshoots, and the FANY who although not a MOD unit still provide a vital role.

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

This was a great video! Being from America but always fascinated by anything British, I was thrilled to serve alongside British soldiers in Kosovo’00-‘02. I was a UN war crimes investigator who benefited greatly from intelligence passed along by the 1st Bn of the RRW. I understand that this was an amalgamation of older deactivated regiments and that the RRW may no longer exist. How about explaining how the British Army Regimental System works in an episode?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks sir. Please see my last video for exactly that subject 👍🏼

[@kevcaratacus9428]

I know there not the oldest But they are one of my favourites are the *Sutherland Highlanders* 1799-1881 . Before the amalgamation with the Argyll. So many battle honours and so many great characters. I've hardly scratched the surface re reading about them I like the story about the 19th countess of Sutherland after noticing the size , larger than any other , she raised his pay saying someone of that size needs to eat twice the amount of the others ( or words very similar to those) . The thin red line.. lol :)

[@colgategilbert8067]

Thanks. The British famous "Ceremonial" Regiments are also active duty soldiers, splitting their time between their Ceremonial Postings and actual deployment.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi - yes I have a film on the foot guards that you may enjoy.

[@ryanparker7258]

Royal Scot’s 1st of foot, 2nd of foot was the Buffs from Kent

[@markhindmarsh2811]

Would love to see you do the history of The Northumberland Hussars (The Noodles) From gentleman yeomanry in the 19th century , artillery men in the Boer war . Service in WW I (Only four names on the Menin Gate) and then the campaign in North African dessert to landing in Normandy An interesting TA regiment that flys somewhat under the radar for millitary historians

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Will have to do a bit of reading up. Any good sources I should start with?

[@markhindmarsh2811]

@@redcoathistory The history of the Northumberland (yeomanry) Hussars 1819 1923 is a rare book . On sale for £80.00 + I surmise that would be a good start . Fenham barracks in Newcastle is the HQ of the QOY . HQ Sdn and D Sdn were amalgamated from the NH . Look forward to see what you could do on your site Cheers

[@NMMojavePoet]

Do one on the Artist Rifles. Absolutely mad, mad men and beyond brave.

[@robertcottam8824]

They certainly were!

[@thomaseley8386]

The Antelope pub in High Wycombe would be interesting. It was the original royal military college set up in 1799. Other pubs with a connection to Redcoat history could be interesting but I dont know other examples.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - that is a good idea.

[@SpyderSuasponte]

Here in the US we have the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. It was an actual unit, but now it is more of an Honorable fraternal organization. I have a full uniform from the Army 1800’s.

[@llvienna]

See en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_and_Honorable_Artillery_Company_of_Massachusetts

[@jimmyyoung5159]

Cameronians Scottish Rifles Would Be a great for a deep dive thanks

[@ethanlewis1459]

I hope you do videos on The British Royal Navy and figures like Lord Nelson and Thomas Cochrane or fictional characters like Haratio Hornblower or Jack Aubrey

[@redcoathistory]

Maybe eventually but I’ll be honest naval history isn’t really my thing.

[@CeaddaOfMercia]

What's the name of that documentary at 2:45?

[@shivindersingh1802]

The Madras Regiment of the Indian Army was founded by the British HEIC in 1758

[@redcoathistory]

Nice. I want to do more on India army regiments also.

[@lynnecromack4933]

@@redcoathistory That would be good. There was a distinction between the vast Indian army and the British army serving in India. (both run by British Officers) The Indian army officers looked down on British army officers as they commanded much larger units and had a better lifestyle and were often in India for far longer.

[@edthered26]

Pleased could you look at the Durham light infantry?

[@Mark-sl2vo]

Oldest infantry regiment of the British Army aren’t even the Coldstream guards nor Royal Scots, but the The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Raised in 1572 in London as Thomas Morgan’s Company of Foot for service in the Dutch 80 years war.

[@evillabrador1]

Steady. The Buffs!

[@7ftmedic]

The Coldstream guards are the oldest regiment of continuous service, other old regiments have since been disbanded or amalgamated 💂‍♂️

[@peterbrazier7107]

I thought The Holland Regiment (The Buffs) was created in 1561 or 1566.

[@grahambarber2766]

The King's Own Neanderthal Clubbers fought Her Majesties Homo Erectus Infanteers in 10,000 BC which makes them both the oldest regiments in history!! 🎣

[@gaughantony]

The PWRR, for whom the Buffs are an antecedent Regt, are the senior English county infantry regiment

[@SteveHB59]

Nice to see you used footage from the tv series ANZAC’s

[@redcoathistory]

Yep - grew up with that show. Love it.

[@gilmills]

Could you do a history of the Black Watch please

[@Strength-in-Union]

Aye - tell us the one about the broken Square!

[@edwardclay7551]

Have you got any information on the Pay Corps retreat from Singapore?

[@nigelpick1285]

Could you please do a video on the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, they served as horsed cavalry in south africa, horsed cavalry in ww1 apart from winning a king's colour in Gallipoli as infantry , last of all they started ww2 on horses, then gunners in tobrouk converting to tanks from alam el halfa to end of the desert war, moving back to England for DDay, to be one of the first on Gold Beach and involved in taking Bayeux on D+1.

[@vickyRoyalHistory]

The Oldest Regiment in The British Army is Actually The Life Guards Regiment, now one of the two Regiments who make up The Household Cavalry. They were formed by Charles ll while in Exile in Flanders, following the Execution of his father Charles l by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. The Men who Guarded the Life of Charles ll, his Mother & Siblings, were made up of The Sons of English Nobles who were Loyal to the Crown & some of the Nobles themselves who fled England after the Battle of Worcestershire in 1651. When the Parliament invited Charles ll in 1660, he returned to England from Flanders, bringing his Body Guards with him, declaring them to be his "Life Guards", they were the First Regiment in what would become England's first Standing Army, named "The Restoration Army of 1660". They were joined by "The Blue Dragoons" who were raised in 1650 by Sir Arthur Haselrig on orders from Oliver Cromwell. They were the First two Regiments of England's Army & though undergoing Amalgamations & name Changes, they are the 2 Longest Serving Units in what's now The British Army & are acknowledged as such by them. Of course they were rapidly joined by Infantry Regiments, including those from Scotland after 1706 after The Treaty of Union & Formally in the 1707 Act of Union, which Formed England (including Wales) & Scotland together in to One Kingdom, Great Britain. It is this Union that confuses a lot of People when trying to name The Oldest Regiment in the British Army. Undoubtedly Scotland had some Formally recognised Armed Units that Pre-dated the Restoration Army of 1660. Most of them Originated as 'Clan Army Groups' that fought against Edward l (aka The Hammer of the Scots & Edward Longshanks) Forces in the Scots War from 1272 - 1307. However, they did not become Part of the "British Army" until 1707, during the Reign of Queen Anne, the last Monarch of the Royal House of Stuart. The most Confusing part of this Question is deciding What or Who Constituted a "Standing Army". Yes, The Honourable Artillery Company & the Various Yeoman Forces were Recognised Military Units. However, they did not Constitute a Formal, Full Time, State Funded Army. They were a definite improvement on the Armies of the 15th Century, Serfs Armed with few Proper Weapons who were Provided by The Lords Loyal to the Crown, who were mustered on the Orders of the King & expected to Provide Men to Fight, think Wars of The Roses. In the 16th Century, Henry Vlll, Mary l & Elizabeth l, still relied on The Nobles to Supply Man Power, but there were also Trained & Armed Units such as The Honourable Artillery Company & for example The Inns of Court Regiment & The London City Yeomanry, both raised in 1548 in London & Now Amalgamated into The Royal Yeomanry (Inns of Court & City of London). These Units were not a Full Time Army, they were akin to what we would call today Reservists. The only cohesion between them, was that they were expected to Defend London & the Royal Palaces against Attack if necessary. At the Time of Henry Vlll 's Reign, he was far more interested in building a Royal Navy than he was in Forming a Proper Army. He saw the Defence of England lay in Refusing an Enemy access to Land, by having a Constant Patrol of Naval Ships with Superior Armament & his Ring of Watch Castles on the South & South East Coast. What Armed Men he had on Land, weren't a Cohesive Army, they were Forces raised, trained & Armed Locally to Garrison Cities & Local Towns. Apart from This, during the Civil War & When Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector of England, he disbanded any Armed Forces hr did not Control. It wasn't until the 1660's & The Restoration Army that a Cohesive Trained, Armed & Unified Army came into being. It's from The Restoration Army of 1660 that Todays British Army can trace its Roots.

[@roykenney4178]

An article on the history of the Leicestershire Regiment, which became the 4th Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment before I joined them, or 17th/21 Lancers, which I would have joined if I had gone to an armoured regiment.

[@redcoathistory]

Leicesters are my local regiment so definitely keen. Thanks Mate

[@josephturner7569]

Many years ago, I used to drink with an officer in the HAC in my local. He said, amongst many things, his boots were older than him.

[@samuelsoto5194]

Royal Corps of Signal as a former Signalman would be nice to heard some untold history...

[@thomasstokes6633]

Would love to here the history of the Royal Engineers or the royal corps of Signals.

[@reubendobbs8011]

Very interesting. Former gunner here keep it up

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@reubendobbs8011]

You may have a message from Lt colonel Dobbs in a bit my twin bro.

[@sillymoomoomoo]

Remarkably the Oxford University Officers Training Corps traces it's history back to 1642 (when it formed as bodyguards to Charles I) making it the joint 2nd oldest unit in the Army.

[@petergladstone864]

Scots guards 1642-1648 first time around if I remember

[@sillymoomoomoo]

@@petergladstone864 the Scots Guards are joint 2nd with OUOTC. They also formed a (separate) bodyguard for Charles 1st. OUOTC's predecessor guard unit was formed of students from across Oxfordshire and Bucks.

[@sillymoomoomoo]

Although all these connections between historical units are pretty tenuous, so my calling them joint 2nd is very much up for debate. Either way though they can trace a pretty old lineage for a student reserve.

[@TheNorfolkman]

I’d like to see a piece on the 17th and 21st Lancers.

[@23rdFoot]

Well if inactive regiments are allowed, the Royal Welch Fusiliers would be welcome.

[@user-wf4xb8zg1b]

Not on topic @Redcoat History but what are your opinions on Melvill and Coghills escape across the buffalo river after Ilsandwana, do you think one or both were fleeing to save themselves or actually ordered to save the colour. Ive been watching the Zulu dawn clip over and over, its very exhilarating and heroic .

[@redcoathistory]

I’ve done an entire video on them - please check it out. It was in January this year and was about the Isandlwana VCs 👍🏼

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

I always thought it was the Black watch, followed by the Royal Welch Fusiliers

[@daverankin2246]

Re your query about what regiments to do videos on. Between my grandfather and grandfathers of friends, Argyle & Sutherland, Seaforth and K.O.S.B. are a good start. 😀 Plus Royal Green Jackets have often been mentioned near me. From a South African point of view, Lovats Scouts (inventors of the ghillie suits) would be interesting. They made their name in southern Africa, but founded in UK To tax your research, the Scottish Horse were founded in SA. They were also refounded (or simultaneously founded) in UK. The SA version became Transvaal Scottish but this is overshadowed by the UK regiment and sources for either sometimes seem ignorant of the other.

[@redcoathistory]

Great. Thanks a lot for the ideas. I live quite close to the Transvaal Scottish hq 👍🏼

[@competitionglen]

Don't need to be British to feel proud, am Australian and positively beaming with pride. Great grandfather was a grenadier guardsman in WW1.

[@piercem579]

Only got a 10 sec mention of its Base ISTAR role that they do with 5 REG RA 4/73 Bty and you should of touched on the selection process for 4/73. Not many people know about it but its a very tasty course that not many pass. The Majority of HAC that come to the Regiment to join 4/73 are Rich London banker types and the unit pays for all their own regiment equipment. Apparently boast the most expensive private patch of grass in central London.😲

[@davidwaddell9772]

Hi RSDG or Royal Scots. Thanks for sharing.

[@floriangeyer3454]

do they still provide reinforcements for the Metro Police?

[@sidneyhall4076]

The royal Dragoon guards has a lot of history and famous battles of old and new that need to be told

[@johhnyschepers]

History of the artist rifles please

[@mikemyshka1472]

What about doing a the Black Watch and the The Buffs

[@StuartAnderson-xl4bo]

Coward regiments that attacked the people

[@ninebangtrojan4669]

The HAC also have Special Constables attached to the City of London police

[@HamBones13]

Royal irish rangers!!! Or the rifles, royal green jackets or the light infantry

[@excolo3290]

Hello from the channel's other side. The oldest regiment in Europe, still in activity, to my knowledge, is french: 1st infantry regiment since 1479. Yes, yes, i know... Regards, have a good day.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic. A history to be proud of. Are there channels like mine that cover the French army?

[@excolo3290]

@@redcoathistory i know Netempereur who make serious job in french and english videos, many other probably but all are not impartials.

[@bromhead100]

im from perth scotland,so the black watch please.

[@peterforden5917]

As a former sapper I am of course biased:) Our Corps was created officially by Bishop Guthlac William the firsts (the conqueror that is) cousin in 1070 ad, suck on that both the HAC and Guards....all of the wooden tops actually, we took part in ever campaign the English and then the British army fought, no-one beats that :)