Up From the Ranks - Were men promoted from the ranks as rare as we think? (Napoleonic Wars)

Richard Sharpe - the most famous British soldier of the Napoleonic Wars…Obviously he is a fictional character…Battling against the French and against the upper-class nitwits who are determined to stop him winning the war single-handedly.
But what if working class officers coming up through ranks weren’t as rare as we think?
What if Sharpe was actually an underachiever compared to real soldiers of the era?
Well Historian Steve Brown has been taking a deep dive into the backgrounds of the British officers of the Napoleonic Wars.
Here is the link to his book: amzn.to/3sVG2Ow
Here is the link to my merchandise: redcoathistory.com/merch/
And here is the link to Rob Griffith's wonderful book on the 5/60th Rifles: amzn.to/3sTF59r
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

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching. We all love Sharpe and this is just a fun way to explore a fascinating subject. Let me know what other areas you would like me to look at. Thanks, Chris.

[@legionarybooks13]

This video actually made me think about Field Marshal Sir Garnet Wolseley, who wasn't a ranker, but came from very modest means. I've often wondered how, during the Victorian Era, when officer promotions were painfully slow, and often non-existent, he managed to rise so quickly. His family was too poor for him to attend Sandhurst, and the only reason he was given a chance was because his late father happened to have served with Wellington, who managed to secure Wolseley a commission. The fact that Wolseley also volunteered to go absolutely anywhere probably helped. Still, I find it baffling that, again as someone of humbler means (at least for an officer), he managed to rise from ensign to captain in less than three years and reached brevet lieutenant colonel in just seven. During the Zulu War, he was six years younger than Lord Chelmsford, yet two ranks above him. Chelmsford's substantive rank was still Major General (his Lt Gen was a local appointment only, and not a brevet or substantive), while Wolseley was a brevetted full General.

[@CAP198462]

There’s a fly in the ointment though isn’t there. Many of Sharpe’s promotions are brevet promotions that don’t get confirmed, allegedly because of dislike of Sir Arthur Wellesley. At least that’s what the series suggests. It also sounds like the stereotype of “Johnny jump-ups,” or mustangs as drill masters (as depicted in Sharpe’s Battle) might have some veracity.

[@knutclau705]

What about german sodgers, officers, KGL black brunswickers, that served from 1809 til 1815... and on! The last (prussian) bandmaster in the 74th (by the name of Schott, I seem to recall, serving in South Africa in the 1890' ies and being in the ((military)) music printing business afterwards, London, presenting the anglo-german military connection that was so painfully severed in 1914! So many Colonels in Chief that had to resign.. Especially when considering that allof them were uncles or cousins... 😂

[@knutclau705]

VC recipient Sgt Wooden, 17th Lancers (Balaclava) was a bavarian (germany)....

[@keithtorgersen9664]

In War & Peace, the Russian officer Dolokhov was demoted to the ranks, but then was promoted back in short turn. It’s a fictional character but Tolstoy drew from his own experiences and history, he probably knew one or more people like this.

[@peterinbrat]

Definitely an underacheiver. Sean Bean doesn't even die in the series.

[@adrianburchell1467]

Sharpe hasn't died in the book series...yet. I think it's implied he's still alive during the American Civil War but not in America

[@legionarybooks13]

@@adrianburchell1467wouldn't he be pushing a hundred by then?

[@adrianburchell1467]

@@legionarybooks13 Probably, all I know is that he was linked/mentioned in passing in BC's Civil War series, I haven't read them. The series will not be finished now, BC having moved on

[@EK-gr9gd]

@@adrianburchell1467 Sharpe will die with 83 years. Guess who e4lse died at that age?!

[@adrianburchell1467]

@@EK-gr9gd Duke of Wellington?

[@konstantinosnikolakakis8125]

In the novel Sharpe’s Assassin, which is set in the immediate aftermath of Waterloo, there’s a moment in the novel where Sharpe considers staying in the Army, and even thinks of becoming a general. But he decides he’d prefer to retire a lieutenant-colonel and that he’s done with war.

[@jon9021]

A good book.

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

How about a last hurrah. 'Sharpe's Corps.' An elderly Richard Sharpe in the Crimean War!

[@wraithship]

Yeah. IIRC Sharpe found it hard to adjust to major and lieutenant-colonel as it meant he had to delegate more and couldn't really get stuck in himself. He was an ideal field officer and leader of men, But the General officer skill set is very different and I don't think would have suited him at all.

[@paulkruger2003]

@@dovetonsturdee7033 The funny thing is, that his son Patrick fought als french officer in the crimean war.

[@midkemian1]

@@paulkruger2003 IIRC, he shows up in Rebel, the first Starbuck novel

[@williamromine5715]

I am an 81 years old American, and I have always understood that officers in the British Army were from the upper class who bought their commision. Your video says that the rank of Officer could be earned. This is a very good surprise to me. I am fasinated(sp) by British history, especially its army and navy. Thank you for educating this old man. It is a good day when a person learns something new. Happy New Year.😮

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Happy new year to you too.

[@lugguage1]

You would probably enjoy the Sharpe, Hornblower and Flashman novels. Based on real events but with great story lines to keep it from being like studying a text book.

[@colinbell8231]

My father came up through the UK Army ranks (Royal Artillery) to Colonel. He came from middle-class parents who couldn't afford the education that would allow him to enter the officer stream immediately. After his commission, he applied for a post in the Indian Army (before partition/Independence split India into 3 countries), and learnt Pashtun in order to serve on the North-West frontier, on the Afghan border. During the Second World War, his battalion moved all their resources to fight the Japanese in Burma. He commanded Sikh and Punjabi Muslim troops, who worked well together (at that time). A man of great integrity. He never voted while serving: "I made an oath of allegiance to His Majesty, and am required to serve any government that he 'appoints'".

[@williamromine5715]

​@@colinbell8231A man to be really proud of.

[@petew5289]

2 of my troop commanders when I served in the 70s and 80s in the royal engineers came from the ranks the highest rank that can be reached by x rankers is lieutenant colonel

[@bryanbird1266]

If I remember the books, after the end of the Peninsular War in 1814, Sharpe retires with a Lieutenant’s half pay because it was decided his Captaincy and Majority were both “Field Commissions” and his permanent rank was Lieutenant! When the 100 days occurred the only reason Sharpe returned to the colours was the promise of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and the same half pay upon retirement.

[@tillposer]

The captaincy was a "regimental" promotion that filled a free regimental position but was mucked up by Horseguards (Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Waterloo), the Majoricy was an army commision that was not redounded on his regiment (Sharpe's Enemy, Sharpe's Regiment). You could call it a brevet commission, but it was a different type of animal. The promotion to LtC was a battlefield promotion into a vacant regimental position that Nosey seems not to have been able to make stick with Horseguards (Sharpe's Waterloo).

[@TheCosmicFool]

Although it was many years later, Frank Bourne, an NCO at Rorke’s Drift (as depicted in the film Zulu) eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In the film he is portrayed as a man in his fourties and holds the rank of Colour Sergeant (which fits the image of the experienced soldier looking after ‘his lads’) but was actually only 24 during the battle. He was awarded the DCM and died on VE Day in 1945.

[@redcoathistory]

All spot on, thanks. I have an entire film on him that you may enjoy.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I have the same South Yorkshire accent as Sean Bean and when answering the phone at work some people thought I souned exactly like Sean Bean, I don't but to the average Joe I do. I love watching the Sharpe series even today!

[@bfairfax8772]

Of course many of the French officers even the Marshals started in the enlisted ranks too. Also many NCO's became officers during the revolution simply due to being the most experienced soldiers in their commands.

[@konstantinosnikolakakis8125]

I actually remember reading that the rapid promotion of NCOs into officer positions in the French Army in 1793 (after they sacked all the nobles who made up the bulk of the officers of the French Army) actually led to a lack of experienced NCOs for some time in many regiments.

[@elxaime]

There is a famous story about Marshal and Madame Lefebvre. He came from middle class and was a sergeant in the Royalist army when the Revolution hit. After the King was overthrown, Lefebvre rose in the Republican ranks and, after Napoleon took over in 18 Brumaire, Lefebvre was made a Marshal of France. At that time Napoleon was working to reconcile former French aristocrats and many of them had trickled back to mix uneasily with the revolutionaries they had fought. At a social function, Lefebvre and his wife (who had been a washer woman), were accosted by some French nobles. One of the female aristocrats, knowing the humble origins of Lefebvre and his wife, cattily asked who their ancestors were, expecting to have a laugh at their expense. Lefebvre drew himself up in his Marshal's uniform, and without missing a beat, replied: "Madame Countess, we have no ancestors - we are ancestors." ***mic drop***

[@82ismi]

​@@konstantinosnikolakakis8125In 1813 there was also a shortage of NCOs, due to heavy losses in Russia plus promoting the remaining ones to officers.

[@danman101stefan]

@@elxaimeBernadotte was a Sergeant in the royal army, he finished the Napoleonic Era as king of Sweden. Talk about a promotion.

[@swordbreaker1714]

From my, admittedly limited read of the books, the fact that Sharpe was an under achiever is no surprise. He settled in the correct rank for him. He was rude, and insubordinate. He didn't give his officers much to promote him for other than he's a good soldier and foot commander. But he would not be good for a general or anything as he's not much of a leader. Just good at fighting. Which he says himself all the time.

[@caeserromero3013]

It's funny that you say he's a 'Fictional character'. I once worked with a bloke who'd watched Sharpes Waterloo one Easter and was raving about it at work. He said with a straight face: "You know, at school they tell you that Wellington won the battle of Waterloo, but it was mostly down to this guy Sharpe,". I almost had tears in my eyes from laughing and had to explain to him that it was a drama, not a documentary 😂 He truly believed Sharpe was real 😂 I'd watched all the Sharpe episode up to that point and half the books which my dad had been reading for years before. They really are great books and the TV versions were not bad either. I still watch them when they come on from time to time.

[@redcoathistory]

To be fair a fair number of people in the comments section here seem to beleive he was real also...Some seem to be genuinely angered by this video.

[@HKTimbo]

😂

[@kingofthebridge8339]

Was he an American?

[@caeserromero3013]

@@kingofthebridge8339 No, sadly this was in England. Easter 1997...

[@polonium13]

I love the scene where Sharpe meets Sgt Frederickson. Both cut from the same cloth. Thanks for showing a few snippets.

[@josephm3966]

Frederickson is a captain and never was a ranker. Just rough and ready like Sharpe.

[@smithwesson7765]

I reaaly like Sweet William as well.

[@mothmagic1]

Soldiers are filthy, rifles are clean -sir. Tell me Frederickson what do the men call you behind your back? Sweet William Sir

[@Mark-jp9dz]

War tends to reward the fighting soldier. Peace rewards the officers who are more astute politically. So the longer the war, the more rankers promoted on the field of battel. It is interesting that during WW1, the Australian Army only recruited privates, and their officers were all promoted from the lower ranks. The Royal Navy has always had ways for the lower ranks to become officers, and from there, those who were selected earlier were as able to be promoted as other officers. Late promotion to officer tended to restrict the positions available for them, and their promotion prospects - but this is reasonable as they had less opportunity to gain the experience necessary for wider promotion.

[@alganhar1]

During WWI the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, a General, later Field Marshal Sir William Robertson. Interesting thing about him? He was the son of a Postmaster and a Seamstress and is the only man in the history of the British Army to go from Private to Field Marshal. While not usual it was not unheard of for rankers the climb to the highest levels in the British Army even prior to WWI. Robertson is clear indication of that. Less common for such a soldier to reach Field Marshal but Britain has only raised armies large enough to require a rank above full General precisely twice in its history. WWI, and WWII.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@alganhar1Yep, wars can give greater opportunities. In smaller armies in neutral nations the possibilities will usually be less. Once did a tour of Russia which included a retired army man from the Irish Republic. An entertaining and energetic little man despite his advanced years he had volunteered/been posted on many UN peacekeeping assignments leading to a love of travel in his retirement. When slow old yours truly finally did get to enquire what sort of rank he had finally occupied in Erin's Army, I'll always remember the twinkling eyes when he replied "Full Colonel - when the Irish Army only had 1 General!" Sadly, by the time I'd been able to visit Eire, his obituary had been published though he had sent various reports of visits to other exotic places in the interim. A great old gentleman!

[@Shifty51991]

I mean being played by Sean Bean the fact he even survived the series is an Achievement in and of itself ;p give him some credit lads

[@EK-gr9gd]

The rank of LTC fits Sharpe perfectly. As a LTC he has high mobility, can keep a low profile and has only to care about colonels and above. As a general officer he would draw to much attention from everywhere. Well, 007 is just a commander.

[@tombogan03884]

My biggest complaint is "It's only 9 minutes". Could watch these all day.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Tom.

[@smithwesson7765]

One of the barriers was the cost of purchasing a commission or having been gazetted in the field, the costs associated with being a commissioned officer which could be expensive indeed.

[@alganhar1]

Only a small minority of Commissions were purchased.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Even in WW1, some rankers turned down promotion offers to officer as expenses were involved and they felt they could not keep up. During the war, a money grant (£50 I believe, a lot of money at the time) was made to officers so they could buy uniforms and essential equipment. Enlisted men were simply issued their uniforms and equipment though they could be fined for not looking after them.

[@jamesthelamenter5464]

I always wondered about how many people were Rankers and how it was possible. Thanks for the information.

[@Whalewraith]

I love Sharpe, got all the books. Sean Bean's Sharpe was a great series. Wish we could have a big budget version.

[@martinshephard6317]

My Grandpa joined the Royal Engineers in 1919 at 18, (having been previously been dragged off a troop ship in Southampton by his older brothers two years earlier) and when he left the army in his 60’s he was a Lieutenant Colonel. Not bad for a lad from North London who’d completed a plumber’s apprenticeship before he joined up!

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Great story superbly told , I found myself smiling and grinning at the interplay between the Presenters …..true educators and entertainers 👏👏👍

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it

[@welshwarrior5263]

A lovely start to the Christmas holidays. Excellent, thank you.

[@JohnSmith-dz2dc]

At first sight of Sharpe in the thumbnail, I clicked on the video. That’s my style sir!

[@redcoathistory]

Legend!

[@harrynewiss4630]

Thanks for these videos. What a refreshing take on this subject.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

The special circumstances of the Napoleonic Wars should be taken into account - wars created officer vacancies far more than peace-time and the vacancies had to be filled. It took WW1 with the vast expansion of the British Army to make "temporary gentlemen" into a major social phenomenon.

[@bobdakers3794]

According to the book Wellingtons Army 5% of the Officers where promoted from the ranks.

[@mch12311969]

I must say that this isn't surprising, but it is rather interesting, and doesn't take away from the Sharpe series being a fun read.

[@redcoathistory]

Exactly. We all love Sharpe and this isn't meant to be a criticism - just a fun way to explore the topic. Thanks for watching.

[@robertchubb5602]

My grandfather was in The Rifle Brigade..fought with 2nd Bn at Alemein and captured during Supercharge. He made L/Cpl..however a Field Marshal in my eyes..as I subsequently joined myself through his most wonderful stories of comradeship and his such eloquent views on life from a common sense perspective. I completed 23 years..however sadly no longer with us..he certainly has not faded from my heart

[@zen4men]

A good role model for you! A first class regiment. As soon as I saw "Rifle Brigade" and "Alamein", I thought "Turner VC". / My great-uncle was in the 39th Garhwal Rifles, a company commander KIA at Neuve Chappelle. My cousin has an oil painting of him in full dress uniform, which was almost identical to the Rifle Brigade. / Years ago, I used to collect army badges, and I had a beautiful hallmarked silver Rifle Brigade badge, the same size as a cap badge, that came from the leather cross belt pouch. incredible workmanship. /

[@robertchubb5602]

@@zen4men Thank you for your kind words..Vic Turner was my Grandfather's CO..later in the war he even had a parade at Winchester where his own driver (who was there) and just passed him by pivitol He was later commissioned in I believe The Buffs and killed in Italy My Grandfather was not part of that action..but was part of SUPERCHARGE and was taken prisoner by elements of 90th Light (Grandad was an inverted snob..even as an NCO being taken prisoner by a Jaeger Light Infantry Unit) They treated him OK.. but for not getting him back..he said ".."..they had a hell of a pounding.." Plus..seeing a Red Cross convoy brassed up..by the Desert Air Force..and a German from Essen..who had not heard from his family in 6 months after said action had taken place...pushed an Italian Field Policemen away "..FUNGULLY" in Italian!....basically.."Fuck off"... If not for this German..would my mother have been born? Would my sister and I have been born? When my Grandfather went with me when I jo8ned the British Army..he sa8d he thought 9f not only the British..but ALL of those that died

[@robertchubb5602]

Got lost in the translation..Sgt Callistan..got the MM (Military Medal) basically the same as an MC (Military Cross) my Grandfather knew him as a fine chap

[@robertchubb5602]

@@zen4men as my Grandfarher said..when I was a boy..in the 1970's...men when dying cry for their mothers...and yes...I heard it myself in 2003 when in Iraq myself...the shrill of a wounded man crying for their mother is something that will not leave you

[@zen4men]

​@@robertchubb5602 Happy Christmas, Robert! Fate is a strange thing! I used to get the comic, Victor, as a boy, and the front and back cover featured British heroes. I expect Colonel Tuirner was one! / My father was First-Lieutenant on HM submarine Torbay, awarded a DSC, and almost ready to command a submarine at war in 1945 aged 22. He was a Midshipman on HMS Hood - transferred off just before she sailed. He knew one of the 3 survivors, Midshipman Dundas. He was depth-charged many times, but was nearly caught out by the German Q-Ship, GA45, which dropped 5 depth charges VERY close. British losses were very high in submarines, and my father lost many friends. My father commanded subs after WW2, including HMS Tactician off Korea, retiring in 1956 to marry my mother, who needed a farm manager. Quite a change of career, but he was a success at it. / My mother was silent on her war, but was in FANY, and in some way attached to French Section, SOE. After her death, I did some detective work Our family estate had an Auxiliary Unit hide in a wood, her father was a retired Royal Navy Captain, while her grandfather was a director of Barclays bank, which bought our family's Bolithos Bank ( Cornwall ). So my mother's family was trusted, and she inherited a superb organising brain. Only 18 in 1939, she was an officer by 1944, and close to Lt-Col Lewis Gielgud, the 2iC of French Section, until he left - taking my mother with him to Europe. Her fiance was a tank commander, killed in Normandy. / So just like yourself, fate could have taken another course! /

[@spikeyflo]

What a superb episode.

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks / what other areas of British military history do you like to hear about?

[@rogerw3818]

Only thirteen total examples? Out of how many hundreds of thousands? Or millions? Seems kind of a rare event.

[@douglarse]

I didnt realise there were rankers that got so high in the army, good information. My first thought is that it would have been harder for Sharpe to be involved in as much combat/missions if he was a General . Maybe Cornwell did this on purpose.

[@gw7120]

KZbin recommended the Sharpe series to me , recently and now this video , i do love me some history buffs

[@flyboymb]

The Navy was even more apt to promote from the crew as the ability to effectively command a ship, especially something of the frigate size or larger, was something that could not be "bred" into nobility and favored merchant class sailors who had spent their lives on the ocean. Ships were also a rather significant investment so putting a man in command due to his social stature rather than his knowledge and accomplishments would be a good way to potentially lose a ship.

[@markhindmarsh2811]

Has anyone else noticed the the Sharpe series that British officers fell into one of two camps . Handsome and cowardly or brave and erm not to good looking . Can't have competition for old Sharpey now can we .

[@StaalBurgher0]

Lennox or whatever his name was that gets killed by the baddie sergeant while trying to reach Teresa?

[@markhindmarsh2811]

@@StaalBurgher0your right on he was brave but he wouldn't have got a ladies bussom heaving with his mediocre looks

[@paladinsix9285]

​@@markhindmarsh2811as I recall he did well with the Ladies. Of course, he was Wealthy, a Loyalist from Virginia, and relatively well off. He loaned Sharpe money to care for his woman in one of the first books published (perhaps the first published).

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Good observation! I did not notice that! 😂😂😂

[@AtlasNL]

@@paladinsix9285Leroy (the yankee loyalist) doesn’t get killed by Hakeswill, that’d be Knowles you’re thinking of

[@henrikmelder6443]

You did it again, good work. But have you ever heard of Major Skinner who was send to Ceylon and stayed there for 50 years. He was a reel redcoat. You should read his book All the best from Sri Lanka

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there. Many thanks - the only Skinner I know is of Skinner's horse. Will have to look up the gentleman you mention. Thanks

[@redcoathistory]

Have just looked him up, Very interesting thanks.

[@NMMojavePoet]

I realize we are talking about the Napoleonic period. Colour Sgt Bourne rose up through the ranks as well. He retired as a Lt. Colonel when his career was over. He was very much a man who came up through the ranks.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi there...yep I've done an entire film on him that you may enjoy. Thanks

[@legionarybooks13]

Learn something new every day, or at least when I come onto this channel! 😊While the number of officers who came from the ranks was still very low, I was surprised to learn how many there were with the 60th Rifles. One thing I will add is that, while Wellington loathed the whole commission-by-purchase, and lambasted many of his peers as incompetent (often not without reason), he also personally hated the notion of commissioning soldiers from the ranks. There's almost zero chance a Sergeant Sharpe would have been battlefield commissioned by Wellington, even after saving his life.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers mate - hope you are well. We are overdue for a catch up!

[@legionarybooks13]

@@redcoathistory yes, we are! I'll shoot an email over to you soon. :)

[@konstantinosnikolakakis8125]

I remember Cornwell (the author of Sharpe) saying in the historical note of Sharpe’s Triumph that he had found records of Wellington giving out two field commissions at Assaye, but I don’t remember any specifics.

[@legionarybooks13]

@@konstantinosnikolakakis8125 I stand corrected, then. :) I just recall him speaking out vehemently against commissioning from the ranks, but clearly he made exceptions.

[@harrymills2770]

@@legionarybooks13 The ranks often didn't respect one of their own. Very tricky being an up-jumped ranker. I think it was relatively rare, especially compared to the French.

[@williamarthur4801]

Thank you for confirming my suspicions.

[@austinseven4720]

I can't remember which book it is, but Bernard Cornwell said in one of his historical notes that 1 in 10 officers had come from the ranks. With regard to the character of Sharpe, it was more to do with storytelling. The higher the rank, the less connected to the mud and blood you were likely to be. So Cornwell needed to work harder to put Sharpe in the middle of the action. Once he was a Major, the Light Company could no longer be the focus of the adventure as Sharpe's rank had moved above their orbit (plus he was breveted Major by the Prince of Wales with the rank being stated as in the armed forces as a whole rather than the South Essex/PoW Volunteers specifically) which had to be worked around. Equally with Waterloo, as a Lieutenant Colonel acting as advisor to the Prince of Orange, Sharpe would be away from the 'meat' of the events so Cornwell has Sharpe vocally disagree with his senior, leading to his dismissal from the retinue. That left the character free to roam the battlefield and be involved in a number of the key areas of the fight. Let's face it, a novel where Sharpe was a General would probably be pretty boring!

[@philgreen815]

Very interesting subject, military history is full of surprises. I know that a common route or pathway was sergeant, sergeant major, RSM which was tenured for four years? I think? then straight to Captain. Keeping a supply of senior NCO - to commissioned officer. I was with the 2nd Battalion 95th Rifles (re-enactment) armed with the Baker rifle which I see on your wall? a beautiful piece.

[@jerithil]

While I don't know about the army but in the British navy in the time of the Napoleonic wars their was some chance of upward mobility from the enlisted ranks as the shear amount of conflicts Britain had been in for the last 50 years caused a huge demand for skilled officers. It was only later on in the Victorian era once the empire was mainly at peace that the aristocracy was able to squeeze out most of lower class from the officer ranks.

[@caeserromero3013]

7:34 I believe this was footage from the re-enactment of the 'Battle of Regents Park' 😂

[@tdog5035]

Sharpe's still a badass. Currently reading his newest adventure.

[@charleslyster1681]

Then there was Sir Lachlan Macquarie who came from an illiterate family on a croft on the island of Ulva in the inner Hebrides. He joined the army and in due course became a Major General and governor of New South Wales. Roughly every third street in Australia is named after him!

[@carlchong7592]

Captain Sharpe was a damn fine officer! Did I ever tell you how he steadied the line at Talavera?

[@charlietreston4035]

Very interesting 👌

[@LeeBrasher]

I think there is an impossible to quantify yet quite real morale boost that goes with knowing that there is at least a theoretical possibility that "I," a humble ranker, could rise to high command through my own extraordinary efforts. Even if "I" myself am not so ambitious, it makes the whole exercise feel less autocratic and more like a real "team effort."

[@knutclau705]

Btw, I reenacted the 79th Camerons as a piper for ~ 20 years (80ies and 90ies), so as from a reenactors perspective (and some of my fellows acted in "sharpes lost battalion") I'm pleased as punch for the production and not the 42nd Black Watch being "center stage" as usual, those "perthshire wogs" (George Mac Donald Fraser, a Gordon) but the fewest the finest, the 79est! (Though I might protest the pipe majors uniform coat...), a jolly good production all in all!!!

[@user-qp1sh8sn4s]

Sharpe was a little hard on the Dutch ,when in fact the Dutch calvery attack the French and on there return the British shot at them but forchannely they only kill the horses

[@DrivermanO]

Probably the most famous person to join as a private soldier was the great Field Marshall Slim, who ended up as CIGS - succeeding Montgomery, who was not very effective in that role.

[@NormanBraslow-nh2tz]

Monty was, in short, a jackass.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi, I'm not sure that's correct about Slim being a private. But Sir William Robert Robertson did go all the way from Private to FM during the Victorian era. Amazing life.

[@soultraveller5027]

Not sure if started from private, from what I have read he was granted a temporary officer rank of 2nd lieutenant during the first world war

[@DrivermanO]

@@redcoathistory My mistake! its an urban myth which I fell for. You are quite correct. But still a brilliant soldier!

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

Slim was a private in the Birmingham unlversity OTC but was soon comissioned as a 2nd lieutenant on the out break of WW1.

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

What a ranker.

[@lugguage1]

Shapre is jut the character used to write about many actual events and battles. Credits are given to the actual soldiers in the back of the books.

[@redcoathistory]

You mean he wasn't real?! I think you are pulling my leg.

[@brokenbridge6316]

My step dad was into the Sharpe series. And I have him to thank for knowing what it is and who Sean Bean is. But it would be a number of years before I cared enough to learn the history of the Napoleonic Wars.

[@matikramer9648]

Thanks

[@user-yk6ny1gx7x]

When I served in 1 kings before it was amalgamated we had a major in one of the other companies who came up through the ranks. Can't remember his name but I think he was HQ company.

[@davidmiddleton7958]

War tends to go very harshly on officer numbers! So, you have to look for your replacements everywhere.

[@Fiendish77]

in my local (English) church, there is a dedication to a lieutenant who died in his mid 30s during the Napoleonic wars. I think that is quite old for a bought lieutenant, so I think he also was risen from the ranks.

[@andytoft6141]

Nice one champ

[@megabyte1778]

Sharpe is at his best fighting in the front lines with the ranks and on dangerous missions with his chosen men. If he became a General I doubt he would have been allowed to do any of that ever again, he would have been miserable.

[@bobharrold6787]

I may have missed this, but there didn't seem to be any data to give perspective and context. Although there were the 13 privates listed who made it to the higher echelons, we can't decide on how prevalent, or rare, this was unless we knew, for example, how many generals of these ranks were in the British Army at, say, 1815. The headline stressing exceptionality is proven, but how many - even an estimate - exceptional rankers making senior ranks, or, indeed, mid level, regimental ranks isn't mentioned and so doesn't answer this question. I do, of course, fully understand that in the 18/19th centuries information wasn't as available as today so these comparative figures are probably not available.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

German state armies (and Austrian) developed the idea of the one-year volunteer, typically middle class, who served as a private or junior NCO but had certain officer privileges and could be promoted to officer if he stayed in the army. If he did not, his army service was restricted to one year. The Brunswicker who ended up a colonel at Waterloo may have been an example of the system.

[@MrDecelles]

A volunteer, waiting for a commission is not the same as a private that received that famous shilling.

[@redcoathistory]

That's clearly discussed and covered in the video 👍Hope you find it interesting.

[@nicyberguy9512]

At 4:08 he mentions Coleraine…. If this isn’t modern day Northen Ireland it’s pronounce Coal-rain

[@stevelenox152]

According to historian Mark Adkin, at the end of 1809 there were 103 regiments of foot in the British Army (the most junior being the 103rd), and the South Essex's designation would have been the 102nd, but it never received an official numerical designation, possibly because it was originally composed largely of militia soldiers, because it was disgraced and re-designated a battalion of detachments shortly after its formation, or because it was disbanded only nine years after its formation (historically, the New South Wales Corps was designated the 102nd Regiment of Foot). As for Richards Sharpes career it lists as follows Private, 33rd West Yorkshire and Riding Regiment of Foot (1796-1798)Corpral, 33rd West Yorkshire and Riding Regiment of Foot (1798)Private, 33rd West Yorkshire and Riding Regiment of Foot (1798- 1799)Sergeant, 33rd West Yorkshire and Riding Regiment of Foot (1799-1803)Ensign, 78th Highlanders (1803)2nd Lieutenant, 95th Rifles (1803- 1809)Captain, South Essex (1809- 1812)Lieutenant, South Essex (1812)Captain, South Essex (1812)Major, South Essex (1812- 1814)Colonel, 5th Belgian Light Dragoons (1815)Colonel, South Essex (1815- 1816). Hope this helps.

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

[@docplec]

Maybe a tribute to Major General Luke O’Connor. A bit later in history, but earned his Victoria cross as a sergeant in the Crimea. As an ex RWF soldier, he was one of our heroes.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. I've just looked him up - a great story!

[@dertyp3463]

I'm a bit sceptical here. Was it mandatory for COs to become staff officers? I feel like for most 'captain' was the end of the line. At least thats how it is in the german army nowadays. even if lieutenant colonel is the second lowest staff officer rank i wouldn't exactly call that underachieving because a handfull did better. not every officer can become a general.

[@BillsWargameWorld]

Very good

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Bill

[@donmeyering5367]

"Were men promoted from the ranks as rare as we think?" - With THAT good hair? Definitely.

[@PeterPan54167]

Looking at the thumbnail, I already have a thought. Don’t know if it’s true or not but it makes sense. A military career is sort of the same across history. And that meaning that a lot of times it’s just not worth it. Sure you can get good at soldiering survive a lot of battles and be a Sharpe. But at some point you just get tired, your knees are shambles, your back aches, the nightmares get worse. Sure; you’ve been lucky for 15 years, but will you be lucky the 16th? I bet a lot of lower class guys who came from the ranks made lieutenant, got paid the biggest wage of their life for a couple of years then got out and bought a farm or tavern.

[@caeserromero3013]

Yeah but how many of those Generals scored in the cup final at Wembley for Sheffield Rovers? 😂

[@Twerkulies]

My understanding is common class people built wealth by joining the military serving so many years and becoming an officer and then their future generations come from wealth and also become officers.

[@redcoathistory]

Generally they had wealth first - it was very difficult to become rich in the army. Only a few of the old school India hands managed it as far as I know.

[@nsahandler]

I actually read up on this as a young history nerd. Officers came up from the ranks all the time, but it turns out that - when there was no war - the pay for officers was so garbage that they had to exchange it to cover debts or living expenses - thus leading to the sale of the commission for the nominal sum that allowed two of the worst antagonists in this series to their entry. The only thing that they got wrong was that Sharpe would have been allowed to refuse the selling of his title as officer, or if it were revoked for this reason then Sharpe would have had to been paid out from it's resale.

[@nickwilkinson5849]

I know it's much later but wat about William Robertson, he was a working lad from Lincolnshire that ended up as head of the Army. Not beloved by some officers but was by the men.

[@redcoathistory]

A great story and one I hope to cover in detail eventually. Thanks

[@adeptusmagi]

Hmm interesting but in some places misleading eg . "In 1802, owing to ill-health, Rimington was allowed to retire to the invalid battalion of the Royal Artillery at Woolwich. While in retirement at the invalid battalion, he was promoted to colonel in 1808, major-general in 1811, and lieutenant-general in 1821.[2] He died at his home in Woolwich on 26 January 1826, aged 86." so he received no promotion to colonel or above until he was in an army retirement home so he was no longer on service when he reached these ranks

[@thespectre717]

I loved sharpe growing up !!

[@redcoathistory]

Me too - what was your fave episode?

[@thespectre717]

@@redcoathistory ooo now that’s a tough one because they are all amazing in they’re own right, but if I had to choose just one it would be Sharpe’s Justice or Sharpe’s Challenge

[@redcoathistory]

@@thespectre717 I’ve always loved Sharpes regiment 👍🏼

[@knutclau705]

Weeell, basically when "in a pinch" the army would accept "professional performers", but when"at ease" those non- crickett-ground-of-Eton" fellas were weeded out, as not gentleman-like... same in the german imperial army, of course! Non-aristocratic officers were attached to artillery or engineer btn's, where technical and mathematical (and otherwise) education was required, those of 8th or 16th quarterings were deemed fit for the guards or cavalry... (see the prussian guards performance 1870 at St. Privat...) 😢

[@YoJimBoHugabaJoe]

wait...sharpe retires and doesnt die?was his character played by someone other than sean bean for that 1 episode?

[@wynwilliams6977]

13 out of hundreds of thousands does make it, in fact, pretty exceptional

[@redcoathistory]

Who is your favourite historical figure of this era?

[@wynwilliams6977]

@@redcoathistory Colonel Sharpe, 5th Belgian Light Dragoons :)

[@redcoathistory]

@@wynwilliams6977 Excellent :-)

[@knutclau705]

Sorry to blather on, but having served my turn ( 1st btn Panzeraufklärer "Black Brunswick Hussars") reenacted the 79th Cameron Highlanders as a piper for roughly twenty years, the Sharpe books and TV series were boon and a pain in the ar... at the same time. While generating an influx to the reenactment hobby, it created a lot of miscinceptions about the real historical circumstances...

[@nobodynothing00000]

There are several mustangs in my family, both sides. Of course, WW2 it wasn't that unusual but my stepfather was peacetime military (the 80s)

[@calumcookson740]

Doing a deep dive into the histories of British Officers in the Napoleonic era who came from the ranks. Now that's researching

[@XBadger1]

Underachiever who has a show written about him. Soldiering

[@redcoathistory]

He wasn't real. The point of the film is that actually former rankers were fairly common and a number reached the rank of general. Perhaps watch the film before commenting.

[@XBadger1]

@@redcoathistory well obviously he wasn't real lol. Ive a doctoratein 19th century Prussian history. It's a meme among the people who watch clips from sharpe on KZbin. Don't insult your viewers too much. NOW THAT SAID, Horatio Hornblower though is totally real though

[@bevinboulder5039]

Very interesting! Sharpe would have you believe his promotion was rare. I'm going to try once more to get and explanation of the ZOULOU plaque. Please!?!?

[@samparkerSAM]

Looks to be a lobby hand out from the film. If not a different name it is the call the Zulu warriors make. Adverts like that were popular in the 1950s I have some from my father

[@bevinboulder5039]

Interesting. Thanks for helping me out.

[@samparkerSAM]

@@bevinboulder5039 I have two, The Vikings and The Train... is the one you have a foreign release of Zulu? Looks like France possibly? Either way very cool memorabilia. Also great choice of topics with the Sharp novels; I read them all. Still haven't watched the Television series, ... Bernard visiting the battlefields is a dream job. In fact the old covers inspired me to go into antique military sales. Still haven't got a silver shako badge... my eyes water every time I see a real baker rifle! Keep up the great content!

[@bevinboulder5039]

@@samparkerSAM OMG! That never occurred to me. Bet it's from France, that's just they way they would spell ZULU. Oh, do watch the Sharpe TV series. It isn't totally faithful to the books, but then it has other attractions. ;-) ( Oh! just realized that you probably aren't attracted by Sean Bean's rear in that rifleman's uniform.) I've read all the books too. Bernard writes _the_ best battle scenes I have ever read and I've read a lot. I would love to go on one of his tours.

[@samparkerSAM]

@@bevinboulder5039 LOL, I can stand to see what's behind the roar! I actually got some Cavalry Swords from the production. The Uniforms do it for me! The Silver Buttons! Might have to start with Sharp's Eagle.

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

The Flashman series is by far superior. More locations, more shagging, more peril, and more humour.

[@redcoathistory]

Agree. - I'm a huge fan of both series though the Flashman books are far superior in my opinion.

[@user-fq3ds3oq3j]

Wasn't Enoch Powell a Brigadier at the end of WW2 after joining as private at the beginning of the war?

[@gungriffen]

To be fair, Richard Sharpe is shown to have been an Enlisted man and NCO fot 10 years (1793-1803) before being commissioned. He is put in the Rifles in 1806, prior he had a large amount of combat experience in India and northern Europe before command. In fact he was a Staff officer in the 95th who takes charge as the last living officer after an ambush. So it not like he woke up gifted and better then everyone else. Also in the books his commanding officers run the gauntlet of experienced, inexperienced, complacent. dissolutioned, arrogant, corrupt, and political staff officers. Some of his superiors are exceptional and he looks up to, and some are just in his way and are useless but it's not like Sharpe arrived to save the entire British Army and England. Some times he is even just a witness watching a battle at a distance. A lot of this is just summarized in the TV series.

[@redcoathistory]

Lovely thanks for this but apologies I'm not sure what point you are making? This film is just a look at how rare (or not) in fact were soldiers from the ranks during this era. I hope you enjoyed it and found it fun.

[@gungriffen]

​​@@redcoathistory Sorry it a reference to the opening statement of at 0:10 and honestly kinda unrelated connection to similar comments I've heard in other Sharpe based videos. (Namely Brandon F) Many channels state Sharpe is a Gary Stue and you're opening comment about single handily reminded me of that.

[@redcoathistory]

@@gungriffen Ok no worries thanks - I don't know who Gary Stue is so ill have to google

[@gungriffen]

@@redcoathistory Gay Stue is the male version of a Mary Sue. Mary Sue was a Star Treck Character born with such aptitude by 14 she lectured Captain Kirk. Anything and Everything she ever did was the best it had ever been done the first time she ever tried it. People claim Sharpe is a Gary Stue because he is shown to be right often (though I'd argue by experience) over his superiors (who are shown to be inexperienced political staff officers)

[@dallasbruner9947]

I believe a soldier named Bernadotte in the french army went from private to crown prince of sweden. thats gotta be the pinnacle of being raised through the ranks lol

[@glennewen7090]

Fair play to the Londoner who managed to learn Yorkshire for the camera........

[@redcoathistory]

I think Sean Bean is from Sheffield

[@philvanderlaan5942]

He was held back by Hogan Can’t you have one of your nasties do something about him? You are my only nasty, Richard , and it’s past your bedtime! ‘ Sharpe’s Escape.’

[@richardarcher7177]

That's an interesting point. Hogan was only a Major and if Sharpe made it up to half-colonel after about 1812 then he wouldn't have been readily available for the shenanigans that Hogan needed done.

[@shaunnotten6334]

Sharpe retired as a full colonel.

[@redjacc7581]

considering how many troops Great Britain had during the Napoleonic wars i think it was quite rare.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - it was A very small army actually to be fair. Never came anywhere near the size of the continental armies.

[@fn8382]

I know he is a sailer , you guys shuld mention hornblower . Everyone wants to Get there Horn blowed

[@williamlouie569]

If money determined your rank rather than skills and experiences than your army has problems!

[@jordanmc9015]

Figure during a long war, promotions happened quite a bit. Cannot train experience.

[@The_House_Of_Stu]

Would also be a bit boring if Sharpe ever got promoted to the point where he was too valuable to risk sending into the front lines.

[@chrisbingley]

The Black Watch, to whom nukes are merely an inconvenience.

[@KapiteinKrentebol]

Wait what !?! Sean Bean got to retirement age without being shot accidentally, fall of a cliff by a stampede of cattle, blown up on a speedboat or being crushed by a giant satalite dish? ......unthinkable

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

To be honest, I don't worry much about how accurate the books are, so long as then generate interest in this fascinating period of British History, before it is cancelled.

[@raylast3873]

Probably depends on the Army. Napoleon? It probably happened more than a few times. Britain? There‘s a reason Hornblower was in the navy…

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Is it simular proces in royal navy and marines.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Kurt, I don't think the Navy had a purchase system. Though I'm not knowledgable about the Navy of the period.

[@AtlasNL]

@@redcoathistoryThe Navy did not have a purchase system, but being affluent is always a bonus (for example the schooling needed to become an officer).

[@user-mu6sr6ve4d]

1:18 The list of notables from the ranks. Sir John Elly, of the Life Guards, was my grandmother's great grandfather, (even though Wikpedia only mentions an illigitamate son going to Australia, he had children in England, I am proof that! hahaha)

[@infoscholar5221]

Carful - beacuse Seamus Bean WILL totally kick your arse.

[@redcoathistory]

Who is Seamus Bean?