Victorian Warriors: The Brutal Reality of the Men Who Built the British Empire

[@carlinglin7289]

A bit sobering to realize that, as bad as it was, for many Victorian urban poor enlisting in the Army was a step up in the world.

[@peterwebb8732]

That would be a reasonable comment regarding the poor in any society and era. Nothing spectacularly worse about Victorian poverty….. it just had some talented writers and politicians talking about it, sometimes for their own ends.

[@peterwebb8732]

@@RoyT64 I think he’s attempting to comment on the plight of the poor.

[@derin111]

It’s still a motivating factor today.

[@danieltobin4498]

It’s hard to not see it as a step up compared to someone who grew up impoverished. Better chances of finding food, clothes that (typically) aren’t just tattered rags, the chance at seeing the world, and something that we all secretly strive for. A sense of pride.

[@FMCH6444]

FWIW, the US military is by and large dominated by the poor and lower middle class who know that joining will provide great pay and benefits and a chance to get education and job skill training.

[@A.Mardle]

Army living conditions - at least in barracks - were better than the urban slums or the poorest rural villages. If they hadn't been, the army would never have worked as an organisation. This was the case for many recruits up to the 1970s when a warm barracks with hot showers on demand, three big meals a day, and money in your pocket was a big step up from the conditions they'd experienced as children. Part of the modern army's retention problem is that it can no longer compete with civilian living conditions.

[@tamlandipper29]

I'd suggest on top of that social mobility has improved. Those poor Victorian lads could vastly improve their respectability by making NCO.

[@A.Mardle]

@@tamlandipper29 Forlorn hopes seldom lacked volunteers either. People took whatever opportunities they could find in those days.

[@ducthman4737]

The British government is working very hard to change that.

[@flashgordon6670]

But today, a single human can control a whole army of drones and launch missiles thousands of miles. So just as machine guns reduced the need for large numbers of human soldiers, technology keeps reducing the need for manpower.

[@A.Mardle]

@@flashgordon6670 That's not the case in the Ukraine War. Both sides are desperate for new manpower. We might see a million Russian casualties before this is over.

[@CAP198462]

“What’s it matter if they’re pissed or poxed as long as they can fight” - Sharpe.

[@Donathon-f6f]

Fantastic series of books

[@CAP198462]

@ the audiobooks aren’t bad either. Good narrator.

[@brucebartup6161]

umm . .. a deal of difference even the worst drunks can sober up a man who is 'poxed" infected with syphlis ("the pox") is a very different prospect

[@Felled-angel]

I read them books in prison lol

[@michaelwilson5866]

Now that’s soldiering.

[@oldmanbucksaw]

My neighbourhood in Nova Scotia, Canada started as land grants for veterans of the Napoleonic Wars. At one time there was a nearby village named Wellington, after the general.

[@AAAA-lt9hq]

Halifax being one of the most important ports in the Empire made Nova Scotia effectively a military colony.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Good lord, being a soldier on those days was indeed a bloody torment. Great video again mate, thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@pipes9878]

My great³ grandfather was in India during the Indian mutiny. His wife and children were off barracks, They were strung up and killed. Fortunately he remarried (or I wouldn't be here) this 2nd marriage was accepted and they lived on barracks. My family predominately stayed in India until 1914. My great grandfather and his 7 brothers and 4 sisters being born in Bangalore.

[@VoiAhoyTV]

I’m Pakistani but my grandparents was born in British occupied India. Both of my grandfathers were in the British Indian army. They had to join as they wanted a free India. When Britain needed to build their country after ww2 my grandfather came to work in the mills and invited his family here. I was born in England.

[@Davidpostingshid]

I wish getting married today was as easy as back then 😂

[@Triz-c2j]

​@@VoiAhoyTVYour point being?

[@EnglishSaxons]

Lots have used our hospitals from a far it's yeah

[@rfm6918]

Its a comment. Whats the issue? ​@Triz-c2j

[@calicocat6571]

I know one cavalry officer that didnt purchase himself all the way up. That was William Morris, who rode with the light brigade at Balaclava. Unfortunately, he died young in India. Was promoted to Liutenant-Colonel for his bravery. A brilliant career that ended too soon.

[@Furniture121]

Promotions, the reason for the navy's Thursday toast "A bloody war or a sickly season!"

[@samrodian919]

Not only the R Navy, but same toast in the Army as well.

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

My Irish ancestor escaped the Famine and joined the army at 18 and ended up in the Crimean war

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@Felled-angel Good on `em mate

[@irishdepartmentofagriculture]

Probably a lot of your Irish ancestors did similar

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@irishdepartmentofagriculture Prob mate. Got me to Australia

[@irishdepartmentofagriculture]

@@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf My great great grandfather's two brothers were deported for stealing food during the famine, That food got me here

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@irishdepartmentofagriculture Oz? I`m in Brisbane mate

[@andrewbage3250]

My first posting was to York, the modernised barrack rooms were the old cavalry stables from Victorian times, and sometimes the smell was horrendous lol

[@welshwarrior5263]

We didn't hunt or fish in our past time, but we drank plenty of beer and chased many women. Great stuff again. Thanks Chris.

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha - beer and women - a constant througout history!

[@British-v1h]

@@redcoathistoryI would enlist in the army back then the life don’t sound to bad in my opinion

[@stevewixom9311]

Sounds like you'd have fit right in with us in the USN lol

[@British-v1h]

@@stevewixom9311 USN ?

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

@@British-v1h It's like the RN, but more money, and they are not allowed to drink. :P

[@neptuneblood6916]

I think Wellington said the thing that scared him the most was his own men

[@jlshel42]

Always best to stand behind or aside the cannon when it goes off

[@barrysmart2389]

My great great great grandfather Andrew Mulvaney served with the 40th foot throughout the Peninsular war and survived. A muster roll described him while in hospital as "very severely ill". After he left the 40th just before Waterloo he joined the 48th foot and was sent to Australia on garrison duty at Cox's river. All his sons joined the 48th foot and were at the siege of Sevastopol.

[@Frank-qs3pe]

Wow absolutely amazing family history.👍🏻

[@redcoathistory]

Fascinating - thanks a lot for sharing.

[@barrysmart2389]

@@RoyT64 Hi Roy, I've tried twice to send you that information but my reply still isn't showing. Essentially I went to the National archives in London after some on line research. The muster lists are there. Heaps of info but hard to negotiate.

[@ducthman4737]

Impressive, especially when you consider that the campaign lasted longer than World War II.

[@apropercuppa8612]

My friends Great-Grandfather x4 served with the 17th Regiment (Leicester) and was shipped to Australia. He was weeks away from completing his service and was to be granted land here as a result. He ended up taking his life, which left his Wife and kids without a home and they never were granted the land.

[@johannleuckx1625]

Very well done Chris! You've a keen eye for the realities that those men and women went through.

[@JohnDoe-yq9rt]

The daily life of a soldier on campaign has always been fascinating to me--what he ate, where he slept, what he did to pass the time Great video, cheers

[@samrodian919]

You mean WHO he'd did don't you? Lol

[@20chocsaday]

The basic training of recruits does not sound good for survival, either in the field or barracks. As so many of the casualties are usually caused by preventable disease, training in good housekeeping should be service-wide. Everyone disposes of their leftover and processed edibles in the same way as not to contaminate the water.

[@redcoat192]

"We have in the service the scum of the earth as common soldiers." - Duke of Wellington

[@waynenash6008]

But what fine fellows we have made of them,, full context

[@notcherbane3218]

Did he really mean scum of the earth, or was it the poor and desperate

[@julianpetkov8320]

@@notcherbane3218 He meant both. Work and poverty is loathed. It is reserved for the barbarian serfs

[@petes9524]

Ex RN Warrant officer, Mickey Forbes taught my father gunnery in the South African navy in 1943 during his officer's course. He addressed the divisions, smacking his swagger stick against his thigh, saying," I've taught the scum of England, I've taught the scum of Ireland, and now I'm teaching you." 12 years later he was Master at arms at the elite South African Naval Gymnasium, and had me off caps twice in my first month of basic training. Later, to my utter astonishment, he gave me leave for the Easter weekend. The only others, out of 360 trainees to get leave were two ratings whose parents, respectively, were injured in a car accident and ill in hospital. When I got home, still surprised, I told my Dad mentioning Forbes by name, at which point my Dad told me about the "scum of England" address. On returning, I went and thanked the Warrant, adding that my Father sends his regards. Forbes replied, " unlike you, your father was a fine sailor, now fuck off!" Later at the end of the year at the passing out parade, after I had passed the tough diver course, he and my father met again. As we said our farewells, he put his hand on my shoulder and with a smile said," you did well son." They don't make em like that anymore.

[@eulipion]

But apparently all volunteers, unlike the Royal Navy.

[@jovanweismiller7114]

O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away"; But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play, The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play, O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. ~Rudyard Kipling, "Tommy"

[@schaddenkorp6977]

@@jovanweismiller7114 Another Kipling quoter I see ^^

[@About1on1]

I enjoy Kipling and “if “ is as important a poem as ever been written. However to go back in time to the American War Of Independence can you imagine if the Dutch & French weren’t all over the 🇬🇧lads back then what that war would have been imo a mere uprising.🇬🇧

[@schaddenkorp6977]

@@About1on1 Fun fact about me I’m from the US, home state of Virginia actually (and very proud of that), but that all being said I entirely agree with you. However, Britain had kinda made the American colonies into a powder keg. From the time when New Amsterdam was renamed to New England by force of arms to the time when Boston Harbor was used to set the world record for the largest batch of Earl Grey ever made, Britain had been deporting (transportation was the original term) their neredowells and troublemakers at home to mingle with disgruntled Dutch New Englanders on the continent on a regular basis. I mean one would think that, what with occurrences like the English Civil War and all those Cromwell supporters arriving from and then fleeing back to America, that maybe this policy of continually putting everyone who might have a reason to hold a grudge against them into one geographical location wasn’t the best idea, but hey that’s Parliament for ya am I right? Additional fun facts about my home state; Virginia also goes by the moniker of The Old Dominion (James is frequently used in the naming of things and places). Also the original layout of the capital city of Virginia, Richmond, was modeled after the city of London - a river runs through both.

[@JamesSmith-xl7ph]

Alright Stewart Griffin

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

@@schaddenkorp6977 The main point that makes any REASONABLE Britain or Commonwealth man shrug and "allow" the American Rebellion wasn't entirely a sin, is the fact that ANY British town, city, county or country would have done the same, with the same provocation. AND did, at times. Unfortunately for that argument, the same reason makes us purse our lips when men like Patrick Henry ( 416 slaves) and T. A. Jefferson ( 3200 slaves) deign to lecture us about "innate rights of freedom" as they steal a vast amount of our collective property from The Empire. We are British, son, we KNOW when someone is taking the piss.

[@hiramabiff2017]

The battle of Agincourt victory 1415 Henry V attributed his win to the , burly drunken British Longbowman street fighters , who after pulling 150lb bow string hundreds of times within a few hours could knock a man out with 1 simple punch.

[@lloydnaylor6113]

They were English not British.

[@MrZauberelefant]

​@@lloydnaylor6113some of them even Welsh!

[@lloydnaylor6113]

@@MrZauberelefant sorry , true.

[@benchilton1391]

They were British Welsh English against a European king

[@hiramabiff2017]

@@benchilton1391 Wales is part of Britain , it makes them British. We fight as a team not individuals.

[@varalys]

Hey there just to let you know I am a recent subscriber due to my interest in history. I had a chat recently with my mum and turns out my great grandad served in the second Boer war (and WWI). Unfortunately he apparently took his wartime experiences to the grave, but watching your videos has made understand what it would have been like for him. OK watching the vid now!

[@redcoathistory]

That's great to hear - thanks a lot and welcome to the channel

[@pincermovement72]

My great grandfather also served in the boer war and the hearth rug in his cottage was made out of his dress coat.

[@varalys]

@@pincermovement72 That's awesome. His papers and medals were possessed by my uncle who has unfortunately passed away. Now I know great grandad served, I'd love to get my hands on them. It's all probably in storage with the rest of my uncle's stuff, but I think it would be nice to have them just to show my young nephews.

[@varalys]

@@redcoathistory Thanks! And I enjoyed this video a lot. Wondering how great grandad met great grandma now...

[@redcoathistory]

@@varalys 🤣

[@michaelmorais6206]

This podcast is needed. Modern Britons need to recognize the tremendous influence their country once had.

[@Tony-lj5lr]

modern britons need to know how detestbl briish histry is

[@George-u3b6u]

@@Tony-lj5lr Like everyone else's history is any better.

[@jcoker423]

@@Tony-lj5lr pooooo fta

[@mirceazaharia2094]

​​@@Tony-lj5lr Modern Britons need to know their history and accept it, good and bad. Take pride in the good bits, learn from and not repeat the bad bits. Every race has its good and bad. You can't totally condemn or elevate any one group of people.

[@pierzing.glint1sh76]

I think they do realise it....hence the self deprecation

[@jPaulSmith1994]

My favorite channel at this point

[@treblerebel2362]

Windows shut was still doctune in my time and then changed as i was leaving. Fresh air is always a good way to stay healthy

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

Recruiters haven't changed much lol They always like to leave out the fine print!

[@graemer3657]

Great video. The content was always great but your production quality has really improved and belongs on TV. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@tovarishleninade9436]

Such an underrepresented period of history. I would love a long form documentary about the victorian british army: logistics, organization, equipment, everything!. Love your videos mate, hope you get even more subscribers and exposure

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - will defintely cover some of those areas in future videos.

[@simonrobson2293]

I remember the rose garden when i was in belize very rarely if i managed to get a trip back to airport camp,from my normal company camp,straight down rose garden loads of drink,and some dusky beauty ,great times,this in.eighties,

[@sandymackay4017]

Been there Simon. New year 76/77.

[@gimpygunner7327]

Yes. The Rose Garden. Many a drunken night in there & spending the remaining few hours left with my favourite Guatemalan beauty. 51 Dollar’s for an all nighter if I remember correctly & 20 for half n hour. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪😎🔥

[@beltigussin81]

Never imagine I'd hear someone talk about the rose garden. It was the punchline for crude jokes when I was growing up in Belize 😅

[@thebeautifulones5436]

A letter written by an ancestor of mine in a hussar regiment in the Sikh Wars was all about the various Indian animals he hunted. He was in the charge at the battle of chillenwalla .

[@ColoradoStreaming]

The Sikh war is by far the most interesting historical event nobody knows about. There is a really good historical fiction book called, "Flashman and the Mountain of Light" that covers the events of the 1st Sikh war. There are some pretty crazy accounts from Alexander Gardner who was an American mercenary serving in the Sikh army as an advisor during that time. Basically an exotic dancer named Jind Kaur gained control over the Sikhs and mighty Khalsa army which came very close to defeating the British and ending their colonial rule of India.

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Sobering and straight forward journalism , great content , thanks .

[@stevedowning3892]

Great vid chief. Military history not usually my cup of tea, but this is proof that good presentation can make anything a worthy watch

[@About1on1]

I’m an ex Gordon Highlander and I’ve seen my regiment get finished in £ savings. I believe that the local regiment’s in existence kept the numbers up. I’ve just subscribed and looking forward to watching your videos.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@robertbruce7686]

No pressure then 😅

[@prayermanone]

@@robertbruce7686 Limpopo River, S.A. 1892-1893. Unknown.event.

[@ToastytheG]

Bydand. Sad to see the Highlanders go. And britain with it.

[@Ben-zr4ho]

England can't field and supply a single expeditionary DIVISION anymore. It functionally no longer has a military. Just a special forces for the occasion Houthi hostage rescue of a British citizen or whatever. Although even then it's probably more likely to be Americans doing it. England has turned from the one ally we had left to yet another socialist European country we subsidize with our military and medicine and trade deals. Now there is literal thought crime in the country. A woman was arrested for silently praying in front of an abortion clinic. Already it was illegal to even repost things the government doesn't like online. Truly a sad state of affairs for a once great country.

[@kevingray5646]

@@Ben-zr4ho. Subsidise with medicine ?….

[@StevenSmith-dc1fq]

Funny to say but delightful--and highly informative.

[@Kitiwake]

Marshal de Saxe, the victorious French general at the battle of Fontenoy once said: "Of all my troops, it's the Irish that cause me the most bother". His reply: That's what your enemies say too".

[@michealohaodha9351]

The Irish Brigade has a very interesting history

[@FMCH6444]

We still pay homage to those that came before us in the US Navy, as the saying goes, "US Navy : Drinkers With a Sailing Problem." Another great episode!

[@freefall9832]

There are alot of drunks in the military.

[@pharaohsmagician8329]

​@@freefall9832shameful

[@attilalukacs9602]

The wokists are gonna love this. All British people should be proud of the British Empire.

[@ratheskin58]

Ignorance of the violent and racist underpinnings of the empire may (perhaps) be excused. To be aware of them and see no problem is obscene.

[@waynenash6008]

Being violent and racist, in a violent racist world is understandable,, there's a argument to be had that without the British empire and the value's it gave the world ,, humanity would still be violent and racist

[@jamesringo7070]

​@waynenash6008 you're grossly overestimating the value the British Empire gave the world.

[@waynenash6008]

@@jamesringo7070 I'm no empire fanboy,, but let's take India as a example! Apart from the widespread practices of of widow burning,and thugee,,a religious practice that involved the adherents strangling unwary travellers,, the British ended the unlimited power of the ,, Princes,, who held the power of life and death over their subject's,, giving your average Indian recourse to the law,, and basic rights,, even Britain's harshest critics' acknowledge this,,

[@sherwoodforester4666]

Hard as nails they were!

[@vjsupera2639]

Drunk as beasts and cried like babes

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Superb as usual Chris

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate!

[@parabreed]

Another great and informative video

[@shaunmclorie5929]

Brilliant video and information as always 👏🏻

[@RiccardoPigozzi]

Thank you Chris for this video, incredibly interesting as always. Would enlisting in EIC army (until its disbandement) a more valid and not less gruesome alternative for the young Victorian dreaming of exotic lands and glory? In terms of wage, career progression and training, how many differences were there with the British army?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. That would be a good future video - thanks for the idea. For an officer who lacked funds to purchase a commsion EIC was defintely a good alternative - the problem was promotion was slow. For OR's Im not sure about service in regiments like the Bengal Europeans - Id have to do a bit more research. . .

[@legionarybooks13]

Another cracking video, Chris! Life may have seemed brutally harsh, and it was. But as you pointed out, for many of the working poor, it was actually a step up. At least you had a roof over your head, knew when your next meal was, even if the fare was lacklustre at best, and when you were getting paid. And hey, they gave you nice red uniforms (which somehow made me think of Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition sketch). 😁

[@jonahtwhale1779]

1780s 75% of children in London died before their 5th birthday! Of course no humanitarian aid from Africa or Asia etc was received to assist with this humanitarian disaster!

[@jpcaretta8847]

It is why we shouldnt give anything to these ! I never gave,just crooks in fact

[@layali1]

Cretinous. As if the rest of the world was better off

[@kainwittrig2180]

You’re operating under the assumption that they were any better?

[@jonahtwhale1779]

Africa and Asia have received billions of dollars in aid from US & Europe over the last century. Cures for smallpox, polio, water borne illnesses & treatments for Aids, covid, malaria. When Europe was in need Africa did nothing. So yes if you compare their records - one is far better than the other!

[@jpcaretta8847]

​@jonahtwhale1779 Decrease in infant mortality is the most stupid thing Europeanvdid in Africa. Demography is the real killer ! Planet earth cant providevfor billions of uneducated people. All aid must be stopped , only investment

[@allendeufriend6930]

You’re a good story teller, Thank you for sharing.

[@nobbytang]

I’m sure if your thousands of miles from home , surrounded by people trying to kill you then the bond you make and have with your Red coated comrades is incredibly strong…the walls of Delhi Red fort springs to mind as a example…

[@dorn0531]

Carry on Up the Kyber mentioned? Instant like.

[@redcoathistory]

Classic film!

[@flashgordon6670]

Thanks Chris for another fantastic episode. 💪🏻💪🏻 “Independent, Fire at Will!” “That’s very nice of him.” - Not for the Zulus and not for Will. Question 1: Was independent firing more efficient/ effective than volley firing? Surely with volley firing, multiple bullets hit the same targets, so bullets are wasted. With independent firing, targets are felled by one shooter, so other shooters aim for un-felled targets. Thus de-conflicting, too many bullets from hitting the same targets and maximising hitting more targets, with the same amount of ammunition. Question 2: When and where was the last Military operation that British soldiers wore red coats?

[@danielfernald7626]

I think the morale impact of a volley on the enemy was worse, imagine if one or two or your guys are slowly picked off vs suddenly dozens of them being hit, also it didnt matter as much if some missed. I think there were riflemen and they probably aimed and fired individually. Plus muskets took a little while to load so maximizing the effect of your shot by all firing at once helped that too

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Also officers didn't like the men picking their own targets and firing at will as it wasted ammo. Also remember that generally there would be a gap between each rifleman so it was unlikely multiple bullets would strike the same target.

[@infantryricky6807]

Great video! Where do I sign up?!?

[@TokyoLamia]

Just curious Red: so the Royal Army was all volunteers, but weren't the Royal Navy ranks at least partially involuntary (via impressment)? And what of the various "mercenaries" from the Empire in either branch of service? Thank you.

[@filiphlupic1582]

The way that you deliver it is great. Subscribed

[@jon9021]

As always another great episode.

[@lorlabear]

What about a video on some of these brave ladies who acompanied their husbands in the army to wars and other deployments?

[@layali1]

Nice idea. Including the Spanish wives abandonned at the end of the Peninsular war

[@haraldisdead]

Denying modern men brothels will be looked back on as fanatically bizarre.

[@SnoopReddogg]

Some kind of puritan madness

[@scallopohare9431]

While SA on military women continues to escalate.

[@silvermasktraveler1788]

Plenty of them disguised as flats and houses in the uk

[@copferthat]

The influence of the church and religion. Mess anything up with that combination

[@scallopohare9431]

@@copferthat Just ignore all the viscious, anti-religious dictators. Hitler, three generations of the Kim dynasty, Stalin, Lenin, Pol Pot, Mao...

[@TamamFlop]

The british shed their blood to end slavery worldwide, they deserve a lot of credit.

[@MatthewBretton-cu2el]

What was the motivation? Note that was about the time the British used the wealth they stole during slavery to start the industrial revolution.

[@TamamFlop]

@ their motivation was morality, the british could make billions continuing slavery. They shed much blood and spent much money trying to stop it everywhere.

[@matthewCresswell-q9q]

@@MatthewBretton-cu2el yawn you're boring inferior

[@fishizzle8588]

​@MatthewBretton-cu2el nope. Slavery only added 2 % to the economy.

[@keithagn]

I have thought carefully about could I survive as a 18th or 19th century Redcoat. And no, no I could not...😮 Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@redcoathistory]

Me too! Im waaay too soft.

[@keithagn]

@redcoathistory my idea of "roughing it" is poor room service 😆

[@OldMusicFan83]

Excellent and informative presentation!

[@TechnoMagi-h4r]

The Officers only joined up to get away from the Family Nanny 😁

[@stefanpuxon]

I really enjoyed that, thanks. :)

[@user-tp1bi6of3v]

This was very well done.

[@bryansmith1920]

I served TA 1977-86, I was REME(LAD)Attached 5 Royal Anglian, A Reserve Battalion for the BOAR, in other words 24hr notice for Active Duty in Europe, I remember staging through Colchester Barracks, and I think the Army actually kept the old barrack buildings to stage TA troops through, I was born to a Soldier(RE) at Chatham barracks, so I knew them of old, for a kid off the streets, or the workhouse, of the 1850's cushy digs

[@garybourne3701]

Hello mate, ex 5 Royal Anglian, 1989-1996, I remember Cavalry barracks very well.

[@chrisclarke8266]

My Dad was in the REME, he was an EW technician, attached with Royal Anglians and 14 Signal Regiment BAOR... Was born at BMH Hanover in 1981, when we lived in Celle in Germany.

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Very well performed young man, the most the things about the daily life of the red coats or in this case the green coats one can read by Sharpe is true, you backed this today. Thank you for this wonderful lesson, kind of. From Northern Germany Ludwig.

[@denislaw8]

Great as always, Chris.

[@nigelhamilton815]

Good content and entertaining.

[@christianlorentz9981]

I recognized the scenes from Sharpe and Zulu. What was the other movie or series?

[@redcoathistory]

Charge of the Light Brigade and Carry on up the Khyber - classic film!

[@pauldelaney5990]

The 'squares' shot was from Waterloo (1970) starting Rod Steiger as Napoleon

[@speakupriseup4549]

If I was a General or Field Marshall I expect I would have been happy to serve

[@Trebor74]

Bob Roberts went from enlisted to field marshal.

[@ak9989]

The 1960s movie Charge of the Light Brigade showed wives living in barracks 😂

[@jon9021]

Yes, great movie.

[@reconsoldier135]

Given the realities of life of the working classes in 19th century Britain I think joining the army was probably a pretty sweet deal.

[@thyrampantpigeon]

0:22 does anyone know the name of this film?? I watched it with my granda when I was very young and I'm absolutely dying to see it again, but I have no idea what it's called!

[@redcoathistory]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3Sne4aMot17ock

[@adamdeane123]

Man that's interesting! Many thanks

[@edwardhoward-williams1692]

Finding the brothel was always number one on the list when we moved barracks. Happy Days.

[@branned]

As a Yank, I really like your videos even if I was brought up reading bad things about Red Coats....😀😀

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha don't worry. . .We were the good guys! ;-)

[@treblerebel2362]

You'd be better off like the Canadians were until Trudeu 😅

[@branned]

@@redcoathistory Maybe but not twice in 1775 and in 1812🤣🤣 Please keep doing the County unit histories like The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) (abbreviated as WFR)

[@Cheesemonkey231]

As a Canadian, I find it really funny all my American ancestors defected to Britain immediately after the Revolutionary War ended.

[@Cheesemonkey231]

​@@brannedI mean, you invaded us in 1812. That one was totally the Americans fault.

[@layali1]

Thank you very interesting. Were the squares from one of bondarchuk's movies ?

[@redcoathistory]

Yes they are - Waterloo.

[@TheUnknownCountry]

My 3rd Great Grandfather was in the 16th Regiment from 1858-1881. He joined as a young lad, only 17, in County Down, Ireland, and his occupation was listed as “a weaver.” Probably quite poor but he eventually became a Sgt. Major by the time he retired and had a house in Watford when he died. He was stationed in Canada for a few year in the 1860s and my family had no idea about that until we found his record. My grandparents immigrated in the 50s and we live in Canada now, so that’s a cool coincidence. We have a picture of him and looks just like the Sgt. Bourne from Zulu with his mutton chops! 😂 Very proud of him.

[@redcoathistory]

You should be proud - great story!

[@TheUnknownCountry]

@@redcoathistoryThank you. Great Channel 🤝🫡

[@pauldelaney5990]

Colour Sergeant Vaughn!

[@TheUnknownCountry]

@pauldelaney5990 no, his name was Frank Bourne. Real guy.

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

Can you recommend a couple of good book titles that deal with the American Revolution from the UK’s perspective?

[@redcoathistory]

Anything by Robbie MacNiven is great. Also Fusiliers by Mark Urban.

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

@ thanks very much! You have an excellent channel.

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

Great video!

[@shaunybonny688]

Back when people were proud to be from the UK, and proud of what that meant and what they did to better the world.

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

Hi Chris, as always a great video. Take care..Chris

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Chris.

[@formulawow1]

Could you type a list of great British military movies to view which have that ‘British stiff upper lip’ and characteristics. Thanks

[@MrMelmott]

Wellington said if his troops AFTER the battle of Waterloo “ they are the scum of the earth .. only here for the beer”!

[@Thurnmourer]

Ah, yes, the brutal reality of being the ones who gave up the red for the khaki. Truly, no greater dishonour. The late lot were also the first ones into WW1, so, that's quite the brutal reality there!

[@allyup3404]

On the route into town from barracks (basic training) I still remember some graffiti sprayed on a wall saying ' F-off squaddie b-stards' 😂 still makes me laugh nearly 40 years after

[@chanellegaga]

What about the routine rogering of the junior officers by the brass?

[@redcoathistory]

Sounds like a fun Saturday night. Do you have pictures?

[@geraintthatcher3076]

Great video Christian. A lot of posters have migrated from Twittter to blue sky are you on there ?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. No to bluesky - not for me. YT is the only social media I care about - not worth me investing time in a new platform.

[@flashgordon6670]

It’s possible to set up accounts/channels on other platforms that just have information and links to your YT channel. May help to grow your channel a bit? Regards.

[@Barbooskie]

Here in America there are certain areas of each state that are overly represented in the army. Great video m8!

[@thelostcosmonaut5555]

Native Americans have higher enlistment rates than any other demographic in the USA I believe.

[@Duncan-Bizkitts]

My grandfather x4 was in the infantry for 21 years, 9 of those spent in India and would have been there during the mutiny (he enlisted in 1849/50). His son (Grandfather X3)also became a career soldier and even served in WW1 on the Somme, when he was in his 50’s after managing to re-enlist …………Crazy

[@thabomuso2575]

Very interesting video although it was too short. With sufficient funds these videos could improve a lot more. Great narrator. I have read Napoleon's writings on war and he had very high regards for the British army. It seems as it was degraded significantly after the Napoleonic wars.

[@redcoathistory]

Very true - extra funds would be welcome. If you wish to support you can sign up for my Patreon or make a donation via ko-fi (links in description). Thanks.

[@simong7504]

The 13 minutes here pack in as much as 30 or more usually do in on-line videos. Not a word wasted. Great script.

[@1339LARS]

Great!!!! Thank you!! //Lars

[@davidwhelan1545]

Having a long, naval, military history, as a Scouser i remember some of this very well. Sod the kingship GB our military!

[@OldMusicFan83]

The Irish emigrants enlisted in the American Armies instead of the British Army. Among them my G G Grandfather who came over in the 1840s and ultimately enlisted in the 84th PA Infantry Regiment in 1861 as a 41 year old. He became their Color Sergeant before he was wounded out.

[@vestty5802]

Irish emigrants yes. But an Irishman in Ireland at the time usually joined the British army as it was their army just as much as the English or Scots at the time

[@davidlium9338]

“Tommy knows “ Rudyard Kipling

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

It is 25 November 2024 and I just discovered your channel. Subscribed! 🧿🧿

[@redcoathistory]

Welcome to the regiment!

[@ML6103]

I'm Australian but a great grandfather on my mother's side was from Bermondsey in South London. We have a photo from when he first joined the Royal Navy and it very much looked like a child dressed up in a costume. My understanding was that as an urban poor, this was a chance to escape poverty and travel. Oh how this differs to the life my children live. He was in the Royal Navy in WW1, migrated after WW1, and was in the Royal Australian Navy during WW2. Who in their right mind would bother with that these days?

[@layali1]

A great great grandfather on my mother s side is supposed to have déserter from the navy as a ship boy by swimming across the Tagus then sailing to Australia on a merchantman. Each génération seems to have started life in the Greenwich orphanage. Not an easy life

[@jamesg9468]

Even in 2024, the military can be seen as an option to escape a mundane life or a difficult upbringing. Of course it's different in that back then, you'd be escaping 16 hour shifts in a factory and today you'd be escaping 8 hour shifts in a supermarket, but the same principle is there.

[@Donathon-f6f]

Ok just a question...why for over 200 years do the British soldiers refer to themselves as Tommy or Tommy Rogers ? Not being offensive just wanted to know.. thanks

[@waynenash6008]

It's from the enlistment forms,, they gave ,,Tommy Atkins,, as a example,, though there is some evidence that ,,Tommy,, was used among English soldiers before this, as jock, taff, and paddie, was used among the other home nationalitys

[@positiveenergy2751]

1:37 88000 plus Company troops, Sepoys and other soldiers recruited locally

[@nacholibre1962]

The year I joined, there were 160,000 regs and 63,000 reserves. Half of that today!

[@markburrows8028]

'Signs and Symbols Rule the World' and i've just realised where the Bearskin Hat comes from, the Mercenary Warlords of Karzaria.

[@sethborman7844]

IIRC artillery and engineer commissions were never for sale. That's a HUGE difference from infantry and cavalry officers. But the purchase system wasn't all bad... think of it as a bond for good behavior and it all makes more sense.

[@MrMelmott]

Soldiers were regularly lashed as a means of imposing discipline

[@JaredKaiser24]

'Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay

[@Dav1Gv]

Good video, You didn't mention barrack room damages which were another reasons for pay deductions (and made a profit for quatermasters). On the other hand Kipling's poem 'The 'Eathen' tells a slightly different story - well worth a read and it's online. Frank Richards writing of WW1 made it clear that officers won respect by personal courage, probably still true. When talking about sex you failed to mention that it was possible to 'have it off' through the standard railings round the barracks - must have been uncomfortable for both parties but desparate situations require desparate measures.

[@ducthman4737]

My commanding officer says that women are only trouble.

[@ducthman4737]

Of course all men are used to that. 🤐

[@richardbradley2335]

Brilliant !!!!