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Why the Brits wore red coats


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Why did the British wear red coats in battle?

 

 

During the recent royal wedding, the millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat."

 

Many people have asked, "Why did the British wear red coats in battle?"

A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured a British Colonel. They took him to their headquarters, and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, "Why do you British officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

 

 

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded, the blood won't show, and the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why, from that day forward, all French Army officers wear brown trousers.

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Why did the British wear red coats in battle?

 

 

During the recent royal wedding, the millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat."

 

Many people have asked, "Why did the British wear red coats in battle?"

A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured a British Colonel. They took him to their headquarters, and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, "Why do you British officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

 

 

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded, the blood won't show, and the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why, from that day forward, all French Army officers wear brown trousers.

 

I would imagine an enormous amount of French Perfume was ordered to accompany the French Officers, or they did laundry after every battle. :lol:

 

Big Jake

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I would imagine an enormous amount of French Perfume was ordered to accompany the French Officers, or they did laundry after every battle. :lol:

 

Big Jake

But only if it was Saturday. :rolleyes:

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It is so easy to have fun at the expense of the French. But never let us forget, that they supplied our fledgling, under-equipped, Revolutionary army with over 50,000 Charleville muskets, which became the primary arm of the Continental Army. They also loaned us a part of their navy, who, under the Comte de Grasse, forced the British, under Lord Cornwallis, to surrender at Yorktown, thus ensuring the independence of the U.S.A.

 

Now, back to the jokes.

 

Cheers,

FJT

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The British army of the 18-th century stood 50-60 yards from their foe, either en bloc or in rows of shooters, firing smoothbore Brown Bess muskets. At such a short distance, no color would make someone a better or worse target, but the red would be intimidating to an enemy. It would also allow them to be seen by the officers and artillery in a field of gunsmoke.

 

White pants??? (worn by numerous armies of that time)

Pith helmets??? (worn by many soldiers of the 19-th century)

Leather ammo belts??? (known to cause brass shells to oxidize)

Staying with single-shot muskets into 1892??? (Trapdoors being outclassed by all other armies, including almost all Europeans, Mexicans, Cubans)

Calvary??? (Use of this term for mobile armor[tanks] that have a completely different use in battle than horsetroops)

 

I have lots of military history questions.

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The only war that the French won on their own was the French Revolution...

 

Why are all the roads in France, nicely tree lined?

 

Because the Germans like to march in the shade....

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The British army of the 18-th century stood 50-60 yards from their foe, either en bloc or in rows of shooters, firing smoothbore Brown Bess muskets. At such a short distance, no color would make someone a better or worse target, but the red would be intimidating to an enemy. It would also allow them to be seen by the officers and artillery in a field of gunsmoke.

 

White pants??? (worn by numerous armies of that time)

Pith helmets??? (worn by many soldiers of the 19-th century)

Leather ammo belts??? (known to cause brass shells to oxidize)

Staying with single-shot muskets into 1892??? (Trapdoors being outclassed by all other armies, including almost all Europeans, Mexicans, Cubans)

Calvary??? (Use of this term for mobile armor[tanks] that have a completely different use in battle than horsetroops)

 

I have lots of military history questions.

 

Cavalry not Calvary. Calvary is the hill where Our Risen Savior hung on the cross.

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Guest EL NEGRO GATO #8178

Why did the British wear red coats in battle?

 

 

During the recent royal wedding, the millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat."

 

Many people have asked, "Why did the British wear red coats in battle?"

A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured a British Colonel. They took him to their headquarters, and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, "Why do you British officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

 

 

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded, the blood won't show, and the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why, from that day forward, all French Army officers wear brown trousers.

Good one Dusty

ENG :FlagAm::FlagAm::FlagAm::FlagAm::FlagAm::FlagAm::FlagAm:

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Why did the British wear red coats in battle?

 

 

During the recent royal wedding, the millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat."

 

Many people have asked, "Why did the British wear red coats in battle?"

A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured a British Colonel. They took him to their headquarters, and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, "Why do you British officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

 

 

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded, the blood won't show, and the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why, from that day forward, all French Army officers wear brown trousers.

[/quote

 

 

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/scotty350/DSCN2068.jpg

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