You might have mentioned the Yorkshire Regimental March "Ca ira" - the only regimental march in the British Army won in battle. My great-uncle was a Serjeant in the Green Howards was wounded on the Somme in 1916, my Dad served in the Green Howards 1939-45 Dunkirk, North Africa and Italy. XIX
My grandfather was 14 when he ran away and joined the army. He was told he couldn’t join a London regiment because his father. Would find him. So he was told to join a county regiment, he joined the Lincolnshire regiment they were sent to India where my grandfather became middle weight boxing champion of the Indian army. He went on to serve in Sudan and South Africa he was at the relief of Ladysmith. He got a Zulu spear through his knee. Sadly I only met him once when I was about 5 I’m now 76! I went to Kew and have a copy of his service record including his 3 medals won, he couldn’t read or write so he could not become an NCO.
My grandfather did the same thing,, went to join the royal warwicks,,his father was killed with them in 1917, but the recruiting Sargent told him this is the first place they'll look,, so went to reading and joined the Berkshires,, eventually be coming a CSM,,the army must have been full of kids in them days😀
I was in the 3rd Battalion Staffordshire regiment. Enjoyed the history very similar postings and battle honours to the Staffs. I am living in South Africa also these days. Thanks great research well presented.
Great stories, and well presented! I researched my family tree, and indeed, my family was living in Yorkshire from the 1650's until my grandparents came to British Columbia at the beginning of the 20th century. Best Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Who'd have thought thirty years ago that we'd be sitting here today discussing Yorkshire Regiment? In those days we'd be glad wi' the price of a cup of tea. A cup of cold tea. In a cracked cup an all.
My 3rd great granddad was in the 33rd at Waterloo. Out of 561 men 280 were casualties, more or less 50% of the regiment. He was a Bradford lad and joined up in 1811 when he was just 16. He also served in the West Indies, Canada and Ireland, as well as in Flanders. He received the Waterloo medal and all who fought there were awarded 2 years extra pension. He served 16 years in total until given a medical discharge from Chelsea Hospital.
I'm very fond of my country (England). However, my heart will always belong to Yorkshire. Perhaps it's the viking heritage, but Yorkshire is different. Leeds may bicker with Sheffield whilst Sheffield bickers with itself, but in the end, we are all one Yorkshire. From Middlesbrough, Sedbergh, and Mickle Fell in the north to Sheffield in the south. From the Forest of Bowland and Saddleworth in the west to Hull and Flamborough in the East. We are one Yorkshire. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Not a Yorkshire man, but a proud Scot. I have to say that over the years I've found Yorkshire folks to be the nicest people in England. Honest folks with a fantastic sense of humour and self deprecation and always proud to be from Yorkshire. This isn't a suck up post, just my observations. York is amazing and the regimental museum should be on every military buffs 'must see' list.
As a Canadian ex serving member I wish to point out something. I find the wonderful ole English county flags very attractive. One should sell these emblazoned upon silk screened T shirts maybe?
There are quite a few things to choose from on the Internet, one of which you'd see the one next to my name with a saying on things (Yorkshire is known as God's Own County because of the countryside and the industry). Yorkshire is split up into smaller counties of North, South, East and West (more ceremonial than official). It's also split into the 3 ridings of North, East and West. We'll put our Yorkshire rose/flag on pretty much anything you can think of, we're very proud of it. Look-up the War Of The Roses for that one. Basically it's the white rose for Yorkshire, then the red rose for the rest. Also there is the Tudor rose where the two houses came together. Each county and such will do their own thing in the scale of things, just not to the scale that Yorkshire does. The county of Lancashire would be a close second in the scale of doing things though. There is a big rivalry between our counties through war/history and now sports, mainly cricket and rugby. Hope that helps in getting you started.👍
County Flags, Yorkshire has a Yorkshire Rose on a Blue Background. However, each Riding has its own too. (A Riding is an old word meaning a 3rd) The East Riding Rose the other way up to the North and West Ridings that dates back to when they were on opposing sides during the English Civil War...
@@raymondbristow4007 That is a meaning of Riding I had not thought of. The Scottish Borders have "Ridings" which I thought were ceremonial horseback patrols of the county's borders.
I was in the 1st Battalion The Kings regiment 1983 -89. I trained as a junior soldier at Queen Elizabeth barracks, Strensall, York. We were part of the King's division and included the King's Regiment, Queens Lancashire regiment, Border regiment, Prince of Wales Regiment, Green Howard's, Duke of Wellington, and Irish rangers.
Ironically in Canada we still have many County Regiments even after the County ceased to exist e.g. the Ontario Regiment (named after Ontario County, not the Province).
As one of those prosperous and (not exceptionally) wealthy colonists, I'd like to say I really enjoy your work on this channel and appreciate all you do. I was looking at the structure of the British armed forces just this morning. The history is absolutely fascinating.
The Howards / Green Howards, also a common name for the area, including the local Gentry whose Estate was on the Howardian hills, just south of the south eastern area of the North Yorkshire Moors, North Riding of Yorkshire.
WOW. , it was a terrific episode so much detail so well presented , I’ll have to watch again in smaller bite size chunks to truly appreciate the great story of a great Regiment(s) . 👏👏👍
Great work mate. I love those stories about regimental ancestry, that is one thing I love about Brit Army. Around here we lost that, I remember from my serving days, the uniform of a brit private was bright and shiny because it carried all that historic weight, my poor privates look like beggers next to those brit chaps. Best regards.
Taken from ARRSE Wikipedia At the Battle of Brandywine Creek during the American War Of Independence, the 15th were faced with a superior force and had run short of powder for their Brown Bess muskets. In a daring bluff, the best shots in the unit were given the bulk of the powder supplies. They fired full charges, taking a decisive toll of the enemy. The remainder fired blank shot with small priming charges (known to musketeers as "snapping" charges). The enemy broke off the engagement, thinking they were facing overwhelming firepower. The 15th were thereafter christened "The Snappers".
Unfortunately for the story, the 15th were part of a brigade held in reserve at X Brandywine and saw little or no action. It might be more likely to have occurred during the regiment's repeated postings to the West Indies (who did they offend?) as reflected in the honorary distinctions of 'St. Lucia 1778' 'Martinique 1794' & '1809', and 'Guadeloupe 1810', displayed on their colours- although given that in battle powder and ball were carried together in ready made paper cartridges the logistics of the tale don't quite add up. Neither story or nickname appear in the 'Historical Record of the Fifteenth (etc etc)' of 1848. Like many similar traditions, the story may have originated in the Victorian era, when the regiment was having a pretty quiet time apart from a brief flurry of excitement in Afghanistan 1878-80. Certainly, later C19th references all make vague reference to the American War and ammunition shortage I know, I know- no fun! but- there it is.
It was at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 that they gained their nickname 'The Snappers' - men snapped small powder charges to confuse the enemy into thinking they had more ammunition than they actually had, helping them win the battle.
When I worked on the Railways one of my Trian Guard colleagues was former West Yorks, he told me when they amalgamated with the East Yorks there was a lot of animosity between the two, at least in the early days.
15th Foot, The Snappers, 1777, At the Battle of Brandywine the regiment ran short of ball which was distributed to the best shots, whilst the remainder 'snapped' powder charges only.
30:54 When you are to be knighted you are sent a card by the monarch (probably not personally) which reads: 'Can you kneel/not kneel?' where you have to delete as appropriate and return to the Palace (not sure whether postage is included). I guess this chap struck through 'kneel' which really underscores the importance of the card and of the (I hope hereditary) office-holder charged with sending it.
Not related to the video but worth mentioning is that the Manor of Wakefield was one of the largest in England, Not only was West Yorkshire a Primary source of Quality Soldiers but also where most of their Uniforms were made along the Calder Valley.
We all think the county regiments go back forever, but in fact they only date from the Cardwell and Childers reforms of the 1870s and 1880s. Prior to that the regiments were identified by number and had no identified recruiting area. As an Other Rank you enlisted on General Service, you could end up in any regiment, anywhere.
Yes let's hear about Blenhiem...as the descendant of 42nd And Borderers from what I derive from the family tree ,I honour these brave men and their service... Cheers to these heroes 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Great story of the Yorks, something that might interest of yourself and your followers would be "The Complete McAuslan". A comic and interesting account of George MacDonald Frasers recollections of the Burma campaign in WW II.
My corp was founded in 1664 and we still serve today , Royal Marines by name and we will never ever let Gibraltar fall into the hands of the Spainish or the Falklands get given to the so callled Argentinians by our current Stalin Starmer, our so called Prime minister.
The RAMC TA Voluteers and the RN Commando Medical Squadron were mobilised at Lympstone and billited at Stonehouse. Whilst waiting for our flight to take us to the Gulf War 1990-1991, we bumped into some Sergeants we had met at Stonehouse Mess. They were pissed off that we were going to War whilst they were flying to Norway for their winter skiing holiday. The usual military banter.
Does anyone need to have Yorkshire explained to them? Either they know how marvelous it is or they probably aren't bright enough to learn. You may have guessed I was born in Yorkshire although I live in Wales and also have Welsh ancestry so I'm really one of the elite. Great Video, thanks very mcuh.
Aye, but the Yorkshire regiment is not a sponsored unit under control of the tea barons or big tea, and thus Americans need to be introduced to the concept of English counties least they end up rather confused.
I spoke to a young Yorkshire Regt lad a year or so ago. He didn't know the significance of his belt badge, collar dogs and shoulder tabs (PWO, Green Howards, Duke of Boots), didn't seem to know anything about the history or formation of the regiment. XIX
Re Snappers , Snap is a Yorkshire term for the food a workman would take for lunch. Or maybe because Yorkshire terriers are snappy little buggers , take your pick, there again it might be for a completely different reason.
Proud to have fought alongside 3 YORKS as R IRISH in the running battle in Cyprus against the Russian Mafia of 2012 :D Many fly kicks and plastic chairs were thrown. Good lads. It's a terrible shame the Russians picked a fight with the British Army boxing team on a training window. All the lad did was chat up a pretty lady. Turned out it was the lady friend of some 50 year old Russian arsehole and his security got clamped by the strongest boxer we have. The street 'discussion' started. The YORKS lads, top lads! The only one the police got was one of our Cooks. Probably saved our lives, he was a nightmare. Idiot never tried the door in the cop car, they didn't lock them. He was a terrible cook.
You missed one. The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) was a light infantry regiment of the British Army. It officially existed from 1881 to 1968, ... ahh you may say that it didn’t merge.... not so, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Territorial Battalion continued to see out the Cold War, and it merged with the three TA Battalions of the Yorkshire Volunteers in 1993 and became The PWO Regiment of Yorkshire, there were subsequent mergers and reductions of the TA Battalions. It was a false economy to slash the TA so aggressively. When Thatcher & Reagan were facing off the USSR Regular Army strength 140,000 Territorial Army 72,000. The Territorial Army cost just under 1% of the Army Budget, that IS the ARMY budget, NOT the Defence Budget... thats a lot of boots on the ground for not much money...
Im pretty sure the kings own Yorkshire light infantry was amalgamated with other LI regiments in the 1970s to become "the light infantry". This was then amalgamated with the Royal green jackets in 2006 to form the current Rifles.
The Green Howards were Light Infantry, there was a query if they shouldmerge with the Rifles but geographicaly it became a neigh... not long after it merged their Battalion was disbanded. @tigerland4328
@ Correct, I think Raymond was saying though that one of the TA battalions merged in to the Yorks. I’ll be honest I don’t know about that so it could be correct, I’d have to read up. Thanks.
Another good video. But a thought. You can see lots of photos etc of men joining up for world war 1 and 2, and national service etc. All getting medically and physically tested. Britain has had a long standing professional army. So historically, were there fitness and medical requirements during say american war of independence, napoleonic, crimean etc? When was medical/ physical testing introduced?. Also would be great to see a vid on the RAMC.
The only Victoria Cross on Operation Overlord was a Sergeant of The Green Howard's, I have two friends former enlisted in the Green Howard's now living in Buckinghamshire.
Given the military connection, is it possible that the "snap " refered to is for "Snap Shooting"? Rob from British Muzzle Loaders did a vid on it in his series on musketry training, his work is well worth a sub!
That process of taking soldiers from a regiment putting them in another, while officers et al went home to recruit. this process was called drafting. Happen to the 10th Regiment of Foot 1778 and several other who had been involved since April 1775.
It comes to mind the fate of the Cameronian Scottish rifles . They refused amalgamation and chose to be disbanded after a long and illustrious history. I very much admire them for that, they were extraordinary among all Scottish regiments for their origins and religious connections. They were just not compatible with anyone else. The bitter and defiant speech the Regimental chaplain gave on disbandment day was unforgettable, it can be found here on You Tube. Great regiment!
@@RevoeLad closest we have is the Rifles, which does incorporate the Westcountry units but also half a dozen others going right up country, and the Royal Wessex Yeomanry which is Reserves anyway
here is the quote on road between Lexington and Concord Rather earlier than this, on the road, a country man from behind a wall had snapped his piece at Lieutenants Adair and Sutherland, but it flashed and did not go off.
Don't know who made up the various regimental timelines for the 14th but Falkirk and Culloden, though battles of the '45, were both fought in 1746 - Falkirk on 17th January and Culloden on 16th April.
@@edwardcullen1739 Please read my comment again. I'm not disputing their presence - I'm merely stating that the timeline was wrong in noting the year as 1745.
Mate ! Griffiths M.J . 13:34 sapper . 24701632 Royal Monmouthshire , Royal Engineers. (M) 108 Welsh Field SQD . One of the oldest Regs in the History of the British Army . Still going strong , they fought in the Africa Wars , obviously, First and second. They did peace keeping in Bosnia . Look them Chief ???
Desert Storm / Operation Granby (Gulf War 1990-1991) to my Knowledge the Regiment wasn't deployed. But, I think that a Company was sent as "Battle Casualty Replacements"... Unless the Regiment itself isn't deployed it wouldn't count for inclusion of Battle Honours. I will be hapily corrected. Trooper Bear, Retired Warrant Officer RAMC / 23 SAS, War disabled, Gulf War 1990-1991....
I wonder if British Army members prefer regiments to be numbered or named. As an American, I think the named regiments are more unique and rather cool.
Yes. Im pretty sure they were amalgamated with other county LI regiments in the 1970s to form "The light infantry". This in turn was amalgamated with the Royal green jackets in 2006 to form the Rifles.
Brilliant work, damned well done. As a mere Siggy I do did a rear link tour with the Green Howards in Cyprus. Different world - but they were very, very proud of the XIX designation. Yorkshire lads through and through (I'm from Lancashire, but survived)😁.
No matter what the topic is when addressing Northern England. I can only see and hear the image of memes of over weight working class boomers getting piss and taking the piss out of people and cheering on their teams while getting into fights with people. Glorious Nouf Igerland!
While The Green Howard's was a Yorkshire Regiment until it joined to other two Yorkshire Regiments it was many enlisted was not from Yorkshiremam but from county of Durham, the Green Howard's was originally from Somerset.
The Duke of Wellingtons were often refarred to as "the Duke of Boots".... There is another Regiment / Battalion HQ based in Pudsey, 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment, now to support 1,2,&3 Para. 1947 the TA Parachute Division was formed under Roy Urquhart. That was Reduced to an airborne Brigade in 1967. When 5 Airborne Brigade became 16 Air Assault with Parachute "Elements" two TA Battalions were disbanded so wiping out the Brigade. It's good to see that they have re-Adopted Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss as their TRF rather than the "Sreaming Parrot" as it was called by the Paras whilst the craphats called it a screaming eagle. When the Paras had to change the TRF they removed Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss and stiched it on the back of their collar. As Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss had always accompanied the Paras into battle, the Paras were not going to war without them. The British Soldier always overcomes, even if it's a pratt from the MoD... Trooper Bear
The whole idea of county regiments was to make locals feel proud, but your still just basically in the countrys military, if they just called it british regement you would get anyone joining. At the end its all shite. But interesting shite.
"The Snappers" The regiment earned this nickname at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. During the battle, soldiers would snap small powder charges to trick the enemy into thinking they had more ammunition. They were also known as the "Poona Guards", if you know why, you can let me know..... sounds like something to do with India
The Yorkshire Regimental March, The Ça Ira, The only Regimental March to be won in battle! Seek it out on google, but I did manage to find a CD with it played by Drums & Fife, now that is fierce, compared to that of a full band. The Ça Ira was a popular French Revolutionary song. An abridged explanation; ‘The French attacked so fiercely that the Fourteenth wavered for a moment. The revolutionary fever, in truth, blazed out as a new element in war, and everywhere the discipline learned under average drill-sergeants was at a loss how to meet it. Colonel Doyle, however, was not at a loss, for, dashing to the front, he called out in a loud voice, ‘Come along, my lads; let’s break the scoundrels to their own damned tune. **Drummers, strike up Ça Ira.’ The effect was irresistible.’ **that is why I urge you to try and find a Drum or Drum and Fife version.... After the 1967 cuts until 1993 there were 8 Territorial Battalions.
You might have mentioned the Yorkshire Regimental March "Ca ira" - the only regimental march in the British Army won in battle. My great-uncle was a Serjeant in the Green Howards was wounded on the Somme in 1916, my Dad served in the Green Howards 1939-45 Dunkirk, North Africa and Italy. XIX
Darn it - I missed that in my research - good stuff.
I might be a proud Welshman, but im also proud to have a staunch Yorkshire lady as my wife. Excellent stuff. Thanks, Chris.
County regiments should be reinstated, as should the counties.
Well said
In a few decades most of those counties won't even have the native English in it so why bother
My grandfather was 14 when he ran away and joined the army. He was told he couldn’t join a London regiment because his father. Would find him. So he was told to join a county regiment, he joined the Lincolnshire regiment they were sent to India where my grandfather became middle weight boxing champion of the Indian army. He went on to serve in Sudan and South Africa he was at the relief of Ladysmith. He got a Zulu spear through his knee. Sadly I only met him once when I was about 5 I’m now 76! I went to Kew and have a copy of his service record including his 3 medals won, he couldn’t read or write so he could not become an NCO.
A family story to be proud of.
My grandfather did the same thing,, went to join the royal warwicks,,his father was killed with them in 1917, but the recruiting Sargent told him this is the first place they'll look,, so went to reading and joined the Berkshires,, eventually be coming a CSM,,the army must have been full of kids in them days😀
I was in the 3rd Battalion Staffordshire regiment. Enjoyed the history very similar postings and battle honours to the Staffs. I am living in South Africa also these days. Thanks great research well presented.
Catterick, not many places can claim to have been a Garrison for 2k + years :)
Great stories, and well presented! I researched my family tree, and indeed, my family was living in Yorkshire from the 1650's until my grandparents came to British Columbia at the beginning of the 20th century. Best Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Cheers Keith - that makes you an honourary Yorkshireman for sure!
Who'd have thought thirty years ago that we'd be sitting here today discussing Yorkshire Regiment?
In those days we'd be glad wi' the price of a cup of tea.
A cup of cold tea.
In a cracked cup an all.
Oh, we never had a cup. We used to have to drink out of a rolled up newspaper. 🙂
Keep knocking the rich lads….great work. My dad was a reservist in the Green Howards after his national service. Great family tree. Well done.
My 3rd great granddad was in the 33rd at Waterloo. Out of 561 men 280 were casualties, more or less 50% of the regiment. He was a Bradford lad and joined up in 1811 when he was just 16. He also served in the West Indies, Canada and Ireland, as well as in Flanders. He received the Waterloo medal and all who fought there were awarded 2 years extra pension. He served 16 years in total until given a medical discharge from Chelsea Hospital.
I'm very fond of my country (England). However, my heart will always belong to Yorkshire. Perhaps it's the viking heritage, but Yorkshire is different. Leeds may bicker with Sheffield whilst Sheffield bickers with itself, but in the end, we are all one Yorkshire. From Middlesbrough, Sedbergh, and Mickle Fell in the north to Sheffield in the south. From the Forest of Bowland and Saddleworth in the west to Hull and Flamborough in the East. We are one Yorkshire. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Not a Yorkshire man, but a proud Scot. I have to say that over the years I've found Yorkshire folks to be the nicest people in England. Honest folks with a fantastic sense of humour and self deprecation and always proud to be from Yorkshire.
This isn't a suck up post, just my observations.
York is amazing and the regimental museum should be on every military buffs 'must see' list.
@FATBOY692011 Thank you 😃
As a Canadian ex serving member I wish to point out something. I find the wonderful ole English county flags very attractive. One should sell these emblazoned upon silk screened T shirts maybe?
Nice idea! I had never thought about it. Will look into it - thanks mate
There are quite a few things to choose from on the Internet, one of which you'd see the one next to my name with a saying on things (Yorkshire is known as God's Own County because of the countryside and the industry). Yorkshire is split up into smaller counties of North, South, East and West (more ceremonial than official). It's also split into the 3 ridings of North, East and West. We'll put our Yorkshire rose/flag on pretty much anything you can think of, we're very proud of it. Look-up the War Of The Roses for that one. Basically it's the white rose for Yorkshire, then the red rose for the rest. Also there is the Tudor rose where the two houses came together.
Each county and such will do their own thing in the scale of things, just not to the scale that Yorkshire does. The county of Lancashire would be a close second in the scale of doing things though. There is a big rivalry between our counties through war/history and now sports, mainly cricket and rugby.
Hope that helps in getting you started.👍
@@gavingiant6900 Very helpful thanks
County Flags, Yorkshire has a Yorkshire Rose on a Blue Background. However, each Riding has its own too. (A Riding is an old word meaning a 3rd) The East Riding Rose the other way up to the North and West Ridings that dates back to when they were on opposing sides during the English Civil War...
@@raymondbristow4007
That is a meaning of Riding I had not thought of. The Scottish Borders have "Ridings" which I thought were ceremonial horseback patrols of the county's borders.
I was in the 1st Battalion The Kings regiment 1983 -89. I trained as a junior soldier at Queen Elizabeth barracks, Strensall, York. We were part of the King's division and included the King's Regiment, Queens Lancashire regiment, Border regiment, Prince of Wales Regiment, Green Howard's, Duke of Wellington, and Irish rangers.
Ex Kingo here , 96-01
Nec Aspera Terrant
Great documentary! It'd be cool if similar documentaries were made for other units of the British Army!
Ironically in Canada we still have many County Regiments even after the County ceased to exist e.g. the Ontario Regiment (named after Ontario County, not the Province).
As one of those prosperous and (not exceptionally) wealthy colonists, I'd like to say I really enjoy your work on this channel and appreciate all you do.
I was looking at the structure of the British armed forces just this morning. The history is absolutely fascinating.
Thanks a lot. . . It was such a shame about our nations "misunderstanding" ;-)
I have to say, hearing the stories of these famous regiments is very inspiring. As a student of history i'm grateful to know of their stories.
Enjoyed this one, Yorkshire is a beautiful county and im proud to call a lot of those lads my mates 👍
The Howards / Green Howards, also a common name for the area, including the local Gentry whose Estate was on the Howardian hills, just south of the south eastern area of the North Yorkshire Moors, North Riding of Yorkshire.
From every Riding of Yorkshire. I'm not Yorks myself, but every Yorkie I've known was worthy of appreciation...
Always nice watching these mate. I’m ex QOH (senior light cavalry regiment of the British Army..now the QRH’s).
WOW. , it was a terrific episode so much detail so well presented , I’ll have to watch again in smaller bite size chunks to truly appreciate the great story of a great Regiment(s) . 👏👏👍
Great work mate. I love those stories about regimental ancestry, that is one thing I love about Brit Army. Around here we lost that, I remember from my serving days, the uniform of a brit private was bright and shiny because it carried all that historic weight, my poor privates look like beggers next to those brit chaps. Best regards.
Cheers brother!
Taken from ARRSE Wikipedia At the Battle of Brandywine Creek during the American War Of Independence, the 15th were faced with a superior force and had run short of powder for their Brown Bess muskets. In a daring bluff, the best shots in the unit were given the bulk of the powder supplies. They fired full charges, taking a decisive toll of the enemy. The remainder fired blank shot with small priming charges (known to musketeers as "snapping" charges). The enemy broke off the engagement, thinking they were facing overwhelming firepower. The 15th were thereafter christened "The Snappers".
That's brilliant intel - thanks mate!
Unfortunately for the story, the 15th were part of a brigade held in reserve at X Brandywine and saw little or no action. It might be more likely to have occurred during the regiment's repeated postings to the West Indies (who did they offend?) as reflected in the honorary distinctions of 'St. Lucia 1778' 'Martinique 1794' & '1809', and 'Guadeloupe 1810', displayed on their colours- although given that in battle powder and ball were carried together in ready made paper cartridges the logistics of the tale don't quite add up. Neither story or nickname appear in the 'Historical Record of the Fifteenth (etc etc)' of 1848. Like many similar traditions, the story may have originated in the Victorian era, when the regiment was having a pretty quiet time apart from a brief flurry of excitement in Afghanistan 1878-80. Certainly, later C19th references all make vague reference to the American War and ammunition shortage
I know, I know- no fun! but- there it is.
It was at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 that they gained their nickname 'The Snappers' - men snapped small powder charges to confuse the enemy into thinking they had more ammunition than they actually had, helping them win the battle.
That's great - thanks for clarifying
When I worked on the Railways one of my Trian Guard colleagues was former West Yorks, he told me when they amalgamated with the East Yorks there was a lot of animosity between the two, at least in the early days.
As a Yorkshireman I can confirm that rivalry within the county is fierce so I can only assume rivalry amongst Yorkshire regiments is worse lol
15th Foot, The Snappers, 1777, At the Battle of Brandywine the regiment ran short of ball which was distributed to the best shots, whilst the remainder 'snapped' powder charges only.
Nice one thanks.
We SNCO in the Regiment still carry black swagger sticks (canes) as a tribute to Wolfe. Great video
Brilliant. I didn't know that - thanks for the info and the comment.
I’d love to do what you do and travel to all the different conflict zones to report and bring to light all that happens in these conflicts
30:54 When you are to be knighted you are sent a card by the monarch (probably not personally) which reads: 'Can you kneel/not kneel?' where you have to delete as appropriate and return to the Palace (not sure whether postage is included). I guess this chap struck through 'kneel' which really underscores the importance of the card and of the (I hope hereditary) office-holder charged with sending it.
Thanks for the great video and history of the Yorkshire Regiment! Much respect from your American cousins!
Whew! What an onslaught of information ! Splendid episode.
Wow! Shout out for Eric Olthwaite!
TYVM for this episode Chris, Lot of my families history covered in this one.
Not related to the video but worth mentioning is that the Manor of Wakefield was one of the largest in England, Not only was West Yorkshire a Primary source of Quality Soldiers but also where most of their Uniforms were made along the Calder Valley.
We all think the county regiments go back forever, but in fact they only date from the Cardwell and Childers reforms of the 1870s and 1880s.
Prior to that the regiments were identified by number and had no identified recruiting area.
As an Other Rank you enlisted on General Service, you could end up in any regiment, anywhere.
Do one on the Royal Anglians!
My local regiment in UK! Defo on the list.
I was in Kabul in December 07. I remember that operation.
Dude what a great episode! I'm all about regimental histories!
Thanks Ryan - this turned into a beast of an episode to research!
Born 'n' bred in Leeds, proud t'be Yorksh'r'
Same here pal. Loiners and proud.
Fascinating as usual Chris
I believe that snappers refers to the “snapping” off of empty muskets.
Yes let's hear about Blenhiem...as the descendant of 42nd And Borderers from what I derive from the family tree ,I honour these brave men and their service... Cheers to these heroes 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Great story of the Yorks, something that might interest of yourself and your followers would be "The Complete McAuslan". A comic and interesting account of George MacDonald Frasers recollections of the Burma campaign in WW II.
Oh great, it's been on my reading list for a while (Im a huge Flashman fan). . . Need to actually sit and read it. Thanks for the info.
My corp was founded in 1664 and we still serve today , Royal Marines by name and we will never ever let Gibraltar fall into the hands of the Spainish or the Falklands get given to the so callled Argentinians by our current Stalin Starmer, our so called Prime minister.
The RAMC TA Voluteers and the RN Commando Medical Squadron were mobilised at Lympstone and billited at Stonehouse. Whilst waiting for our flight to take us to the Gulf War 1990-1991, we bumped into some Sergeants we had met at Stonehouse Mess. They were pissed off that we were going to War whilst they were flying to Norway for their winter skiing holiday. The usual military banter.
Brilliant video carry on making them.
Thanks a lot
Great job, very interesting indeed!
Does anyone need to have Yorkshire explained to them? Either they know how marvelous it is or they probably aren't bright enough to learn. You may have guessed I was born in Yorkshire although I live in Wales and also have Welsh ancestry so I'm really one of the elite. Great Video, thanks very mcuh.
Lol...shame you aren't a fellow Leicester lad ;-)
Americans think Yorkshire is a tea.
@@vorynrosethorn903 To be fair it is. . .
Aye, but the Yorkshire regiment is not a sponsored unit under control of the tea barons or big tea, and thus Americans need to be introduced to the concept of English counties least they end up rather confused.
I spoke to a young Yorkshire Regt lad a year or so ago. He didn't know the significance of his belt badge, collar dogs and shoulder tabs (PWO, Green Howards, Duke of Boots), didn't seem to know anything about the history or formation of the regiment. XIX
That's a real shame. Hopefully this video can be shared with new recruits.
Re Snappers , Snap is a Yorkshire term for the food a workman would take for lunch. Or maybe because Yorkshire terriers are snappy little buggers , take your pick, there again it might be for a completely different reason.
Cheers mate - I didn't know that
Ive just aigned up for the 4 Yorks Reserves. Learning about their unique significance and history gives me great pride! Thanks for the video! 🫡
That's brilliant! Good luck and have fun. Glad that this video is helpful.
Proud to have fought alongside 3 YORKS as R IRISH in the running battle in Cyprus against the Russian Mafia of 2012 :D Many fly kicks and plastic chairs were thrown. Good lads. It's a terrible shame the Russians picked a fight with the British Army boxing team on a training window.
All the lad did was chat up a pretty lady. Turned out it was the lady friend of some 50 year old Russian arsehole and his security got clamped by the strongest boxer we have. The street 'discussion' started.
The YORKS lads, top lads!
The only one the police got was one of our Cooks. Probably saved our lives, he was a nightmare. Idiot never tried the door in the cop car, they didn't lock them.
He was a terrible cook.
Ha ha great story!
Great channel!
You missed one. The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) was a light infantry regiment of the British Army. It officially existed from 1881 to 1968, ... ahh you may say that it didn’t merge.... not so, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Territorial Battalion continued to see out the Cold War, and it merged with the three TA Battalions of the Yorkshire Volunteers in 1993 and became The PWO Regiment of Yorkshire, there were subsequent mergers and reductions of the TA Battalions. It was a false economy to slash the TA so aggressively. When Thatcher & Reagan were facing off the USSR Regular Army strength 140,000 Territorial Army 72,000. The Territorial Army cost just under 1% of the Army Budget, that IS the ARMY budget, NOT the Defence Budget... thats a lot of boots on the ground for not much money...
I didn't know that thanks mate
Im pretty sure the kings own Yorkshire light infantry was amalgamated with other LI regiments in the 1970s to become "the light infantry". This was then amalgamated with the Royal green jackets in 2006 to form the current Rifles.
The Green Howards were Light Infantry, there was a query if they shouldmerge with the Rifles but geographicaly it became a neigh... not long after it merged their Battalion was disbanded. @tigerland4328
@ Correct, I think Raymond was saying though that one of the TA battalions merged in to the Yorks. I’ll be honest I don’t know about that so it could be correct, I’d have to read up. Thanks.
Love the videos keep up the work!
Thanks a lot. Will do.
Another good video. But a thought. You can see lots of photos etc of men joining up for world war 1 and 2, and national service etc. All getting medically and physically tested. Britain has had a long standing professional army. So historically, were there fitness and medical requirements during say american war of independence, napoleonic, crimean etc? When was medical/ physical testing introduced?. Also would be great to see a vid on the RAMC.
>Yorkshire
I knew those random Pride of Yorkshire stickers I saw on my work home were a bad omen.
Snappers , either the term for food 'snap' , or a wry reference to Brandy Snap biscuits? As it was Brandywine...
The only Victoria Cross on Operation Overlord was a Sergeant of The Green Howard's, I have two friends former enlisted in the Green Howard's now living in Buckinghamshire.
Stan Elton Hollis - I have made a video about him that Im sure you'll enjoy
Stan Elton Hollis VC to you good chap 😉@@redcoathistory
From Boro, like all good Frankie's 💪
@@eddybrek5298 Ha ha yes, fair one.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh royal regiment. Gone but not forgotten. ❤
Given the military connection, is it possible that the "snap " refered to is for "Snap Shooting"? Rob from British Muzzle Loaders did a vid on it in his series on musketry training, his work is well worth a sub!
I served with the yorks. Good blokes
Ex Green Howards/Yorks. Good vid
Brilliant thanks a lot. A regiment we should all be proud of.
@@redcoathistory Yeah, Baby Bro was 1 YORKS, did 2 tours of Iraq.
The 14th was front-and-centre at Colluden, usually a place of honour, no?
That process of taking soldiers from a regiment putting them in another, while officers et al went home to recruit. this process was called drafting. Happen to the 10th Regiment of Foot 1778 and several other who had been involved since April 1775.
It comes to mind the fate of the Cameronian Scottish rifles . They refused amalgamation and chose to be disbanded after a long and illustrious history. I very much admire them for that, they were extraordinary among all Scottish regiments for their origins and religious connections. They were just not compatible with anyone else. The bitter and defiant speech the Regimental chaplain gave on disbandment day was unforgettable, it can be found here on You Tube. Great regiment!
Thanks - I didn't know that. . . must add to my list.
Where they paraded for the last time and disbanded is only about 15 miles from me over by Douglas. Few good clips on UA-cam showing the last parade.
A friend was in The Cameronians when they disbanded. He ended up in the KOSB until he left the army. He will forever be a Cameronian.
Loyal Lancashire regiment should’ve been preserved.
The Westcountry doesn't even have a distinct regional unit unlike every other region so count yourself lucky
@ you’re joking I didn’t know that. I’ve lived in Newton abbot for 2 years too I love Devon. It’s also my favourite flag.
@@RevoeLad closest we have is the Rifles, which does incorporate the Westcountry units but also half a dozen others going right up country, and the Royal Wessex Yeomanry which is Reserves anyway
@@RevoeLad I mean yeah the Rifles includes the Devons but it also includes other units like the Durham Light Infantry
@ a member of my family has just been doing they’re training for the Royal Marines in Devon. Lympstone
Epic 😂 Sharpe on Dan Snow
Ha ha couldn't resist mate
only reference to snapping is pulling the trigger on a musket and it only clicks or snaps and does not discharge.
here is the quote on road between Lexington and Concord Rather earlier than this, on the road, a country man from behind a wall had snapped his piece at Lieutenants Adair and Sutherland, but it flashed and did not go off.
Don't know who made up the various regimental timelines for the 14th but Falkirk and Culloden, though battles of the '45, were both fought in 1746 - Falkirk on 17th January and Culloden on 16th April.
14th was front-and-centre at Culloden.
@@edwardcullen1739 Please read my comment again.
I'm not disputing their presence - I'm merely stating that the timeline was wrong in noting the year as 1745.
@@douglasherron7534 ? I was just adding a little tidbit.
@@edwardcullen1739 Oh, ok.
Same at Falkirk - which was a bigger battle, but much less well known.
Mate !
Griffiths M.J . 13:34 sapper . 24701632
Royal Monmouthshire , Royal Engineers. (M)
108 Welsh Field SQD .
One of the oldest Regs in the History of the British Army .
Still going strong , they fought in the Africa Wars , obviously, First and second.
They did peace keeping in Bosnia .
Look them Chief ???
Once a Duke ALWAYS a Duke..................
"Guys I dont want to turn this video into a long list of battles." WHY NOT.
The 3rd Regiment of Foot became "The Buffs" or The East Kent Regiment.
Steady the Buffs!
I don't know why you felt the need to rushbut i think most people here would'nt mind a two parter!
We in Lancashire have the Duke of Lancasters regiment
Is the Yorkshire regiment the one you get sent to if you fail your RLC training!??
But in the years I was in, I only met 1 RCT soldier that past SAS Selection...
Desert Storm / Operation Granby (Gulf War 1990-1991) to my Knowledge the Regiment wasn't deployed. But, I think that a Company was sent as "Battle Casualty Replacements"... Unless the Regiment itself isn't deployed it wouldn't count for inclusion of Battle Honours. I will be hapily corrected.
Trooper Bear, Retired Warrant Officer RAMC / 23 SAS, War disabled, Gulf War 1990-1991....
I wonder if British Army members prefer regiments to be numbered or named. As an American, I think the named regiments are more unique and rather cool.
What happened to the KOYLI? Did they end up in the Rifles?
Yes. Im pretty sure they were amalgamated with other county LI regiments in the 1970s to form "The light infantry". This in turn was amalgamated with the Royal green jackets in 2006 to form the Rifles.
Brilliant work, damned well done. As a mere Siggy I do did a rear link tour with the Green Howards in Cyprus. Different world - but they were very, very proud of the XIX designation. Yorkshire lads through and through (I'm from Lancashire, but survived)😁.
I love the channel but please slow down! Dad was regimental silverman in the Cheshire regiment in Malaya by the way.
Fair one - I did try and rush. . . must breathe next time ;-)
No matter what the topic is when addressing Northern England.
I can only see and hear the image of memes of over weight working class boomers getting piss and taking the piss out of people and cheering on their teams while getting into fights with people.
Glorious Nouf Igerland!
My great granddad served in the dukes in ww2 then when i signed up i joined the yorks
Is that a caravan?
Notice- New YORK...
the only Yorkshire Regiment is the 19th of foot THE GREEN HOWARDS
Wasn't this the green Howard's so really it is revived
2nd battalion was Ex-GH,sad day when it went
Are you in a listing boat?
Yes, send help.
Brilliant as per usual chap....ta!✌️
When did they become "Royal"?
It's in the video. . .
If you have a year or two do a series on the Royal maines😅
Am I keeping up? Not a chance
Ha ha yep, its a lot of info.
@ … thru renaming, predesignating, fracturing, and combining…
While The Green Howard's was a Yorkshire Regiment until it joined to other two Yorkshire Regiments it was many enlisted was not from Yorkshiremam but from county of Durham, the Green Howard's was originally from Somerset.
The Duke of Wellingtons were often refarred to as "the Duke of Boots"....
There is another Regiment / Battalion HQ based in Pudsey, 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment, now to support 1,2,&3 Para. 1947 the TA Parachute Division was formed under Roy Urquhart. That was Reduced to an airborne Brigade in 1967. When 5 Airborne Brigade became 16 Air Assault with Parachute "Elements" two TA Battalions were disbanded so wiping out the Brigade. It's good to see that they have re-Adopted Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss as their TRF rather than the "Sreaming Parrot" as it was called by the Paras whilst the craphats called it a screaming eagle. When the Paras had to change the TRF they removed Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss and stiched it on the back of their collar. As Bellphoron Riding Pagasuss had always accompanied the Paras into battle, the Paras were not going to war without them. The British Soldier always overcomes, even if it's a pratt from the MoD... Trooper Bear
Yorkshire isn’t a county
🏴🇬🇧🍺🍺
The whole idea of county regiments was to make locals feel proud, but your still just basically in the countrys military, if they just called it british regement you would get anyone joining. At the end its all shite. But interesting shite.
FFTB
"The Snappers" The regiment earned this nickname at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. During the battle, soldiers would snap small powder charges to trick the enemy into thinking they had more ammunition.
They were also known as the "Poona Guards", if you know why, you can let me know..... sounds like something to do with India
The Yorkshire Regimental March, The Ça Ira, The only Regimental March to be won in battle! Seek it out on google, but I did manage to find a CD with it played by Drums & Fife, now that is fierce, compared to that of a full band. The Ça Ira was a popular French Revolutionary song.
An abridged explanation; ‘The French attacked so fiercely that the Fourteenth wavered for a moment. The revolutionary fever, in truth, blazed out as a new element in war, and everywhere the discipline learned under average drill-sergeants was at a loss how to meet it. Colonel Doyle, however, was not at a loss, for, dashing to the front, he called out in a loud voice, ‘Come along, my lads; let’s break the scoundrels to their own damned tune. **Drummers, strike up Ça Ira.’ The effect was irresistible.’ **that is why I urge you to try and find a Drum or Drum and Fife version....
After the 1967 cuts until 1993 there were 8 Territorial Battalions.