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

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  • Опубліковано 23 тра 2024
  • In today's episode, I examine which regiment is the oldest in the British army...
    It's not as straight-forward as you may think.
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
    If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or join patreon via / redcoathistory

КОМЕНТАРІ • 393

  • @clangerbasher
    @clangerbasher Місяць тому +124

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

    • @nickwilkinson5849
      @nickwilkinson5849 Місяць тому

      Typical wanky politicians.

    • @ceciljohnrhodes4987
      @ceciljohnrhodes4987 Місяць тому +18

      Same happened with the London Scottish in the eighties.

    • @clangerbasher
      @clangerbasher Місяць тому +3

      @@ceciljohnrhodes4987 Doesn't surprise me.

    • @sfluendy
      @sfluendy Місяць тому +21

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

    • @clangerbasher
      @clangerbasher Місяць тому +1

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

  • @auldflyer
    @auldflyer Місяць тому +31

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

    • @PotatoSalad614
      @PotatoSalad614 23 дні тому

      stabs lol

    • @GavTatu
      @GavTatu 19 днів тому

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

  • @VALORMEDIALLC
    @VALORMEDIALLC Місяць тому +42

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +7

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

    • @josephturner7569
      @josephturner7569 Місяць тому +5

      Bruce Fumi at Scottish History Tours has done one.

    • @Scipionic1941
      @Scipionic1941 Місяць тому +9

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

    • @V.B.Squire
      @V.B.Squire Місяць тому +1

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

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 Місяць тому +1

      Ubique

  • @762parabillim
    @762parabillim Місяць тому +19

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

    • @NMMojavePoet
      @NMMojavePoet Місяць тому +6

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

    • @zoiders
      @zoiders 26 днів тому +1

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

    • @RugbyMatters
      @RugbyMatters 24 дні тому

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

  • @nickdougan394
    @nickdougan394 Місяць тому +8

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

  • @haggis525
    @haggis525 Місяць тому +10

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +2

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

    • @haggis525
      @haggis525 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @MrAwsomenoob
    @MrAwsomenoob Місяць тому +16

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

    • @gaughantony
      @gaughantony Місяць тому +3

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

    • @llvienna
      @llvienna 26 днів тому

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

  • @railworker8058
    @railworker8058 Місяць тому +7

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

  • @TheSpritz0
    @TheSpritz0 Місяць тому +15

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

  • @drcarla.gibson8843
    @drcarla.gibson8843 Місяць тому +13

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

    • @mikehebdentrains
      @mikehebdentrains Місяць тому +3

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

  • @dizzyprepper7850
    @dizzyprepper7850 Місяць тому +58

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

    • @Chubby_T0511
      @Chubby_T0511 Місяць тому +1

      Oh dear

    • @stevehuggett2098
      @stevehuggett2098 Місяць тому

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

    • @Bob-Horse
      @Bob-Horse Місяць тому

      I used to help ride their Light Cavalry horses.

    • @CheersDits2979
      @CheersDits2979 Місяць тому +2

      I can guarantee you that they do not support SF.

    • @V.B.Squire
      @V.B.Squire Місяць тому

      ​@@CheersDits2979how do you know?

  • @neilmorrison7356
    @neilmorrison7356 Місяць тому +18

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

    • @FelixstoweFoamForge
      @FelixstoweFoamForge Місяць тому

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

    • @neilmorrison7356
      @neilmorrison7356 Місяць тому

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

    • @FelixstoweFoamForge
      @FelixstoweFoamForge Місяць тому +1

      @@neilmorrison7356 Thank you!

    • @ryanmichael1298
      @ryanmichael1298 Місяць тому

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

    • @neilmorrison7356
      @neilmorrison7356 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @michaeldowson6988
    @michaeldowson6988 Місяць тому +15

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

    • @michaeldowson6988
      @michaeldowson6988 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @matthewfindlay2242
      @matthewfindlay2242 Місяць тому

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

  • @OldMusicFan83
    @OldMusicFan83 Місяць тому +20

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

    • @mikehebdentrains
      @mikehebdentrains Місяць тому +7

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

    • @dux_bellorum
      @dux_bellorum 28 днів тому

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

    • @ninebangtrojan4669
      @ninebangtrojan4669 27 днів тому

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

  • @karenalletson9767
    @karenalletson9767 Місяць тому +10

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

    • @paulmcgee1867
      @paulmcgee1867 Місяць тому

      PWRR today

    • @Scipionic1941
      @Scipionic1941 Місяць тому +1

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

    • @Vince_Paul
      @Vince_Paul 20 днів тому +1

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

  • @uniformmike05
    @uniformmike05 Місяць тому +4

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

  • @user-iu5rn8cf4f
    @user-iu5rn8cf4f 26 днів тому +2

    Wonderful channel - one of the very best.

  • @lukerettie
    @lukerettie Місяць тому +3

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

  • @christopherhahn6728
    @christopherhahn6728 Місяць тому +3

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

  • @owoodward72
    @owoodward72 Місяць тому +3

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

  • @JayMac-gh1kx
    @JayMac-gh1kx 24 дні тому +2

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

  • @JelMain
    @JelMain 21 день тому +1

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

  • @ryanziegler1410
    @ryanziegler1410 Місяць тому +1

    Love to hear about artillery! Fascinating stuff as usual!

  • @user-yv8bb3ye5e
    @user-yv8bb3ye5e Місяць тому +12

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +2

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

    • @diskopartizan0850
      @diskopartizan0850 Місяць тому +3

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

    • @andyroberts9410
      @andyroberts9410 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @user-gp2zc8gi8i
      @user-gp2zc8gi8i 29 днів тому

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

    • @GavTatu
      @GavTatu 19 днів тому

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

  • @IronGuardsman
    @IronGuardsman Місяць тому +1

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

  • @robertcottam8824
    @robertcottam8824 Місяць тому

    What a lovely presentation - as always.

  • @allongshanks940
    @allongshanks940 Місяць тому

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

  • @FelixstoweFoamForge
    @FelixstoweFoamForge Місяць тому +2

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

  • @FranciscoPreira
    @FranciscoPreira Місяць тому

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

  • @thetruthhurts7675
    @thetruthhurts7675 24 дні тому +1

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

  • @Bob-Horse
    @Bob-Horse Місяць тому

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

  • @nanorider426
    @nanorider426 22 дні тому

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

  • @mole389
    @mole389 25 днів тому

    Very professional to work with

  • @13JAMLAND
    @13JAMLAND Місяць тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

    • @13JAMLAND
      @13JAMLAND Місяць тому

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

    • @13JAMLAND
      @13JAMLAND Місяць тому

      @redcoathistory love hearing the personal accounts of battle too.

  • @robertbarras7893
    @robertbarras7893 24 дні тому

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

  • @30whacko11
    @30whacko11 Місяць тому +8

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

    • @ste2442
      @ste2442 Місяць тому +1

      Kings reg 8th foot

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

    • @30whacko11
      @30whacko11 Місяць тому

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

    • @ste2442
      @ste2442 Місяць тому

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

  • @andrewway8381
    @andrewway8381 Місяць тому +2

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

  • @DavidKitching
    @DavidKitching 20 днів тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  19 днів тому

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

  • @anthonyhargis6855
    @anthonyhargis6855 Місяць тому +1

    Fascinating stuff.

  • @thomaseley8386
    @thomaseley8386 10 днів тому

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

  • @brianclarke3880
    @brianclarke3880 25 днів тому

    Brilliant thanks for that, how about the RTR?

  • @bombfog1
    @bombfog1 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +3

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

    • @bombfog1
      @bombfog1 Місяць тому +1

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +2

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

  • @colgategilbert8067
    @colgategilbert8067 20 днів тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  19 днів тому

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

  • @jackdickson9842
    @jackdickson9842 Місяць тому

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

  • @keithagn
    @keithagn Місяць тому +2

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

    • @keithagn
      @keithagn Місяць тому +1

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

    • @terrywarner8657
      @terrywarner8657 Місяць тому +2

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

  • @christopherrussell2611
    @christopherrussell2611 Місяць тому

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

  • @mrpamcn
    @mrpamcn 22 дні тому

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

  • @harrybuik9763
    @harrybuik9763 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG
    @rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG Місяць тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

  • @johndally7994
    @johndally7994 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @jon9021
      @jon9021 Місяць тому +1

      That would be very interesting.

  • @chriscookesuffolk
    @chriscookesuffolk Місяць тому

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

  • @user-tg7zy8np1x
    @user-tg7zy8np1x Місяць тому +4

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому

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

  • @NMMojavePoet
    @NMMojavePoet Місяць тому +1

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

  • @fatmanfaffing4116
    @fatmanfaffing4116 Місяць тому +2

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

  • @glyndwr1391
    @glyndwr1391 29 днів тому

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

  • @jimmyyoung5159
    @jimmyyoung5159 27 днів тому +1

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

  • @FHIPrincePeter
    @FHIPrincePeter День тому

    Had lunch at the HAC very good people.

  • @SteveHB59
    @SteveHB59 Місяць тому +1

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

      Yep - grew up with that show. Love it.

  • @alexnicole7431
    @alexnicole7431 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @ethanlewis1459
    @ethanlewis1459 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому

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

  • @SpyderSuasponte
    @SpyderSuasponte Місяць тому +1

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

    • @llvienna
      @llvienna 26 днів тому

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

  • @gingemac
    @gingemac Місяць тому +1

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

  • @SteelHand071
    @SteelHand071 Місяць тому

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

  • @monty5692
    @monty5692 26 днів тому

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

  • @markhindmarsh2811
    @markhindmarsh2811 Місяць тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому

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

    • @markhindmarsh2811
      @markhindmarsh2811 Місяць тому

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

  • @Blagger3000
    @Blagger3000 2 дні тому

    Also dont forget the ancient or of the Argyll and Bolton Wanderers, famous for it infamousness.

  • @eric-wb7gj
    @eric-wb7gj Місяць тому

    TY 🙏🙏

  • @kevcaratacus9428
    @kevcaratacus9428 Місяць тому

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

  • @ryanparker7258
    @ryanparker7258 Місяць тому

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

  • @reubendobbs8011
    @reubendobbs8011 26 днів тому

    Very interesting. Former gunner here keep it up

  • @samuelsoto5194
    @samuelsoto5194 Місяць тому

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

  • @shivindersingh1802
    @shivindersingh1802 Місяць тому +5

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +2

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

    • @lynnecromack4933
      @lynnecromack4933 14 днів тому

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

  • @edwardclay7551
    @edwardclay7551 5 днів тому

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

  • @ninebangtrojan4669
    @ninebangtrojan4669 27 днів тому

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

  • @23rdFoot
    @23rdFoot Місяць тому +1

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

  • @TheNorfolkman
    @TheNorfolkman Місяць тому

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

  • @willjohnson1273
    @willjohnson1273 Місяць тому

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

  • @nigelpick1285
    @nigelpick1285 Місяць тому

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

  • @gilmills
    @gilmills Місяць тому +1

    Could you do a history of the Black Watch please

  • @thomasstokes6633
    @thomasstokes6633 Місяць тому

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

  • @josephturner7569
    @josephturner7569 Місяць тому

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

  • @roykenney4178
    @roykenney4178 Місяць тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому

      Leicesters are my local regiment so definitely keen. Thanks Mate

  • @Thurnmourer
    @Thurnmourer Місяць тому

    I imagine the oldest regiment is the King's Oldest Regiment of Oldshire which I did not make up at all.

  • @sillymoomoomoo
    @sillymoomoomoo Місяць тому +1

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

    • @petergladstone864
      @petergladstone864 26 днів тому

      Scots guards 1642-1648 first time around if I remember

    • @sillymoomoomoo
      @sillymoomoomoo 26 днів тому +1

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

    • @sillymoomoomoo
      @sillymoomoomoo 26 днів тому

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

  • @vickyRoyalHistory
    @vickyRoyalHistory 4 дні тому

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

  • @excolo3290
    @excolo3290 22 дні тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  22 дні тому

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

    • @excolo3290
      @excolo3290 22 дні тому

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

  • @edthered26
    @edthered26 Місяць тому

    Pleased could you look at the Durham light infantry?

  • @vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729
    @vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729 26 днів тому

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

  • @davidwaddell9772
    @davidwaddell9772 Місяць тому +1

    Hi
    RSDG or Royal Scots. Thanks for sharing.

  • @competitionglen
    @competitionglen 15 днів тому

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

  • @matts2264
    @matts2264 26 днів тому

    It is rightly deserving to give other regualr units some recognition of their great pasts but please do the SAS and SBS

  • @user-wf4xb8zg1b
    @user-wf4xb8zg1b Місяць тому

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

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  Місяць тому +1

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

  • @rascalap2968
    @rascalap2968 Місяць тому +18

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

    • @TroyTempest777
      @TroyTempest777 Місяць тому +2

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

    • @Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire
      @Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire Місяць тому +3

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

    • @rascalap2968
      @rascalap2968 Місяць тому

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

    • @boots869
      @boots869 Місяць тому +1

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

    • @Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire
      @Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire Місяць тому

      @@boots869 you mean William The Bastard?

  • @piercem579
    @piercem579 Місяць тому

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

  • @Mark-sl2vo
    @Mark-sl2vo Місяць тому +15

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

    • @evillabrador1
      @evillabrador1 Місяць тому +4

      Steady. The Buffs!

    • @7ftmedic
      @7ftmedic Місяць тому +3

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

    • @peterbrazier7107
      @peterbrazier7107 Місяць тому

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

    • @grahambarber2766
      @grahambarber2766 Місяць тому +1

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

    • @gaughantony
      @gaughantony Місяць тому

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

  • @bob_the_bomb4508
    @bob_the_bomb4508 28 днів тому

    Like you say, it depends on how you define it. The first Royal Engineer came ashore with William the Conqueror

    • @redcoathistory
      @redcoathistory  27 днів тому

      Bit of a stretch that mate but I do like the idea of a video on the sappers. Thanks mate...any good sources you'd advise?

    • @bob_the_bomb4508
      @bob_the_bomb4508 27 днів тому

      @@redcoathistory His name was Bishop Gundolf. His first task was the construction of a set of prefabricated field defences on the beach to protect the beachhead. He was later responsible for the White Tower in the Tower of London.
      In terms of sources there’s the Corps History and you could also consult the RE Historical Society or the RE Museum at Brompton.

  • @user-ec7um1lq5d
    @user-ec7um1lq5d 6 днів тому

    you forgot the earl of osroesa heavy horse later to be called the life guards now united with the blues and royals to form the household cavelry

  • @johhnyschepers
    @johhnyschepers 27 днів тому

    History of the artist rifles please

  • @sidneyhall4076
    @sidneyhall4076 Місяць тому

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

  • @SeanRCope
    @SeanRCope Місяць тому

    My Regiment the fifth U.S. infantry (1804) third oldest active regiment. Proud Veteran and lifetime member of the 5th Infantry regiment association. “Follow me”