You couldn't make it up! The extraordinary life of a Victorian Soldier
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- One of the most fascinating British characters of the Victorian era. Some say he was the inspiration for George MacDonald Fraser's brilliant and hilarious character, Flashman. But who was he and why was his life so extraordinary? Let's find out.
Also, I have been receiving messages regarding my sources on the Sikh Empire of the time. My main sources were Tartan Turban by John Keay and The History Of Reigning Family Of Lahore by Carmichael Smyth. archive.org/de...
If you disagree with things I say in this video then that's perfectly fine but please supply legitimate sources and not knee jerk emotions. I'm here for friendly exchanges of knowledge, not for arguing. "They were written by the British" is factually correct and I'll take that on the chin, but its also not the strongest of arguments.
Below are the links to the other books I used for my research. Some are Amazon links, if you purchase via these then Amazon throw me a few cents in change.
Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game - amzn.to/3jHWIE3
John Kaye, Lives of Indian officers - free download - archive.org/de...
Karl Meyer, Tournament of Shadows - amzn.to/3X58neA
Patrick McCrory, Signal Catastrophe - amzn.to/3ZbHabX
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redc...
The downfall of man a good man: chasing skirts. What a personality, a class episode!
Excellent video Chris - as usual!
I'd heard of Burnes being called 'Sikunder' Burnes (local form of 'Alexander') but not 'Bokhara' Burnes. However, the latter makes sense due to his epic journey to that city.
Thanks Douglas. Really glad you enjoyed the video. Yes he was also sometimes known as ‘Sikunder’ tho in Britain ‘Bokhara’ Burnes was more usual 👍🏼
@@redcoathistory Thanks for the clarification Chris.
I travelled through the Khyber Pass in 1975. No armed guards but, even then the threat was palpable. Of course, not as dangerous as it was 200 years ago but the long rifles were everywhere. I wonder what it’s like now.
It was 'safe' in the 1980s. The Brits were quite popular then it being the time of the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. But as you pointed out, weapons weren't in short supply. It was as well to be polite. I don't think I'd risk it now.
Best wishes.
The age old advice nobody ever takes seriously until it’s far too late. Do not touch the local women. Don’t even look at the local women. Don’t do it. And honestly all of us can understand both sides of this issue.
It is wise to learn the language of your enemy. If you are captured one is usually treated better if you can speak their language.
I do see some plot elements from ''Flashman and the Tiger.'' Unfortunately this is not a comedy, and no implausible escape. Too often Tragedy is the Reality.
And a young subaltern, a dispatch rider who rode a horse rather well and cut a dashing figure, was there as a witness to later write it down for posterity. Harry Flashman, Victorian adventurer and hero.
An excellent story thanks! Never heard of this fellow Scot. Too bad he met an untimely end. Think he took his eye off the ball and failed to heed the good advice of his friend!
Cheers to Mr. Burns ,another great British hero , lost an ineffectual local commander , a meddling Russian influence ,and local fanatics...good story . Thanks
Bro be like: flirting with Muslim Afghan women seems fun what possibly can go wrong anyway???
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Mohan Lal (non-Afghan, non-Muslim) had "very" clear idea about what was going to happen.
What a great story, of a great aventurer, thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks mate
Heading to the Cantonment would have likely just delayed the inevitable. Elphinstone was a colossal idiot. The Retreat from Kabul was a horrible, unavoidable tragedy.
I've heard Sir Harry Smith eas a model for Flashman? Anyone know?
He would also be a great episode.
Hi - I will defintely do something on Smith one day though I'll be honest I dont see him in anyway a Flashman like character. I have a video coming up on Colonel Fred Burnaby who is probably a better model for Flashman...Watch this space.
That was a great yarn mate. What a great man Mr Burns hey
Thanks. He was an absolute stud! 💪🏼
Burnes was in the very first Flashman book.
Wow! What a guy; what a story! I saluted Burns with you with a drink, as well. Thank you!
Brilliant thanks Keith. Glad you liked the film and raised a glass to a truly interesting and brave man.
English exceptionalism and chairborne warriors did for him then
'Shagger' now there's an exalted title we can all aspire too
To anyone on here that really liked this story, there’s a two part documentary on here called The Great Game, a BBC documentary and you’ll recognize the host. Anyone finds any good in depth Alexander Burns videos please let me know in the replies. Thanks.
Well shown
🇮🇪🎊🎉🎂🎁
He would still have had to get out of Afghanistan - but that's another story.
Ah.. don't denigrate another man's women. Regardless of culture. Toast if you choose. Watched in entirety.
Love me some Flashman, great books.
Got them all, read them many times, but I don't remember Burns being mentioned in "Flashman" but definitely in "Flashman in the Great Game"
@@hellohandsome9875 Been decades, no clue. Regardless, great books.
7:40 I don’t know bro you ain’t been butchered in the streets by the locals yet so in my eyes you’re still a head of Burns 😂
Fingers crossed it stays that way!
I'm reading The Great Game by Peter Hopkirk, features Burnes and more, great to find your channel!
He should have pushed for keeping Dost Mohammed on board, he already had a good relationship with him, exiles are never respected by the populace their often seen as puppets.
Also, he always respected and listened to the locals but paid no attention to his old friend and guide.
Rory Stewart had a good Documentary on the Great Game that covered Burns, not as in depth but good additional info
Excellent video. This type of stuff appeals to me. Very informal and educational.
Thanks, Richard.
Fascinating life story! Well I have a thought about is success he was scottish that was one of factors 😂
You’re on your way to be the next History Chap! Great work. Or Felton
Fantastic video! Great job! Old Flashy would be proud!
Great story and excellent video ................. thank you
Thanks a lot. Did you know much about Burnes before?
@@redcoathistory To my shame never heard of the gentleman. I have only just found your channel and it has sparked an interest in this history of warfare. My interest is the Peninsular wars as an expat living in Spain it has always interested me.
We, the spanish comunity, need spanish subtitles
If I had the time then I would love to help. Maybe one day.
'Adventurer, spy, shagger.' I am watching this at nearly two o'clock in the morning and this cracked me up so badly my stomach hurts! 😂
@@windalfalatar333 Ha ha glad to hear it! Hope you had a good night.
Chris , I have only recently discovered you pod . and wonderful it is . A suggestion , one that you may have covered already . Ulsterman Robert " Rollo " Gillespie another Boys Own hero of the East Indian Company.
Thanks James. I will look him up 👍🏼
Have now looked him up. Certainly an interesting man and have added his story to my list 👍🏼
Love your stuff its awesome wish i had a history teacher like you christian parkinson fascinating awesome
Thanks a lot!
When the british were British. ❤ to Israel 🇮🇱 🏴🇺🇲
David Petraeus didn't make his mistake.
Kim is where my thoughts went.
7:40 I don’t know bro you ain’t been butchered in the streets by the locals yet so in my eyes you’re still a head of Burns 😂
Luckily not yet! 😅
@@redcoathistory my ex-girlfriend once told me there are 3G’s that can bring down a great man
Greed
Glory
Girls
I looked at the downfall of great men in history and it’s true you can trace the downfall back to these three categories 😂
Having an exciting life does not make up for dying early. I have had an incredible life but am still kicking. I was not stupid. I even knew Hitler's best friend from when he was in the Army.
A simple 'thank you', Chris.
I look forward to each new episode.
Thanks a lot Robert. Appreciate you letting me know.
@@redcoathistory
No problem.
Your channel started off great and keeps getting better. I love that - maybe it’s the inveterate teacher in me… 😂
Lol
yes related to this gentleman, the correct way to pronounce his/my name is Bur ness not Burns
I just finished reading Dalrymple's - Return of a King, about the fate of Britain's first foray into Affghanistan. 'Ksander Burns' along with many others meets a very grisly end indeed. The entire adventure led to the almost complete annihilation of the East Indian Army and Burns' life and fate is documented in detail by many writers of the era including his good friend Mohan Lal who witnessed his final demise.
Enjoy the film 👍🏼
Now I have to watch “carry on up the kyber!”
Just search UA-cam - you’ll find the entire movie!
Superb episode and dashing facial hair !
Ha ha thanks a lot. Glad you like the facial hair 😂👍🏼
Really interesting, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Shagger!😂😂😂
:-)
Excellent episode! Thanks!
Thanks a lot. It was fascinating to research this amazing man.
A great story brought to light. Thank you.
Thanks mate. This was a really fun one to research and make
Sekunder!!!!!
Splendid sir…huzzah!
Shabash!