What is a Regiment? | British Infantry Organisation in the Revolutionary War

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  • Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
  • Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/BRANDONF - enter
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    This is the first part of a multi-video series that will cover the organization of the British army during the American War of Independence. In this first episode, we discuss the administrative side of things by going over the basic structure of the British army Regiment and some of its component parts.
    If you would like to support this content directly, please consider joining the channel Patreon at:
    / brandonf
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Primary Sources: All available free of charge at www.nativeoak.org/library
    - Bennett Cuthbertson's "A System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry"
    - The 1764 Manual Exercise
    - Lt Col. William Dalrymple's "Tacticks"
    - The Articles of War, 1778
    Secondary Sources: Listed links are Amazon affiliate links (no additional charge to you)
    - "With Zeal and with Bayonets Only," by Matthew Spring amzn.to/3JSwffi
    - "These Distinguished Corps," by Don Hagist amzn.to/3qHOP24
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Intro
    02:05 The Regiment
    11:05 The Sponsorship
    13:20 The Company
    18:45 The Squad
    25:25 Conclusion
    You can learn more at:
    www.nativeoak.org/
    If you'd like to support the channel, please consider giving on Patreon,
    / brandonf
    You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
    / thenativeoak
    / brandonfisichella

КОМЕНТАРІ • 295

  • @theministryforhistory
    @theministryforhistory 2 роки тому +249

    Now usually it would be a stupid question at an event - but this episode does indeed beg the question… is that fire real? 😂

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +137

      Oh boo, boo this man!

    • @kinggeorgeiii7515
      @kinggeorgeiii7515 2 роки тому +44

      Shame on you for asking such a question. Though, I do believe those reenactors are Confederates...

    • @thedamnyankee1
      @thedamnyankee1 2 роки тому +30

      No, the REAL question is "Where did you get that fire?"

    • @thefakeatun-sheifilms6184
      @thefakeatun-sheifilms6184 2 роки тому +37

      @@BrandonF I don't know, one thing I've always wondered about regiments is if they're hot in that?

    • @olafsson6431
      @olafsson6431 2 роки тому +8

      Forget the fire... how about the baby?!!!

  • @saadkhan1128
    @saadkhan1128 2 роки тому +78

    "For an outsider the british army is a single fighting force but in reality is a confaderation of many regiments"
    The opening of an olde documentary series in the highest traditions

  • @coltonfalletti6360
    @coltonfalletti6360 2 роки тому +95

    One small caveat, if I may. In May of 1772 the rank of Captain-Lieutenant was changed from being the senior Lieutenant to being equal in pay and seniority to a Captain. They kept the cool name, but now were actually treated as Captains. A Captain-Lieutenant's commission now had its own price too, more expensive than a Lieutenancy but a few pounds cheaper than a "full" Captaincy. When seniority was concerned, the date of a Captain's commission now began when they became Captain-Lieutenant.
    Ex. William Gore became Captain-Lieutenant of the 33rd on 6 January 1776, and became a "full" Captain on 17 August 1780. His seniority as a Captain, however, dates back to 6 Jan 1776.

  • @marxbruder
    @marxbruder 2 роки тому +61

    "basics of what the uniform looks like...will be centrally organized by the military..." *laughs/cries in Foppish Fourth's non-standard LI helmets, LI belting color, LI feathers, regimental bayonet carriage pattern, unlaced officers' uniforms, and battalion troops in scallop laced cocked hats*

    • @josephwalukonis9934
      @josephwalukonis9934 Рік тому +2

      Yes, these things did happen. Also, regiments were inspected by the Army and deviations from regulations were noted - typically, "hats too small," "coats too short," types of things. They also commented on the condition of the arms, accoutrements, drill and general impression of the soldiers - age, stature. The equipping was done at Regimental level so the Army would not step in and make corrections. The Colonel or other regimental staff would have to do this.

    • @West_Coast_Gang
      @West_Coast_Gang 11 місяців тому +1

      What da fourth doing

    • @marxbruder
      @marxbruder 11 місяців тому +1

      @Gallant_Great_Western I didn't even include the leather breeches for all ranks in the 1760's and the artillery company the regiment maintained in the early 1770's. Colonel Hodgson was incredibly extra.

  • @dernwine
    @dernwine 2 роки тому +25

    One way to see the effect of the Regimental System on the modern day British Army is to look at the lowest few ranks in the army:
    After passing out of training, one assumes the lowest rank in the army. That of Private.
    Unless you're in the following Regiments:
    The Royal Armoured Corps (Trooper)
    The Army Air Corps (Airtrooper)
    The Duke of Lancashire Regiment (Kingsman)
    The Special Air Service (Trooper)
    The Household Cavalry (Trooper)
    The Coldstream Guards (Guardsman)
    The Grenadier Guards (Guardsman)
    The Welsh Guards (Guardsman)
    The Irish Guards (Guardsman)
    The Scots Guards (Guardsman)
    The Royal Irish Regiment (Ranger)
    The Ranger Regiment (Ranger)
    The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Craftsman)
    The Royal Artillery Regiment (Gunner)
    The Royal Horse Artillery (Gunner)
    The Royal Engineers (Sapper)
    The Rifles (Rifleman)
    The Royal Gurkha Rifles (Rifleman)
    4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Highlander)
    2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Fusilier)
    The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Fusilier)
    The Royal Welsh Regiment (Fusilier)
    and
    The Royal Corps of Signals (Signaler)

  • @stevengoodloe3893
    @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому +112

    It is so eerie how similar their structure was to today's infantry units. A British private of the time would recognize the structure of the modern infantry squad. Separated by over 250 years and the roles of sergeants and corporals haven't changed a bit. The ratio of "good" soldiers to "bad" is measured the same. It's so strange.

    • @thealmightygonk2644
      @thealmightygonk2644 2 роки тому +16

      You should look at the Roman organizational system, this goes all the way back.

    • @stevengoodloe3893
      @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому +26

      @@thealmightygonk2644 You're absolutely right! The Romans even had battlefield medicine that would be familiar today. I forgot about the Romans. Thank you, Almighty Gonk.
      I suppose the video is more "relatable". Considering English language and whatnot.

    • @podemosurss8316
      @podemosurss8316 2 роки тому +9

      Wait until you find out that the Spanish Army keeps units that were established in the XVI century.

    • @stevengoodloe3893
      @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому +11

      @@podemosurss8316 Yes! The old Tercios!

    • @kevinlove4356
      @kevinlove4356 2 роки тому +14

      It is not strange at all. It is a matter of human evolutionary psychology. The human brain evolved to deal with certain group sizes. Those group sizes are reflected in the size of military units. Because military effectiveness is not about technology but about how effectively human beings can work together as a team.

  • @thetimeywimeycornerofhisto4954
    @thetimeywimeycornerofhisto4954 2 роки тому +87

    Videos lately:
    "firing drill"
    "organization"
    "Light infantry use"
    Yeah, Brandon is definitely not training up a personal army.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +53

      Of course not, definitely not, I'd never dream of such a thing...

    • @nottherealpaulsmith
      @nottherealpaulsmith 2 роки тому +17

      He's going to restore the colonies!

    • @vinz4066
      @vinz4066 2 роки тому

      Hes Planing to overthrow Putin in the Most fancy way posible.

    • @laserprop
      @laserprop 2 роки тому +6

      I always thought he was giving off funny vibes. Something about him screams "Militia Movement."
      And if you look VERY closely at the video, just off to the right is a Timothy McVeigh poster.

  • @steamengineshooray
    @steamengineshooray 2 роки тому +15

    6:45 Jonathan's acquired all the Regimental Drip.

    • @MrAwsomenoob
      @MrAwsomenoob 2 роки тому +9

      An important but unrecorded role was that of "regimental drip bearer" who's regalia was oft paraded at the head of the regiment to flex the regiments prestige over other formations of the army.

  • @Zajuts149
    @Zajuts149 2 роки тому +38

    Until 1751, regiments were referred to by they name of their colonel's name, and it was only then they got assigned a number. Many nation's had the same practice, and many nations only started using numbers to identify their regiments around the Napoleonic wars.

  • @jarongreen5480
    @jarongreen5480 2 роки тому +16

    Oh man! He's gone from a swagger cane to an intellectual chair and fire place! Stuff's getting real!

  • @darthcalanil5333
    @darthcalanil5333 2 роки тому +4

    British Regimental and Brigade system is the reason for half of my headache when trying to follow WW2 British units especially in comparison to all other armies

  • @podemosurss8316
    @podemosurss8316 2 роки тому +16

    Very interesting! In Spain we had a system more similar to the French, with an infantry regiment formed by a grenadier company plus two battalions (in some instances 3), with each battalion (1760) consisting on 1 grenadier company and 10 line infantry companies (natively called "riflemen companies"), with the grenadier companies consisting of 50 men, and the riflemen companies consisting on 40, for a total of 450 men per battalion and 1000 per regiment. Each company was subdivided in platoons of 10 soldiers and a sergeant, with each platoon consisting of 2 squads of 5 soldiers (one of which was a corporal). A cavalry regiment was formed out of 3 squadrons, each consisting of 4 companies of 32 men each (for a total of 384 per regiment). The artillery was organised on a regiment consisting of 3 battalions of 12 companies each: 3 artillery, 1 sappers and 8 riflemen companies, with each battalion acting as support for one of the three territorial armies: Aragón (eastern provinces), Extremadura (western provinces) and Andalucía (southern provinces). Instead of regimental colours, each battalion held three banners, standing for the country, regiment and battalion.
    Every infantry regiment had one surgeon assigned, with every squadron having one surgeon assigned for the cavalry.

  • @zach7193
    @zach7193 2 роки тому +36

    I find the organization and forming of units for the British army in the War of Independence as interesting.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +15

      You've found the perfect video, then!

  • @thekinginyellowmessiahofha6308

    This video was a godsend. I’m trying to figure out the logistics of a miniature war gaming army. I’m thinking of painting them as the 33rd.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  Рік тому +1

      33rd is an excellent choice of regiment!

    • @ronhall9394
      @ronhall9394 Рік тому +1

      @@BrandonF 5th is better....

  • @ChristheRedcoat
    @ChristheRedcoat 2 роки тому +20

    A very comprehensive video! Hopefully this clears up a lot of confusion.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +7

      The next one will be even more fun and confusing, with Sub and Grand Divisions!

  • @justdags6611
    @justdags6611 2 роки тому +14

    Always a pleasure to see a new video from you.
    God Save The King. 🇬🇧

  • @kinggeorgeiii7515
    @kinggeorgeiii7515 2 роки тому +49

    Brandon, I get quite excited when I see an upload of yours. Very informative, and very nicely done overall. Keep up the great work!
    Also, I do really like the setting in which you’re presenting.

    • @kinggeorgeiii7515
      @kinggeorgeiii7515 2 роки тому +11

      What I’m getting at, is MORE FIREPLACE

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +16

      Yeah, this sort of style is something that I'd like to start doing more of! All of these sets are going to become more detailed in future as I furnish my new place, but I think having three different styles (in chair, in office, and voiceover) helps to improve my performance with less cuts and adds visual variety.

    • @theenigmaticst7572
      @theenigmaticst7572 2 роки тому +5

      @@BrandonF I believe Brandon also meant to add "Your Majesty" to that last comment, your majesty... :P

    • @kinggeorgeiii7515
      @kinggeorgeiii7515 2 роки тому +5

      @@theenigmaticst7572 I think he did. What execution method do you suggest?

    • @samuelbousfield4342
      @samuelbousfield4342 2 роки тому +4

      @@kinggeorgeiii7515 Drawn and quartered should do nicely your Majesty

  • @Captain_Frank_Abagnale
    @Captain_Frank_Abagnale 2 роки тому +8

    To give a little insight into the “Hessian” units, they were fairly similar in strength, at least the Hesse-Kassel units were because of the numbers they deployed to America. I’m unsure if the British did this or not but the Germans stripped the regiments of the grenadier companies and formed them into ad hoc shock battalions so generally the regiments were smaller in size if I remember right. They also followed Prussian combat doctrine.
    All of their units were also normally named after their commanders ie Regiment Von Bose, Von Knyphousen etc. they also had traditional unit numbers too ie Von Bose is Musketier-Regiment nr. 8 officially. And yes Regiments of Foot were Musketeer Regiments in almost all of Germany. They also had Fusilier Regiments. The difference is fusiliers were generally the short guys, they wore short mitre helmets to make them seem taller but they served the same function as the infantry.
    The regiments were very flamboyant/old fashioned for the time in terms of dress. Bright colors, ie the HK Leib-Regiment wore bright yellow under clothes with a Prussian blue coat and very fancy tassels on the turn backs etc. There was one Fusilier Regiment which name escapes me that wore pink lol. However the units were very sharply dressed. Jägers wore green and red and used actual rifles. The later 18th century British Baker Rifle used by the green jackets is more or less a lighter copy of the Jägergewehr.
    The Brits, particularly Lord Cornwallis loved the Jäger Companies that he worked with. According to Captain Johann Von Ewald(the 2. Jägerkompanie Commander) in his war diary he shared somewhat of a personal friendship with Lord Cornwallis. Ewald literally wrote the book on light infantry and partisan warfare at the time.

    • @josephwalukonis9934
      @josephwalukonis9934 Рік тому +1

      Yes, the grenadier companies were formed into separate battalions. The British usually did the same with their grenadier and light infantry companies as well. The Hessians had a different number of companies per battalion - six rather than ten and down to five once the grenadiers were removed. Also, important to note that in battle the Hessian regiments operated in platoons and not companies. I believe each regiment was divided into 10 platoons.

  • @spacetexan1667
    @spacetexan1667 2 роки тому +7

    I never knew the drummers were under separate command! Very interesting 🤔 I really hope you do a follow up video on that!

  • @polygonalfortress
    @polygonalfortress 2 роки тому +5

    15:49 Brandon I'm not hearing the anthem of the froggies am I?

  • @voskee608
    @voskee608 2 роки тому +22

    hey! i want to compliment you on the editing of this video. A lot of care and work was put in to this, and it really made the viewing experience that much more enjoyable! And as always wonderful information

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +9

      I'll forward this along to my editor! It's a team effort with my videos now, where I provide instructions on what I want things to look like alongside images, and my editor (one of three of them!) will put everything together.

  • @benlewis4241
    @benlewis4241 Рік тому +1

    One thing I think you miss out is that operational realities really mean that the number of men in a company could really vary. Shockingly at this point fatalities in shipping troops to the West Indies were higher than those registered on slave ships of the time, and sickness and death on the journey to North America was also hardly uncommon. So many regiments recruited when they actually arrived in America to make up the numbers. Worn out regiments which had a low number of effectives would be posted to garrison or the lines of communication, sometimes shorn of their flank companies.

  • @tabletopgeneralsde310
    @tabletopgeneralsde310 2 роки тому +10

    Very nice start to this series. Looking forward to the next ones.

  • @jesseestrada8914
    @jesseestrada8914 2 роки тому +6

    I hope Brandon isn't offended but his commercial was the most entertaining part of the video

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +5

      To be fair, it's the only part where I tried to be funny, so it seems like it worked!

    • @jesseestrada8914
      @jesseestrada8914 2 роки тому +4

      @@BrandonF point taken! it was a wonderful video, but I was openly loudly laughing at your commercial.

  • @imbetterthanyou6927
    @imbetterthanyou6927 2 роки тому +4

    I actually sat through your ad. It was very compelling.

  • @Paul.M.
    @Paul.M. 2 роки тому +5

    Thank you! I have been waiting for such a video for some time now. Here's to part two and possibly more!

  • @JayEmSea
    @JayEmSea 2 роки тому +6

    Wonderfully produced vid Brandon, very informative and interesting.

  • @SultanOfAwesomeness
    @SultanOfAwesomeness 2 роки тому +1

    Bravo; this is one of the much more comprehensive and easy to access breakdowns on such a subject; stuff like this has confused me for a long time. What I’m understanding is that British regiments of the time were a lot more independent and self-sufficient than I originally thought. Thanks so much for your hard work (and for always throwing your sources in the description)!

  • @inspectorsupremoelecto9291
    @inspectorsupremoelecto9291 2 роки тому +1

    The way you are explaining it with the fire and everything makes it even better.

  • @rwbrown1904
    @rwbrown1904 2 роки тому +2

    Great to see my old unit, the 10th. Thank you for another great video!

  • @rincewindtwoflower3989
    @rincewindtwoflower3989 2 роки тому +1

    Really interesting video, looking forward to the upcoming videos

  • @jamesa.7604
    @jamesa.7604 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this video. This was very entertaining and educational. Answered several questions I have had since grade school.

  • @micahistory
    @micahistory 2 роки тому +1

    Wow this really puts into perspective how much goes on behind the scenes in war

  • @johnlogan697
    @johnlogan697 2 роки тому +1

    The SurfShark ad was my favourite part!

  • @MyelinProductions
    @MyelinProductions 2 роки тому +2

    Awesome. Thank you. Love the videos. Peace & Health

  • @RobertGrif
    @RobertGrif 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for making this video! I have always found British Army organization in this time period super-confusing, and this really clears a lot up!

    • @stephenmcdonald7908
      @stephenmcdonald7908 2 роки тому +2

      It's not really an army but a collection of warring tribes who hopefully fight on the same side in times of war.

  • @OctaBech
    @OctaBech 2 роки тому

    Yay, finally :D Been missing your ranting.

  • @alesd2120
    @alesd2120 2 роки тому +1

    Off topic: You are probably the only channel where I don't skip the advertisements - always great fun!

  •  2 роки тому +1

    Nice Video.
    Right when you think this guy couldnt get any more British, he goes and gets a fireplace and some classical background music :) Well done Sir !

  • @essexexile
    @essexexile 2 роки тому +1

    Only half way but had to say I’m happy you pronounced Lieutenant as “Leftenant”.

  • @richrumble
    @richrumble 2 роки тому

    Another great video. Thank-you.

  • @bomba1905
    @bomba1905 2 роки тому +5

    Finally, the organization video!

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +6

      Took a while, but the next in this series won't be far behind!

    • @maniacalmax9238
      @maniacalmax9238 2 роки тому +3

      @@BrandonF Thanks for making a video on the British Army’s organization during the American War of Independence. This video will now help me complete some research I am doing for my** virtual historical army group.

  • @JJfromPhilly67
    @JJfromPhilly67 2 роки тому +1

    Very interesting and very informative. Thank you so very much.

  • @charlesxii1228
    @charlesxii1228 2 роки тому +4

    Love you brandon, make more vids

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +3

      I'll be trying to! April should be a very productive month!

  • @secretagent86
    @secretagent86 Рік тому +1

    Very knowledgeable. Subscribed

  • @therainbowgulag.
    @therainbowgulag. 2 роки тому

    Another great video.

  • @Dreadnought586
    @Dreadnought586 2 роки тому

    Another greatly interesting video

  • @hizurumegumi5727
    @hizurumegumi5727 Рік тому

    This has given me writing ideas for my world.

  • @michaelsnyder3871
    @michaelsnyder3871 2 місяці тому

    The regiment and company were administrative units. For most regiments, there were ten companies, eight center (or hat) companies, one light company and one grenadier company. There were supposed to be two depot companies raised for the war, but most regiments never raised them. Some regiments raised more companies. The 71st (Fraser's Highlanders) raised twenty companies of 100 men each. Most line regiments were authorized increased strength for their companies, but most already deployed in America did not have the chance to recruit at home to bring them up to strength. When deployed to American, their flank companies were stripped away and the sixteen center companies organized as the 1st and 2d Battalion and colors issued. By the time the 1st Battalion was destroyed at Cowpens, the two battalions in aggregate minus their flank companies had less than 600 men. The 2d Battalion went into Guilford Courthouse with less than 300 rank and file. It then went on to be captured at Yorktown. It was rare for battalions of a regiment to serve together in the same brigade or even theater. This was the result of strategic and operational attrition. As strategic and operational wastage took its tole, at some time, the regiment would be withdrawn from operations and its still effective men drafted to other regiments and the cadre of officers and NCOs would be sent home to recruit. Sometimes a regiment which had been captured would have its officers and NCOs exchanged for Americans and then sent home to recruit the regiment back up to strength, as happened to the 7th Foot (Royal Fusiliers), captured along with their colors in Canada, recruited up to strength and then captured again with its colors and music at Cowpens. Men were sick and some died awaiting transport, then on the trip to America. Campaigning in the American South led to sickness, injuries, some detachments and desertions. During the American War, the grenadier and light companies were stripped away and converged into independent battalions, though the regiment was still responsible for maintaining the strength of their flank companies. The two flank companies had a higher priority for replacements than the center companies. These battalions usually had four light or four grenadier companies. None of the four companies of the light battalion destroyed at Cowpens under Tarleton were from battalions serving in Cornwallis' army. While the "converged" light companies rarely carried colors, the grenadier battalions often did so. While light infantry could skirmish or operate in "ordre disbande", light infantry was mostly used for raids and quick tactical ops, like Gray's surprise of Wayne's brigade. at Paoli, "la Guerriere petite" as the French called it. The Loyalist regiments mainly followed the British example. There were variations such as the British Legion and the Queen's Rangers (Butler's), which included light infantry, rifles, Highlanders and light dragoons.
    The tactical units under the 1764 regulations which were derived from an earlier version of Prussian drill were the battalion and the platoon. While there were ten companies in a regiment, there were eight maneuver and fire elements in a battalion. As it was, with the flank companies detached, the regiment made up a single battalions of eight fire and maneuver elements based on the eight center companies. One task of the regimental adjutant was to parade the regiment at the start of a campaign and whenever possible and cross-level manpower to try and equalize the strengths of the companies so that the fire and maneuver elements were approximately the same size to make executing drill such as column to line and back easier. And, of course, the methods of giving fire would include by platoon and element/company in succession from the flanks inward.
    As it was, it was found that battalions larger than 300 files in two ranks were difficult to manage on the battlefield when communications were limited to drum and voice. A veteran, trained regiment of 400 rank and file was far more combat effective to a newly arrived regiment with 700-1000 rank and file. Von Steuben's instructions was that a battalion should not exceed 180 files or form less than 90. Units too small were to be converged or used outside the line of battle. Battalions that exceeded 180 files were to be divided into two battalions with four companies and eight platoons.

  • @saltyscotsman8319
    @saltyscotsman8319 2 роки тому +2

    Yes Brandon yes!

  • @stevengoodloe3893
    @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому +5

    This is terribly interesting. A British company of the time was the same size as a modern American infantry platoon. A regiment of the British Army of the time was small than a modern American infantry battalion. I'm sure the Contenintal Army and later US Army was similarly structured. I'd love to learn about the evolution leading up to the present day.

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 2 роки тому +1

      I wouldn't assume it's the same now, but when I was in the Marines in the 1970's infantry was organized like so:
      A platoon= 40 men. Commanded by a second or first lieutenant.
      A company= 160 men. Commanded by a captain.
      A battalion= 480 to 500 men. Commanded by a lieutenant colonel.
      A regiment= 1500 men. Commanded by a colonel.
      Mind you, all of the above are a "more or less" situation but essentially correct.

    • @stevengoodloe3893
      @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому

      @@wayneantoniazzi2706 DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that I come off as condescending in my comments. I've tried not to sound that way now. The following is meant as a clarification.
      I was speaking relative to the size of US Army Infantry echelons today. I spent 2003 to 2012 in the Regular Army and have been in the Guard every since. I did kinda jump the gun on the comment, though. I posted at about the mid-point of the video so I had to immediately eat crow.
      The unit strength you described are essentially the same for the Army today. The only difference is that we generally don't use regiments anymore as an administrative or tactical unit; there are at least four exceptions in the Regular Army.
      It's interesting the the Marines have a platoon "commander". In the Army we have platoon "leaders". The Army's rational being, since a PL does not have command authority, he cannot "command" a platoon.

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 2 роки тому

      @@stevengoodloe3893 Don't worry brother, you didn't sound condescending to me at all! You were just making an observation.
      "Platoon commander" vs "Platoon leader?" Just semantics when you come down to it, both have the same jobs anyway. Both are a lot more dignified-sounding than "MFIC!"
      And back in my day a Marine regiment was definately an administrative and tactical unit, we also had deployable units called "RLT's" or "Regimental Landing Teams," also "Battalion Landing Teams." As I said I'm not sure what's used now. Probably not too much different, the Corps never changes!
      And thanks for your service and keeping the faith!

    • @stevengoodloe3893
      @stevengoodloe3893 2 роки тому

      @@wayneantoniazzi2706 Oh, good! I didn't want to start shit. But yeah, it's just semantics and terminology. Thanks for your service as well!

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 2 роки тому

      @@stevengoodloe3893 Thanks, I appreciate the sentiment!

  • @user-rm9qs4hz1p
    @user-rm9qs4hz1p 17 днів тому

    A very good informative video, loved it. And very helpful.
    My main hobby is painting historic miniatures and I’m jumping into the AWI. Always love learning the details from videos like these.
    Thank you

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  17 днів тому +1

      I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for your kind comment.

  • @oliversherman2414
    @oliversherman2414 11 днів тому +1

    Very interesting video

  • @lukedelport8231
    @lukedelport8231 2 роки тому

    Great video sir top class

  • @micahistory
    @micahistory 2 роки тому

    very interesting topic

  • @drmminc192
    @drmminc192 Місяць тому

    Former 23rd grenadier here. I noticed in my own research that the flank coys took a beating at Lexington but made a repeat appearance at bunker hill months later. Loosing a lot of men in both action they had somehow fielded over 70 men in the following year in just the grenadiers! Considering the organization was only 50 in wartime and 36 in 1775 prior to the war I can’t help but wonder where they were getting these men and if they really existed??

  • @ktcd1172
    @ktcd1172 2 роки тому +4

    For someone whose branch of service tended to view the Army and Marines as "Strange Breeds of Cats" I am quite surprised that the number of unit members at the "Worker Bee" level was only about the size of what we normally view as the small unit level, the squadron. But then again, you did say that the Regiment was the Basic Administrative Unit of the British Army at that time. While we did have smaller detached units (Flights and Detachments) a squadron was around 500 - 600 personnel. I guess that I just never looked at the situation in that way before.

    • @Darqshadow
      @Darqshadow Рік тому

      I must ask, what's your branch?

    • @ktcd1172
      @ktcd1172 Рік тому

      @@Darqshadow USAF 1972 - 1985

  • @adrianburchell8075
    @adrianburchell8075 Рік тому +1

    I am more knowledgable about Napoleonic British regiments and/or battalions, thanks to the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwall and one point I would question is the regiment. In the Napoleonic wars, the Regiment was is as you described, but many regiments had 2 or more battalions and a few had only one battalion. The Regimental administrative centre and recruitment/training centres were in Britain, with the Battalion doing the admin thing you were describing, with usually one battalion at least abroad and depending on number of battalions in the regiment, you may have one battalion in Canada and another in India with a smaller battalion back home. A Napoleonic battalion was supposed to be 1000 men strong in 100 man companies, but with illness, combat and desertions, battalions were usually 600- 800 men strong at start of deployment, but rarely stay that way. I believe in World War One, the company was 150- to 200 men? Unsure about that. A modern battalion consist of 650 men, similar to Napoleonic times, but with fewer companies. 5?

    • @terrybarrett2368
      @terrybarrett2368 Рік тому

      You are correct, and it was the same during the period he is talking about

  • @Riceball01
    @Riceball01 2 роки тому +6

    You are correct that Briotish officers would be expected to buy their own swords.However, for what I' know, by at least the 1800s, the British military had established patterns of swords for all branches of the military. So, even though an officer had to buy their own sword, they couldn't just by any sword they wanted, it had to be the pattern (or model) authorized for their branch, or it at least had to look regulation when sheathed. But I can't say wether or not this was the case during the period you are talking about, all I know is that small swords seemed to be all the rage amonst infantry officers, but I don't know if a specific pattern for an infantry officer's small; sword existed or not. That's something you should consult and maybe do a claob with Matt Easton on.

    • @chroma6947
      @chroma6947 2 роки тому +1

      Regulation patterns started in 1780s most common swords used by infantry were hangers spadroons and in some cases smallswords. Then for cavalry basket hilts and sabers

    • @Riceball01
      @Riceball01 2 роки тому

      @@chroma6947 So after the period Brandon is covering then. Gotcha,. Good to know and thanks for the info. Also, thanks for the reminder about spadroons, I totally forgot about them, probably because I've known about smallswords for far longer than spadroons and I forget that they were used by the military more than the smallsword.

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA Рік тому

      I mean, even now it's kinda like that: you can buy your own 545 AK or 556 AR for war, paint it custom and put on crowdfunded optics, but don't expect your unit to keep supplying you with caseless ammo and spare mags for something more exotic (see recent viral trench video: yellow AK74 with holo sights still having a Soviet Bakelite mag), there are always SOME regulations... even back then in ancient times before drones, samurai owned (so bought or inherited) their swords (and women, daggers), yet they had standard measurements, styles, sizes and even sheath and sash regs. You won't see many British officers of men in tights period fielding a katana or machete anymore than you'd see a Sengoku samurai with a kilij or shamshir.

  • @johntaylor7029
    @johntaylor7029 2 роки тому

    Ok, when did you upgrade to doing videos next to a fire, in a chair like a gentleman of old? Amazing, love the channel.

  • @promiscuous5761
    @promiscuous5761 2 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @micahistory
    @micahistory 2 роки тому

    very informative, I never knew how the british army was organised

  • @PeterSt1954
    @PeterSt1954 2 роки тому

    Thanks!

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому

      And thank you! That is very generous!

  • @generalaigullletes5830
    @generalaigullletes5830 2 роки тому +1

    THANK YOU FOR THE LIBRARY AT "THE NATIVE OAK", BRANDON! :DD
    also happy late birthday my boy

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +2

      You're welcome and thank you! I am actually planning to revamp it over the next few days, to have a lot more documents and be better organized. I'll make a community post when it is done!

    • @generalaigullletes5830
      @generalaigullletes5830 2 роки тому

      @@BrandonF Nice!

    • @mateuszwisniewska1848
      @mateuszwisniewska1848 2 роки тому

      @@BrandonF Hell yes

  • @Quincy_Morris
    @Quincy_Morris 4 місяці тому

    There should be a strategy game where you manage a regiment or company and have to make all these hard choices of where to assign different soldiers based on their skills, experience, discipline and quirks.

  • @jeffreyrobinson3555
    @jeffreyrobinson3555 2 роки тому +1

    Lordy that’s was as clear as mud
    Still informative

  • @DaSaintDemon
    @DaSaintDemon 2 роки тому

    Now i want another video about drummers and fifers organization

  • @cadeowens8338
    @cadeowens8338 4 місяці тому

    Best history teacher ever

  • @DelDel__
    @DelDel__ 2 роки тому +1

    I appreciate the video, only just started being interested in history again and whenever I read book about military history I realised that the author apparently expects you to know all of this already (and many more basics) and I never had a clear view on the structure. They might give you some basic terminology here and there, but the explanation wasn't too comprehensive either.

  • @brad4268ify
    @brad4268ify 2 роки тому

    In marching in column You would normally have the shortest men at the front to set the Pace and the taller men at the rear

  • @siamlawma
    @siamlawma 5 місяців тому

    in a British style regimental system, an infatry does not denote size(units and formations) period nor a regimental center HQ have the operational authority

  • @skootmeister3994
    @skootmeister3994 2 роки тому

    Eyyyyyyyy new vid

  • @centurionedward2934
    @centurionedward2934 2 роки тому

    Will we get a video about certain regiments example 27th Coldstream etc etc

  • @TheFarOffStation
    @TheFarOffStation 2 роки тому +13

    This is a great video, old boy! It really helps breakdown and explain British Army mumbo jumbo, which at first glance, can be quite confusing!

    • @kinggeorgeiii7515
      @kinggeorgeiii7515 2 роки тому +4

      It’s you! It’s the guy that made the only video about Canadian kit on UA-cam!

    • @TheFarOffStation
      @TheFarOffStation 2 роки тому

      @@kinggeorgeiii7515 I’m still a little bewildered by the fact there isn’t more on Canadian stuff out there; considering their large contributions to the world.

  • @brichalfant6127
    @brichalfant6127 2 роки тому +1

    Please do elaborate on musician status within a regiment in future. And if you need someone outside the fife/drum spectrum, I'm the piper for my group and have some resources on bagpiping within the Scottish regiments and companies.

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA Рік тому

      I think nowadays soldiers use hardbass and some electronic remixes for their TikToks, I really don't suggest bringing a bagpipe into a trench smh... XD

  • @CivilWarWeekByWeek
    @CivilWarWeekByWeek 2 роки тому +3

    Org chart time!

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +1

      It's always the best time!

  • @ryanjapan3113
    @ryanjapan3113 2 роки тому

    Yes!

  • @701duran
    @701duran 2 роки тому +1

    Great video as always.... God save the king

  • @milkduds1001
    @milkduds1001 Рік тому

    Honestly, even today (at least in the US Army), a lot of manuals are still just suggestions.
    We have two distinctions. Regulations and Doctrine.
    Regulations are things like how to properly wear the uniform (even that can vary, look up US Modern Cavalry, spurs and Stetsons are technically not allowed by regulation).
    Doctrine is how to fight and how to conduct operations.
    What’s the big difference? You can be legally punished under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for failing to follow a regulation. You CAN NOT be legally punished for disobeying doctrine.

  • @Nikolapoleon
    @Nikolapoleon 2 роки тому +1

    I've been to reenactments. I know for a fact that a regiment in them days was like... fifteen guys.

  • @michaelnewton5873
    @michaelnewton5873 2 роки тому +2

    The post revolutionary American Army didn't have a manuel until Hardee's tactics. Used by both armies in the Civil War.

    • @TchaikovskyFDR
      @TchaikovskyFDR 2 роки тому +2

      The Continental Army used Pickering's "An Easy Plan of Discipline for a Militia" published 1775; which was an adaption from Townshend & Windham's "A Plan of Discipline for the Use of The Norfolk Militia" of 1759 and the 1764 "Manual Exercise, with Explanations, as Ordered by His Majesty"
      In 1779 the Continental Army adopted Von Steuben's "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States"

  • @jonathanpickles2946
    @jonathanpickles2946 2 роки тому

    Some regiments, Guards I believe, still use the flank company designations instead of A B C etc. (or did 30 years ago I hazily remember).
    Colonels could be outside the regular military altogether not just in other roles. This is sort of continued with current Colonels In Chief like the Queen.

  • @ethandodd80
    @ethandodd80 2 роки тому

    Not sure if I missed this in the video, but do you have an idea when the companies were reformed into platoons? Did they hold this same structure throughout the Napoleonic and crimean wars?

  • @averycrowe3623
    @averycrowe3623 2 роки тому

    Question what do you mean the companies and regiments were administrative formations and not combat. Would the the fact that the army was divided into regiments easier for the generals to control during battle and the same for companies on the regimental level.

  • @Glen_lastname
    @Glen_lastname 2 роки тому

    12:19 "minimal"😂

  • @noahrichards8459
    @noahrichards8459 2 роки тому

    Alright I've got a question; was it entirely uncommon for the captain of a flank company to merit or purchase the rank of major?

  • @mateuszwisniewska1848
    @mateuszwisniewska1848 2 роки тому +1

    Hey mate can ya make video about howitzers or about british colonization in africa or India or maybe samurai civil war

    • @vinz4066
      @vinz4066 2 роки тому

      Howitzers would be very interesting

  • @thegamerandfriends6597
    @thegamerandfriends6597 Рік тому

    I’m looking into joining the 23rd foot, is it worth it?

  • @SpikoniaMusic
    @SpikoniaMusic 2 роки тому +1

    Is that the Chant Du Depart 18:47

  • @nathangreig5884
    @nathangreig5884 5 місяців тому

    I only served in cadets but our chaplain was the most incredible man, I feel the chaplain is one of the most important rolls In a regiment. I'm not a religious man but I still hope that the chaplain or some other pray for my soul

  • @billmiller4972
    @billmiller4972 Рік тому +2

    I prefer the Roman way:
    Decurio: commanding ten men
    Centurio: commanding hundred men
    Millurio: commanding thousand men
    😉

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA Рік тому

      That's the organization we had at Maidan in 2014. A Sotnik commanding 100s of people, and Tysiachnik a 1000, it worked really well for self-organized Revolution, but it won't help fighting the biggest country in the world, so we are back to ole batallion/regiment/company style organization. For the army. Was tons of volunteer bats back then, all reorganized under proper command now. Even that is split between army, police, border guards and territorial defense units. Some of those under different (internal affairs or defense) ministries too.

  • @stevenpremmel4116
    @stevenpremmel4116 2 роки тому

    Good video and the native oak website is useful. The phrase "the national good" makes my skin crawl a bit, but I take your point.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +1

      Hah, yeah I guess I can see that. Do you have any different phrases that would get the idea across more succinctly? I wouldn't mind changing it, I just couldn't think of a better way to get across the idea.

    • @stevenpremmel4116
      @stevenpremmel4116 2 роки тому

      @@BrandonF Was it a commonly used phrase in the 18th century? If so I think it's fine really and I'm just reading it from a modern viewpoint.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому

      @@stevenpremmel4116 No, it's not meant to sound 18th Century really. It was just the best way I could think of to say, "things that make the country better for its reputation and people etc. etc. etc."

    • @stevenpremmel4116
      @stevenpremmel4116 2 роки тому

      @@BrandonF Fair enough. I've been thinking about how else it could be worded and I'm a bit stumped. I know what you're trying to say though. I'd suggest something like "we seek to increase the accessibility of our military cultural heritage through the promotion of historiography." I know that's not quite right though.

  • @West_Coast_Gang
    @West_Coast_Gang 2 роки тому +1

    Do a video on drum and fife calls please
    Edit: I heard the anthem of the first French empire, Brandon why are you playing french piano songs

  • @knutzzl
    @knutzzl 2 роки тому

    Which is longer?18th century book titles or manga light novel titals?

  • @leojordan5119
    @leojordan5119 2 роки тому

    5:06 what painting is this

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  2 роки тому +1

      "Colonel George Townshend's 1st or West Norfolk Militia Regt" c1759-63 by David Morier

  • @maximillianhovar5877
    @maximillianhovar5877 7 місяців тому +1

    Is there one of these for the continental forces

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  7 місяців тому +1

      Not as of right now at least, no.

    • @maximillianhovar5877
      @maximillianhovar5877 7 місяців тому +1

      @@BrandonF thanks! Great video btw!

  • @micahistory
    @micahistory 2 роки тому

    Please visit Micahistory 2, it would mean a lot!

  • @drahcir8402
    @drahcir8402 2 роки тому

    This has made some episodes of Sharp make much more sense.

  • @HamburgerMan-ch1od
    @HamburgerMan-ch1od 4 місяці тому

    Nit sure if you will see this, but your website with primary sources does not work properly. When you enter the library and select “the long 18th century”, the links do not show up.

    • @BrandonF
      @BrandonF  4 місяці тому

      Indeed I do see it! When you go to the site, make sure to scroll past the 'recommended reading' section and down to the 'PDF Library' which will be a separate kind of menu on the same page. It's possible that an ad blocker will prevent you from seeing it. If you still can't click through the folders and to the section you want, please reply here to let me know.

    • @HamburgerMan-ch1od
      @HamburgerMan-ch1od 4 місяці тому

      @@BrandonF Thank you so much for responding!
      I have found the PDFs and they do work as intended. Thanks a million.

  • @crazysithslave
    @crazysithslave 2 роки тому

    Regiment of music will be amazing!