For hundreds of years, the distinctive red coat that gave British troops their nickname was synonymous with an ideal of military discipline, tactical prowess and the (sometimes misplaced) might of empire. Now, discover the historical roots of the iconic redcoat, from their tentative beginnings in the Irish rebellions of the Elizabethan era to the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell, its role in the Restoration of the British monarchy, and how this standing army became the scarlet-clad fighting force famed for engagements the world over, from the shores of the British Isles to Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Learn about some of the British Army’s greatest victories and most disastrous defeats, explore the theatres of war that they were deployed to, and discover how the memory of the brave redcoat and what he stood – and was prepared to die – for has informed British military and royal tradition to this day.
WELCOME TO HISTORY WAR REDCOATS
All About History Book of Red Coats
REIGN OF THE REDCOAT • For more than three centuries, the red coat has been indicative of the British Army and its prowess as a military force
REDCOAT MARCH THROUGH TIME
THE NEW MODEL CROMWELL’S REBEL ARMY • This first professional standing army conquered all before it, launching Britain on the path towards global domination
THE ORIGINAL REDCOATS • Parliament’s elite soldiers were the first to officially wear the uniform soon to be known the world over
WINNING TACTICS AT DUNBAR • A tired and hungry New Model Army triumphed against the odds with the help of daring leadership and some rousing hymn singing
REVOLUTIONARY ARMS • The New Model was a hive of political dissent calling for democratic rights 150 years before the American and French Revolutions
THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS • Despite being one of the most prestigious regiments that protect the royal family, the Coldstream Guards are ironically revolutionary in origin
THE BATTLE OF NASEBY • VILLAGE OF NASEBY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SATURDAY 14 JUNE 1645
POWER AND PURPOSE • The New Model Army reached its zenith as a military and political organisation with the Interregnum but faded with the coming of the Restoration
THE NEW MODEL ARMY MARCHES
ONCE AND FUTURE FIGHTING FORCE • The strength of the British Army ebbed and flowed from the Restoration through the Glorious Revolution and the reign of William and Mary
EVOLUTION OF AN ARMY
BRITISH ARMY EQUIPMENT • Between 1808-14, British soldiers were laden with a wide range of weapons and equipment that enabled them to perform their duties to deadly effect
TIMELINE OF THE… COLDSTREAM GUARDS • One of Britain’s oldest regiments has served republic, king and country for over three centuries
GUARDING THE WORLD • For centuries, the Coldstreamers have played a pivotal role across the globe
HEROES OF THE GUARD • Some of the British army’s most gifted commanders and fearless soldiers have left their mark on the regiment over the centuries
THE DEFENCE OF HOUGOUMONT • During the decisive land battle of the Napoleonic Wars, the Coldstreamers earned their most celebrated battle honour against overwhelming odds
CHANGING OF THE GUARD • One of the British army’s oldest regiments has a 369-year history fighting for crown and country
DECISION AMONG THE DUNES • An army of English Protestants and French Catholics soundly defeated the combined arms of a Spanish and Royalist force near the port of Dunkirk
TIMELINE OF DUNES AND TIDES
BLENHEIM • Seeking to head off a Franco-Bavarian army threatening Vienna, the Duke of Marlborough unfurls a bold but brilliant plan
DECISION ON THE DANUBE • SEEKING TO HEAD OFF A FRANCO-BAVARIAN ARMY THREATENING VIENNA, THE DUKE OF...
