Throughout its long history, the British Army has fought against some of the most formidable opponents in the world. From the forests of North America to the battlefields of India, New Zealand and Europe, British soldiers have faced armies with very different weapons, tactics, traditions and approaches to warfare.
But how did the redcoats actually compare with their enemies? What made the British Army so effective on some battlefields, and why did it struggle so badly on others?
These are the questions behind The British Army vs…, an ongoing Redcoat History YouTube series sponsored by Osprey Publishing.
The idea is simple. Rather than looking at a battle purely from the British perspective, we examine both sides. We compare weapons, equipment, training, tactics, leadership and fighting qualities to understand what made these armies effective and how they adapted to overcome their opponents.
Sometimes the British enjoyed a clear advantage. On other occasions, their enemies proved remarkably innovative, forcing the redcoats to rethink how they fought.
Above all, the series aims to move beyond the familiar myths of military history and give both sides the credit they deserve.
Supported by Osprey Publishing
I’m delighted that this series is sponsored by Osprey Publishing, one of the best-known names in military history.
For decades, Osprey has published beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched books covering armies, campaigns, weapons and battles from across the world.
Their books have long been a useful resource for military history enthusiasts, researchers and anyone interested in understanding how soldiers fought and lived.
It’s a natural partnership for Redcoat History, and Osprey’s support helps make this series possible.
You can explore their extensive military history catalogue at www.ospreypublishing.com.
Watch the British Army vs… Series
Here are the episodes published so far, covering more than a century of British military history.
1. The Forgotten Story of How the Redcoats Learned to Fight in America
The French and Indian War presented the British Army with a very different kind of battlefield.
Accustomed to European-style warfare, British soldiers found themselves fighting in dense North American forests against opponents who made devastating use of ambushes, concealment and mobility.
The disastrous Battle of Monongahela exposed some of the difficulties the redcoats faced. But rather than simply accepting defeat, the British gradually adapted.
This episode examines how British tactics evolved during the conflict, the challenges of fighting Native American warriors and how the army learned to operate effectively in the wilderness.
It’s a fascinating story of an army forced to rethink its approach to warfare.
Watch: The Forgotten Story of How the Redcoats Learned to Fight in America
2. How Did They Beat the French Over and Over Again? (Napoleonic Wars)
Napoleon’s cavalry was among the finest in Europe, renowned for its speed, aggression and ability to shatter enemy formations.
Yet during the Peninsular War, relatively small British forces repeatedly managed to defeat formidable French mounted troops.
How did they do it?
This episode explores the fighting between British and French cavalry in Spain, examining the tactics, training and qualities that helped the British achieve some remarkable successes against Napoleon’s horsemen.
Watch: How Did They Beat the French Over and Over Again?
3. The Brutal Māori Battles That Shocked the British Army
When British troops arrived in northern New Zealand in 1845, they encountered an enemy whose ingenuity and defensive tactics would prove a serious challenge.
During the Flagstaff War, also known as Hōne Heke’s War or the Northern War, Māori warriors demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of fortified warfare.
Their carefully constructed pā incorporated sharpened timber walls, trenches, loopholes and underground shelters, providing effective protection against British firepower.
This episode examines the fighting at Kororāreka, Ōhaeawai and Ruapekapeka, comparing British and Māori tactics and exploring the lessons the redcoats learned.
It’s a story of courage, innovation and a British Army struggling to overcome an opponent that refused to fight on its terms.
Watch: The Brutal Māori Battles That Shocked the British Army
4. How the Redcoats Beat the Formidable Sikh Army
The Anglo-Sikh Wars were among the toughest campaigns fought by British and East India Company forces in India.
Their opponent was the Sikh Khalsa, a disciplined, well-equipped and highly motivated army supported by formidable artillery.
The fighting was often extraordinarily fierce, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
In this episode, we compare the infantry, cavalry, artillery, weapons and tactics of the opposing armies before following the campaigns through Mudki, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, Chillianwala and Gujrat.
We also examine how the British eventually overcame such a formidable enemy and why former opponents would later become brothers in arms.
Watch: How the Redcoats Beat the Formidable Sikh Army
5. Crimean War: What Made the British Army So Deadly?
By 1854, the British Army had a proud reputation built on its victories over Napoleon. But in the Crimea, the redcoats faced a very different opponent: the mighty Russian Empire.
The result was some of the most brutal fighting in British military history.
From the bloody slopes of the Alma to the desperate hand-to-hand combat at Inkerman, British and Russian soldiers fought with extraordinary determination.
But which army was actually better?
This episode compares British and Russian weapons, training, tactics and battlefield performance.
We examine the advantages of British rifles, the remarkable toughness of Russian infantry and the factors that allowed ordinary British soldiers to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds.
Watch: Crimean War: What Made the British Army So Deadly?
What’s Next for the British Army vs…?
The series is far from finished.
I’m currently working on further episodes that will take us into the twentieth century, examining the British Army and its opponents during both the First and Second World Wars.
We’ll also be returning to the Napoleonic era for a closer look at the Battle of Waterloo, one of the most famous British victories in military history.
As with the existing episodes, the aim will be to examine the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, explore the weapons and tactics they employed and understand why the battles unfolded as they did.
A big thank you to Osprey Publishing for supporting the series, and to everyone who has watched, commented and helped make these videos possible.
If you have suggestions for other armies you’d like to see the British take on, please leave a comment. There are plenty more fascinating match-ups to explore.
