Patriots Day

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

I often wonder why the British believe the red coat was the best uniform to wear? Honestly, they can be seen coming a mile away.

It's simple, really. At the time battles were fought along strict lines. The opposing armies would find each other and then form up on an open field, firing and advancing by ranks until either the enemy broke and ran or they were close enough for a bayonet charge. There had already been many cases of "irregular" warfare, but until Braddock's Defeat at the Monongahela forming a regular line of battle had always worked. Despite the legendary stories of American snipers shooting from behind trees and rocks (which they did), the Continental Army did not prevail until they created a real army and started using Regular tactics, just like the British.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

It's simple, really. At the time battles were fought along strict lines. The opposing armies would find each other and then form up on an open field, firing and advancing by ranks until either the enemy broke and ran or they were close enough for a bayonet charge. There had already been many cases of "irregular" warfare, but until Braddock's Defeat at the Monongahela forming a regular line of battle had always worked. Despite the legendary stories of American snipers shooting from behind trees and rocks (which they did), the Continental Army did not prevail until they created a real army and started using Regular tactics, just like the British.

Does not explain the red coats. They British were fighting in the wood against a force that knew the landscape and wore brown in color clothing. Generally the regular garb of the day. Red coat is not the best choice IMO.

[August]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Does not explain the red coats. They British were fighting in the wood against a force that knew the landscape and wore brown in color clothing. Generally the regular garb of the day. Red coat is not the best choice IMO.

Well they weren't wearing red coats so much as they were wearing uniform coats that happened to be colored red. It being the uniform of their national army means that it would have been almost impossible to change it even if tradition and training weren't factors.

Armies have gotten better over the years at adapting their uniforms to the local environment but they are no means perfect. Witness the US Army's ACU for example, but the problems and expenses involved with changing their uniform to something better still exists.

[nikimcbee]

@August
Did you shoot any video by chance?

[August]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

@August
Did you shoot any video by chance?

No as you can tell from the pictures I had a real lousy spot for that.

Although it's further away next year we plan to be on the colonist side which is a much better view then cross over during the intermission and pick out a (better) spot to film the parade. Why don't you getcherbutt over here next April and go with us?

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by August

Well they weren't wearing red coats so much as they were wearing uniform coats that happened to be colored red. It being the uniform of their national army means that it would have been almost impossible to change it even if tradition and training weren't factors.

Armies have gotten better over the years at adapting their uniforms to the local environment but they are no means perfect. Witness the US Army's ACU for example, but the problems and expenses involved with changing their uniform to something better still exists.

Coat, uniform, flare gun....at the end of the day the soldier became easy pick'ins while standing in the wood wearing the chosen outfit of the day.

[August]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Coat, uniform, flare gun....at the end of the day the soldier became easy pick'ins while standing in the wood wearing the chosen outfit of the day.

Maybe on that day but it took cannon to actually eject the British from Boston. After all sniping from the woods may give ones enemy a bloody nose when he sticks his neck out like they did at Concord but only going toe to toe can defeat them.

I think Baron von Struben contributed as much to our victory in the Revolution as anyone else except perhaps George Washington.

[AVGWarhawk]

The red coat certainly did not help while walking in the wood. Sniping was made a bit easier.

[August]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

The red coat certainly did not help while walking in the wood. Sniping was made a bit easier.

Well truth be told they didn't need the red coats to find the British that day. Just following the sound of their fifes and drums would have been enough dontcha think? Besides they marched down a road. Camo won't help at all in that situation.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Does not explain the red coats. They British were fighting in the wood against a force that knew the landscape and wore brown in color clothing. Generally the regular garb of the day. Red coat is not the best choice IMO.

You said you wondered why the British thought the red coat was the best uniform. My point was that prior to that time, when battles were always fought by regular troops in long straight lines, the color helped them identify their own side. Other than that the color didn't matter. Marching in huge columns with artillery and baggage trains making huge amounts of noise, the best camoflage in the world wouldn't have made any difference.

[nikimcbee]

Great photos!
That's a nice walk from Concord to the bridge. I love the old colonial architecture. One of these days I'm going to remember this and fly out there for it.

Good thing you had nice weather for it.

I'll just throw these in from my last trip there.

British uniform from museum.


American POV of British side.



British artillery



Another view of the bridge.