British Army: Difference between revisions
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The superior discipline, skill-at-arms, equipment, organization, well-tailored uniforms and reputation of the British Army were major sources of intimidation to the initially amateur soldiers of the [[Continental Army]], during the [[American Revolutionary War|American Revolution]] from 1775 to 1783. | The superior discipline, skill-at-arms, equipment, organization, well-tailored uniforms and reputation of the British Army were major sources of intimidation to the initially amateur soldiers of the [[Continental Army]], during the [[American Revolutionary War|American Revolution]] from 1775 to 1783. | ||
==Arms and | ==Arms and Equipment== | ||
The British infantryman of the 18th century was armed with the standard British Army smooth-bore [[Firearms|flintlock musket]], and a fifteen inch socket [[Bayonets|bayonet]] that could be locked onto the end of the musket barrel. | The British infantryman of the 18th century was armed with the standard British Army smooth-bore [[Firearms|flintlock musket]], and a fifteen inch socket [[Bayonets|bayonet]] that could be locked onto the end of the musket barrel. | ||
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British officers usually armed themselves with flintlock pistols and [[Swords and Maces|sabres]], although it was not unknown for light infantry officers to carry their own musket, or even a rifle, as the war progressed. | British officers usually armed themselves with flintlock pistols and [[Swords and Maces|sabres]], although it was not unknown for light infantry officers to carry their own musket, or even a rifle, as the war progressed. | ||
The soldiers of the British army were often referred to as "Red Coats" or "Lobster-backs" during the American Revolution, due to their distinctively red-dyed uniform. | The soldiers of the British army were often referred to as "Red Coats" or "Lobster-backs" during the American Revolution, due to their distinctively red-dyed uniform. This brightly coloured clothing is a disadvantage due to its high visibility. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 8 June 2012
The British Army was a branch of the Royal Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1707 with the Act of Union, and focused on land-based warfare.
Following Great Britain's triumph over the Kingdom of France in the French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years' War), which ended in 1763, the soldiers of the British Army were thought to be the best in the western world.
The superior discipline, skill-at-arms, equipment, organization, well-tailored uniforms and reputation of the British Army were major sources of intimidation to the initially amateur soldiers of the Continental Army, during the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783.
Arms and Equipment
The British infantryman of the 18th century was armed with the standard British Army smooth-bore flintlock musket, and a fifteen inch socket bayonet that could be locked onto the end of the musket barrel.
British soldiers were drilled extensively in the use of these primary weapons, until they could load and fire their muskets with their eyes closed. A well-trained infantryman could average around three shots per minute from his musket, whereas a sub-par soldier could accomplish perhaps two.
British officers usually armed themselves with flintlock pistols and sabres, although it was not unknown for light infantry officers to carry their own musket, or even a rifle, as the war progressed.
The soldiers of the British army were often referred to as "Red Coats" or "Lobster-backs" during the American Revolution, due to their distinctively red-dyed uniform. This brightly coloured clothing is a disadvantage due to its high visibility.
Gallery
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Concept art of British officers.
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A contingent of British soldiers. -
Connor Kenway being halted by a British soldier. -
Connor fighting three British soldiers. -
Connor watching a British patrol. -
British Infantryman concept by Sergey Kalinen.
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