MovieChat Forums > The Patriot (2000) Discussion > Why Redcoats?

Why Redcoats?

posted 12 years ago by ronfirv
12 replies | jump to latest

I once asked a historian why the British Military chose red as a colour for their uniforms, and was then informed, because at the time it would be harder to count individual numbers of troops in a line, seen from any distance. Not sure this is entirely the correct reason.
In Imperial Rome, I believe red was chosen, as it was thought (probably rightly)that seeing a sea of red advancing in large numbers and highly disciplined in strict formations, instilled fear into a disorganised enemy on the frontiers.
Bearing in mind it was the late 19th century before the British Army adopted khaki, apart from the so splendid ceremonial dress unforms of our Household Regiments until today, has anyone factual info. on my question please?

[–] Hotrodder 12 years ago

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_coat_%28British_army%29

The adoption and continuing use of red by most British/English soldiers after the Restoration (1660) was the result of circumstances rather than policy, including the relative cheapness of red dyes.[8] Red was by no means universal at first, with grey and blue coats also being worn.[3]:16 There is no known basis for the myth that red coats were favoured because they did not show blood stains. Blood does in fact show on red clothing as a black stain.

"Oh dear. How sad. Never mind!"

[–] ronfirv 12 years ago

Thank you!
Didn't know of the myth of red not showing blood stains.
Of course, I do know the Royal Artillery have retained their traditional blue uniforms, as have the "Blues" of the Household Cavalry, with red plumes.

[–] Seriona1 12 years ago

I always assumed the colors of European armies where chosen just because no one else had any other color. "They choose Orange so I choose Teal."

[–] zombienut 12 years ago

I always thought it just covered the appearance of blood as well. Same reason i'd go into war with brown pants.

[–] DonMachiavelli 11 years ago

Represents the color of blood shed building the empire through the might of war.

All ruthless and powerful empires love the color red for their uniforms and banners. Romans and Nazis and Soviets and British.

All uniform colors and styles used back then would be considered ridiculous for combat in today's world.

[–] BuddyLove63 11 years ago

Represents the color of blood shed building the empire through the might of war.

Except the British Empire was built mostly by trade and treaties not war.

[–] wildgeesebgd 9 years ago

Nazis wore feldgrau... grey /green.. soviets, khaki... not all roman legions wore red...in the british army , light infantry wore green. light cavalry, blue. some heavy cavalry too.. only 75% of british line regiments wore scarlet.

[–] Harvestmoonman13 10 years ago

The white uniforms of the Spanish, French, and Austrians were mainly used by catholic nations. Probably to symbolize purity and what not.

I was just listening to a biography of napoleon. The book mentioned an issue where a vital ingredient used to make the blue dye for French uniforms was being blockaded by the British and started becoming very expensive so Napoleon considered for a time adopting a white uniform to save expenses but eventually abandoned it because he felt the uniforms would get too dirty.

[–] sjpatejak 10 years ago

Incidentally, the light dragoons wore green.

[–] echoesofglory-389-573897 10 years ago

Incidentally, the light dragoons wore green.

not all, light dragoons like the 16th and 17th wore red, the 17th wore green during a short time though.

[–] Governor_Frontbottom2 9 years ago

Back in the days of gunpowder and muskets, battles tended to get a bit smokey, the colours helped the Generals to see where their troops are on the battlefield.

[–] SkinlessPeen 8 years ago

Red ink and dyes are cheapest. Same reason all barns thrown up back then were red. It was simply the cheapest.