Replies to post #37826 on A.I.M. Users Bulletin Board (AIMUSERS)

[ls7550]

Red coats - does seem mad now, but back then battles were typically fought in long lines facing each other using low accuracy/velocity muskets and black powder. The smoke would often quickly cloud the battle field and being able to spot units of friend from foe through the smog could be beneficial.

Part of the British tactics would be to form squares or multiple ranks, enabling more rapid volleys to be fired - often with such attritional rapid fire rates winning out. At the Battle of Rorke's Drift (Zulu war) for instance, 150 British soldiers fought off 4000 Zulu Warriors using such techniques.

[OldAIMGuy]

As Larry the Cable Guy would say,

"Now I don't care who you are, that's funny!"

:-)