Redcoats: The British Soldier and War in the Americas, 1755–1763

by Stephen Brumwell

This book examines the experiences of the British Army soldiers, or 'redcoats', who fought in North America and the West Indies between 1755 and 1763. It explores the Army's distinctive society, using new evidence to provide a voice for ordinary soldiers who have previously been ignored by historians. While other books on the period concentrate upon major personalities and events, this study examines events from the perspective of the individual: the experience of combat, captivity among the Indians, the Army's women and the fate of veterans. Stephen Brumwell is a former newspaper journalist and Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Leeds and now works as a freelance writer. He is the author of scholarly articles and the co-author of The Cassell Companion to 18th Century British History (2001). Hb ISBN (2001) 0-521-80783-2

Genres: History, American Revolution, Nonfiction, British Literature, American History, Military History

360 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2001

About the author

Stephen Brumwell is an award-winning writer and historian with a specialist interest in eighteenth-century Britain and North America.

Reviews

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched and insightful book on the British soldier’s experience in North America during the Seven Years War.

Brumwell disputes the idea that British soldiers were unprepared for wilderness warfare, and argues that they learned to adapt to the battlefield and ultimately overcame it. He also argues against the notion that the army was polarized between lower-class soldiers and upper-class officers, and argues that the army was mostly met by admiration from colonists, rather than scorn (a large number of colonists sought to join the regular army, after all). Brumwell also describes how British soldiers, while not always understanding the ways of the Indians, often adapted their methods.

The narrative is readable, and Brumwell does a great job humanizing the soldiers, although he doesn’t really delve into their background much. He is also good at describing the conditions they fought under, and how they changed from theater to theater.

A solid, refreshing and well-argued work.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many RevWar history books, but this one was interesting because it was writen from the British sides perspective. I found the chapters about the internal debates in Parlement to be really insightful and eye opening.

[W M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr.Brumwell takes the reader on a wonderful journey into the development and adaptation of the British Army in the America’s during the Seven Years War. He highlights the unique syncretic evolution of the armed forces in response to the unique geopolitical situation found in the new world. The POV of these Europeans is quite different than the colonial eyes most are used to viewing this time period through.

[cailin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zack you’re welcome.

[Kevin Moynihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book from ‘02 that deserves to be more widely read. Incredibly in-depth description of day-to-day life of a Redcoat during the Seven Years War. Also covers a few other areas but all of it based on voluminous primary sources. Very impressive and nice writing style as well.

Referenced often in Boston’s Massacre by Eric Hinderaker; Belknap/Harvard Univ. Press; 2019 perhaps validating my layman’s review...