Yeah, the Jacobite fighting system was pretty good, for charging infantry. Their problem was leaders who didn't understand their strengths, and a lack of strength in depth, the rear ranks often being poorly armed.
The first sword is mistakenly called a claymore due to pop culture. Its actually Called a two handed sword. A Claymore is a single handed broadsword with basket hilt. - This is proven by historical records referring to claymores as one handed held broad swords specifically.
Death squad, Barrels only were overrun by the obliquing of the Jacobite units driven to the right flanking the left of the Govt line, but remained as a fighting cohesive unit rather than breaking and running. Cumberland was then able to deploy other regiments to give fire and prevent the whole government line being outflanked.
The facts are that more musket and bayonets were recovered from the field at Culloden than basket hilted broadswords which gives the lie to the belief that the Jacobite forces were only equipped for hand to hand combat. And there was French line units present too (Picket's & Ecossais)... the fact is that the logistics of the Jacobite Army on that day along with the poor chain of command and choice of fields most certainly made it highly unlikely that there would be a victory that day. Howevet let's not be dismissive of the government troops that day, unlike at earlier actions these troops were very much veterans with plenty of hard fighting behind them. They held their discipline even in fighting retreats after heavy losses at Fontenoy. That discipline under fire played a heavy part in ensuring that the whole Government line didn't break when Barrells recieved a mauling in the ensuing hand to hand handcombat with the connecting Jacobite units.
well said mate. I detest the whig history nonsense about Culloden and Scotland as a whole. Cant wait for Pittocks book on the occupation by the British in the Culloden aftermath.
@@ryandownie5087 Actually they did have muskets, but not all of them. So what the musketeers did was they provided cover fire while thinning the firing lines on the enemy's side while the swordsmen would charge. If the English focused only on the musketeers the swordsmen will have more of their units close the distance. If they focused only on the swordsmen there would be more musketeers to shoot at them from afar. With this tactics a lot of the English DID die. However, rebel victories only lasted for up until King Jorge having the more support won out in the end.
The author of Outlander says she was inspired by Dr Who at Culloden to write her novel. So, it lives on as a romantic drama (which is where the money is).
Great presentation! A bold choice to wear two different contrasting Plaids, but you pull it off, perhaps because of your martial skill and charming demeanor. Thanks for the info, I liked and subscribed.
And of course the many battles prior to Culloden are overlooked, the ones where the Scots smashed British forces in very short order, where the Highland charge tactic was used properly. Culloden is probably the worst example of Scots tactics of the time, Prestopans is a very good example. Choose the fighting ground due to the army's mobility, suprise/flank for the main attack to shorten range. And most important, avoid massed cannon and musket fire. Nevertheless, good presentation.
@@tonyjames5444 Not during the 42 rebellion, the Scots won a majority of the battles and came within 50 miles of London before their army broke up. They rejoined partially for Culloden, but with far fewer numbers and equipment and very divided leadership. The English army was excellent in many other engagements however. And of course in Culloden.
@@whirving Not sure what your referring to here, in 1719 government forces easily defeated a Spanish supported Scottish uprising at the Battle of Glenshiel and prior to that the 1715 rising met a similar end at Preston. As for the advance in England they got to Derby which is 150 miles from London but it wasn't an invasion per say, there was general disinterest in England for the Hanovarians or Stuart's at this time and the Scots hoped for English support and did receive it but not in the numbers they hoped. Also the English troops they met were old soldiers left on garrison duties while the experienced soldiers were in Flanders/France, (the English soldiers defeated in Scotland were due to these commitments mostly young raw recruits). To sum up I'd say the Scottish themselves didn't believe they could pull this off and certainly not 'conquer' England, it's worth remembering that the experienced English army wasn't much changed from that of Marlborough and the Battle of Blenheim and was highly regarded throughout Europe.
@@tonyjames5444 1745 was the Jacobite uprising I was thinking of, ergo my comments on Culloden and Prestopans, not the earlier 1715. Prestopans, though Cope had lessor quality troops, was an assault against a prepared position with superior fire power and cavalry. The battle was over in 10 minutes. I don't think experience would have made much difference. In it's place the Highland tactics were very good, but a one trick pony as it were. That is a lot of the reason for the defeat at Culloden, where the British had had time to study, train, and counter the tactics used by the Scots. Though there was nearly a breakthrough despite poor conditions, timing, and positioning by the Scots charge. Such is history and the Scots went on to better things like education and economics.
Yes I don't think the bayonet drill worked as they did brake trough. Much like in colonial wars later on I think it was the firepower that decided the outcome. Culloden was much like Omdurman and Rourke's Drift. I really have to respect the courage of a warrior charging guns with close combat weapons. I would much rather be outnumbered than out gunned.
Yeah I agree but the Jacobites did have some guns like e muskets and the pistols I believe are known as dune pistols, but I don't think it really made much of a difference. The lost for two reasons most likely, one was the wall on the right of the charge the highlanders made they shot into their flank. Plus didn't the red coats break but hen let the Jacobites come into a curve and shot them to pieces in a bottleneck. But yeah I agree with ya on that
With the speed a highlander can run, the muskets being accurate only at 130 yards, and musketeers supporting charging unites on the left and right from the middle, knowing what happened to the last British who tried this, knowing their is a good chance you will either miss or hit the enemies targe, and knowing that with each shot you fire they are 40 yards closer by the time you fire again, at the same time the British must have been very brave as well. Knowing the battle doesn't really begin until not if, but when, the enemy get into close quarters, where it is unpredictable if they will draw a pistol before their sword. And knowing just how little chance you stand once they are in melee distance. But a good number of cannonears with grapeshot should make it easier not to turn your red coat yellow.
I believe culloden was where the british employed rank fire for one of the first times ever, which allowed them to pour a constant hail of musket fire into the charging scots.
Problems Scots had was if they did make mincemeat of the initial few ranks usually dragoons etc would make short work of already knackered clansmen. (In a pitched battle). Skirmishes etc or ambushes you wouldnt have wanted to be a redcoat!
And this is the music they listened to back then! This one was written in the 17th century. #rebelsongs #celticcamerata #whiskey #whiskeyinthejar #irishmusic #music #irishdrinkingsongs czcams.com/video/4w4VGTF7HPI/video.html
Being a collector of Antique edged weapons is there many castles etc to visit in scotland hope to tour next year for 3 or 4 weeks just across in ulster so not far to go i take it most of these blades you display are victorian copies or much later is that black bess a denix copy or similar paul
The phrase "Lock and load" began with the use of the musket, to remind the wielder of the sequence in which the weapon was charged Nowadays, this sequence is reversed, for safety reasons. Charging the pan BEFORE loading the powder will get you nasty looks, and some hostile words, from the person in charge of running the range
I've been reenacting the American Revolutionary War for over 20 years. My militia unit load and fire in the proper sequence as procribed in the 1764 manual of arms. But then we live in the Pacific N.W. where we don't give a tinkers dam what those pantiewaist east coast wankers think or do.
I think we lost more than we won at Killiecrankie, because we lost some fighters/officers we would sorely miss later in the campaign, like Claverhouse.
I’d like to see your reference for the back scabbard of the claymore. Also, claymore was a term that was applied to both the large two handed blade, and the small(er) basket hilted broadsword. Also, even for the wealthier Highlander’s, the sword is and was always a secondary weapon. The primary weapon was a musket, even for the wealthier highlanders. Brown Bess was a term given to whores at the time, and was likely a commentary of how temperamental the piece could be
I imagine a few claymores were still in use at Culloden. A true Scotsman would never buy a broadsword if he had a perfectly good claymore in a haystack.
Good, there is some discussion on other channels about soldiers not being able to carry a sword on their back, because it would be too long to draw from the scabbard. (Thought to be the stuff of movies.) But with a different method of attaching the sword as described here, other than scabbard, it seems feasible enough.
The two handed claymore sword was not used in the 18th century. Term "claymore" means "big sword." Depending on the time period, that would apply to two handed swords, or the relatively large basket-hilted broadsword, compared to the rapier and small sword.
Long live Mary and William's legacy! May Parliaments, in Ireland, Scotland, and England forever be of the people, and not an absolute ruler! Forever may the Glorious Revolution be held in high regard!
At the time, you couldn't trust them Catholics. They were always plotting. And the Puritans had 11 years to change Britain but failed under Cromwell. So, yeah, you had to be Protestant, and William was an awesome Dutch-man. And they brought peace and revolution without a war. Pretty good I'd say. And they figured out no more absolute Monarchs. God save the Queen!
Yes great vid but yir kilt is to short min like any shorter and we wid see yir meat an two veg short nae need fir it Even the camera man had to zoom in just to yir top half very af putting
I always think re-enactors give you a completely false sense of these hand to hand fighting men. In general these actors are all rotund short slobbish looking beardy nerds, a real highland officer would be tall strong and conditioned to viscous combat and living off the land, honed machines, a fearsome and impressive sight, not a guy with an extra large gut and an addiction to KFC...
That's the problem with all historical reenactments to be fair to him, nobody can actually live the lives historical people lived. American Civil War reenactments are mostly chubby old men because it's an expensive hobby.
Myths and misconceptions! The claymore was sharpened along the full length of the edge! Half-swording can be and was done with very sharp blades! Greatswords were carried on the shoulder, not on the back! If it were carried on the back, you could not possibly draw it in time! The targe was studded only for decoration, the studs would actually weaken the leather! The Jacobites also used firearms! The fighting style of the Jacobites did not consist on one, singular combo! It was a complete system with guards, footwork, counters, and strategy! This also applies to the claymore! Learn a thing or two before spewing out random speculation next time!
The Ginga Ninja oh and the pugs on the basket hilt wasn’t for locking an opponents bayonet or sword or dagger or knife it was for protecting the thumbs
Got enuff !! EXCLAMATION POINTS !! in yer dissertation!!?? What the man says is in line with what my study of the topic suggests, and what the books and records reveal to us. *"Learn a thing or two before spewing out random speculation next time!"*
Painting leather with liquid Beeswax makes it very resistant to sword cuts and blows I'm not sure it would stop a musket ball but it would reduce the energy i think
Yeah, the Jacobite fighting system was pretty good, for charging infantry. Their problem was leaders who didn't understand their strengths, and a lack of strength in depth, the rear ranks often being poorly armed.
Yeah, the old fighting style was still capable of winning but it had to be used exceptionally but they had a disadvantage in numbers as well.
The first sword is mistakenly called a claymore due to pop culture. Its actually Called a two handed sword. A Claymore is a single handed broadsword with basket hilt. - This is proven by historical records referring to claymores as one handed held broad swords specifically.
Also sharp all the way down, hate seeing this myth about swords being at least partially dull
@@kahn04 not a myth.
Death squad, Barrels only were overrun by the obliquing of the Jacobite units driven to the right flanking the left of the Govt line, but remained as a fighting cohesive unit rather than breaking and running. Cumberland was then able to deploy other regiments to give fire and prevent the whole government line being outflanked.
The facts are that more musket and bayonets were recovered from the field at Culloden than basket hilted broadswords which gives the lie to the belief that the Jacobite forces were only equipped for hand to hand combat. And there was French line units present too (Picket's & Ecossais)...
the fact is that the logistics of the Jacobite Army on that day along with the poor chain of command and choice of fields most certainly made it highly unlikely that there would be a victory that day.
Howevet let's not be dismissive of the government troops that day, unlike at earlier actions these troops were very much veterans with plenty of hard fighting behind them. They held their discipline even in fighting retreats after heavy losses at Fontenoy. That discipline under fire played a heavy part in ensuring that the whole Government line didn't break when Barrells recieved a mauling in the ensuing hand to hand handcombat with the connecting Jacobite units.
well said mate. I detest the whig history nonsense about Culloden and Scotland as a whole.
Cant wait for Pittocks book on the occupation by the British in the Culloden aftermath.
I doubt it. If the Scottish had muskets the English would be deed
New evidence came to light proving that the English actually out sworded the scots rather than out gunned them.
@@ryandownie5087 Actually they did have muskets, but not all of them. So what the musketeers did was they provided cover fire while thinning the firing lines on the enemy's side while the swordsmen would charge.
If the English focused only on the musketeers the swordsmen will have more of their units close the distance.
If they focused only on the swordsmen there would be more musketeers to shoot at them from afar.
With this tactics a lot of the English DID die. However, rebel victories only lasted for up until King Jorge having the more support won out in the end.
You presented that so well and so clear. I understood everything. Brilliant manifestation of the weaponry
Very well presented.
Thank you.
This is why the Doctor Who serial, The Highlanders, NEEDS to either B found, or animated; the history behind it is just so fascinating!
The author of Outlander says she was inspired by Dr Who at Culloden to write her novel. So, it lives on as a romantic drama (which is where the money is).
My right ear enjoyed this
😂😂😂😂 same here
ha
it was my left ear for me. Am i listening to it wrong?
Robert Mackay has
The same guy tells history of Scotland and describe weapons for the tourists at Urquhart Castle :) Very interesting and inspiring! Thanks!
That sword design was pretty sharp for the time.
Great presentation! A bold choice to wear two different contrasting Plaids, but you pull it off, perhaps because of your martial skill and charming demeanor. Thanks for the info, I liked and subscribed.
A lovely video. Thanks for sharing it!
Very nice video. My left ear loved it.
VERY, VERY WELL EXPLAINED. I LOVE IT ; THANK YOU !
That was not only informative, but professional.
And of course the many battles prior to Culloden are overlooked, the ones where the Scots smashed British forces in very short order, where the Highland charge tactic was used properly. Culloden is probably the worst example of Scots tactics of the time, Prestopans is a very good example. Choose the fighting ground due to the army's mobility, suprise/flank for the main attack to shorten range. And most important, avoid massed cannon and musket fire.
Nevertheless, good presentation.
Actually the English won more than they lost and on the whole won the battles that mattered, Culloden was a side show.
@@tonyjames5444 Not during the 42 rebellion, the Scots won a majority of the battles and came within 50 miles of London before their army broke up. They rejoined partially for Culloden, but with far fewer numbers and equipment and very divided leadership. The English army was excellent in many other engagements however. And of course in Culloden.
@@whirving Not sure what your referring to here, in 1719 government forces easily defeated a Spanish supported Scottish uprising at the Battle of Glenshiel and prior to that the 1715 rising met a similar end at Preston.
As for the advance in England they got to Derby which is 150 miles from London but it wasn't an invasion per say, there was general disinterest in England for the Hanovarians or Stuart's at this time and the Scots hoped for English support and did receive it but not in the numbers they hoped. Also the English troops they met were old soldiers left on garrison duties while the experienced soldiers were in Flanders/France, (the English soldiers defeated in Scotland were due to these commitments mostly young raw recruits).
To sum up I'd say the Scottish themselves didn't believe they could pull this off and certainly not 'conquer' England, it's worth remembering that the experienced English army wasn't much changed from that of Marlborough and the Battle of Blenheim and was highly regarded throughout Europe.
@@tonyjames5444 1745 was the Jacobite uprising I was thinking of, ergo my comments on Culloden and Prestopans, not the earlier 1715. Prestopans, though Cope had lessor quality troops, was an assault against a prepared position with superior fire power and cavalry. The battle was over in 10 minutes. I don't think experience would have made much difference. In it's place the Highland tactics were very good, but a one trick pony as it were. That is a lot of the reason for the defeat at Culloden, where the British had had time to study, train, and counter the tactics used by the Scots. Though there was nearly a breakthrough despite poor conditions, timing, and positioning by the Scots charge. Such is history and the Scots went on to better things like education and economics.
Stop referring to the Jacobites as Scottish most Scots were loyal to the government
5:15 Government army consisted of Scotsmen as well.
Awesome outfit and presentation
so much information, i like it
Yes I don't think the bayonet drill worked as they did brake trough. Much like in colonial wars later on I think it was the firepower that decided the outcome. Culloden was much like Omdurman and Rourke's Drift.
I really have to respect the courage of a warrior charging guns with close combat weapons. I would much rather be outnumbered than out gunned.
+MsDjessa Much agreed. If the Redcoats had not fired at Culloden I think the outcome would have been very different.
Yeah I agree but the Jacobites did have some guns like e muskets and the pistols I believe are known as dune pistols, but I don't think it really made much of a difference. The lost for two reasons most likely, one was the wall on the right of the charge the highlanders made they shot into their flank. Plus didn't the red coats break but hen let the Jacobites come into a curve and shot them to pieces in a bottleneck.
But yeah I agree with ya on that
if no cannon and they would have decided to charge MUCH earlier instead of taking grape shot for over an hour ,,things would be much different
With the speed a highlander can run, the muskets being accurate only at 130 yards, and musketeers supporting charging unites on the left and right from the middle, knowing what happened to the last British who tried this, knowing their is a good chance you will either miss or hit the enemies targe, and knowing that with each shot you fire they are 40 yards closer by the time you fire again, at the same time the British must have been very brave as well. Knowing the battle doesn't really begin until not if, but when, the enemy get into close quarters, where it is unpredictable if they will draw a pistol before their sword. And knowing just how little chance you stand once they are in melee distance.
But a good number of cannonears with grapeshot should make it easier not to turn your red coat yellow.
I believe culloden was where the british employed rank fire for one of the first times ever, which allowed them to pour a constant hail of musket fire into the charging scots.
Great video !!!
Problems Scots had was if they did make mincemeat of the initial few ranks usually dragoons etc would make short work of already knackered clansmen. (In a pitched battle).
Skirmishes etc or ambushes you wouldnt have wanted to be a redcoat!
My right ear loved this.
And this is the music they listened to back then! This one was written in the 17th century.
#rebelsongs #celticcamerata #whiskey #whiskeyinthejar #irishmusic #music #irishdrinkingsongs
czcams.com/video/4w4VGTF7HPI/video.html
Nice video!!
Being a collector of Antique edged weapons is there many castles etc to visit in scotland hope to tour next year for 3 or 4 weeks just across in ulster so not far to go i take it most of these blades you display are victorian copies or much later is that black bess a denix copy or similar paul
The big long claymore or long sword was used like a hybrid spear - sword in my understanding and research.-Is that right??
The phrase "Lock and load" began with the use of the musket, to remind the wielder of the sequence in which the weapon was charged
Nowadays, this sequence is reversed, for safety reasons. Charging the pan BEFORE loading the powder will get you nasty looks, and some hostile words, from the person in charge of running the range
I've been reenacting the American Revolutionary War for over 20 years. My militia unit load and fire in the proper sequence as procribed in the 1764 manual of arms. But then we live in the Pacific N.W. where we don't give a tinkers dam what those pantiewaist east coast wankers think or do.
I think we lost more than we won at Killiecrankie, because we lost some fighters/officers we would sorely miss later in the campaign, like Claverhouse.
I’d like to see your reference for the back scabbard of the claymore. Also, claymore was a term that was applied to both the large two handed blade, and the small(er) basket hilted broadsword. Also, even for the wealthier Highlander’s, the sword is and was always a secondary weapon. The primary weapon was a musket, even for the wealthier highlanders. Brown Bess was a term given to whores at the time, and was likely a commentary of how temperamental the piece could be
I don't know if I'm taking a sword to a gun fight.
Must've been gruesome.
"Only use 2 fingers to ram the charge down the barrel... cause it might blow your whole hand off..."
No, the claymore was not used by the jacobites. The broadsword was.
I imagine a few claymores were still in use at Culloden. A true Scotsman would never buy a broadsword if he had a perfectly good claymore in a haystack.
@@HavocHerseim you forgot rocks. Every second or third clansman had at least one good pointy rock to hurl at the Ainglish.
vrass tacks deflecting musket balls? Doubt that. I suppose he meant sword blows.
More likely the ball would drive a few of those brass tacks through the unfortunate owner’s body along with itself!
czcams.com/video/Q1kdBDNnd3U/video.html
They where still able to smash their way through the lines.
Just another way of saying no.
Good, there is some discussion on other channels about soldiers not being able to carry a sword on their back, because it would be too long to draw from the scabbard. (Thought to be the stuff of movies.) But with a different method of attaching the sword as described here, other than scabbard, it seems feasible enough.
The two handed claymore sword was not used in the 18th century. Term "claymore" means "big sword." Depending on the time period, that would apply to two handed swords, or the relatively large basket-hilted broadsword, compared to the rapier and small sword.
What about firelocks? I've heard about two thousand were recovered from the Jacobite position at Culloden.
The Brown Bess that this Gentleman is showing is a Firelock.
There are a number of inaccuracies, reenactorisms, half-truths, and myths portrayed as fact in this video.
This guy knows his subject...
to the king!
my left ear hurts
The Claymore is 13th century weapon , not a 17th century weapon. They trot it out because the Americans want to see "Bravehearts' sword.
@S B That's what I said, diddle eye !
Wasn’t ramrods contrary to modern replicas made out of wood back then?
no
Depends. Civilian guns? Yes, often. Military standard issue? No
God bless any prot who gave his life for Bonnie Prince Charlie.
the entire blade was sharp. and you can still half sword with it.
you would never swing the claymore around like that, you'll hit your neighbor.
Wrong pattern of Brown Bess. That's the much later and shorter India pattern, as first developed for the East India Company army.
A FEW weren't sharp all the way up. But MOST were only dull at the BOTTOM six inches
Nathan Key-No
You can grab a sharp blade just fine so long as it doesn't slide in your hand. Look up the murder stroke
Long live Mary and William's legacy! May Parliaments, in Ireland, Scotland, and England forever be of the people, and not an absolute ruler!
Forever may the Glorious Revolution be held in high regard!
Kuma Sama Fuck off, the religious intolerance of William and Mary is a stain on the Britain's legacy.
At the time, you couldn't trust them Catholics. They were always plotting. And the Puritans had 11 years to change Britain but failed under Cromwell. So, yeah, you had to be Protestant, and William was an awesome Dutch-man. And they brought peace and revolution without a war.
Pretty good I'd say. And they figured out no more absolute Monarchs. God save the Queen!
Grape shot.
Claymore.
Yes great vid but yir kilt is to short min like any shorter and we wid see yir meat an two veg short nae need fir it
Even the camera man had to zoom in just to yir top half very af putting
I always think re-enactors give you a completely false sense of these hand to hand fighting men. In general these actors are all rotund short slobbish looking beardy nerds, a real highland officer would be tall strong and conditioned to viscous combat and living off the land, honed machines, a fearsome and impressive sight, not a guy with an extra large gut and an addiction to KFC...
That's the problem with all historical reenactments to be fair to him, nobody can actually live the lives historical people lived. American Civil War reenactments are mostly chubby old men because it's an expensive hobby.
And the SNP are still reliving this in real life today !!!!! 😂😂😂🇬🇧
True sturgeon larping as braveheart
Myths and misconceptions! The claymore was sharpened along the full length of the edge! Half-swording can be and was done with very sharp blades! Greatswords were carried on the shoulder, not on the back! If it were carried on the back, you could not possibly draw it in time! The targe was studded only for decoration, the studs would actually weaken the leather! The Jacobites also used firearms! The fighting style of the Jacobites did not consist on one, singular combo! It was a complete system with guards, footwork, counters, and strategy! This also applies to the claymore! Learn a thing or two before spewing out random speculation next time!
The Ginga Ninja oh and the pugs on the basket hilt wasn’t for locking an opponents bayonet or sword or dagger or knife it was for protecting the thumbs
Got enuff !! EXCLAMATION POINTS !! in yer dissertation!!?? What the man says is in line with what my study of the topic suggests, and what the books and records reveal to us. *"Learn a thing or two before spewing out random speculation next time!"*
Painting leather with liquid Beeswax makes it very resistant to sword cuts and blows I'm not sure it would stop a musket ball but it would reduce the energy i think
You've nae clue what you're about, lad.
Protestant scheit!
THE JACOBITES WILL RISE UP AGAIN!
ALBA GU BRA!!! Tandem Triumphans
Yeh lol 🤣🤣🤣🏴
Why even watch
The whole representation is a lie.
What did he lie about?
More historical junk. Very disappointing.
What about the famous Heron Butt muskets and all metal rams horn pistols that are so unique to the Scots?