Why do British soldiers wear red coats?

[AES]

(With apologies in advance to any "Frogliophiles").

During the recent royal wedding, the millions around the world saw that Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat."

Many people have asked, "Why did the British wear red coats in battle?"

A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle the French captured a British Colonel. They took him to their headquarters and the French General began to question him. Finally, as an afterthought, the French General asked, "Why do you British officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason that British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded the blood won't show, so the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why, from that day forward, all French Army officers wear brown trousers.

AES

AES

 

[Hardwood66]

Made me laugh so hard I spat out my frogs legs, I joke I'm English

Russ

 

[MrA]

I'm stealing that joke and going to claim it as my own when I'm back in the office on Monday. =D>

 

[woodaxed]

raflmao

 

[RogerM]

In his casual, matter-of-fact, way, the officer informed the General that the reason that British officers wear red coats is so that if they are wounded the blood won't show, so the men they are leading won't panic.

...and the RAF wear blue for the same reason!

Actually, I think the real reason - boring as it is - is that red dye was cheaper than any other a couple of hundred years ago.