British Infantry Square Vs Cavalry

The Four Feathers 2002
The story, set in 1875, follows a British officer (Heath Ledger) who resigns his post when he learns of his regiment's plan to ship out to the Sudan for the conflict with the Mahdi. His friends and fiancée send him four white feathers which symbolize cowardice. To redeem his honor he disguises himself as an Arab and secretly saves the lives of those who branded him a coward.

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[aznravechildi]

“Men, we are surrounded by the enemy. We have the greatest opportunity ever presented an army. We can attack in any direction.” ― General Anthony McAuliffe

[mitchconnor]

The thing that always bugged me about this scene, was that the British actually won this battle. The square was broken, but the British were able to counter attack with bayonet charges and drive out the Mahdi. The British won this battle, but took more casualties than they would have liked. Movies often like to portray redcoats s totally incompetent in hand to hand combat, which is not supported by historical fact.

[Thomas-sxwq]

This is the Battle Abu Klea, as depicted in the movie The Four Feathers. It was one of the few times a British square was broken. Through sheer force of numbers. However, the battle did end in Pyrrhic victory for the British. It was part of the broader Mahdist War. However, the British response to the battle and their losses was harsh. Wiping out most of the Mahdist forces at the Battle of Omdurman.

[lindaterrell]

Sometimes I can believe that a British square could hold off the apocalypse.

[EukalyptusBonBon]

0:49 I love how the officer still mantain his dignity in such situation by giving sword salute right after unsheating his sword

[jntrmog]

The sand of the desert is sodden red, --
Red with the wreck of a square that broke; --
The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel dead,
And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
The river of death has brimmed his banks,
And England's far, and Honour a name,
But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks:
'Play up! play up! and play the game!'

[wearsideexile]

“Weep not for those that fell,
They did not flinch nor fear,
They stood their ground like Englishmen,
And died at Abu Klea”.

[jamesglennie]

For those that keep asking the film is The Four Feathers, one of the great imperial war films.

[usauk]

One thing I really like about this scene, despite some of its inaccuracies, is the dirty, weathered look the uniforms have. It adds a degree of realism, considering they are campaigning in the desert.

[mugsnvicki]

For a comparison, take a look at 1970 Waterloo, real squares and real cavalry, with real Russians!

[joshuateoh]

3:15 I love how the cannoneer jumped on one of them lol

[zhouwu]

That's really impressive discipline. They maintained order. They maintained their ranks.

[MsCwebb]

If I had to form a square in combat I would literally form that square better than anybody formed a square ever before in history.

[davidgray]

A good example of professionalism, panic and you are done for, have confidence in those you serve with, keep your nerve, revert to the training you have had for years. As the hymn of the Royal Marines says, steady boys steady.

[Ben]

When l was younger and a British redcoat Napoleonic re-actor we formed square against French heavy cavalry and that was still scary

[usarmy]

Must have been scary being attacked from all sides

[williampaz]

Incredibly, the poorly trained and equipped Italian Army formed infantry squares in North Africa in 1940. British General Sir Richard O’Conner was furious that any nation would send so poorly trained and equipped troops on to a modern battlefield.

[trunky]

In a defensive formation and position the British soldier is/was unbreakable. Coupled with volley fire discipline in line/formation will save you in situations like these.

[Gunghoa]

Standard square had four ranks, and only rarely formed two ranks (generally when under artillery fire). Depending on circumstances, the third and fourth ranks handed their muskets/rifles forward and reloaded the empty ones from the second rank. I'm not sure if/when that changed with the introduction of the rolling block lever action rifles. The afrikaaner did similar in their wars with the zulus, with wives and kids loading and the men firing from the laagered wagon beds.

[longhorngent]

For those of you who don’t know.. that wasn’t British cavalry..