Worst British military defeat in History

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker


One would think the French had something to do with the British never fully mobilizing for those 'loons'.

We mobilesed because of the French getting involed.
And 90% of those forces went to other more important colonys as well as the UK.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

Spin as you will, that WAS the beginning of the end of 'colonies' and, at least, blatant imperialism.

No spins, Your the one putting spin.

After the US fiasco the UK went a subjected all of India and a good portion of Africa. Hardly the end of blatant imperialism. You piss ant revolution and you insignificant colonys at the time did ZERO to halt British Ambitions.
[

Methinks he doth protest too much....

Methinks your out of bull#.


Fact: 1776 the USA was a insignificant colony.

Fact: After the American war of revolution the UK doubled the size of its empire.

Fact: india brought in more wealth than the American colonies ever did.

The USA did not start out a super power or even important.

Guffaw. The major LOSS of land mass/colony and the first booted out of the Americas..

Definitely the start of the shrinking of the 'Empire'. Had to start somewhere. We shall take a bow....

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker


One would think the French had something to do with the British never fully mobilizing for those 'loons'.

We mobilesed because of the French getting involed.
And 90% of those forces went to other more important colonys as well as the UK.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

Spin as you will, that WAS the beginning of the end of 'colonies' and, at least, blatant imperialism.

No spins, Your the one putting spin.

After the US fiasco the UK went a subjected all of India and a good portion of Africa. Hardly the end of blatant imperialism. You piss ant revolution and you insignificant colonys at the time did ZERO to halt British Ambitions.
[

Methinks he doth protest too much....

Methinks your out of bull#.


Fact: 1776 the USA was a insignificant colony.

Fact: After the American war of revolution the UK doubled the size of its empire.

Fact: india brought in more wealth than the American colonies ever did.

The USA did not start out a super power or even important.

Guffaw. The major LOSS of land mass/colony and the first booted out of the Americas..

Definitely the start of the shrinking of the 'Empire'. Had to start somewhere. We shall take a bow....

How can it be shrinking when Britain doubled its empire size?

India, Australia, Canada and all most all our African domains did not become colonies until AFTER we left the USA?

If any thing being kicked out the USA but our empire into massive expansion as we found more profitable endeavours elsewhere!

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originall in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed.

Hardly

For its time the British empure was rather benign in comparison to the spanish, Portuguese and french empires.

But unlike you yanks we accept we need wrong things.

originally posted by: nwtrucker
Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

Dont want to be critized, dont do thing that are stupid.

And the USA has its own list of crimes and genocides, no country is innocent except iceland.

originally posted by: nwtrucker
It is stunning. It explains much.

Whats stunning is your hatred toward the UK.
Guess what the war of 1812 ended....UK and USA are no longer enemies.

The war of 1812 will never be over until all of our boys come back home!

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

Britain should have stayed at home and never have colonised North America.

The result would be, there would be no such country as The USA.

Satisfied ?

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: caf1550

What about Dunkirk? I understand the impressiveness of evacuating the troops on such short notice but that has to be considered a rather large tactical defeat as the Allies would not get back into northern Europe for some time after that setback.

Dunkirk was a mess.

For the Germans.
something like 300,000 combat troops were evacuated to the UK right under their noses, including a lot of French troops who played a big part in the guerrilla war that went on in the occupied territory of France.

[/quote

Under their noses? More like with Hitler's license.

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

Britain should have stayed at home and never have colonised North America.

The result would be, there would be no such country as The USA.

Satisfied ?

Hmm, that would leave the French and the Spanish. At least their women were attractive.....

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

Britain should have stayed at home and never have colonised North America.

The result would be, there would be no such country as The USA.

Satisfied ?

Hmm, that would leave the French and the Spanish. At least their women were attractive.....

First actual fact you said in this entire thread

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

Britain should have stayed at home and never have colonised North America.

The result would be, there would be no such country as The USA.

Satisfied ?

Hmm, that would leave the French and the Spanish. At least their women were attractive.....

The French and Spanish didn't do it though did they ?

If they had it would have turned out like Central and South America. A load of third world and corrupt countries.

You may even have some of them run by Military Juntas.

I'm glad to see so many people are participating in this thread, its nice to move away from the politics every once in a while.

Now as for what members keep bringing up about different defeats, for this you have to take into account the time period it was and the military they were fighting against.

During the 1870's the British Crown was still considered one of the most powerful empires in the world and the British Infantry were considered some of the best professional soldiers in the world. The Zulu Impi's on the other hand were not a full time army, they would train during different times of the year and then go back to harvest their crops that would help the whole empire get through the winter.

The British were armed with some of the finest weapons of war, while the Zulu's still were using spears and some old firearms that they were not really trained in. For those of you that have seen the movie Zulu Dawn there is a qoute in it that one of the British soldiers says that really hits home for this, he says "but bullets run out, and those wooden spears don't". Never underestimate your enemy.

originally posted by: pfishy
The war of 1812 will never be over until all of our boys come back home!

Now there's a good one. A professional British Army vs state militiamen with zero combat experience. Almost lost that one, as well.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: pfishy
The war of 1812 will never be over until all of our boys come back home!

Now there's a good one. A professional British Army vs state militiamen with zero combat experience. Almost lost that one, as well.

Along with 30,000 French plus Spanish and Dutch aid.

In your dreams.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: pfishy
The war of 1812 will never be over until all of our boys come back home!

Now there's a good one. A professional British Army vs state militiamen with zero combat experience. Almost lost that one, as well.

Erm noo.

Britain had only a small Garrison stationed in Canada due to the fact we where at war with napoleon.

Yet we still not only managed to repeal your invasion but was able to raid DC and burn it to the ground.

You failed miserably in your war goal to take canada when all we had was a small understrength garrison .

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: alldaylong

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: Agit8dChop

originally posted by: weirdguy
a reply to: ElGoobero

ooh and lets not forget the fall of Singapore

thats what i was thinking.
Singapore being lost to Japan was a real turning point in the British Rule over its colonies.

One would think 1776 was the 'turning point/high-water mark for British imperialism.

.

Nah, 1850s when India became part of the Empire. Probably the highest point was during Queen Vic's funeral.

High point? OK. High water mark implies the water has 'lowered'. The beginning of the end.

You're not very clued up on The British Empire.

Australia became a colony in 1788, and New Zealand in 1841. Those are just two example,

If you check , you will find those dates come after 1776.

Apart from The U.S. which other nations flag incorporates The Stars & Stripes ? The above two countries flags include The British Union Flag amongst others.

Even the bloody flag of Hawaii includes The British Union Flag.

I'm not entirely sure but isn't that the date you lost a continent?? From the Pacific to the Atlantic? Hmmm?? Take solace in the fact that various 'Jacks' carry evidence of having gained their independence from that symbol.

I find it intriguing how much pride still resides on the hearts of you Brits in an empire that can be measured against any as oppressive, murderous and self-absorbed. Especially taken in context the criticism towards the U.S. the comes from a number of you.

It is stunning. It explains much.

Britain should have stayed at home and never have colonised North America.

The result would be, there would be no such country as The USA.

Satisfied ?

Hmm, that would leave the French and the Spanish. At least their women were attractive.....

The French and Spanish didn't do it though did they ?

If they had it would have turned out like Central and South America. A load of third world and corrupt countries.

You may even have some of them run by Military Juntas.

That is likely true. Playing one-upmanship with a Brit is like wrestling with a pig in the mud. They both like it.

A goodly portion of this has been tongue in cheek, by the way.

The thread is interesting in that it was one hell of an ass whooping. An experience we have in common....

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker

And the USA has its own list of crimes and genocides, no country is innocent except iceland.

Au contraire, during the Viking era, there were more slaves in Iceland than land owners. In fact, the Vikings were famous slavers and sold as far east as Constantinople. Their raids on the coasts sometimes got them treasure from a monastery but what they were really after were women and children as these were high value commodities. Why else would they raid villages? In Iceland, like Rome, a slave/thrall could buy freedom and become a citizen.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: caf1550

What about Dunkirk? I understand the impressiveness of evacuating the troops on such short notice but that has to be considered a rather large tactical defeat as the Allies would not get back into northern Europe for some time after that setback.

Dunkirk was a mess.

For the Germans.
something like 300,000 combat troops were evacuated to the UK right under their noses, including a lot of French troops who played a big part in the guerrilla war that went on in the occupied territory of France.

Under their noses? More like with Hitler's license.

Well, that bit about Hitler is still just conjecture. Could have been one of his mad days and he really thought letting us get all those fighting men back would make us surrender...Or He may have thought the war was already won...Dunno, but it was a mistake, a huge one by the Germans, whoever issued the stop order.

a reply to: crazyewok

That's one of the places, the American Civil War being the other, where we learned the dangers of political generals...well, mostly learned.

Kinda like Elphinstone, only without the upper crust English accent .

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: SprocketUK

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: caf1550

What about Dunkirk? I understand the impressiveness of evacuating the troops on such short notice but that has to be considered a rather large tactical defeat as the Allies would not get back into northern Europe for some time after that setback.

Dunkirk was a mess.

For the Germans.
something like 300,000 combat troops were evacuated to the UK right under their noses, including a lot of French troops who played a big part in the guerrilla war that went on in the occupied territory of France.

Under their noses? More like with Hitler's license.

Well, that bit about Hitler is still just conjecture. Could have been one of his mad days and he really thought letting us get all those fighting men back would make us surrender...Or He may have thought the war was already won...Dunno, but it was a mistake, a huge one by the Germans, whoever issued the stop order.

Hitler believed that the Brits would join with him as the monarchy was [and is] German. Fortunately, the British army was saved through inaction by the Germans and a notable rescue by sea by practically anyone with a boat. This permitted the necessary chain of events which culminated in the defeat of Germany by the allies. If I considered one person key to the victory in Europe with little hope of replacement or substitution [generals are fungible, in general, except for Monty. It would be difficult to find another that bad], I would say it was Alan Turing.

Run with it Brits.

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: pfishy
The war of 1812 will never be over until all of our boys come back home!

Now there's a good one. A professional British Army vs state militiamen with zero combat experience. Almost lost that one, as well.

Erm noo.

Britain had only a small Garrison stationed in Canada due to the fact we where at war with napoleon.

Yet we still not only managed to repeal your invasion but was able to raid DC and burn it to the ground.

You failed miserably in your war goal to take canada when all we had was a small understrength garrison .

Your small understrength garrison was the most powerful force, by far, when compared to the U.S. Gaggle.

Right. America was going to implement 'manifest destiny' with 'farmers' that were called militiamen. No national army. No combat experience.

Forgive my skepticism, but that seems a stretch. More likely, the connection between France and the U.S. was obviously strong in those days. A fact not lost on the Empire. Hence indenturing ex-pats off of U.S. flagged vessels likely to be used in the war against France was a more likely motivation rather than any realistic attempt at manifest destiny.