As the saying goes, everyone takes credit for winning, and no one admits losing. But as far as Britain is concerned, there are many reasons for failure, including overconfidence and racial discrimination. Americans who laugh at the British should be careful. The same reason led to the failure of America. The following are the five major fiasco in British history:
7000 regular troops surrendered to the militia.
Imagine what it would be like if an entire American brigade surrendered, which might make people understand the great influence of the 1777 Saratoga campaign. In front of an army denounced by European experts as a colonial rabble, 7,000 British troops laid down their weapons.
This battle should not have happened. For a big European country, the British army is small, and it is even weaker to subdue such a large area in eastern North America. Britain's advantage lies in the Royal Navy, and its strategic mobility enables Britain to dispatch troops at a speed unmatched by George Washington's continental army.
Therefore, in line with the tradition of always underestimating the enemy, Britain decided to trek into the inland of North America in the autumn of 1777, which was beyond the reach of the navy. British general Burgoyne, nicknamed "Johnny Gentleman", led 7,000 troops from Canada into northern new york, where they joined another army led by William Howe from new york, near Albany. Theoretically, this will isolate the revolutionary's base camp from other colonies.
Unfortunately, the British command is as fragmented as their team. General Howe took the initiative to occupy Philadelphia. Reluctantly, Bourgau recaptured Fort Kondroga, Thailand, only to find that materials were scarce and winter was coming. Instead of returning to Canada, he advanced on Albany. At the same time, the United States called 15000 militia, reinforced by General Washington.
After two skirmishes at Freeman Farm and Bemis Heights, Berg found himself outnumbered and was surrounded in Saratoga without reinforcements or soldiers to open the way.
177710 June17, "Gentleman Johnny" surrendered, saving his men from dying in hopeless battle. The fact that American revolutionaries defeated the British army on the battlefield convinced France to form an alliance with them and go to war with Britain, followed by Spain. The influence of world history on this battle is immeasurable.
African aborigines defeated the elite British army
It is shameful enough to be defeated by American militia, but at least the ancestors and culture of Americans are still western. So, African aborigines armed with spears are definitely no match for well-equipped and well-trained British troops, right? Until today, this impression still runs through the film Zulu in 1964, and a small group of British troops repelled the "sea of people offensive" of African warriors.
However, the previous failures in Loire and Isander shattered the above-mentioned racist stereotypes. 1879+65438+1Battle of Loire River on October 22nd, Isanda, Zulu killed 1700 British regular army. Britain invaded Zululan, ostensibly in retaliation for the killing of British citizens, but in fact in order to destroy the kingdom of Zululan and establish the South African Confederacy.
Just like in salto, the British committed suicide recklessly. Sir chelmsford, commander of the British army, divided the 65,438+5,000 troops into three columns, thinking that this would enable the British army to surround the Zulu army. Chelmsford commanded a main column of 5,000 people and camped in Loina, Isander, but he didn't realize that there was a Zulu army five miles away. Instead of reinforcements, he split up again and sent most of them to catch up with the so-called Zulu main force, leaving only 1700 people to guard the camp.
But the Zulu main force of 20 thousand people is actually hiding near the camp. When the British scouts finally found them, the Zulu attacked. They waved iron age spears and shields in the industrial age, but Zulu people proved that even if they were at a technical disadvantage, well-organized, high morale and flexible tactics could win a total victory. Their usual trick is "the horn of bison": older soldiers meet the enemy from the front, and young soldiers attack from both sides. This tactic has won Zulu people a good reputation many times. I won an African empire before, and now it's a big defeat for the British.
The famous ship Hood sank.
People can't accuse the Royal Navy of lacking fighting spirit. 1941May After the news that the battleship Bismarck sailed into the North Atlantic from Germany came out, Britain responded quickly. A German battleship is cruising on a route that supplies food and ammunition to Britain. Isn't that the tiger in the henhouse?
Bismarck is a large battleship, which is more advanced than most British and American warships in 194 1. Accompanied by the heavy cruiser prinz eugen, it will be unparalleled in any battle. When the Germans sailed through the Danish Strait, the Royal Navy battleships Prince of Wales and Combat Cruiser Hood intercepted the two ships.