A Lesson In Warfare

Why did the British wear red coats in battle?

During last year's Royal Wedding when Prince William chose to wear a uniform that included the famous British "red coat,"

and also during rehearsals this year for the Queen's Jubilee and the London Olympics showing guardsmen drilling in the traditional tunic,

millions of 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 British officers wear red coats

is so that if they are wounded, the blood won't show, and the men they are leading won't panic.

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