Infantry win battles, logistics wins wars....General Pershing.

This really brings into focus how staggeringly much stuff they had to bring. Being able to take side roads would be a huge advantage. I just love hearing about the more "behind the scenes" stuff in history because it really fleshes out all the major events like the battles of Agincourt or Crecy and makes them feel connected instead of isolated entries in history books

Excellent. I’m a retired U.S. Army logistician and such details are fascinating. Thank you for giving fair shrift to logistics.

You have to admire (if not love) Edward III, who was a military genius hundreds of years ahead of his time! Napoleon paid scrupulous attention to his baggage train through Talleyrand, a logistics genius of the age. Having been a squaddie, you know if the supply chain breaks down, you cannot do your job. Well presented and explained.

When Charles VII of France modernized the army through the Compagnies d'Ordonnance, it required each 6 members of each "lances fournies" to ride on a horse, even if they didn't fight on one (or at all, for exemple for the page or the valet). This made the army much more flexible and fast, but also required to have many blacksmiths and people to care for the horses. People don't realize that armies need many camp followers, and sometimes there are as many non-combattant "handlers" as there are fighters in an army in campaign. One of the few documentary that showed this side of warfare was in Age of Empire IV actually, I didn't like their takes on history but the documentaries on society were great

there was a rens group that was interested in logstics. some of my friends work in logstics, and we were intrested. anyway, we used wagons and series of different river banks to move a single barrell of ale. just One barrel. took us 3 days to move a hundred miles via both. Can you imagine an army in hundreds or even thousands with established converge lanes into the camp meet-up area before the final send off. that part is VERY diffulct to coordinate. ( did we arrive too early? did they already leave?) once the army moved as one from meet-up camps. that get progressively easier. but then again, the famous saying rings true, NOTHING GOES ACCORDINGLY PLANNED SO IN THE ARMY

Wow...the bit about moving ahead and cutting down bushes/trees was brilliant !

Excellent, thank you. I don't think people realise how important logistics are. No logistics, no army. Baggage trains were often many miles long and if the army lost its battle it was a free for all to loot the baggage train.

I absolutely love this channel. I am autistic and have a major obsession with the medieval English world. I just want to thank you for creating quality videos

As always, very enjoyable and informative, Kevin. One of the things I've often found when working with the public is that you have to explain to people that medieval armies had to basically have what amounted to a small town moving with them. As well as all the comforts such as tents, chairs, tables and the like, you had to have farriers, arrowsmiths, bowyers and others with you as well, as the deeper you went into enemy territory the harder re-supply becomes and you have to basically make from scratch. I think we are that used to the idea of forces being self-contained and then being able to go back to their base that the notion of having to take it all with you is forgotten about.

Logistics are absolutely underrated. Just think of the epic wars of the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Chinese... and compare them with the puny skirmishes that followed antiquity.... So many cultures were simply unable to supply a major military campaign.

The video is a delight, like always! The baggage trains also moved a large number of non-combatants (blacksmiths, carpenters, horse-boys, doctors, servants and merchants) with their equipment and supplies.

I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered this channel, Kevin. I spent my summer holidays visiting Warwick Castle from the age of 6 to 10 and remember your displays so vividly! Thank you for all the fantastic memories and for the content you’re creating now. Chuffed (and jealous) you’re living retirement in the Canadian wilds!

When I saw this video in my suggested videos I literally said out loud "Oooh, baggage trains! Yes!" I guess I'm just very interested in medieval logistics...

I can't believe my luck to have found this channel. I always thought Kevin had a great personality, and would occasionally seek out the few videos available of him on KZfaq, to enjoy some historical retelling. I'm glad you're finally producing videos in this format. Cheers from Ohio!

I actually wrote a couple of short stories on the logistical side of medieval warfare when I was younger and it became really evident to me just how overlooked this aspect is. The sheer agony I felt when having to research all the important bits was astounding because at the time it wasn't as easy as it is now to find out about that stuff, or if it was I didn't know where to look. I didn't need a lot of information, but I needed enough to make it seem believable and detailed, and luckily I managed to make do. Never again, though.

The history of Britain is absolutely amazing. I love to hear about the people, places, battles and investigations

That billhook strategy is absolutely genius. I've heard of the billhook as a weapon but this just makes it so much more good

I never realized I was interested in how medieval armies moved around until you made a video about it. And, as with all your videos, it's interesting, intriguing, and full of knowledge. Brilliantly presented! 👏 👏 👏

Fascinating, I didn’t know any of this. Thanks for your regular videos

keep up the great work, Kevin!

Hey Kevin! Loved your last video about the Union FLAG. 😇 as an Australian with British heritage, I love to be so informed. Also, you could give me a quick hello even though not patreon, I view and comment all of the History Squad content.. I’m being cheeky, just am a big fan. Cheers for the new upload 🏹

Another lot of interesting facts Kevin, them billhooks are a handy tool to have I have a modern version with synthetic handle.

Love your work Mr. Hicks!

You do a really good job on portraying the way things worked back then.Keep it up love the content.

Man I love this guy’s channel.

Another amazing video. Thank you. I wondered how back they moved. I knew it had to be a lot logistics that was involved. When I was In the army. I got know the logistics officer and he explained some of how it can be a big pain in the backside things need to be done before we either make a big push or even go from one area to another

Remarkable stuff. Really appreciate the effort gone into painting those minis to give us a better idea of what it would have looked like, rather than just describing it!

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, if I may be so bold, for another very interesting film. I guess I never really thought about the reality of supply trains , every t needed crossing, every I needing a dot. Thank you once again, and as always best regards, Arthur

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and personable videos. I live in Warwick and I valued so much your visits to my school and seeing you at the castle. Such a big part of my love for history. Thank you Kevin so much!

I love the fact that this topic is come up right now. Wherever you fall when it comes to current world conflicts, we can see just how important the systems of logistics are when it comes to operating the machine of War. I've been personally learning more and more about modern logistics and how they play part in the moving and functionality of the standing armed Force so this was an absolute delight, Kevin. Thank you so much for what you do, I'm so glad to have found your channel.

Thanks! I've wondered what medieval wartime logistics looked like for a while now. Every piece of info helps. It's very similar to "Hell on Wheels!"

Have to love the internet....for all it's bad....because it gives us access to guys like this and their expertise. love it.

Its staggering to think how much goes into warfare! Even though the soldiers and officers fight in the battles to win the war, its the people who are involved with the logistics are also the hero's of any battle or war that was won.

A great video on a most important subject...and I do like the illustrations with the miniatures...Informative and interesting, greetings from France!

Outstanding and informative video! My ancestors are from England. I love learning the history.

As the old saying goes, professional studies logistics. Very illuminating video, love it! Also, if I may ask, where did you get the miniatures? They are very wonderfully assembled and painted too!

An army is a town or city on the move depending on the size. Reminded me of the issues keeping a supply line going and an at marching in the French and Indian war over here. Trying to move a supply line like that in the frontier. And ambush risk. Good video.

Great short story - thanks for sharing.

Great to learn about the things that aren't in the history books, Kevin. Thanks.

Fascinating again! Thank you.

Smashing! Another very interesting video, I enjoy learning about the day to day living of the common man, perhaps you could do more on the food of the archers, what they ate how they cooked it, who cooked it, etcetera? Many thanks, keep up the good work.

You used to do workshops at my school when I was a kid, so glad I've found this channel because you're still as engaging and interesting as I remember!

Hi Kevin, Iv just found your channel and have been though lots of your videos this past week and think there fantastic and just want to say thank you for your great content, keep it up 👍🏼

I weirdly think I saw you in late 90s on a school trip must have been Warrick Castle or maybe a weekend family trip. Its the way you speak or talk. The KZfaq algorithm found this channel for me, but I still have a keen interest in history as I did as a child. Very strange to have unlocked that memory. Great videos

A very good point! Is so neglected fact and so important! I'm in this moment reading about that but at sea in battle of Lepanto and like you say logist is so important in warfare! Keep winning and spinning ! Have a great weekend.

as someone who has a rough 14th century harness , and goes to an occasional larp (live action role play) , The logistics for just my self a lot, its crazy to see what happens when a campaign into in full effect, bravo for another vid sir

I really enjoy your stories. Your personality really shows through, keep the videos coming...

Could you possibly do a video on Edward the first since he had an interesting life with crusades and stuff

Would like to see more on the logistics behind these battles and campaigns from this time.

Amazing history 👏 only subscribed 3 weeks ago.You are such a great teller of a story. You definitely bring 14/15th century to life.Good luck on your on going success.

Your videos are really amazing and fun to watch, keep up the good work and much love from Tunisia!

Fascinating this, often an overlooked part of an army movement but absolutely essential of course. Imagine being able to go back as an unseen observer, to the medieval days!

great, an often overlooked subject.

Love all your videos

First well documented approach to logistic problem were by Gai Marius, great Roman general and military reformer. He made soldiers carry lots of equipment, reducing number of carts and wagons.

Sweet, cool information Kevin.

we don't often think about the logistics - great story Kevin, very informative. 75k subscribers - way to go team Hicks :-)

Yet another one I missed. Thank you Kevin great video.

I have wondered so many things about history and how they accomplished all that they did and it also makes it clear how King John lost his treasures. Thank you and keep up the great work

War logistics in mediaeval times were always mind boggling for me

Another great video!

You’re an absolute legend my friend great videos and very interesting! Keep them coming mate! 👍

War's fulla baggage. Nice video Kevin

I’ve appreciated your presentations this one was just wonderful for me. The details bring to life the practical experience of that time. I thought the miniatures elegant and would appreciate who made or manufactured them. Thank you so much for so much rich information in so short a time

Excellent again Kevin covering something that is rarely ever though about a lot of the pack horses you talk about I think could have been mules they carry more weight less fussy on fodder less highly strung a lot of medieval pictures show mules . used by the British army in Burma ....

First video of your I have seen. Good show.

Good video. Thanks.

Very interesting. I play fantasy wargames but with a historical theme, my army is sort of Holy Roman Empire / Landsknecht based and I have been delaying modelling my baggage train, this has given me the kick up the bum to do it!!

Great video Kevin, keep Up the good work

And we forgot this lesson when faced with the logistical genius of the Ho Chi Min trail during the vietnam war. The NVA used bicycles to haul relatively immense loads through the jungle, eliminating the need for roads completely. Heck even the “trails” themselves could be quickly vanished after a very short time of unuse

Excellent informative videos, the way you speak and present the information is spot on, cheers! Love the humorous element in your presentation style, unintentional or not, don't change!

This has become one if my favorite history channels. Short, well explained, and to the point. I enjoy all your videos. Many thanks!

So so interesting Kevin 😀 I guess, as well as men going out clearing the way for the baggage train, they would've gone out foraging for supplies as well to top things up. I wonder how much moss they took on campaign for their privy sticks...and how many privies, only for the nobles though, I should think.

Wow, i thougt i had known it all already. But this was really new to me. It was really clever to transition from big heavy clumsy, slow supply wagons to a faster, mobile, modular and smarter way of transporting. A really modern way of thinking. Also these depictions are astonshing. The wagons have ladders or ladderlike "walls" on the sides. In german theres a term for it "Leiterwagen" (literally "ladderwagon") . And i almost BET... that they could be possibly removed and actually used as ladders. The spike on the end does hint that too.. Maybe even stacked together with the others for greater height. And ALSO it seems that this extended end of the Ladder on the picture also functions as the drawbar (shaft? dont know the right term for it in english) for the horses. At least for the two wheeled cart. Not the 4 wheelers. So that would be extremely smart. Having 3 functions for 1 piece of equipment. Thats saving weight 1:1. Awesome. Im not 100% sure if this was the case, but it would totally make sense to me and thats how i would do it. The people then were much more practical then we are today. Most of the items of the time had more than one usage. Alternative functions. And were durable. No "planned obszolescense" there.. Ah, what a time :)

I really appreciate your video ,s.keep up the good work

awesome vid!

Imagine how long those baggage trains would have been also go’s to show how many arrows were actually used in battles !! 😂👍😊 fantastic content kev the bowman 😂

Brilliant Kevin thank you Edward was a clever fellow .... Armies can't fight without the guys in the rear with all the gear lol

these vids have been very entertaining

My apologies Sir, for my previous comments. I take it back. Keep up the good work.

Excellent presentation, love all the stuff. Very authentic. Plus you can feel the enthusiasm. May I say one to many "Yeah?" ... 8 x "Yeah?"! I feel it would have gone better with less of these conformations. But made sure I gave a like.

thank yew kevin. thumbs up. 1/2 a million arrows. edward lll really was a great warrior king. much respect master archer and historian. i've seen baggage trains turned into circles at night like a fort. i don't remember the fights name but a army perhaps hungarian area were persued by mongols so put the train in a circle. the mongols were shooting them up being expert archers. the mongols thinned their ranks in one area making it look like an opening. the men of the train thought they'd slip away and left the protection of the train, but the mongols did it on purpose and tricked them into annihilation. in the old west cowboys made the wagon trains into defensive circles also. operating within supply distance of the coast is a good point. in a way you are a teacher of war theory. especially i enjoy the tactical side you present. maps and models are a lot of work also. visual are good in military school. i could see you teaching at a military college. in ww1 models were made of the terrain at vimy ridge. but again like school. you must have read a lot of books to know so many minor facts that bring detail to life. we wouldn't want to run out of moss would we. mud must have been overpowering at times. i read one of the kahns was helping his men push a stuck cart and had a heart attack. that he'd push with the men would cause his men to love him. thumbs up again kevin your excellent presentation has triggered all kinds of imaginings as you can see. an odd fact but yesterday in norway a man plead guilty to killing five with his bow and wounding four.since i got covids four months ago i have not shot very much so i shot 20 shots yesterday with poor results and shaky. felt a bit weak. today tried again'. i'm having to learn again. it takes constant practice. forgive me kevin i'm going on. have a good night. gare

Your films are amazing

Love your channel good sir , just stumbled upon it, looking forward to more history lessons. I’ve often wondered about the logistics after a massive battle, did the winning army have to pick up all the dead and salvage any equipment ?

Great video as always! Mark my words you will have several hundred thousand subscribers in no time!

Last night I watched a video about an unmanned mini tank that can be programmed to follow along behind an infantryman carrying baggage, mortars etc. and it made me think of this.

Neatly trimmed hedges, low cut branches removed and five thousand peoples used moss. I daresay a blind man on a galloping Horse could find the English Army on the March.

It always surprised me how much of the baggage trains were taken up by the washer women other such necessary groups. In medieval war upto The American War Between The States

Thank you

Liking Videos I'm always looking for channels that talk about historical stuff

Thanks!

LOGISTICS!! My newest favorite topic! Second and first only to battles and strategy. It aint just food and bullets! 😃

Hey Kev I'm absoluttly blown by Your stories keep up the good work it seems that even thows "crayzy Polish " are listening to U'r Channel

The greatest story teller since lindybeige!!

I might have to get some moss on a stack, cost of living and all that:) Great vid.

I really enjoy your videos, but not only did medieval armies bring these items of which you mentioned, but they also secured these items from conquered territories and villages. They also cut down trees while in enemy territory. Foragers were a vital part of the baggage train. Family members of some of the fighting soldiers, i.e. their young sons not quite of fighting age would forage for berries, mushrooms, and hunt game.

Your hat got me subbed

This is the only guy with history in his name and ACTUALLY does history. Also he needs to team up with Jason from Modern History I'm looking at you History Channel. It wouldn't be too much ask if you did history AND your TV shows

Nice 👍