Why did the British soldiers wear scarlet red uniforms? What did it symbolize or represent?

Question

During the colonial days of the USA, British soldiers battling the the rebellious, self-centered, unloyal, usurping colonists had to wear a bright red (scarlet) uniform in battle. Not exactly the best thing to wear for camo in a battlefield of woods or farm land.

So why did they wear that color? Did it represent or symbolize something? Also, when did they stop wearing such uniforms? Was there any British officer stating how silly it was to wear such a color in a battle?

Answer 1

First, in the 18th Century, no one tried to hide their troops on the battlefield. They uniformed them so they could tell them apart. The troops on both sides fought in lines, usually in two ranks (one man behind the other). Command and control was best when they were in the open fields.
The muskets were only accurate to about 75 yards. For both safety with black powder and to maximize the effect, they fired volleys. They had to be in lines to defend against bayonet charges- the whole method of battle was to try and break up an enemies line so you could then charge with the bayonet and drive him off.
Battles were fought usually well beyond accurate range, with units trying to move forward or back to get into range for a good volley while the enemy was not ready- they could fire a volley every 15 to 20 seconds- time enough for an enemy to run 100 yards.
Madder Red, made from an insect, was cheap. Seeing your troops thru the smoke was useful. Hiding was not.

Answer 2

The adoption and continuing use of red by most English soldiers after the Restoration (1660) appears to have been a historical accident, aided by the relative cheapness of red dyes. There is no basis for the historical myth that red coats were favoured because they did not show blood stains. Blood does in fact show on red clothing as a black stain.

British soldiers fought in scarlet tunics for the last time at the Battle of Gennis on 30 December 1885.

Even after the adoption of khaki field dress in 1902, most British infantry and some cavalry regiments continued to wear scarlet tunics on parade and for off-duty occasions ("walking out dress"), until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

Answer 3

In the days of black powder, a battlefield would quickly become fogged up with smoke. Red is visible through the smoke which allowed commanders, and individual soldiers, to see who they were shooting at, and where the other friendly troops were. Flags served a similar purpose by allowing commanders to see where a specific unit was.

Answer 4

In Europe, soldiers wore distinct, colored uniforms to identify themselves in battle.

When fighting the colonists, it didn't help them very much since it was like wearing a target on their backs (made it easy for American snipers to take them down).

Answer 5

It was a show of unity

And it made them blend in together as a big red blob