Episódios
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Do you love military history? Then this is the podcast for you.
The Forlorn Hope. Brave lads who volunteered for near-suicidal missions, such as first into the breach of a siege. Their name is mainly synonymous with the Napoleonic Wars. But what is the history of the Forlorn Hope?
Who were they?
How did armies find enough volunteers for such suicidal missions?
James Mace co-wrote this episode and he writes fantastic fiction books that can be found here - https://amzn.to/4cJZ8be
and here - https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Mace/author/B002BMES4O?
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
Further Reading: Peter Snow - To War with Wellington - https://amzn.to/3yT8aF4
Richard Holmes - Redcoat - https://amzn.to/4e7g8Jr
Private Wheeler - Letters from the Peninsular - https://amzn.to/3z3qFqg
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#Arnhem80 - 80 years ago this week, the 1st Airborne Division was dropped into Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden.
While history often recalls the chaos and tragedy of the battle, one man’s bizarre bravery stands out: Major Allison Digby Tatham Warter, a British officer so eccentric that he carried an umbrella into battle. This is his story - brought to life in a script written by my good friend Neil Thornton.
If you would like to get hold of Neil's excellent book then here is the link to purchase it - https://amzn.to/3MJgE4A
For more content like this join my patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
And buy your military history merch here - https://redcoathistory.myspreadshop.co.uk/
or https://www.redbubble.com/people/RedcoatHistory/shop?asc=u
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Today, we're diving deep into one of the most dramatic and overlooked chapters of the Peninsular War. We’re focusing on Wellington's first taste of battle against the mighty French army —the gritty and fiercely fought battles of Rolica and Vimeiro in 1808.These Two clashes set the stage for a legendary career and changed the course of history!
Today I'm joined by Rob Griffith.He’s an acclaimed historian and the author of "So Just and Glorious a Cause: Britain and the Liberation of Portugal - Rolica and Vimeiro, 1808." His book can be purchased via this link - https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/so-just-and-glorious-a-cause-britain-and-the-liberation-of-portugal-rolica-and-vimeiro-1808.php?
Use the discount code RHP15 at checkout to receive 15% off.
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Gunboat Diplomacy at Its Best: The Shortest War in History
When we think of wars from the 19th century, we often imagine protracted conflicts that dragged on for months or even years. However, one war was so brief that it lasted less time than the first half of a football match (or soccer, for our American friends). The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 holds the record as the shortest war in history, and it's a fascinating tale of imperial power, naval might, and rapid resolution.
Thanks to Dr Chris Brice for researching and co-writing this episode. His books can be found here - https://amzn.to/4cx1H0e
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
Further Reading Angus Konstam British Gunboats of Victoria’s Empire (Osprey, 2022) - https://amzn.to/3yZaWsc
Phillip J Haythornthwaite The Colonial Wars Source Book (Caxton, 2000)- https://amzn.to/3X952g2
Ian Hernon Britain’s Forgotten Wars: Colonial campaigns of the 19th century (Sutton, 2003) - https://amzn.to/3Z3PXz2
Kevin Patience Zanzibar and the Shortest War in history (1994) - https://amzn.to/3AHzE0O
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The Indian Mutiny of 1857. Known in India these days as the First War of Independence. A bitter hard-fought conflict in the sweltering heat of northern India.
It’s a war we’ve covered here on Redcoat History before but it’s a fascinating conflict that saw a small number of redcoats massively outnumbered and surrounded, far from support and short on supplies.
It was a war that showed Victorian British society at its best and its worst. I think its a war we should study and remember…
Well, today I am joined by the wonderful Eva Chatterji to discuss her new book - The Lucknow Residency: A Story of 1857
Eva's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3Atvmdf
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or you can sign up for my Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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WW1 - waves of young soldiers walking forward into a storm of steel.
Generals - a set of blundering fools - sat safely behind the lines drinking champagne.
The British unwillingness to accept new technology and new tactics.
These are the stories we grew up with. That we still see in the popular media.
But what if they are wrong?
What if I could explain to you today that the British and Empire armies of the First World War were actually dynamic and forward thinking institutions.
And what if the we could show that the infamous German stormtroopers, often considered the super soldiers of WW1, were simply following the same same tactics that the BEF had already adopted?
Sound interesting?
Then get yourself a brew and let’s bust some myths.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://bit.ly/redcoathistory
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In this episode, you’re going to hear about 5 men who won a shed load of medals… not just military ones, but Olympic ones too.
Buy Redcoat History Merch here - https://bit.ly/redcoatshirts
Max Fahler's Substack - https://maxfahler.substack.com/
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You can also join the Patreon over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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Today we are talking about the “Good Americans” - those who stayed loyal to the crown during the American Revolution. Lieutenant General James Robertson, a senior British general in America said that it was always his intention to subdue the bad Americans with the “Good Americans.”
Well, he was referring to those brave loyalists - the men who knew right from wrong and respected their King.
Special thanks to today's wonderful guest Todd Braisted. His website is https://www.royalprovincial.com/
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You can also get early access to my films and podcasts when you sign up over at www.patreon.com/redcoathistory
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It’s a WW1 campaign that is largely forgotten. In fact it’s been derided as a sideshow.
But was it?
Today I am joined by Jake Gasson - https://x.com/JakeGasson1918 - to discuss the Salonika campaign of 1915-1918.
At its peak, the British Salonica force or BSF numbered over 200,000 soldiers - but many senior officers felt this was a huge waste of resources.
In today’s episode Jake will talk us through the campaign and then explain why some senior German figures felt that the campaign was in fact of huge strategic importance - perhaps even the reason the allies won the war.
He then goes on to discuss his PhD thesis about boredom during the campaign and its effect on morale and unit cohesion. It's fascinating stuff.
Sign up for my mailing list here - http://bit.ly/redcoathistory
And join the Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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Today’s Podcast is all about a forgotten war in the mountains of southern Africa, and it’s about King Moshoeshoe, the most incredible king you’ve never heard of.
It’s about how to win when you have no chance.
We’ll learn how British soldiers intimidated their enemy by cooking lunch in the middle of a battle, and we’ll see how cattle rustling can get you into a lot of trouble.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You can also get extra content by signing up for my Patreon account via
www.patreon.com/redcoathistory
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A special thanks to today's sponsor - Osprey Publishing - The destination for military history books.
Here is the link to their website - https://bit.ly/redcoatosprey
Britain and Portugal...It’s the longest continuing alliance in global history… and Winston Churchill said it was an alliance “without parallel in world history”.
In today’s Podcast we will explore some forgotten conflicts like that of 1762 . . .then we’ll take a look at how the two armies fought side by side in the Peninsular war and take a deep look at the Battle of Bussacco - the battle that forged the Portuguese army.
We’ll then examine the role of the "Pork and beans" as they were known on the western front in the First World War.
It’s fascinating stuff.
Stay tuned till the end to find out how The Portuguese also played a part in Britain’s Falklands campaign in 1982.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via
https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory
or
sign up for my Patreon page via
www.patreon.com/redcoathistory
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This episode is a detailed look at the history of Maori soldiers, especially in the two world wars. German Field marshal Erwin Rommel allegedly said of them, "Give me a Maori Battalion and I will conquer the world." But what is the full history and just how effective were they? let's find out.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or sign up for my patreon over at patreon.com/redcoathistory
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His life was straight from the pages of a swashbuckling novel…
Some even say he was the inspiration for Harry Flashman…
Do you know who it is?
It's Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby of the Royal Horse Guards.
Built like a brick outhouse, strong as an ox, brave as a lion…I could keep going on but I think let’s get stuck in to today’s interview with John Hawkins.
John’s written a two volume history of Burnaby’s life and really knows his stuff.
Please sign up for my newsletter and receive your free eBook on the Battle of Isandlwana - https://redcoathistory.com/2021/10/27/free-book-the-military-history-geeks-guide-to-the-anglo-zulu-war/
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In today's episode, I examine which regiment is the oldest in the British army...
It's not as straight-forward as you may think.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or join patreon via https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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The 9th Cape Frontier War is almost completely forgotten. But today's guest presenter Cam Simpson has been doing a lot of research on the little known Battle of Umzintzani.
It was a desperate fight deep in rural South Africa - it's a fight rich with valour, excitement and tragedy.
Cam is the author on numerous books about military history and they can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/3WjBkGA
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or sign up for our Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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Why is the British army (man for man) so damn good and why has it been so effective over the centuries?
In today's episode we explore the unique regimental system.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You may also wish to get early access to my videos, without ads. Therefore you can join my Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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The British redcoats of the American revolution…
Often mocked, undervalued or portrayed as red-coated imperial storm troopers with a hatred of freedom loving American rebels.
In the last episode, we looked at who they really were, their backgrounds, places of birth and how much training they received.
Well today we are joined once more by author Robbie McNiven to find out more about the 33rd regiment of foot during the revolution. There battles, how they performed and why ultimately the Americans won the war.
The 33rd were arguably Britians most elite regiment of the era…not including the Foot Guards of course…and they fought in almost every major battle of the revolution.
Robbie's book on the regiment can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/3J8TgvA
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The British Army of the American revolution.
Like most British armies throughout history, they were over-stretched, under resourced and fighting thousands of miles from home against a tough and determined enemy.
But what do we really know about these men in the red coats?
Were they the proverbial scum of the earth?
Was the army their only option to avoid the gutter?
Where were they from and how long did had they served?
And what about the officers? Were they “foppish dandies, or oafish brutes”? Or were they well-motivated and experienced soldiers doing the best for their men?
Well today I am joined by author and historian Robbie MacNiven to discover the answers to all of these questions and more.
Robbie has written a book about the 33rd Foot on campaign during the revolution - it’s called the Pattern and I’ve posted a link below.
https://amzn.to/4cH2WLo
If you want to support me then please sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
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Many VC winners have struggled to cope with their sudden fame and our hero today is one of them. He rose through the ranks to command one of the most famous units of the South African Frontier.
He earned a VC fighting the Zulus, served with distinction against the Basothos and then mysteriously disappeared.
Today’s story is about an incredible man - but one who remains an enigma.
A special thanks to my friend Cam Simpson who researched and co-wrote this epsiode.
His books can be found here - https://amzn.to/3TmTXGt
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You may also wish to get early access to my videos, without ads. Therefore you can join my Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
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Beards...currently (March 2024) there aren't many jobs in the British army that allow beards...But Pioneer Sergeant is one of them.
But what is their story? Why are they allowed beards and what is the history of this important role?
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
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