The Redcoat History Podcast

Why Did the British Army Wear Red? The red coat—bold, iconic, and unmistakably British. For nearly two centuries it was more than just for parade. . . it was the battlefield uniform of the British soldier. Feared by enemies, and loved by commanders. In this episode, I dig into the origins of the red coat, why it was chosen, and what made it stick. It's the uniform that gave this channel its name, so it's about time we gave it a proper look. 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/ 

The SOE's secret war in Burma is one of the most overlooked chapters of WWII. In this episode, historian Richard Duckett uncovers the remarkable story of Lt. Col. Edgar Peacock—a jungle-hardened guerrilla leader who fought the Japanese with a force of locals deep behind enemy lines. Denied medals and buried by bureaucracy, their story is only now being told. Lt. Colonel Peacock's Grandson Duncan also joined us in this episode.  The book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4miUoz6  Join my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/  Patreon, for early access to videos and podcasts - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Thanks to today's sponsor Osprey Publishing. They have tonnes of relevant books include a number of brilliant new releases. Please follow this link to check out their catalogue and also support my show https://bit.ly/Ospreypublishing    In this episode, we walk the battlefields of Barba del Puerco and the Combat on the Coa, two early engagements in the Peninsular War where the Rifles and the Light Division cemented their reputation as elite troops. Using first-hand accounts, military analysis, and on-location footage, we explore: How the Rifles came to be What made the Baker Rifle so revolutionary Why their training under men like Sir John Moore changed the game And how they stood firm in the face of overwhelming French assaults This is the real story behind Richard Sharpe's old regiment — not fiction, but fact. These were the battles where the myth began.  

In today's episode, we're diving into one of the most under-appreciated but fascinating corners of British military history: the Waziristan campaign of 1936–1937. It's a tale of Gurkhas, armoured cars, tribal lashkars, and the infamous Faqir of Ipi—all set against the harsh, unforgiving terrain between British India and Afghanistan.   Jon Pick and I will be talking sniping, ambushes and mountain warfare. You'll hear about heroic stands, and questionable decisions.   And if you enjoy this kind of thing—well then keep in touch and stay up to date with my newsletter by heading over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter and signing upIt's where all the best stories march first. Jon's military book business is excellent and can be found here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/yorkmilitarybooks 

The American War of Independence . . . A war that is viewed through the prism of American myth making and Hollywood movies. This month is the 250th anniversary of the first clashes of that war. It's a fascinating and misunderstood conflict and I'm sure the next few years will see us bombarded with the old cliches and myths thrown out time after time. Well, here on Redcoat History, we do our bit to try to turn the tide and share the nuance and detail that may be missing from the US media's coverage. Today we are starting by taking a look at one regiment - a very fine regiment - the 47th Foot. They were heavily involved at Lexington and Concord and also at Bunker Hill. Paul Knight has written a book all about them and today he'll explain how the stereotypes of the robotic redcoat and the idiotic posh officer are far from the truth. Paul's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4j7TOSM 

Montgomery—was he the genius who won the Normandy campaign or a glory-hunting general who held the Allies back? The debate rages on. In this episode, we dig into one of the most controversial figures of World War II with military historian Andrew Harrison, author of Caen, Cobra and Confusion: Monty's Normandy Legacy Revisited. Published by Barnthorn. https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/  We break down the myths, the man, and the messy reality of the battle for Caen. Did Monty's cautious approach cost lives? Was Operation Cobra really the turning point? And why do the Americans and Brits see Normandy so differently?  

Did you know that between the Crimean war and the Indian Mutiny, Britain was busy invading Iran (then Persia) and giving it a proper Victorian thrashing?

Have you seen that monstrosity of a film Fury? The one with Brad Pitt. Well, imagine that, but in WW1 with a British tank in the mud of Passchendaele. And yes, unlike the American film, our story today is 100 percent true. Special thanks to Neil Thornton for researching and co-writing this script, his publishing company is excellent with lots of military history titles - https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/ You can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at patreon.com/redcoathistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.

Hector Macdonald—"Fighting Mac"—was a true legend of the British Army. Rising from humble beginnings to the rank of Major General, he fought in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Boer War, earning a reputation as one of the toughest soldiers of his time. But his meteoric rise ended in scandal, conspiracy, and a tragic downfall. Some even believe he faked his death and reappeared as a German general in World War I. Could there be truth to the rumours? Listen to uncover the astonishing life and mysterious end of one of Britain's most controversial military heroes.

In this in-depth episode, historian and author Andy Wheale guides us through the remarkable story of Britain's 6th Airborne Division in WW2. Discover how Major-General Richard Gale built and led this elite force—overcoming logistical hurdles with the RAF, hand-picking the men behind the iconic red beret, and forging a division that nearly got “re-rolled” before it even saw action. We then spotlight the 6th Airborne's crucial role on D-Day, where they confronted fierce resistance far beyond the initial landings. Along the way, Andy breaks down the core factors behind their success, from Gale's innovative leadership and uncompromising training regimen to the fighting spirit that carried them through one of history's most pivotal moments. Join us to see how these airborne troops rose to become a true high-value fighting force in WWII. Andy's book can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/40lqpg7

The British army of the Napoleonic wars - probably the most effective force we've ever deployed. Time and time again our small expeditionary army took on and beat the mighty French. But what was our secret? Well today, we are looking at one important aspect - the British regiment. . . how were our infantry and cavalry units organised? What is a troop? A squadron? A company and a platoon? What was different about the elite flank companies? In this episode I am joined by the incredible historian Steve Brown. His latest book can be pre-ordered here - https://amzn.to/4imBup6 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, ad-free access to my videos and podcasts by joining my patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

WW2 - The war in Burma. The forgotten 14th Army struggling against Japanese "super soldiers" deep in the jungle. But did you know there was another, completely overlooked aspect to the campaign -Tanks. Yep, the British and allied troops did deploy them and they proved to be incredibly effective.  Today we are exploring the forgotten role that tanks played in the jungle and on the Indian and Burmese plains.  These are stories that will shock you - a sword fight inside a British tank, the logistics of deploying armour in the mountains above the clouds, and the incredible tale of the 'Thunder Run to Meiktila,' - a battle that set the tone for the use of armour and all-arms tactics through to the present day.  By the way here is the link to Jack's book - https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/bookstore/p/forgotten-armour-tank-warfare-in-burma-by-jack-bowsher and the discount code at checkout is REDCOAT20. My patreon page is here - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory

Today on the podcast we are looking at the history of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment…a unit that can trace its roots back to 1685. We'll discuss the antecedent regiments that came together to form the modern regiment, look at their battle honours and important dates and then examine the role of the regiment in today's modern British army. Put the kettle on guys, cause this is a film for the true military history geek - we are going down another historical rabbit hole and it may take some time. Please support the show and sign up for my Patreon page. When you sign up you get early access to my podcasts and videos - https://www.patreon.com/c/RedcoatHistory 

I bet like me you thought tanks and armoured vehicles had replaced Britain's horse mounted cavalry after WW1. Well, we were wrong. Imagine this: in 1939, Britain still had a number of cavalry regiments that hadn't been mechanised. . . They still rode horses and carried sabres. These were territorials with no real place in modern warfare, yet by 1941, they were riding into battle in Syria, leading patrols, swimming rivers under aircraft attack, and somehow rewriting the book on cavalry warfare. They were actually incredibly important. Today, we ate joined by the brilliant —Jonathan Washington, former Yeomanry soldier himself and author of “FIGHTING VICHY FROM HORSEBACK” - It's a cracking book All about A Division that Wasn't Meant to Fight - Britain's 1st Cavalry Division in World War II. Here is the link to buy his book - https://amzn.to/4hlkBun  And here is the link to my newsletter - http://bit.ly/redcoathistory 

The 23rd of May 1842…Ring a bell? Probably not…unless you are a massive military history geek like me. Well, it was the date of the Battle of Congella - the first time that British redcoats and Boer farmers went toe to toe. It wasn't a big battle but it was an important one and is almost completely forgotten - until now. Join me in this episode as I explore the long forgotten battelfields. 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 www.patreon.com/redcoathistory 

While the world remembers Dunkirk, the story of the Lothians and Border Yeomanry has faded into the shadows. These brave men from southern Scotland fought a desperate retreat across France, making their final stand at St. Valery, only to be left behind as the 'miracle' of Dunkirk unfolded miles away. Join us as we uncover their forgotten sacrifice, with insights from  Andrew Karsgaard, the author of a cracking new book who has brought this incredible story back to life. A tale of courage, comradeship, and a battle lost to history. Andrew's book can be purchased on Amazon via this link - https://amzn.to/3Yaoaeb  Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ 

Six Victoria Crosses were won by 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign. This is the story of those incredible men and their actions. 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 the Patreon and get early access to my videos here - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

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  

#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  

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.

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    

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 

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 

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 

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  

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 

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  

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   

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  

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/ 

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 

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 

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

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 

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/ 

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  

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/ Sign up for the Patreon account to watch the videos ad free and weeks before they appear on YouTube https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Henry Hook VC has been called the most famous private soldier in British military history.  Does the name ring a bell? I'm sure it does - he was the bad lad in the film Zulu. We've spoken about him before on the show but today we are going deep, learning more about his life and about the actions that lead to his Victoria Cross at the Defence of Rorke's Drift. We have a brilliant interview today with well-known historian Neil Thornton. Neil is the author of numerous military history books. His latest details the life of Hooky. . . Who was he really? Was he tea-total? Did his wife think he was dead and marry another man? And  most importantly of all…what really happened inside the hospital during that horrific fight on the 22nd January 1879? The book can purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/4a0VWqN 

Today I am joined by Matthew Taylor to discuss The Corps of Colonial Marines…Escaped black American slaves who joined the British cause during the War of 1812. The unit was a force multiplier - men who knew the battlefields like the back of their hand and were very highly motivated. Not only were they an important part of the British war effort but their descendants still make up a unique ethnic group in the Caribbean. Stay tuned till the end to find out about the survivors of the unit who continued to fight the Americans under the union flag - even after the war was over. Matt's book can be pre-ordered via this link - https://amzn.to/3T7iD79 He also has a launch event taking place at the NAM on the 6th April - https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/black-redcoats-corps-colonial-marines  To support the show please consider joining the Patreon over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - it costs just $5 a month and you receive all episodes and YouTube videos early and with no ads. 

The Sepoys on the Western Front…often praised - sometimes derided. Were they lions in the trenches or did they fail the big test against the Germans? Were they terrified by artillery, did a huge number deliberately wound themselves, and could they operate without command and control from their British officers? These are all thorny questions and ones which we will be examining closely today. To discuss the topic I am joined by friend of the show David Snape. He has written a book called A Tiger Loose on an Ice Floe - all about the Ferozepore Brigade on the Western Front in 1914-15. If you want to buy a discounted copy of the book then please follow this link put in the discount code SNAPE5 at checkout. You can also sign up for my free mailing list over www.redcoathistory.com/newsletter - when you do so you will receive a free copy of my eBook about the Battle of Isandlwana. 

The British Army - those famous redcoats, cavalrymen and green clad riflemen - became surprisingly adept at fighting small wars of empire during the Victorian Era. We won war after war and battled enemies from across the globe. But it wasn't all one way traffic. Yes, I know it's painful but there were quite a few defeats for the British army. Today we are looking at five times the British army were defeated during the Victorian era. You might be able to guess some of them in advance but stay tuned till the end to discover which defeat we consider to be the worst and why they were all worse than you think. Thanks to Chris Brice for co-writing this episode. His books can be found via this link - https://amzn.to/49y094U 

Samurai vs Redcoat. In this episode we examine the multiple times that bayonet and Katana battled during the 1860s. It includes the bombardment of Kagoshima and also the Shimonoseki campaign. This is the story behind James Clavell's Gaijin: a tale of samurai, imperialism, politics, war and gunboat diplomacy in the Wild East. This podcast also sees the first American earn the Victoria Cross and the ancient rule of the Japanese Shoguns come to an end. Thanks to Joshua Provan for researching and writing the script. His YouTube channel can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresinhistoryland5501 His book Wild East is available via this link - https://amzn.to/3un24KU Sign up my mailing list to receive your free eBook about the Battle of Isandlwana:  http://bit.ly/redcoathistory 

1895-95. In the latest Redcoat History Battlefield tour episode, we walk in the footsteps of Leander Starr Jameson and his troops as they try and enter Johannesburg and overthrow the Afrikaner government. It's a fascinating tale - with a number of interesting and hard to find sites that are well worth a visit. Please join the Patreon page for early access to content and no ads. https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Imagine being a senior officer who has never seen service or completed any training. In fact your only qualification is a fat wallet. To our modern sensibilities and belief in meritocracy it sounds mental. But was it? Today we are looking at the British army's purchase system - what was it? How did it work and did it lead to an army commanded by rich nit-wits? Thanks to Dr Chris Brice for researching and co-writing today's episode. His books can be found here: https://amzn.to/3HmTi2d 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  

An important and brutal war that you've probably never heard of… A tribe of well-armed mounted warriors as tough as any in Africa. A handful of surrounded colonial officials - massively outnumbered and outgunned. Now if that hasn't caught your attention then I don't know what will. Today we are talking about two sieges and the battles to relieve them during the Basotho Gun War of 1880-81. Thanks to Cam Simpson. His books can be found via this link - https://amzn.to/47P5yDo 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  

This episode is a long one - a full and in-depth look at the First Boer War aka the Transvaal Rebellion. It combines a number of my previous episodes into one comprehensive examination of the fighting. Here are my key sources: Majuba 1881: Ian Castle A Rain of Lead: Ian Bennet - https://amzn.to/3HbbtaZ With the Boers in the Transvaal and Orange Free State: C L Norris Newman - https://amzn.to/3Hcaszv The Transvaal Rebellion: John Laband - https://amzn.to/3NWnox0 The Transvaal War, 1880-81: Lady Bellairs - https://archive.org/details/transvaalwar00belliala/page/n5/mode/2up 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

The American revolutionary war.  Britain versus the 13 colonies.  The fledgling United States was backed by the French…but did you know that the Spanish also weighed in against the Brits?  In fact, beginning in 1779, they fought a successful campaign against the redcoats in the area of Louisiana, Missipissi and Florida.  Today I'm joined by the one and only Joshua Provan who has just written a book about the campaign and the Spanish Siege of Pensacola.  The book can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/3vc9uQV  It's a fascinating story and one I know literally nothing about.  Sign up for my mailing list via this link:  https://redcoathistory.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bbf2e8d48ae31c86209421a47&id=7846ca3476 

How's this for a career? - A gentleman ranker who fought in the Zulu war, later chased Boer Commandos across South Africa, commanded the South African Brigade on the Somme and as if that wasn't enough, the old war horse went on to take charge of an elite division on the western front. So who was he? Henry Timson “Tim” Lukin - arguably South Africa's greatest ever General. Special thanks to Cam Simpson for researching and co-writing this episode. His books can be found here: https://amzn.to/3TDsjab  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 

The Napoleonic wars - the first Great War. An era that saw the British army come of age. But how much do you know about the officers at the forefront of the war? Were they all aristocratic buffoons like Henry Simmerson? Were most commissions and promotions paid for? What sort of training did they receive? And were battalion commanders actually younger and more dynamic than their counterparts in other armies? Historian Steve Brown joins me on the show today and we are going to busting plenty of myths today…The answers to these questions really surprised me and I think you may be shocked. Steve's fantastic book "Fit to command" can be purchased on the Helion website or via this Amazon link - https://amzn.to/46kuIJq 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  

A forgotten battle deep in the Rhodesian Bush…   A handful of Mounted Police battling over a thousand Shona rebels in a running battle.    Its an epic fight that deserves to be remembered.    Today we are talking about the Mazoe Patrol in what is now known as Zimbabwe.    A special thanks to Cam Simpson who researched and wrote this episode. His books on military history are excellent and can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/3QEWtX9    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  

The last stand of the Shangani Patrol on the 4 December 1893. In modern day Zimbabwe… It is the stuff of legend. A handful of militiamen surrounded and fighting to the death against an overwheleming force of Matabele warriors.  The man in command was Major Allan Wilson, a 37-year-old Scotsman.  He was a true Victorian maverick – a man of many talents. Over the years historians have made a lot of mistakes about who he was, where he came from and his background before coming to Rhodesia.  But today, with the help of research conducted by my mate Cam Simpson, we are going to find out the true story. Let's Learn who he really was and which battles he had fought in previously.  If you want to learn more about the Shangani Patrol here are some key works: Pursuit of the King by John O'Reilly - https://amzn.to/47O5Xqj A TIme to Die by Robert Cary - https://amzn.to/3QAng78  The Downfall of Lobengula by W A Wills - https://amzn.to/3FXh5VG