Deep in the rural areas of KwaZulu-natal, about 20km from Dundee is the impressive, but almost unknown Anglo-Zulu War fortification known as Fort Pine. Its dry-stone walls are still impressive, at least 14 feet high they tower over the gentle farmland of the Biggarsberg ridge. https://youtu.be/0FpLS6CYmag Work began on the fort by the Royal Engineers … Continue reading Fort Pine – A hidden gem of the Anglo-Zulu War
A close run thing: The Battle of Ferozeshah (21/22 December, 1845)
I have released two more clips from my interview with Sikh Historian Amarpal Singh. Eventually I plan to release all the segments as a full podcast episode. In the second part we discuss why Britain and the Sikh Empire went to war in 1845. https://youtu.be/qz5ItKGmKZE And then in the third segment Amarpal tells me all … Continue reading A close run thing: The Battle of Ferozeshah (21/22 December, 1845)
The Lines of Torres Vedras: An interview with Dr Mark Thompson
In the latest Redcoat History Podcast we are talking all about the Lines of Torres Vedras - the amazing engineering feat that allowed Wellington and his small army to defeat the French.
The Lion of the Punjab and the Rise of the Sikh Empire
How did the Sikhs become such an important power in India and who was 'The Lion of Punjab' - Ranjit Singh? This is the first in a new series of "5 minute Fridays" where Historian Amarpal Sidhu will be walking us through the First Anglo-Sikh War. Amarpal has written books on both Anglo-Sikh Wars and … Continue reading The Lion of the Punjab and the Rise of the Sikh Empire
Was Wellington Just a Defensive General?
Many people accuse of Wellington of being a defensive general - a soldier who was only in his element when defending steep ridges. But how true is that opinion? For this week's "5 minute Friday" video, my friend and fellow military history geek Marcus Cribb (Twitter - @mcribbHistory ) tries his best to answer the … Continue reading Was Wellington Just a Defensive General?
The Baker Rifle – its development and use. An interview with Britishmuzzleloaders
In this month's Peninsular War episode I interview the amazing Rob from Britishmuzzleloaders - he is a walking encyclopedia of historical British rifles and muskets. Today he teaches me all about the Development, accuracy, rate of fire and tactical use of the Baker Rifle - aka the Pattern 1800 Infantry Rifle. https://youtu.be/VyTcvu-Vi_c
Military History meets Heavy Metal: An interview with Forlorn Hope Band
In this bonus Redcoat History Podcast episode, I meet Chris Simpson from the awesome heavy metal band Forlorn Hope. They have an entire album all about the Peninsular War, and in February 2021 their new single drops - To the Bitter End - a thrilling retelling of the story of the 1916 defence of Frankfurt … Continue reading Military History meets Heavy Metal: An interview with Forlorn Hope Band
The Heroes of Rorke’s Drift: Frank Bourne OBE, DCM
Transcript of the video that is embedded below: Today I’m talking about Frank Edward Bourne OBE DCM - or Colour Sergeant Bourne as he was during the battle of Rorke’s Drift. He was the senior British NCO present at the battle, but unlike many of his colleagues he was never awarded the Victoria Cross. You probably remember him from … Continue reading The Heroes of Rorke’s Drift: Frank Bourne OBE, DCM
The Peninsular War: The Battle of Bussaco (Full Documentary and Podcast)
In the latest episode of Season 3 of The Redcoat History Podcast, we examine the Battle of Busacco...fought in Portugal on the 27th September 1810. The battle is important for many reasons - not least of which as it marked the coming of age of the newly reorganized and re-equipped Portuguese army which would achieve … Continue reading The Peninsular War: The Battle of Bussaco (Full Documentary and Podcast)
The Heroes of Rorke’s Drift: James Langley Dalton VC
This is the third part of my “Heroes of Rorke’s Drift” series…and today we are learning all about the man who many consider to have been the unsung hero and the brains behind the successful British defence of Rorke’s Drift.
