So when, upon waking on Sunday morning (Sunday 15th August, 2021), I saw that it now looked inevitable that the Taliban were about to capture Kabul and 'win' the war I decided that I had to make a short film looking at the last time Britain was forced to ignominiously leave Kabul - in 1842.
New Video: The First Anglo-Sikh War – The Battle of Sobraon (with Amarpal Singh)
This is the final instalment of my interview with Sikh Historian Amarpal Singh. He talks us through the final moves of the First Anglo-Sikh War which culminated in the Battle of Sobraon fought on the 10th of February 1846.
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 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
John Shipp: A real-life Richard Sharpe (video)
Welcome to the first of my new "5 minute Friday" strand. In this first episode I am talking about the remarkable John Shipp...His story is absolutely amazing. During the Napoleonic era being promoted from the ranks was more common than most people think. . .But Shipp was still an exceptional man and managed it twice. … Continue reading John Shipp: A real-life Richard Sharpe (video)
The Battle of Plassey and the rise of the East-India Company
In Season 2 we are exploring the Battle of Plassey and the birth of the British Empire in India. It's a fascinating story of intrigue, corruption, and world-changing battles. In the first episode, we examine the siege of the British in Calcutta by the Nawab of Bengal and the subsequent "Blackhole" incident 0f 1756 which … Continue reading The Battle of Plassey and the rise of the East-India Company
In the footsteps of the Raj: The siege of Lucknow
In 2005 I visited Lucknow, the capital of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It's a fascinating city with a rich history, especially for those of us with a passion for British military history. During the Indian Mutiny (aka the first war of Independence) of 1857/58, The battle for the city, particularly the siege of … Continue reading In the footsteps of the Raj: The siege of Lucknow
Indian Mutiny: A walk around Delhi’s Kashmir Gate
The Indian mutiny: The assault at the Kashmir Gate, Delhi. In this video, I take a walk around Delhi's Kashmir gate, scene of heavy fighting during the Indian rebellion of 1857. Two VC's were won on this very spot.
Up from the ranks: Meet the real life Richard Sharpe
Meet the real life Richard Sharpe - John Shipp - who was twice promoted from the ranks.
Redcoat History 