How did the British Army compare with its greatest enemies? From Native American warriors and Napoleon's cavalry to the Māori, Sikh Khalsa and Russian Army, our Osprey-sponsored video series explores the weapons, tactics and battles that shaped British military history. Discover what made the redcoats so formidable, where they struggled and what they learned from their opponents.
PENINSULAR WAR: ENDGAME 1813-14
After a long, gruelling campaign in the Peninsular, France was finally invaded in 1814 - a staggering turn around when one considers the difficulties experienced by the British, Spanish and Portuguese since 1807.
The Peninsular War: Who were the Redcoats?
In this podcast and video series, I explain who the redcoats were, how they were recruited, and how the British infantry regiments of the Napoleonic wars were organised. It's a fascinating subject and one that clearly resonated with a large audience. You can listen to the full audio episode here. Or watch the accompanying videos below. … Continue reading The Peninsular War: Who were the Redcoats?
Who captured the first French Eagle of the Peninsular War?
Richard Sharpe famously captured an Eagle at the Battle of Talavera, but do you know which real-life warrior was the first British soldier to achieve that impressive feat during the Peninsular war? The video below will answer all of your questions. https://youtu.be/kNf3hJ_Zmf0 This is a real tale of derring do and bravery. The capture of … Continue reading Who captured the first French Eagle of the Peninsular War?
Podcast: The Siege of Burgos (1812) – Wellington’s worst scrape?
After the famous Victory at Salamanca in July 1812, Wellington occupied Madrid. At this point, he seemed to lose his magic touch. In this episode, I am joined by historians Charles Esdaile and Mark Thompson to learn the full story behind the campaign known as "Wellington's worst scrape".
‘By God, that will do!’: The Battle of Salamanca – Wellington’s greatest victory?
There are still mysteries and controversies around the battle. For example did Wellington throw a chicken leg over his shoulder and cry, 'By God that will do'? How many French Imperial Eagles were actually won? And was this Wellington's greatest victory? - You might be surprised by the answer.
Horror in the Breaches: The Third Siege of Badajoz
The Third Siege of Badajoz was a brutal and bloody affair. It was a huge test for Wellington and his British and Portuguese troops. They had failed twice before, could they finally capture this immense fortress that protects the southern route between Portugal and Spain?
Albuera: The bloodiest battle of the Peninsular War
The Battle of Albuera, fought on the 16th of May 1811, is considered to be the bloodiest fought during the entire Peninsular War. Listen/watch the Redcoat History Podcast to find out the full story.
The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro, May 1811
A close run thing - the battle of Fuentes de Oñoro was one of the bitterest battles of the Peninsular War, This is the story.
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.
