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?
‘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.
Disaster in Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul
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.
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?
Job Maseko MM – The Full Story of a South African Hero
Did racism stop Job Maseko MM from winning the Victoria Cross? That was the claim made in a recent, highly publicised, campaign. But could that be true and what is the full story of this South African hero? I set out to find out. . .
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.
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
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
Redcoat History 