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?
‘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.
Redcoat History 