The Royal Marines are one of those British institutions that defy easy description. They’re not the Army. They’re not quite the Navy. And yet, for more than three and a half centuries, they’ve shown up in almost every corner of the world where Britain has decided to plant a flag, rescue a friend, or pick … Continue reading The History and Evolution of the Royal Marines
The Redcoats Are Coming: The Story Behind Britain’s Most Iconic Uniform
The redcoats. Possibly the most distinctive soldiers in history. Yes, other nations had red-coated troops. And yes, British soldiers have worn other colours over the centuries. But that bold, brash, unmistakable scarlet has become the enduring image of the British Army—especially the Empire-building kind. Redcoats of the 2/24th Regiment of Foot at the Battle of … Continue reading The Redcoats Are Coming: The Story Behind Britain’s Most Iconic Uniform
Would You Have Gone Back?
The Victoria Crosses Awarded at the Battle of Isandlwana The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was one of the greatest defeats in British military history. Over 20,000 Zulu warriors overwhelmed a thin red line of redcoats and their allies, leaving just a handful of survivors. But amidst the chaos and slaughter, there were … Continue reading Would You Have Gone Back?
A Very Fine Regiment: The 47th Foot in the American Revolution
As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution begins to dominate headlines, clichés and old myths are already crawling back into the conversation. The Redcoats were robotic. Their officers were clueless aristocrats. They lost because they were hopeless. You’ve heard it all before. But what if we told you the truth is far more interesting? … Continue reading A Very Fine Regiment: The 47th Foot in the American Revolution
How the Corps of Guides Changed Warfare Forever
Raised in December 1846, the Guides would go on to build a reputation for bravery, innovation, and loyalty, fighting in key campaigns such as the 2nd Anglo-Sikh War, the Afghan Wars, and both World Wars.
The Forgotten Impact of British Rifles in the American Revolution
The British Army, often portrayed as rigid and traditional, was far from the lumbering force it is sometimes made out to be. Contrary to the stereotype of redcoats marching in straight lines, armed with inaccurate smoothbore muskets, the British were both adaptable and innovative. In fact, they too made use of rifles during the Revolutionary War—sometimes to an even greater extent than the American revolutionaries.
The Forgotten Front: The Agony of Boredom in Salonika’s Stagnant War
In this video, my guest Jake Gasson, dives into the complexities and challenges faced by British soldiers stationed on the Macedonian front during World War I.
Patreon: Extra content, no adverts, keep in touch
I am always looking for new ways to raise funds to keep the podcast and YouTube channel growing. My goal is to help promote interest in British military history and help to raise awareness of Britain's military heritage. Therefore, I wanted to let you know my Patreon page is now up and running. https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory This … Continue reading Patreon: Extra content, no adverts, keep in touch
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?
Book review: Now we shall be entirely free
This is the first of an intermittent series where I will be writing brief reviews of military fiction, especially books set during the Napoleonic era. Today’s book is ‘Now we shall be entirely free’ by Andrew Miller. It’s not really a war book as such but is essentially about two British soldiers fresh from Sir … Continue reading Book review: Now we shall be entirely free
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