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.
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 Heroes of Rorke’s Drift: Frank Bourne OBE, DCM
Transcript of the video that is embedded below: Today I’m talking about Frank Edward Bourne OBE DCM - or Colour Sergeant Bourne as he was during the battle of Rorke’s Drift. He was the senior British NCO present at the battle, but unlike many of his colleagues he was never awarded the Victoria Cross. You probably remember him from … Continue reading The Heroes of Rorke’s Drift: Frank Bourne OBE, DCM
The VC Heroes of Rorke’s Drift, Part 1: John Chard
Who were the 11 men who won the Victoria Cross during the epic battle for Rorke's Drift? What was their background and what happened to them after the battle? This is the first in a series of films where I will be answering those questions. Today we talk about the man who commanded the defence … Continue reading The VC Heroes of Rorke’s Drift, Part 1: John Chard
The Basotho Gun War – video
In the latest Five-minute Friday video (OK OK I know it's not five minutes!) I examine the Basotho Gun War of 1880-1881. It is a conflict almost forgotten by history but it is an incredibly important war as it is the reason that the small Kingdom of Lesotho is not part of South Africa. Watch … Continue reading The Basotho Gun War – video
A Lion in the Trenches. The Life of Captain Pollard VC, MC (and Bar) and DCM – video.
If you follow my blog you may have read an article about Captain A. O. Pollard of the Honourable Artillery Company. I am slightly obsessed by his excellent autobiography "Fire-eater". It is the antithesis of most books about the Great War. In it he focuses on the glory, the fun and the camaraderie of life … Continue reading A Lion in the Trenches. The Life of Captain Pollard VC, MC (and Bar) and DCM – video.
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)
Rogues with rifles: The 5/60th in the Peninsular War (an interview with author Rob Griffith)
Today my latest podcast episode dropped. It's a deep dive into the background and history of the 5/60th Rifles in the Peninsular War...I think of this unit as the British Foreign Legion, they really are a fascinating outfit. Please listen and subscribe for more British military history content. https://youtu.be/HhC9CatM6z8
The Military Geek’s Guide To…The Peninsular War, Volume One: The Battles of Vimeiro, Corunna and Talavera.
My new book is available for pre-order from Amazon. Soon there will be an Apple books version and a paperback. Here is the blurb for the book: "This is the first in Christian Parkinson's series on the Peninsular War of 1808-1814 – arguably the British army’s greatest campaign. It is a tale of raw human … Continue reading The Military Geek’s Guide To…The Peninsular War, Volume One: The Battles of Vimeiro, Corunna and Talavera.
Redcoat History 