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".
Keeping the memories alive: Visiting little known sites of the Anglo-Zulu War
In this video and blog post you can see and learn about a number of little-known Anglo-Zulu War battlefields and memorials...including Luneburg, Ntombe Drift and Conference Hill.
‘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?
New Video: The First Anglo-Sikh War – The Battle of Sobraon (with Amarpal Singh)
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.
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
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)
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 