In April 2015 I was lucky enough to attend the centenary commemorations of the Allied landings at Gallipoli. One of the sites well worth a visit is "W Beach" and the nearby Lancashire Landing cemetery. While there I made the short film below: W beach was known to the Turks as Tekke Bay. It was … Continue reading Video: A walk on W Beach, Gallipoli
Video: Why did Britain invade Zululand?
I am fascinated by the Anglo-Zulu war but have always been confused about the reasons for it and why Britain invaded. In this short "5 minute history" I try to give an explanation as to why the war happened.
The Peninsular war part 4: The battle of Vimeiro
This is the fourth part of my series examining the Peninsular war through the eyes of the British soldiers. For the previous instalment, about the battle of Rolica, please follow this link. Under a broad blue sky, dotted with thin wispy clouds the British army hastily pulled on their boots and grabbed their weapons. Bugles … Continue reading The Peninsular war part 4: The battle of Vimeiro
Swift and Bold: The reenactors of the 5/60th Rifles
The 5/60th Rifles were one of the most elite regiments of the British army during the Napoleonic wars. They were skirmishers equipped with the excellent Baker rifle and dressed in green rather than the traditional red jackets. Now a group of enthusiasts in the west Midlands are bringing the unit back to life. I was … Continue reading Swift and Bold: The reenactors of the 5/60th Rifles
The Peninsular war part 3: The battle of Rolica
In the third part of my story of the Peninsular war, as seen through the eyes of the British soldiers, we examine the battle of Rolica - an early success for Sir Arthur Wellesley and his men. For my previous articles that explore the landings at Mondego bay and the first combat casualties of the … Continue reading The Peninsular war part 3: The battle of Rolica
The Peninsular war part 1: The British landings at Mondego bay
This is the first in a series of articles examining the Peninsular war through the eyes of the soldiers themselves. In this piece we join Sir Arthur Wellesley and his men as they land in Portugal to take on the victorious French.
Rorke’s Drift: A video tour of the battlefield
In the latest of my battlefield tour videos I take you for a walk around Rorke's Drift and try to explain a little of the history.
The battlefield of Isandlwana: A video tour
In this video Christian Parkinson gives a tour of the battlefield at Isandlwana, site of one of the British army's worst and most well known defeats.
Up from the ranks: Meet the real life Richard Sharpe
Meet the real life Richard Sharpe - John Shipp - who was twice promoted from the ranks.
Redcoat History 