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.
Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Talavera – Fact or Purely Fiction?
In the latest video installment of the Redcoat History Podcast I talk to Marcus Cribb (manager of Apsley House) all about the first Richard Sharpe book "Sharpe's Eagle". We follow the plot of the novel and explain which bits are true and which bits do not conform to the actual history of the Battle of … Continue reading Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Talavera – Fact or Purely Fiction?
Podcast Season 3: The Peninsular War
Do you enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe novels? Or perhaps you loved the TV series with Sean Bean? Well, those stories were set during the Peninsular war of 1808-1814 – which is exactly what we are covering in season Three of the Redcoat History Podcast – Hurrah! If you have no idea what I am … Continue reading Podcast Season 3: The Peninsular War
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.