Six Victoria Crosses were won by 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign. This is the story of those incredible men and their actions. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ If you are very gen…

Do you love military history? Then this is the podcast for you. The Forlorn Hope. Brave lads who volunteered for near-suicidal missions, such as first into the breach of a siege. Their name is mainly synonymous with the Napoleonic Wars. But what is the history of the Forlorn Hope? Who were they? How did armies find enough volunteers for such suicid…

#Arnhem80 - 80 years ago this week, the 1st Airborne Division was dropped into Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden. While history often recalls the chaos and tragedy of the battle, one man’s bizarre bravery stands out: Major Allison Digby Tatham Warter, a British officer so eccentric that he carried an umbrella into battle. This is his story …

Today, we're diving deep into one of the most dramatic and overlooked chapters of the Peninsular War. We’re focusing on Wellington's first taste of battle against the mighty French army —the gritty and fiercely fought battles of Rolica and Vimeiro in 1808.These Two clashes set the stage for a legendary career and changed the course of history! Toda…

Gunboat Diplomacy at Its Best: The Shortest War in History When we think of wars from the 19th century, we often imagine protracted conflicts that dragged on for months or even years. However, one war was so brief that it lasted less time than the first half of a football match (or soccer, for our American friends). The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 h…

The Indian Mutiny of 1857. Known in India these days as the First War of Independence. A bitter hard-fought conflict in the sweltering heat of northern India. It’s a war we’ve covered here on Redcoat History before but it’s a fascinating conflict that saw a small number of redcoats massively outnumbered and surrounded, far from support and short on…

WW1 - waves of young soldiers walking forward into a storm of steel. Generals - a set of blundering fools - sat safely behind the lines drinking champagne. The British unwillingness to accept new technology and new tactics. These are the stories we grew up with. That we still see in the popular media. But what if they are wrong? What if I could exp…

In this episode, you’re going to hear about 5 men who won a shed load of medals… not just military ones, but Olympic ones too. Buy Redcoat History Merch here - https://bit.ly/redcoatshirts Max Fahler's Substack - https://maxfahler.substack.com/ If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on…

Today we are talking about the “Good Americans” - those who stayed loyal to the crown during the American Revolution. Lieutenant General James Robertson, a senior British general in America said that it was always his intention to subdue the bad Americans with the “Good Americans.” Well, he was referring to those brave loyalists - the men who knew …

It’s a WW1 campaign that is largely forgotten. In fact it’s been derided as a sideshow. But was it? Today I am joined by Jake Gasson - https://x.com/JakeGasson1918 - to discuss the Salonika campaign of 1915-1918. At its peak, the British Salonica force or BSF numbered over 200,000 soldiers - but many senior officers felt this was a huge waste of re…

Today’s Podcast is all about a forgotten war in the mountains of southern Africa, and it’s about King Moshoeshoe, the most incredible king you’ve never heard of. It’s about how to win when you have no chance. We’ll learn how British soldiers intimidated their enemy by cooking lunch in the middle of a battle, and we’ll see how cattle rustling can ge…

A special thanks to today's sponsor - Osprey Publishing - The destination for military history books. Here is the link to their website - https://bit.ly/redcoatosprey Britain and Portugal...It’s the longest continuing alliance in global history… and Winston Churchill said it was an alliance “without parallel in world history”. In today’s Podcast we…

This episode is a detailed look at the history of Maori soldiers, especially in the two world wars. German Field marshal Erwin Rommel allegedly said of them, "Give me a Maori Battalion and I will conquer the world." But what is the full history and just how effective were they? let's find out. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign…

His life was straight from the pages of a swashbuckling novel… Some even say he was the inspiration for Harry Flashman… Do you know who it is? It's Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby of the Royal Horse Guards. Built like a brick outhouse, strong as an ox, brave as a lion…I could keep going on but I think let’s get stuck in to today’s interview with…

In today's episode, I examine which regiment is the oldest in the British army... It's not as straight-forward as you may think. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help…

The 9th Cape Frontier War is almost completely forgotten. But today's guest presenter Cam Simpson has been doing a lot of research on the little known Battle of Umzintzani. It was a desperate fight deep in rural South Africa - it's a fight rich with valour, excitement and tragedy. Cam is the author on numerous books about military history and they …

Why is the British army (man for man) so damn good and why has it been so effective over the centuries? In today's episode we explore the unique regimental system. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ You may also wish to get ear…

The British redcoats of the American revolution… Often mocked, undervalued or portrayed as red-coated imperial storm troopers with a hatred of freedom loving American rebels. In the last episode, we looked at who they really were, their backgrounds, places of birth and how much training they received. Well today we are joined once more by author Ro…

The British Army of the American revolution. Like most British armies throughout history, they were over-stretched, under resourced and fighting thousands of miles from home against a tough and determined enemy. But what do we really know about these men in the red coats? Were they the proverbial scum of the earth? Was the army their only option to…

Many VC winners have struggled to cope with their sudden fame and our hero today is one of them. He rose through the ranks to command one of the most famous units of the South African Frontier. He earned a VC fighting the Zulus, served with distinction against the Basothos and then mysteriously disappeared. Today’s story is about an incredible man …

Beards...currently (March 2024) there aren't many jobs in the British army that allow beards...But Pioneer Sergeant is one of them. But what is their story? Why are they allowed beards and what is the history of this important role? If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject…

Henry Hook VC has been called the most famous private soldier in British military history. Does the name ring a bell? I’m sure it does - he was the bad lad in the film Zulu. We’ve spoken about him before on the show but today we are going deep, learning more about his life and about the actions that lead to his Victoria Cross at the Defence of Rork…

Today I am joined by Matthew Taylor to discuss The Corps of Colonial Marines…Escaped black American slaves who joined the British cause during the War of 1812. The unit was a force multiplier - men who knew the battlefields like the back of their hand and were very highly motivated. Not only were they an important part of the British war effort but…

The Sepoys on the Western Front…often praised - sometimes derided. Were they lions in the trenches or did they fail the big test against the Germans? Were they terrified by artillery, did a huge number deliberately wound themselves, and could they operate without command and control from their British officers? These are all thorny questions and on…

The British Army - those famous redcoats, cavalrymen and green clad riflemen - became surprisingly adept at fighting small wars of empire during the Victorian Era. We won war after war and battled enemies from across the globe. But it wasn’t all one way traffic. Yes, I know it’s painful but there were quite a few defeats for the British army. Today…

Samurai vs Redcoat. In this episode we examine the multiple times that bayonet and Katana battled during the 1860s. It includes the bombardment of Kagoshima and also the Shimonoseki campaign. This is the story behind James Clavell’s Gaijin: a tale of samurai, imperialism, politics, war and gunboat diplomacy in the Wild East. This podcast also sees …

1895-95. In the latest Redcoat History Battlefield tour episode, we walk in the footsteps of Leander Starr Jameson and his troops as they try and enter Johannesburg and overthrow the Afrikaner government. It's a fascinating tale - with a number of interesting and hard to find sites that are well worth a visit. Please join the Patreon page for early…

Imagine being a senior officer who has never seen service or completed any training. In fact your only qualification is a fat wallet. To our modern sensibilities and belief in meritocracy it sounds mental. But was it? Today we are looking at the British army’s purchase system - what was it? How did it work and did it lead to an army commanded by ri…

An important and brutal war that you’ve probably never heard of… A tribe of well-armed mounted warriors as tough as any in Africa. A handful of surrounded colonial officials - massively outnumbered and outgunned. Now if that hasn’t caught your attention then I don’t know what will. Today we are talking about two sieges and the battles to relieve th…

This episode is a long one - a full and in-depth look at the First Boer War aka the Transvaal Rebellion. It combines a number of my previous episodes into one comprehensive examination of the fighting. Here are my key sources: Majuba 1881: Ian Castle A Rain of Lead: Ian Bennet - https://amzn.to/3HbbtaZ With the Boers in the Transvaal and Orange Fre…

The American revolutionary war. Britain versus the 13 colonies. The fledgling United States was backed by the French…but did you know that the Spanish also weighed in against the Brits? In fact, beginning in 1779, they fought a successful campaign against the redcoats in the area of Louisiana, Missipissi and Florida. Today I’m joined by the one and…

How’s this for a career? - A gentleman ranker who fought in the Zulu war, later chased Boer Commandos across South Africa, commanded the South African Brigade on the Somme and as if that wasn’t enough, the old war horse went on to take charge of an elite division on the western front. So who was he? Henry Timson “Tim” Lukin - arguably South Africa'…

The Napoleonic wars - the first Great War. An era that saw the British army come of age. But how much do you know about the officers at the forefront of the war? Were they all aristocratic buffoons like Henry Simmerson? Were most commissions and promotions paid for? What sort of training did they receive? And were battalion commanders actually youn…

A forgotten battle deep in the Rhodesian Bush… A handful of Mounted Police battling over a thousand Shona rebels in a running battle. Its an epic fight that deserves to be remembered. Today we are talking about the Mazoe Patrol in what is now known as Zimbabwe. A special thanks to Cam Simpson who researched and wrote this episode. His books on mili…

The last stand of the Shangani Patrol on the 4 December 1893. In modern day Zimbabwe… It is the stuff of legend. A handful of militiamen surrounded and fighting to the death against an overwheleming force of Matabele warriors. The man in command was Major Allan Wilson, a 37-year-old Scotsman. He was a true Victorian maverick – a man of many talents…

The infantry colours of regiments of the British Army are incredibly important - perhaps even the reason why the British army has always been one of the best in the world. But what is their significance, and why, for centuries now, have men gone to extraordinary lengths to defend them, performing amazing feats of courage and bravery? In todays epis…

During the Napoleonic era being promoted from the ranks was more common than most people think. . .But John Shipp was still an exceptional man and managed it twice! This is his story. Buy Redcoat History Merch: https://redcoathistory.myspreadshop.co.uk If you are also interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my…

The Relief of Lucknow was a key turning point in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59. In this episode, you will walk with me across the battlefield and learn how the most Victoria Crosses in a single day were awarded. Thanks to the guest Josh Provan. You can find here his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresinhistoryland5501 If you ar…

Did you know that in 1868 Abyssinia (now known as Ethiopia) was invaded by the British in a campaign as fearsome and as challenging as any the British army have faced? It’s a fascinating and little-known Victorian era war - But why did it happen? In this video I ask collector and historian Ian Shapiro to explain more. You can find Ian on Instagram.…

This is the re-edit of a live broadcast with Historian Mark Thompson. We discussed British cavalry of the Peninsular War. How were they trained? What were their strengths and their weaknesses? In which battles did they perform well? Mark has written many books on the era. This is his excellent book on the lines of Torres Vedras - https://amzn.to/3t…

The Victoria Cross - the highest and most prestigious decoration available to British service members. We all know what it looks like - It’s a small bronze cross with a distinctive crimson ribbon. But what else do you know about it? Well, today I am joined by author and historian Kevin Brazier…he’s going to be busting some of the myths and answerin…

The siege of Lucknow saw the bloodiest fighting of the Indian Mutiny. In this episode, I walk the residency grounds, explore how the site looks now and tell the story of the six month long siege. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://www.redcoathistory.com If y…

Today the one and only Ian Knight joins us to discuss his new book, "Warriors in Scarlet - The Life and Times of the Last Redcoats". Ian has written many brilliant books on the Zulu War and his new work looks at the British army of the early to mid-Victorian era. In this interview, Ian explains how the army developed over this period and talks us t…

It's September 1857 - the Indian Mutiny is going strong. The British are outnumbered and outgunned. Not a good position to be in for storming a major city. But they are determined to hold India at all costs. Can the redcoats and their allies achieve the impossible against a determined and worthy foe? Walk the streets of old Delhi with me to find ou…

Shaka, the founder of the Zulu nation, is South Africa's most famous warrior-king. He was a formidable man. But what is his story and who were the Kings who came after him? In this brief introduction to the subject, I am joined by historian Professor John Laband. You can find his books on the subject via the links below. The assassination of King S…

The Peninsular War is one of the most interesting in British military history. Sir Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, led a successful army against the French from 1808-1814 in Portugal, Spain, and the South of France. This was my first live broadcast and features John Viscardo of the Generals and Napoleon Podcast, and Marcus Cribb who…

The Gurkha’s - one of the most famous regiments in the British army. These tough men from Nepal have fought across the globe for Britain. But how did they end up fighting for the British and when did they emerge as an elite unit? That’s the story we are telling today. I am joined by the wonderful Josh Provan who can be found on Twitter as @LandOfHi…

It is the hot summer of 1857. A small besieging British force, massively outnumbered and outgunned by the Sepoys inside the city. . . Can this ragtag bunch of British soldiers and hastily raised regiments from the Punjab really retake the seat of the Mughal empire? Can they finally gain a victory and change the course of the Rebellion? Today’s stor…

Cawnpore - was a key battle during the war of 1857 in northern India. But it was more than just a battle - it became a rallying cry. It was a brutal fight followed by an infamous and tragic massacre and eventually some terrible retribution from the British. Join me as I continue my series on the Indian mutiny of 1857 - known in India as the 1st War…

Want to hear how a historical fiction author researches his books and how a military themed metal band makes sure their lyrics are accurate? Today is a fun episode where I catch up with two old friends of the show - fiction author James Mace and Rock Legend Chris Simpson. James has two new books coming out - https://www.legionarybooks.net/ Forlorn …