Today, we’re really diving into an obscure niche. . . Rome in the 1860s — a decade of revolution, nationalism, and, oddly enough, British and Irish Catholics signing up to fight for the Pope. Our guest is historian Nicholas Schofield, author of Victorian Crusaders: British and Irish Volunteers in the Papal Army, 1860–70. It’s a story of faith, politics, and some very unlikely Redcoats in baggy Zouave trousers. The book is published by Helion and here is the link to buy - https://amzn.to/46tsA48 Special thanks to my good mate Dr Christopher Brice for conducting today’s interview. He is an expert in his own right and has written a number of books about Victorian military History - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.php Sign up for my mailing list to receive your free eBook about the battle of Isandlwana - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ And come tour the Zulu War battlefields with me by signing up for a tour here - https://paystack.com/buy/the-zulu-war-a-self-drive-tour-with-redcoat-history-devkrw
How do you beat an enemy who refuses to fight by the rules? From ambushes in the forests of North America to the frontier wars in Africa, the British Army faced enemies who fought small, fast, and ruthless. We now call it asymmetric warfare — the clash between the strong and the weak, the lion and the fly. In this episode of Redcoat History, I sit down with Dr Jacob Hagstrom — former U.S. Army officer and author of Asymmetric Warfare (Cambridge University Press). We explore how Redcoats struggled, adapted, and sometimes failed when fighting foes who didn’t line up on open fields. Expect stories from the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Cape Frontier as well as a discussion about the recent campaign in Afghanistan. Link to Jacob's book - https://amzn.to/47B3jHz Sign up for my mailing list - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ Join the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
This week I’m joined by historian Wendell Schollander to discuss his new book The British Empire’s Regulars 1880–1914. We dive into the lives of the men who fought and marched across the globe in Britain’s name – English, Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos, Zulus and many more – showing how these diverse soldiers were anything but anonymous pawns. Wendell brings their stories to life, explaining the unique contributions of each group and why their service was vital to the empire’s survival. Wendell's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3HON0ME Special thanks to Chris Brice for stepping in with hosting today. His books can be found here - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.php
Did you know a British cavalry captain once held the army rank of lieutenant general… and still just led a squadron? In this episode, we dive deep into the gloriously confusing world of the Napoleonic-era British Army with historian Steve Brown. From "Brevet" ranks, to gentleman volunteers who wielded muskets while hoping someone died so they could get a promotion—this is the army as you’ve never heard it before. We uncover forgotten garrisons, militia mysteries, and the strange story behind those regimental county titles that mostly meant nothing at all. Expect penal battalions, Greek soldiers in red coats, and dashing hussars who were all moustache and no discipline. It's the military equivalent of Monty Python meets Yes Minister—only it really happened. Steve's books can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4eRDm85 Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
Today we’re heading to the Sudan—dusty, dangerous, and politically explosive. We’re talking about Onwards to Omdurman, a gripping book by military historian Keith Surridge, which examines the often-overlooked campaigns leading up to Kitchener’s famous victory in 1898. But I’m not in the interviewer’s chair for this one. Instead, friend of the show and fellow historian Chris Brice takes the reins for a fascinating deep dive into empire, ambition, and the logistics of war in the late Victorian age. Before we begin, don’t forget—if you enjoy this podcast, head over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter to sign up to my mailing list. You’ll get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and a free ebook all about the Battle of Isandlwana, one of the most dramatic defeats in British military history. Keith's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/3GcxOs5 And Chris Brice's books are available here - https://amzn.to/4lcMiHn
In this episode of the Redcoat History podcast, I’m joined by historian and author Eva Chatterji to uncover the brutal truth behind the Relief of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. We go beyond the siege itself to tell the story of the fighting retreat, political backstabbing, and desperate urban combat that nearly doomed the entire British operation. Along the way we meet: Sir Henry Havelock, the “soldier-saint” leading from the front Sir James Outram, trying to manage a political minefield Sir Colin Campbell, the master planner who finally broke through And William Hall, the first Black man to win a Victoria Cross This isn’t just a story of Empire and military heroics — it’s a story of chaos, confusion, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Eva’s new book Courage and Chaos is out now from Barnthorne Publishing and Amazon.
Outnumbered, outflanked, and nearly broken — Wellington’s army during the Peninsular War came dangerously close to collapse at Fuentes de Onoro. In this on-the-ground film, we walk the battlefield to uncover how terrain, timing, and sheer stubbornness turned the tide. 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 can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content. Marcus Cribb's channel is here - https://www.youtube.com/@UClSx0Xd34n_-zfIiO7vp7lQ
Once the most famous soldier in Britain, Sir Garnet Wolseley rose through sheer grit and genius — only to fall hard thanks to arrogance, politics, and a changing empire. Historian Stephen Manning joins me to explore the man behind the moustache in all his brilliant, baffling glory. Stephen's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3ZsBFHT Sign up for my newsletter here (for a free eBook on the Zulu War) - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ Chris Brice's books can be found here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
There was a reason cavalry dominated battlefields for centuries. And today, we’re covering 12 of the greatest British cavalry charges in history—from the glorious to the reckless. Stick around to the end to hear which one is my personal favourite. What do you think? What did I miss? Salamanca could have been there, but as I am covering that battle in a few weeks it didn't seem right to include it. Thanks to Chris Brice for co-writing this episode. Join my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/
A war started over a severed ear? You’d think it was a joke - until thousands of British soldiers died in the Caribbean heat, not all from battle, but from blundering leadership, tropical disease, and incompetence. In this episode of Redcoat History, naval historian Tom Golding-Lee joins us to unpack one of Britain’s most catastrophic—and largely forgotten—campaigns: the expedition to Cartagena in 1741. This is a story of ambition, hubris, and total military meltdown. 👉 Check out more at https://redcoathistory.com — including tours, books, and gear that help support the show. Tom's Twitter account is - https://x.com/tdgnavalhistory
Why Did the British Army Wear Red? The red coat—bold, iconic, and unmistakably British. For nearly two centuries it was more than just for parade. . . it was the battlefield uniform of the British soldier. Feared by enemies, and loved by commanders. In this episode, I dig into the origins of the red coat, why it was chosen, and what made it stick. It’s the uniform that gave this channel its name, so it’s about time we gave it a proper look. 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/
The SOE’s secret war in Burma is one of the most overlooked chapters of WWII. In this episode, historian Richard Duckett uncovers the remarkable story of Lt. Col. Edgar Peacock—a jungle-hardened guerrilla leader who fought the Japanese with a force of locals deep behind enemy lines. Denied medals and buried by bureaucracy, their story is only now being told. Lt. Colonel Peacock's Grandson Duncan also joined us in this episode. The book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4miUoz6 Join my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ Patreon, for early access to videos and podcasts - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
Thanks to today's sponsor Osprey Publishing. They have tonnes of relevant books include a number of brilliant new releases. Please follow this link to check out their catalogue and also support my show https://bit.ly/Ospreypublishing In this episode, we walk the battlefields of Barba del Puerco and the Combat on the Coa, two early engagements in the Peninsular War where the Rifles and the Light Division cemented their reputation as elite troops. Using first-hand accounts, military analysis, and on-location footage, we explore: How the Rifles came to be What made the Baker Rifle so revolutionary Why their training under men like Sir John Moore changed the game And how they stood firm in the face of overwhelming French assaults This is the real story behind Richard Sharpe’s old regiment — not fiction, but fact. These were the battles where the myth began. 🗺 Locations Featured: Barba del Puerco (March 1810) • River Coa, near Almeida (July 1810) ⚔️ Like what you see? Support the channel on Patreon for behind-the-scenes extras, research notes, and more: https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most under-appreciated but fascinating corners of British military history: the Waziristan campaign of 1936–1937. It’s a tale of Gurkhas, armoured cars, tribal lashkars, and the infamous Faqir of Ipi—all set against the harsh, unforgiving terrain between British India and Afghanistan. Jon Pick and I will be talking sniping, ambushes and mountain warfare. You’ll hear about heroic stands, and questionable decisions. And if you enjoy this kind of thing—well then keep in touch and stay up to date with my newsletter by heading over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter and signing upIt’s where all the best stories march first. Jon's military book business is excellent and can be found here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/yorkmilitarybooks
The American War of Independence . . . A war that is viewed through the prism of American myth making and Hollywood movies. This month is the 250th anniversary of the first clashes of that war. It's a fascinating and misunderstood conflict and I'm sure the next few years will see us bombarded with the old cliches and myths thrown out time after time. Well, here on Redcoat History, we do our bit to try to turn the tide and share the nuance and detail that may be missing from the US media's coverage. Today we are starting by taking a look at one regiment - a very fine regiment - the 47th Foot. They were heavily involved at Lexington and Concord and also at Bunker Hill. Paul Knight has written a book all about them and today he’ll explain how the stereotypes of the robotic redcoat and the idiotic posh officer are far from the truth. Paul's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4j7TOSM
Montgomery—was he the genius who won the Normandy campaign or a glory-hunting general who held the Allies back? The debate rages on. In this episode, we dig into one of the most controversial figures of World War II with military historian Andrew Harrison, author of Caen, Cobra and Confusion: Monty's Normandy Legacy Revisited. Published by Barnthorn. https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/ We break down the myths, the man, and the messy reality of the battle for Caen. Did Monty’s cautious approach cost lives? Was Operation Cobra really the turning point? And why do the Americans and Brits see Normandy so differently?
Did you know that between the Crimean war and the Indian Mutiny, Britain was busy invading Iran (then Persia) and giving it a proper Victorian thrashing? 🔹 Cavalry charges smashing enemy squares 🔹 Brutal naval bombardments 🔹 Heroic last stands and a few Victoria Crosses thrown in for good measure This is the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57, a forgotten but explosive chapter in Britain’s military history. 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 can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content. Dr Brice's books - https://amzn.to/4bRUKYX
Have you seen that monstrosity of a film Fury? The one with Brad Pitt. Well, imagine that, but in WW1 with a British tank in the mud of Passchendaele. And yes, unlike the American film, our story today is 100 percent true. Special thanks to Neil Thornton for researching and co-writing this script, his publishing company is excellent with lots of military history titles - https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/ You can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at patreon.com/redcoathistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.
Hector Macdonald—"Fighting Mac"—was a true legend of the British Army. Rising from humble beginnings to the rank of Major General, he fought in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Boer War, earning a reputation as one of the toughest soldiers of his time. But his meteoric rise ended in scandal, conspiracy, and a tragic downfall. Some even believe he faked his death and reappeared as a German general in World War I. Could there be truth to the rumours? Listen to uncover the astonishing life and mysterious end of one of Britain's most controversial military heroes. 📚 Special thanks to historian Dr. Chris Brice for co-writing this episode—find his books here: https://amzn.to/3WTJIvZ Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
In this in-depth episode, historian and author Andy Wheale guides us through the remarkable story of Britain’s 6th Airborne Division in WW2. Discover how Major-General Richard Gale built and led this elite force—overcoming logistical hurdles with the RAF, hand-picking the men behind the iconic red beret, and forging a division that nearly got “re-rolled” before it even saw action. We then spotlight the 6th Airborne’s crucial role on D-Day, where they confronted fierce resistance far beyond the initial landings. Along the way, Andy breaks down the core factors behind their success, from Gale’s innovative leadership and uncompromising training regimen to the fighting spirit that carried them through one of history’s most pivotal moments. Join us to see how these airborne troops rose to become a true high-value fighting force in WWII. Andy's book can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/40lqpg7
Rob Greer
Thank you for the work and dedication you put into this podcast
Stormy Lntz
Job deserves the VC.It is blatant discrimination for him to be denied in my opinion. Christian, this was an awesome show.
Stormy Lntz
Your podcast is awesome. I am hoping to read Jame's series .
Peter Cottam
Hello redcoat history podcast !!! I just wanted to let you know that I have really enjoyed your series on the zulu wars. I have been interested in the subject for quite a number of years now and your podcasts are very entertaining and informative. thanks very much .