Historian and Rifles veteran Tim Saunders joins us to delve into the history, ethos, and legacy of the 95th Rifles, a distinguished unit of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. We discuss their formation, training, and the impact of their unique weaponry, including the Baker rifle. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by the unit, their portrayal in popular culture through Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharp'e series, and the lasting influence of the 95th on modern military practices.

Tim's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tim-Saunders/a/227

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

Keywords

95th Rifles, Napoleonic Wars, British Army, light infantry, military history, Tim Saunders, Baker rifle, green jacket, Peninsula War, legacy

Time Stamps: All timings approximate

00:00 Introduction to the 95th Rifles

02:17 The Formation and Evolution of the 95th Rifles

12:20 The Ethos and Character of the Rifle Corps

19:09 Training Regimen and Marksmanship of the 95th

27:08 The Baker Rifle: A Game Changer for the 95th

32:59 The Evolution of Wellington's Army

41:35 The Significance of the Green Jacket

42:06 The Impact of the Peninsula War

49:34 Challenges and Failures of the 95th

55:06 The Legacy of the 95th and Popular Culture