Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, was the one commander who consistently defeated Napoleon’s marshals and ultimately helped bring down the French Empire. Methodical, disciplined, and unshakably calm under fire, Wellington forged the British Army into a professional force capable of standing toe-to-toe with Napoleonic France.

Best known for his victories in the Peninsular War, Wellington mastered defensive warfare, logistics, and coalition command—winning battles at Vimeiro, Talavera, Bussaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, and finally defeating Napoleon himself at Waterloo in 1815. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Wellington rarely gambled; instead, he forced his enemies to fight on his terms.

In this episode, we explore:

• Wellington’s rise from India to the Iberian Peninsula

• His rivalry with Napoleon and his marshals

• His command style and treatment of soldiers

• Why Wellington remains one of history’s most successful generals

Essential viewing for fans of Napoleon, Waterloo, the Peninsular War, British military history, and the Napoleonic Era.

We welcome special guest, Marcus Cribb - a founding trustee of the NRWGCharity (Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves Charity). 

Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @nrwgcharity

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General Gudin: Napoleon’s Fallen Friend | Special Guest Cary Elwes

French General Charles Étienne Gudin de La Sablonnière was one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s closest friends and most trusted battlefield commanders. Brilliant, loyal, and courageous, Gudin represented the new generation of Revolutionary officers whose rise mirrored Napoleon’s own—and whose sacrifice deeply affected the Emperor.

Gudin distinguished himself in the early campaigns of the Empire and played a key role during the 1812 invasion of Russia. At the Battle of Valutina Gora (Smolensk), Gudin was mortally wounded while leading from the front. Napoleon was devastated by the loss, later calling Gudin one of the army’s finest generals. Gudin’s rediscovered remains and modern reburial have since renewed interest in his remarkable life and legacy.

In this special episode, we are joined by Cary Elwes, actor, historian, and storyteller, to explore:

• Gudin’s friendship with Napoleon

• His rise during the Revolutionary and Imperial wars

• His death during the 1812 campaign and its impact on Napoleon

• Gudin’s rediscovery and historical legacy

Mr. Elwes has an impressive career starring in such films as The Princess Bride, Twister, Days of Thunder, Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse du Guerre, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1, and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon. His television career includes such legendary shows as Seinfeld, Stranger Things and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. We're thrilled to have him join us on this episode!

X/Twitter: @cary_elwes, @andnapoleon

Napoleon’s 26 Marshals Compared: Genius, Failure, and Glory

Napoleon created 26 Marshals of the Empire, an elite group of commanders who carried the French armies to victory across Europe—and sometimes to disaster. From legendary battlefield leaders to controversial political survivors, no 2 marshals were alike.

In this episode, special guest Rachael Stark will compare all 26 marshals, examining their battlefield performance, independence, loyalty to Napoleon, and effectiveness as senior commanders. Why did some—like Davout, Lannes, and Masséna—excel in independent command, while others struggled outside Napoleon’s direct supervision? And how did ambition, personality, and politics shape their legacies?

In this episode, we break down:

• The best battlefield commanders among the marshals

• Who thrived in independent command—and who did not

• Loyalty vs survival after Napoleon’s fall

• Why Napoleon both needed and mistrusted his marshals

Featuring figures such as Davout, Ney, Murat, Soult, Masséna, Lannes, Berthier, and more, this comparison explores what it really took to succeed as a Marshal of the Empire.

This episode is sponsored by NapoleonicImpressions.com.

X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @andnapoleon

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Duke of Elchingen, Prince of the Moskva, Le Rougeaud, the Bravest of the Brave, Red Michel. How fitting that Episode 26 features the most inspirational of the 26 Marshals of the Empire! Learn all about Marshal Ney's wild life in this episode. 

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X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Marshal Joachim Murat: Napoleon’s Dazzling Cavalry King

French Marshal Joachim Murat was the most flamboyant and fearless cavalry commander of the Napoleonic Wars. Famous for his extravagant uniforms and thunderous charges, Murat led Napoleon’s cavalry in some of the empire’s greatest victories—yet his ambition and political missteps ultimately led to his downfall.

Murat played decisive roles at Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, and during the 1806–1807 campaigns, where his relentless pursuit shattered enemy armies. Crowned King of Naples, Murat struggled to balance loyalty to Napoleon with his own survival, switching sides during the final wars and sealing his tragic fate.

In this episode, we explore:

• Murat’s rise from cavalry officer to marshal and king

• His brilliance as a battlefield cavalry commander

• His failures in independent command and political judgment

• How ambition and ego destroyed one of Napoleon’s most daring marshals

Essential for fans of Napoleon, French marshals, Napoleonic cavalry, Austerlitz, Jena, and the dramatic personalities of the Napoleonic Era.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

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French Marshal André Masséna, known as “Napoleon’s Dear Child of Victory,” was one of the most talented and aggressive commanders of the Napoleonic Wars. A master of maneuver and battlefield improvisation, Masséna earned his reputation during the Revolutionary Wars and became one of Napoleon’s most trusted marshals in combat.

Masséna played decisive roles at Rivoli, Zurich, Austerlitz, and Wagram, repeatedly rescuing French armies in moments of crisis. Yet his later command during the Peninsular War, particularly the failed invasion of Portugal and the stalemate at the Lines of Torres Vedras, revealed the limits of even the greatest Napoleonic commanders.

In this episode, we explore:

• Masséna’s rise from revolutionary general to imperial marshal

• His brilliance in high-intensity battlefield command

• The contrast between his early victories and later setbacks

• Whether Masséna deserves to be ranked among Napoleon’s very best marshals

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As Napoleon famously stated, "If I had 2 Suchet's, I could've held all of Spain."

French Marshal Louis-Gabriel Suchet, later Duke of Albufera, was one of Napoleon’s most disciplined and successful commanders. Unlike many marshals whose brilliance was overshadowed by ambition or flamboyance, Suchet earned his reputation through consistent victories, careful administration, and strategic mastery—particularly in the Peninsular War.

Suchet’s campaigns in Aragon and Valencia demonstrated his ability to combine battlefield skill with governance, winning both victories and the loyalty of local populations. His meticulous planning and adaptability made him a model of Napoleonic command, earning Napoleon’s rare and genuine admiration.

In this episode, we explore:

• Suchet’s rise through the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies

• His brilliant campaigns in Spain, including Tarragona and Valencia

• Why he is often considered Napoleon’s most effective marshal in independent command

• How discipline, strategy, and administration made Suchet a unique figure among the 26 marshals

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Bonus episode on the life and times of Marshal Davout!

We have a special guest, Jimmy Chen of NapoleonicImpressions.com, which is an online store selling unique printed products inspired by the Napoleonic era. Please checkout their site as they are a big supporter of ours. This episode focuses on Marshal Davout's role in the Russian campaign. We also discuss the battles of Austerlitz, Auerstadt, Eylau, and Wagram as well as the downfall of the Empire. Thanks for listening!

X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

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Marshal Davout: Napoleon’s Iron Marshal

French Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout, nicknamed “The Iron Marshal,” was one of Napoleon’s most talented and disciplined commanders. Known for his unshakable loyalty, meticulous organization, and battlefield brilliance, Davout consistently delivered victories even under the most difficult circumstances.

He famously crushed the Prussians at Auerstädt with a smaller force than his opponents, proving himself indispensable in both major battles and independent commands. Davout’s combination of strict discipline, strategic genius, and personal courage made him one of the few marshals Napoleon truly relied upon.

In this episode, we explore:

• Davout’s rise through the French Revolutionary Wars

• His decisive victories at Auerstädt, Eylau, and Wagram

• Why he earned the nickname “The Iron Marshal”

• How his discipline, strategy, and loyalty set him apart from Napoleon’s other marshals

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Marshal Pierre Augereau: Napoleon’s Bold and Unpredictable Commander

Pierre Augereau was one of Napoleon’s earliest subordinates, known for his courage, tactical audacity, and occasional unpredictability. Rising through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars, Augereau earned a reputation as a fearless leader and a master of aggressive infantry tactics.

He played key roles at Castiglione and later during the campaigns in Italy and Germany, helping to secure early French victories. Though his independent command sometimes faltered, Augereau’s loyalty and battlefield daring made him a valuable asset to Napoleon’s expanding empire.

In this episode, we explore:

• Augereau’s rise from revolutionary officer to marshal

• His decisive contributions in Italy and Germany

• The combination of courage and recklessness that defined his career

• How Augereau shaped Napoleon’s early military successes

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

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