Everything comes to this! You've voted and now it's down to our final 2 commanders. We're joined by long time friend of the podcast Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to review the results of Round 4 and start Round 5.

Those participating will receive an email ballet but anyone can buy additional votes for their top picks at your Buy Me a Coffee page. $1 = 1 vote!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

Something very different for us, warfare and water! Join us and our guest Dr. Sam Cavell for an overview of warfare on the high seas! Together we talk about basic tactics, life on board, and some unique insights into a distinct advantage Britain's Royal Navy had on the rest of the world.

 

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

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The results of Round 3 are in and there are only 4 commanders remaining! Hear who is moving on and who gets left in the dust. Then we start the voting for Round 4. 

If you've been voting in the previous rounds your email ballet is waiting for you in your inbox!

If you have not been voting or you'd like to give your top picks an extra boost consider supporting the show through our Buy Me a Coffee Campaign! Every dollar is an extra vote for the commander of your choice!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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Round 3 of our Top Commanders Bracket is now available! Like last time, we go over the results of Round 2 and start the next set of epic showdowns. Join us as we lament (some of) the losers, praise (some of) the victors, and share our predictions for the next round. Listen to the results, vote for the next round, and share The Top Commander Bracket with a friend! 

This is out last round of open voting so make sure hop in how! Round 4 and 5 will be done through email ballet so make sure you get in while you still can!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

Join us for the thrilling kickoff to our series on the Jacobite Uprising of 1745! In this episode of Prime & Load!, we dive into the dramatic story of Charles Edward Stuart, the charismatic "Young Pretender," and his bold journey to reclaim the British throne for the Stuart dynasty. From his childhood in exile to the iconic raising of the Stuart banner at Glenfinnan, we explore the early sparks of rebellion, the key players, and the high stakes of this pivotal moment in history. Tune in for a gripping tale of ambition, loyalty, and the fight for a crown!

Recommended Reading

The Battles of Bonnie Prince Charlie: The Young Chevalier at War, Arran Johnston

Valour Does Not Wait: The Rise and Fall of Charles Edward Stuart, Arran Johnston 

Fight for a Throne: The Jacobite '45 Reconsidered, Christopher Duffy

The '45, Christopher Duffy

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

Vote Here!

Round 2 of our Top Historical Commanders Bracket is in full swing! In this episode, we dive into the results of Round 1 and start the next set of epic showdowns. From cunning tacticians to bold visionaries, we analyze the standout moments, surprising victories, and intense rivalries that defined this round. Who outmaneuvered their foes, and who fell short? Join us as we lament (some of) the losers, praise (some of) the victors, and share our predictions for the next round. Listen to the results, vote for the next round, and share The Top Commander Bracket with a friend! 

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

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Get ready for an epic clash in this exciting episode as we unveil our Top Commanders Bracket! We've handpicked 32 of the most iconic, powerful, and beloved commanders from the 18th Century, and now it's up to YOU, our listeners, to decide who reigns supreme. Join us as we introduce our top commanders and explain the rule of the competition. From legendary powerhouses to underdog favorites, we’ll dive into what makes these commanders stand out. Tune in, check out the bracket, and cast your votes to crown the ultimate commander! 

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

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The Battle of Minden stands as one of the defining clashes of the Seven Years’ War—a stunning infantry victory that saw British and German troops repel repeated French cavalry charges and expose the failure of the key British commanders.

In this episode of Prime & Load!, we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Ewan Carmichael, author of Like a Brazen Wall: The Battle of Minden, 1759, and its Place in the Seven Years War. Together, we break down the armies, commanders, and tactics that shaped this pivotal 18th-century battle. From Sackville’s disgrace to the disciplined stand of the allied infantry, we explore how leadership, training, and circumstance converged on that August day in 1759.

Referenced Materials

Like a Brazen Wall, The Battle of Minden, 1759, and its Place in the Seven Years War, by Ewan Carmichael  Discount Code: Brazen25

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

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In this exciting listener Q&A episode of the Prime & Load! Podcast, hosts Dr. Alex Burns and Dr. Andrew Bamford tackle a selection of your burning questions! From Jacobites to logistics, they dive into the topics you care about most. This is just the first installment, with more listener questions to be answered in future episodes. Tune in for expert answers, engaging discussions, and a closer connection with the Prime & Load community!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

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Historian, author, and award winning history blogger Josh Provan joins us on this episode to talk about 18th century warfare in the less talked about parts of the world. Together we explore the military tactics of India and China, the isolation policies of Japan, the conquest of the Hawaiian Islands and much more!

Text the show!

Andrew asking listeners to join War Room.

Support the show

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Follow is on X

General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.