The Redcoat History Podcast

By Redcoat History

The podcast for military history geeks and people with a passion for good stories. We focus on British and Commonwealth military history from the birth of the redcoat era through to modern warfare.... more

· History

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The podcast currently has 181 episodes available.

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Number 1: The Boer War: Myth and Reality
The famous Boer War - 1899 - 1902. It’s a conflict that has one of the most familiar and depressing stories in British military history. The Boers we’re told were deadly marksmen, brilliant horsemen and natural soldiers - while the British Army blundered from one disaster to another until sheer numbers finally proved decisive. But what if that story is not quite true? Let’s not forget for example that the early part of the war also saw British victories at Talana Hill, Elandslaagte, Belmont, Graspan and Modder River. And according to my guest today, historian and author Chris Ash, much of what we think we know about the conflict has been shaped by myth, politics and selective memory. In this chat Chris will lay out his views on all of the myths - did we stumble from one defeat to another and were the Boers the super soldiers that we are lead to believe? Now, it’s fair to say that Chris has some very strong views, but that is exactly why I wanted to sit down with him. On this channel I love to encourage debate and break away from the accepted opinions. If you disagree with what he says then feel free to comment but please be sure to supply sources for any counter argument. Chris's website and blog can be found here - https://www.chrisash.co.za/
September 13, 202650min
Number 2: Were They Really Scum? The Reality of the Men Who Beat Napoleon!
So, who were these men in redcoats - the lower ranks - that fought Britain’s wars across the globe? They marched across Europe and thrashed the French, overcame huge odds in India and stood to-to-toe with the fiercest opponents on earth. But despite their courage and ability to endure any hardship - society and, sometimes, even their own officers held them in low regard - to say the least. Today we are going to examine their backgrounds, how they were recruited, their training, their love for booze and of course we will ask were they really the scum of the earth?
September 02, 202621min
Number 3: The Brutal Reality of the Hard Men Who Led the British Army
The British army officer has one of the most impressive, but also most polarising, reputations in military history. On the one hand, he is the calm, polished gentleman. Sword in hand, Chin up. Standing in the smoke while the men around him look at him for courage and inspiration. On the other hand, he is also seen as the chinless aristocrat. The idiot in a fancy uniform - A man who may know exactly which fork to use at dinner, but not necessarily which direction the enemy is attacking from. But which image reflects the reality? In this episode we will explore the history of British army commissions…examine the brave warriors who lead us to incredible victories and look at the bizarre stories of children with commissions, rich fools, petty tyrants, and men who had absolutely no business being trusted with soldiers’ lives. Join my patreon here to help support the study of British military history and get early access to my videos and podcasts - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
July 21, 202626min
Number 4: The Brutal Māori Battles That Shocked the British Army
This episode is part of my new Osprey-sponsored Redcoat Vs... series - here is a link to their books - http://ospreypublishing.com/ In 1845, British redcoats arrived in northern New Zealand expecting a simple colonial campaign. What they found instead was a brutal lesson in Māori warfare. Behind walls of sharpened timber, hidden trenches, loopholes, underground shelters and cleverly designed pā fortifications, Māori warriors showed the British Army that courage and bayonets were not enough. In this episode of Redcoat Vs..., we look at the Flagstaff War which is also known as Hōne Heke’s War or the Northern War. We examine the fighting at Kororāreka, Ōhaeawai and Ruapekapeka, the strengths and weaknesses of the redcoats, the brilliance of Māori pā design, and the hard lessons the British learned in New Zealand. Join the patreon for early access to content and regular updates from me - www.patreon.com/redcoathistory
July 08, 202630min
Number 5: The making and destruction of Britain’s regimental system
The British army’s regimental system is uniquely confusing. It’s been the backbone of the British army for centuries. Some would argue it’s the secret to our success. . . But what exactly is it? How did it begin? How has it changed over the centuries and is it still relevant and important for a 21st century military force? Stay tuned to the end to find out my thoughts on that. Join my YouTube channel to get access to perks: / @redcoathistory Sign up for my newsletter and get a free eBook: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ Join my Patreon page: / redcoathistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.
June 15, 202618min