The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

How much do soldiers really remember of battle? What influences that memory process? And what was it like to be in the midst of the maelstrom of combat?
Napoleonic re-enactor Liam Telfer, and Napoleonic historian Zack White sit down with the expert on the history of memory Luke Reynolds for an interview on how a living history immersive event can change the way that we understand conflict. 
Drawing on their experiences at the La Boissiere Ecole immersive campaign, they relate what they remember, what they have forgotten, and what they learnt in the course of a weekend of hard marching and frenetic fighting (or in Zack's case filming).
We also discuss the role of immersive events, what they lend to the study of history, and drop a teaser about an idea that the podcast has in the pipeline.
Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

In the run up to our hotly anticipated interview with Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell (titled Sharpe's Confession), Zack, Liam and Louie sit down to discuss some of the greatest moments from the Sharpe franchise. From best books to most diabolical villains we dissect the series to discuss the high points of the novels and TV series which we have so often described as 'the gateway drug into the Napoleonic era'.
What do you think? What did we miss? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?vanity=user

Chapters (All timings approximate):
00:00 Introduction to the Sharpe Series
01:43 Debating the Greatest Sharpe Book
02:55 Liam's Pitch: Sharpe's Storm
18:40 Louie's Pitch: Sharpe's Tiger
32:41 Zack's Pitch: Sharpe's Waterloo
38:43 The Dynamics of Sharpe and Waterloo
41:22 Character Development and Historical Context
44:29 The Appeal of Historical Drama
46:12 TV Adaptations: A Mixed Bag
55:54 Imagining Future Adaptations

Tags: Sharpe series, Bernard Cornwell, Napoleonic Wars, historical fiction, book review, character analysis, Sharpe's Storm, Sean Bean, military history, emotional depth.

What did it take to survive the Napoleonic Wars? How did soldiers withstand the privations of campaign? And how did they balance the need to carry their worldly possessions on their shoulder, with the need to remain comfortable, and follow army regulations?
Away from the famous battles and privileged lives of commanders, daily survival depended on clothing, equipment, and constant improvisation.
In this episode, historian Dr Zack White sits down with Napoleonic historian, re-enactor, and British army veteran Liam Telfer to explore the reality of life on campaign for Napoleonic soldiers. We examine what they carried, from uniforms and packs to weapons and personal items, and how practical—or impractical—their kit often proved to be. From worn shoes and heavy coats to the constant struggle to stay dry, fed, and healthy, were uniforms a burden as a badge of identity?
The episode also looks beyond the battlefield to what truly mattered when the fighting stopped: food, shelter, firewood, repairs, and rest. We discuss how soldiers adapted their equipment, modified their uniforms, scavenged for supplies, and relied on camaraderie to endure long marches, harsh weather, and relentless campaigning.
By focusing on the ordinary soldier rather than the generals, this episode reveals how endurance, routine, and resourcefulness were just as vital as musket and bayonet in surviving the Napoleonic Wars.
#NapoleonicWars
#MilitaryHistory
#LifeOfASoldier
#NapoleonicSoldier
#HistoricalUniforms
#CampaignLife
#19thCenturyHistory
#WarAndSurvival
#LivingHistory
#EuropeanHistory
#SoldiersOnCampaign

The French Imperial Guard has a reputation as the elite, all conquering crack troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But how justified is that reputation? Dr Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the formation of the Guard, its reputation, organisation, combat record and discipline, to unpick the myth from the reality.

Get exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

Professor Kevin Linch joins us for a deep dive into how the British Army waged war. We discuss the army's organisation, the role of regimental guns, infantry tactics, the challenges faced by cavalry, and the importance of artillery innovations. The conversation also explores the complexities of combined arms operations, the integration with allies, and the significant influence of the Royal Navy on military campaigns. Throughout, the discussion highlights the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasising the resilience and adaptability of the British Army over time.

Support the show at:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod
Keywords
British Army, Napoleonic Wars, military structure, tactics, artillery, cavalry, combined arms, regimental guns, Wellington, history
Chapters (Timings approximate)
00:00 The Structure of the British Army
07:57 Artillery and Regimental Guns
12:44 Infantry Tactics and Formations
17:19 Defensive Strategies and Perceptions
21:31 Combined Arms Operations
26:13 The Role of Corps and Divisions
30:26 Cavalry Effectiveness and Challenges
32:05 The Doctrine of the British Cavalry
36:54 Artillery Innovations and Tactics
41:05 Commanders in Crisis: Successes and Failures
45:38 Professionalization of the British Army
53:34 Integration with Allied Forces
01:00:00 The Role of the Navy in British Military Success
01:06:34 Lessons Learned: Resilience and Adaptation