Did you know a British cavalry captain once held the army rank of lieutenant general… and still just led a squadron?
In this episode, we dive deep into the gloriously confusing world of the Napoleonic-era British Army with historian Steve Brown. From "Brevet" ranks, to gentleman volunteers who wielded muskets while hoping someone died so they could get a promotion—this is the army as you’ve never heard it before.
We uncover forgotten garrisons, militia mysteries, and the strange story behind those regimental county titles that mostly meant nothing at all.
Expect penal battalions, Greek soldiers in red coats, and dashing hussars who were all moustache and no discipline.
It's the military equivalent of Monty Python meets Yes Minister—only it really happened.
Steve's books can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4eRDm85
Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
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1:03:24
Onwards to Omdurman - Empire Strikes Back: The battle for Sudan (1898)
Today we’re heading to the Sudan—dusty, dangerous, and politically explosive. We’re talking about Onwards to Omdurman, a gripping book by military historian Keith Surridge, which examines the often-overlooked campaigns leading up to Kitchener’s famous victory in 1898.
But I’m not in the interviewer’s chair for this one. Instead, friend of the show and fellow historian Chris Brice takes the reins for a fascinating deep dive into empire, ambition, and the logistics of war in the late Victorian age.
Before we begin, don’t forget—if you enjoy this podcast, head over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter to sign up to my mailing list. You’ll get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and a free ebook all about the Battle of Isandlwana, one of the most dramatic defeats in British military history.
Keith's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/3GcxOs5
And Chris Brice's books are available here - https://amzn.to/4lcMiHn
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1:42:45
Courage in Chaos - the Relief of Lucknow (w/ Eva Chatterji)
In this episode of the Redcoat History podcast, I’m joined by historian and author Eva Chatterji to uncover the brutal truth behind the Relief of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.
We go beyond the siege itself to tell the story of the fighting retreat, political backstabbing, and desperate urban combat that nearly doomed the entire British operation. Along the way we meet:
Sir Henry Havelock, the “soldier-saint” leading from the front
Sir James Outram, trying to manage a political minefield
Sir Colin Campbell, the master planner who finally broke through
And William Hall, the first Black man to win a Victoria Cross
This isn’t just a story of Empire and military heroics — it’s a story of chaos, confusion, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Eva’s new book Courage and Chaos is out now from Barnthorne Publishing and Amazon.
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Outnumbered and Outflanked: Wellington's Toughest Battle (Fuentes de Oñoro)
Outnumbered, outflanked, and nearly broken — Wellington’s army during the Peninsular War came dangerously close to collapse at Fuentes de Onoro. In this on-the-ground film, we walk the battlefield to uncover how terrain, timing, and sheer stubbornness turned the tide.
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
You can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.
Marcus Cribb's channel is here - https://www.youtube.com/@UClSx0Xd34n_-zfIiO7vp7lQ
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The Rise and Fall of Sir Garnet Wolseley (w/ Stephen Manning)
Once the most famous soldier in Britain, Sir Garnet Wolseley rose through sheer grit and genius — only to fall hard thanks to arrogance, politics, and a changing empire. Historian Stephen Manning joins me to explore the man behind the moustache in all his brilliant, baffling glory.
Stephen's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3ZsBFHT
Sign up for my newsletter here (for a free eBook on the Zulu War) - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
Chris Brice's books can be found here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
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.
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