Brevet Ranks, Forgotten Regiments & Bureaucratic Chaos (Britain's Napoleonic Army)

How do you beat an enemy who refuses to fight by the rules? From ambushes in the forests of North America to the frontier wars in Africa, the British Army faced enemies who fought small, fast, and ruthless. We now call it asymmetric warfare — the clash between the strong and the weak, the lion and the fly. In this episode of Redcoat History, I sit down with Dr Jacob Hagstrom — former U.S. Army officer and author of Asymmetric Warfare (Cambridge University Press). We explore how Redcoats struggled, adapted, and sometimes failed when fighting foes who didn’t line up on open fields. Expect stories from the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Cape Frontier as well as a discussion about the recent campaign in Afghanistan. Link to Jacob's book - https://amzn.to/47B3jHz Sign up for my mailing list - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/  Join the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory   

This week I’m joined by historian Wendell Schollander to discuss his new book The British Empire’s Regulars 1880–1914. We dive into the lives of the men who fought and marched across the globe in Britain’s name – English, Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos, Zulus and many more – showing how these diverse soldiers were anything but anonymous pawns. Wendell brings their stories to life, explaining the unique contributions of each group and why their service was vital to the empire’s survival. Wendell's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3HON0ME  Special thanks to Chris Brice for stepping in with hosting today. His books can be found here - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.php 

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/ 

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 

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.

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  

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/ 

There was a reason cavalry dominated battlefields for centuries. And today, we’re covering 12 of the greatest British cavalry charges in history—from the glorious to the reckless. Stick around to the end to hear which one is my personal favourite. What do you think? What did I miss? Salamanca could have been there, but as I am covering that battle in a few weeks it didn't seem right to include it.   Thanks to Chris Brice for co-writing this episode.    Join my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/ 

A war started over a severed ear? You’d think it was a joke - until thousands of British soldiers died in the Caribbean heat, not all from battle, but from blundering leadership, tropical disease, and incompetence. In this episode of Redcoat History, naval historian Tom Golding-Lee joins us to unpack one of Britain’s most catastrophic—and largely forgotten—campaigns: the expedition to Cartagena in 1741. This is a story of ambition, hubris, and total military meltdown. 👉 Check out more at https://redcoathistory.com — including tours, books, and gear that help support the show. Tom's Twitter account is - https://x.com/tdgnavalhistory 

Why Did the British Army Wear Red? The red coat—bold, iconic, and unmistakably British. For nearly two centuries it was more than just for parade. . . it was the battlefield uniform of the British soldier. Feared by enemies, and loved by commanders. In this episode, I dig into the origins of the red coat, why it was chosen, and what made it stick. It’s the uniform that gave this channel its name, so it’s about time we gave it a proper look. 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/