The Dead Warrior Society

Zachary Masek

Exploring history's greatest soldiers, warriors, and armies throughout the ages. The Dead Warrior Society uses contemporary accounts of what actually happened from those who saw it as well as scholarly research.  For full length episodes and video visit https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWarriorSociety

  1. Improvised Siege Warfare: The Swamp Fox Takes the Forts

    5D AGO

    Improvised Siege Warfare: The Swamp Fox Takes the Forts

    In this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, we break down one of the most impressive—and least conventional—campaigns of the American Revolution: Francis Marion’s siege operations alongside Light Horse Harry Lee. Following up on the last episode, we pick up as Marion and Lee reunite after Cornwallis abandons South Carolina, leaving British forces stretched thin and increasingly defensive. What follows is a rapid series of assaults on British strongpoints—Fort Watson, Fort Motte, and ultimately Georgetown—that demonstrate how a partisan commander adapted siege warfare to the realities of guerrilla conflict. We explore how Marion, a leader who openly disliked sieges and lacked proper artillery, still managed to crack fortified positions through creativity, discipline, and relentless pressure. From the construction of Maham’s Tower at Fort Watson to the decision to burn Fort Motte before British reinforcements could arrive, this episode highlights problem-solving under extreme constraints—limited manpower, low ammunition, sickness, collapsing morale, and constant time pressure. Along the way, we examine the broader operational picture: why occupying armies rely on forts and garrisons, how their loss signals a collapsing hold on territory, and why Greene’s strategy of targeting British outposts marked a turning point in the Southern Campaign. We also cover Marion’s fixation on Georgetown, the psychological impact of these victories, and how the fall of inland forts effectively severed Britain’s ability to sustain operations in South Carolina. This is not just a story about militia and swamps—it’s a case study in adaptive warfare, leadership under stress, and unconventional thinkers solving conventional problems.

    33 min
  2. The Swamp Fox and His Guerrillas Turn Pro

    DEC 5

    The Swamp Fox and His Guerrillas Turn Pro

    In today’s episode, we kick things off by breaking down U.S. Army Unconventional Warfare doctrine, focusing on the pivotal moment when a guerrilla force begins transitioning into a legitimate or semi-professional army—the point where irregular fighters start coordinating with conventional forces and become something far more capable than hit-and-run raiders. From doctrine, we turn to history. We dive deep into the complex and crucial relationship between General Nathanael Greene and Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion. We explore how Greene recognized Marion’s strategic value, tasked him to continue his partisan campaign in the South Carolina low country, and relied on him to gather the intelligence that shaped Continental operations. At the same time, Marion’s band of guerrillas established their legendary G-Base at Snow’s Island—a hidden sanctuary, logistics hub, and center of operations that allowed the partisans to grow in strength, discipline, and capability. Finally, we move into the heart of the episode: The Bridges Campaign. This is where Marion’s men—once irregulars lurking in the swamps—evolve into a real fighting force, capable of taking on British regulars in open combat and defeating Lt. Col. Watson in a sustained campaign. If you’re fascinated by the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War, the evolution of guerrilla forces, or the roots of modern UW doctrine, this episode is packed with insight, grit, and lessons that echo into today.

    36 min
4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Exploring history's greatest soldiers, warriors, and armies throughout the ages. The Dead Warrior Society uses contemporary accounts of what actually happened from those who saw it as well as scholarly research.  For full length episodes and video visit https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWarriorSociety

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